GolfNews November 2015

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Issue 249 | November 2015 Twitter @golfnewsmag Web golfnews.co.uk

Est 1994

“I WON’T NEED TO MOTIVATE THEM”

CAPTAIN CLARKE SETS OUT HIS STALL FOR RYDER CUP

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Editor’sComment

Issue 249 | November 2015 Twitter @golfnewsmag Web golfnews.co.uk

Est 1994

“I WON’T NEED TO MOTIVATE THEM”

BY NICK BAYLY

CUP VERSUS CONTINENT The European Tour and the Ryder Cup are inextricably linked. Of that there is no doubt. But is one at risk of derailing the other?

As fans of European golf, of course we want to see Europe’s best players playing in European Tour events, but as perhaps bigger fans of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, we also want to see the best players in that team, regardless of where they choose to play their golf.

As every year passes, more and more of Europe’s elite are drifting to the bright lights and big dollars being offered by the PGA Tour.

Englishmen, in particular, fed up with wet and windy winters in the UK, are more likely to make the move west than those from the warmer southern sections of the continent, but it’s a talent vacuum that has only ever been going one way, give or take a few young Americans who treat the European Tour like some sort of extended holiday – taking in the sights of Europe’s cultural capital cities before settling back into a life of point-and-shoot golf on the far more lucrative PGA Tour.

The European Tour’s slightly eccentric new boss, Canadian Keith Pelley, who has wasted no time in shaking up its rather sleepy corridor of power, is

currently considering changes to the membership criteria to ensure the Tour attracts as many top names as possible.

One idea is a restructure that would allow members to compete in only five regular tour events per season. Currently, they are required to play in 13, with the four majors and four World Golf Championships counting towards that total.

This works for players in the world’s top 50, because they are guaranteed entry into the elite eight tournaments. But for the likes of Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald, who are based in the United States but are no longer in the top 50, it becomes more difficult to satisfy the joint demands of the PGA and European Tours.

Given that all these more experienced players served their time in Europe, haven’t they paid their dues to the European Tour by now, and don’t they deserve the right to chose where they live and where they play their golf? All bar Westwood improved their world ranking by moving to America, becoming the global stars that the European Tour is able to use as marketing capital during their appearances in European Tour events. So why

For one who wants tees without queues

World No.25 Paul Casey has ruled himself out of next year’s Ryder Cup by not rejoining the European Tour

prevent them from playing in a match which, above all, seems to bring out the best from experienced players, while turning newcomers, bar a few notable exceptions, to gibbering wrecks?

Where’s the sense, for example, in having a player of Paul Casey’s quality – currently ranked 25th in the world – no longer able to be considered for the team following his decision to play on the PGA Tour? Here’s a man who has consistently appeared on PGA Tour leaderboards this season, and boasts an excellent Ryder Cup record.

Of course, it’s right and proper

[3]

that young talent is rewarded for 18 months of good play on the European Tour with the chance to make the team, but to suggest that prepares them for white knuckle match play golf against the cream of America no longer washes. Yes, our older generation of players is playing on borrowed time as far as winning majors is concerned, but they still have plenty to offer in the 18-hole match play format of the game, where a cool head is just as important as a fearless putting touch.

And while it would be great to see the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Knox, Andy Sullivan, Thorbjorn Olesen, Chris Wood, Bernd Wiesberger and Danny Willett teeing it up at Hazeltine next September, how confident would you be that a team packed full of rookies would be able to bring home the trophy?

Whether it likes it or not, the European Tour has carved itself out a role of nurturing young talents before they obey the laws of nature and flies the nest in search of bigger adventures.

Trying to compete directly with the PGA Tour is a battle the European Tour can never win, and doing so will only serve to further alienate it from world golf.

CAPTAIN CLARKE SETS OUT HIS STALL FOR RYDER CUP

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

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[6]

NOVEMBER 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Donald to host British Masters at The Grove

SWEETWOODS SWEETENS XMAS CELEBRATIONS Sweetwoods Park in Kent has teed up a membership offer for anyone booking a Christmas event at the popular Edenbridge-based venue. The club is offering a free £300 golf membership for bookings of ten or more people over the festive period. A two-course lunch starts from £16pp, and a three-course dinner from £20.50. The membership offer enables nine-day advance booking on reduced green fees for 12 months. For more details call 01342 850729 or email andrew.salter@ sweetwoodspark.com.

SWAN ON SITE AT SAFFRON Saffron Walden Golf Club has taken on the services of Essex-based architects Swan Golf Designs to carry out a renovation project. The course, which is set within the Capability Brown-designed landscape at Audley End House in Cambridgeshire, is currently having its second and third holes completely remodelled, with bunkers relocated, new tees built, and approaches and green surrounds redesigned. Both of the new-look holes will be in play next spring.

MITCHAM SENIOR SHOOTS HIS AGE Surrey senior John Wray achieved a lifetime’s ambition for all golfers by beating his age during a recent competition. The 88 year old, who has been a member at Mitcham Golf Club for 25 years, shot a 12-over par 84 during the club president’s day, scoring 43 points off his 22 handicap.

TALBOTT TAKES FRENCH PRO-AM Mark Talbott won the 54-hole PGA in Essex French Pro-Am by one shot, courtesy of a second round 68 at Belle Dunne. The Thorpe Hall pro’s three-under par score took him five shots clear of the field, and set up an unassailable position going into the final round over the Pines Course at Hardelot.

Chris Cutchie (Colchester), who led after the opening round, finished second.

Top-flight golf is set to return to The Grove, following the announcement that the recently revived British Masters is to be held at the five-star Hertfordshire venue in October next year.

It will be the second time The Grove has held a European Tour event, having staged the Amex World Golf Championship in 2006, which was won by Tiger Woods.

While this year’s British Masters at Woburn was hosted by Ian Poulter, the renewal at The Grove is being headlined

by Luke Donald, who grew up in nearby Beaconsfield, which is just 20 miles from the Watford-based resort.

“I’m delighted that we are going to The Grove,” said Donald, who finished sixth at the WGC event back in 2006. “I was lucky enough to be able to play in that tournament, and I’m excited we are going back there. It is a truly world-class facility, a great hotel, and I think all the players will really enjoy playing the course.”

He added: “Although The Grove is a parkland layout, it has plenty of elevation changes, and it is always presented in great condition. It has a really nice variety of some longer holes, and some drivable par fours.

I think it will also be a fun course for the spectators, so it will be a great venue for the 2016 British Masters.”

Nearly 60,000 fans were part of the return of the British Masters at Woburn earlier this month. Fittingly, it was the youngest player in the field, 21-year-old Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, who lifted the trophy, while Donald finished in a share of fifth.

Donald’s last three European Tour victories have come on British soil, at the 2011 and 2012 BMW PGA Championship, and the 2011 Scottish Open, and he is looking forward to building on the exemplary work of Poulter as tournament host.

“Ian did a fantastic job at Woburn,” said Donald. “It was nice to see this tournament

Luke Donald

come back and have some life. We had great crowds, great support, and obviously a big thanks to Sky Sports for helping to make it a big success all round. We knew the British Masters would get great crowds. British golf fans love coming out and supporting their events and supporting British players. It was a fun and successful week.

“It’s my turn next and I will be looking forward to coming back and hopefully having even more success and bringing even more people to this amazing tournament.”

Chris Andrews, director of Ralph Trustees Ltd, owners of The Grove, said: “We had the honour of hosting the European Tour back in 2006 and remember well how popular and accessible the event proved to be. We are delighted, ten years on, to have an opportunity to play our part in re-establishing the British Masters as a truly global event, as befits its heritage.”

Michael Helling, general manager of The Grove, said: “Kyle Phillips designed this course to be enjoyed by players and spectators alike, and we, together with Luke, look forward to welcoming players and fans next year.”

The tournament is taking place from October 13-16, with the opening round starting just 11 days after the completion of the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in America. The European Tour will be hoping that a large percentage of Darren Clarke’s team will be represented at The Grove, and if Europe should win, the party will no doubt start all over again.

National Golf Month returns in May National Golf Month, the country-wide campaign Carin Koch launched National Golf Month designed to get more people playing golf, will take place for the third time in May next year.

The campaign aims to help arrest the decline in golf participation in the UK, and will specifically focus on introducing more women, juniors, families and men to the game through promotions for special coaching and playing offers, unique club membership offers, and open day deals.

Next year’s National Golf Month is set to receive the support and involvement of several high-profile figures in the game, including former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, and Solheim Cup stars Charley Hull and Mel Reid.

Each week of the month will be themed to inspire a different group to give golf a try. The initiative is backed by BGIA and Grow Golf Trust, but relies heavily on golf professionals to organise and host events at their own clubs.

Golf professionals are being asked to upload what they can offer, including free events, new player discounts, tailored coaching, tee times and open day events, via the National Golf Month website – www.nationalgolfmonth.com – which will then allow golfers to book directly through the site.

Ford retains Tour card after hot finish in Hong Kong Kent tour professional Matt Ford delivered one of his best-ever performances to retain his European Tour card for the 2016 season.

The 37 year old from Bearsted finished tied for seventh place in the UBS Hong Kong Open - his 28th tournament of a gruelling debut campaign Matt Ford will be back among golf’s elite players. on tour After missing three next season successive cuts, Ford dropped out of the top 110 in the race to Dubai rankings, but his stunning finish in Hong Kong means he has stormed back to retain his card for next season - and avoided having to go to Qualifying School.

Ford kept his nerve during his final round, returning a one-under-par 69 to finish 10 under for the week. After dropping a shot at the first, he regained his composure to pick up birdies at three and seven. He birdied the 12th and survived dropping shots at 15 and 16 by picking up another birdie on 17. He then made par at the last to begin celebrations both in Hong Kong and back home for his family.

Ford finished 105th in the money list, with only the top 110 players retaining their his playing privileges next year. He was originally placed 106th, but moved up one place after Brooks Keopka withdrew from the European Tour, prompting his removal from the Race to Dubai.

Read Matt’s column on page 16 for the full story.

Horsham opens new Oaks Course

The par-five first on the Oaks Course

Horsham Golf & Fitness opened its new 18-hole Oaks Course for play following the completion of the final holes at the West Sussex- based facility.

Formerly offering only a 9-hole course and driving range, the venue will ultimately offer an additional 9-hole, par three course that will be ideal for juniors and beginners, while the par-71 Oaks Course, which measures 6,200 yards off the back tees, suits more experienced players. Facilities also include a floodlit driving range and a fitness suite, together with a large pro shop and clubhouse.

The Oaks Course was designed by English golf architects Philip Sparks and Richard Myers, who have been involved in many renovation and redesign projects in the UK, including work at long established clubs such as Broadstone and Canterbury.

The course took three years to build, and the finished article has the character of a traditional woodland layout, threading its way through rolling, tree-lined fairways, before giving way to more open parkland studded with water features and sculptured mounding.

The club is offering seven-day annual membership for £995, while green fees start from £22.50 for peak midweek rounds over the winter, rising to £30 from next spring, and £40 at weekends.

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[8]

NOVEMBER 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

McIlroy’s crowded schedule may lead to him missing Wentworth

MILL RIDE LADIES ON A ROLL

Silvermere unveils ProTracer technology

Mill Ride Golf Club’s ladies section chalked up its second victory in Berkshire County LGA’s Duncan Trophy in the last three years when beating Donnington Grove in the final held at East Berkshire.

The team came through five rounds to win back the title it previously won in 2013.

NORTHWOOD NAILS LONDON FOURSOMES Northwood’s Justin Phelps and Robbie Johnson won the London Amateur Scratch Foursomes after defeating West Middlesex’s Jon BakerOdlin and Chris Woolsey in the final.

BB&O CAPTURE SENIOR TROPHY BB&O won the England Seniors County Championship for the first time since 1999 after beating teams from Devon (5-4), Worcestershire (5.5-3.5) and Yorkshire (7-2) in the finals held at Robin Hood Golf Club in Solihull. The sixman team comprised David Niven, Andrew Stracey, David Cromie, Phil Sewell, David Lane and Ashley Brewer.

MCILROY MAY SKIP BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Rory McIlroy may not take part in next year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in order to avoid playing four consecutive events.

The 26-year-old world number three, who won the European Tour’s flagship event in 2014, has said that he is reluctant to play more than two events in a row, and is trying to impose a maximum of three in the future.

However, he now faces a dilemma, with Quail Hollow, the Players’ Championship, the Irish Open, Memorial and the BMW PGA Championship all vying for his attention next May. McIlroy won at Quail Hollow this year, so will likely return to defend it, while the Players’ Championship is widely regarded as the unofficial fifth major, so will probably be a must-play.

The Northern Irishman then hosts the Irish Open again at Royal County Down, before the BMW PGA and Memorial at Muirfield in the following weeks.

“There’s potentially four in a row,” conceded McIlroy, speaking before the Turkish Airlines Open.

When pressed as to whether he would play all four, he replied: “I will answer that question closer to the time.”

The four-time major champion is the main draw at the BMW PGA Championship, which counted Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey as absentees last time.

Silvermere has taken its practice facilities to another level following the unveiling of 16 bays featuring ProTracer technology.

The popular Cobham-based venue, which completed a major renovation of its practice facilities last year, unveiled the new technology, which will be familiar to views of Sky Sport’s golf coverage, last month.

ProTracer was originally developed for television to show viewers the flight path of shots and the distance the ball ends

from the target.

The technology has been now adapted for driving ranges, with a tablet screen, and features ProTracer tablets on 16 bays, allowing golfers to see the flight of every ball they hit and to receive instant feedback on distance and trajectory.

The system, which can also be linked to a player’s smartphone, also allows a variety of game formats where golfers can challenge each other to hit targets which reward shots hit closer to the flag from different distances.

Silvermere’s range features 52 bays located on two tiers, with an 280-yard, floodlit outfield offering an array of targets and greens that enable golfers to dial in their distances and provide more focused practice scenarios. The range, which has recently taken delivery of 60,000 brand new Srixon two-piece balls, is open until 10pm every evening.

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[9]

Casey rises to the Challenge Harrison goes down Middlesex pro Harry Casey is looking forward to teeing it up on the Challenge Tour next season after finishing fourth in the Alps Tour’s Order of Merit.

Two victories and three other top-five finishes sealed the required ranking points on the Europe-based circuit for the 22 year old from Enfield.

Torrential rain ruined the final event of the season, the Edmond de Rothschild Israel Masters, but it didn’t dampen Casey’s spirits, as his tie for 39th was good enough to hold on to fourth position in the final standings, with only the top five players being offered a highly sought after category on the 2016 European Challenge Tour.

Speaking after the final round at Caesarea was called off, Casey said: “I can’t quite believe it. The last few weeks have been pretty nerve racking for everyone in contention, and the weather delays in Israel just added to the tension. I am absolutely buzzing. I really appreciate the support of all my family, friends and sponsors.”

Casey only turned pro last September and, after bagging two wins on the Harry Casey Jamega Tour, qualified for the Alps Tour in December. Victories in Austria and France, and a string of good placings during the season, gave him a solid platform from which to qualify for the Challenge Tour.

Casey is hoping his elevation in the pro ranks won’t be stopping there, as he has also entered the European Tour’s Qualifying School, where the top 25 will earn playing rights for next season.

fighting Down Under Surrey professional Jack Jack Harrison Harrison narrowly missed out on adding the Australian equivalent of the PGA Assistants’ Championship to his collection.

The 24 year old from Wildwood Golf & Country Club was beaten in a sudden death play-off in the PGA National Futures Championship at Ballarat Golf Club in Victoria.

Harrison birdied the final hole to make the play-off with Victoria’s Ryan Laird and overnight leader Deyen Lawson, compiling rounds of 70, 69, 76 and 72 for a total of 287. But the Surrey man’s luck ran out on the fourth extra hole, when Laird holed a 10-foot putt for par, and Harrison saw a three-foot par putt slide agonisingly past the cup to hand the title to Laird, which came with a $10,000 first prize and an invitation to play in the 2016 Australian PGA Championship.

Harrison earned an invitation to the PGA National Futures Championship on the back of winning the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship at Coventry Golf Club in August. His victory also secured him a place in the PGA Play-Offs in Turkey at the end of November.

WALLABIES HIT THE GREENS AT FOXHILLS Members of Australia’s World Cup Rugby squad took time out from their preparations for their appearance in the final against New Zealand to enjoy a round at Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey.

James Hanson, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Ben McCalman, Kurtley Beale and Tatafu Polota-Nau (pictured right) enjoyed 18 holes on the club’s Longcross course ahead of their 34-17 defeat at Twickenham. Foxhill’s golf operations manager, Chris Reeve, joined them on the first tee to send them on their way. Australia stayed at the nearby Lensbury Resort in Teddington for the latter stages of the tournament, while their training ground was at Dulwich College.

The England rugby team were based at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot for their somewhat shorter stay in the tournament, although there is no suggestion that the resort’s 9-hole course proved a distraction to the team’s lamentable performance on the pitch.

Some of the Australian rugby team swapped the oval ball for a round one at Foxhills

NEWS IN BRIEF TOP AUTHOR PLAYS HOST AT HAYWARDS Bestselling author Peter James was on hand to give out the prizes, and sign copies of his books, at the annual Peter James Golf Classic held at Haywards Heath Golf Club in West Sussex. James, whose Roy Grace novels have sold over 15 million copies worldwide, set up the charity tournament in 2010, which has so far raised over £70,000 for Horsham-based charity Action Medical Research.

LAWTON WINS BB&O U14 TITLE East Berkshire’s Thomas Lawton won the BB&O’s 2015 U14s Nike Futures Tour order of merit after beating Taylor Paul (Stoke Park) by three points in a very close race.

Sebastian Tannum-Donaldson (Buckinghamshire), who won last year’s U12 title, finished five points further back in third.

STUDLEY SECURE HILLMAN TROPHY Studley Wood beat Newbury & Crookham 6-1 in the final Hillman Trophy Final held at Frilford Heath.

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[10] NOVEMBER 2015

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SUPER NEW-LOOK WENTWORTH SETS SIGHTS ON

Iconic Surrey club in turmoil as new owner hikes up fees to make way for billionaires

The owner of the club, Chinese billionaire Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang (right) and Stephen Gibson (left) chief executive at Wentworth

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015

W

“IT’S A CULL, AND IT SADDENS AND ANGERS ME TO SEE AN ICONIC GOLF CLUB TREATED IN THIS WAY”

entworth Club is to raise its joining fee from £15,000 to £125,000, and double its subscription fees, as part of a major overhaul of the 90-year-old club that will make it more attractive to high net worth investors.

From April 2017, the annual membership fee at the renowned Virginia Water-based club is to be raised from £8,000 to £16,000, while all existing members will be required to pay a one-off debenture of £100,000, on top of the annual subscription, if they want to continue membership.

The new fee structure, which will make Wentworth the most expensive golf club in the UK, was announced to members by the club’s management at a special meeting held at the club on October 20.

According to reports, the owner of the club, Chinese billionaire Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang, plans to cull almost all of the club’s 3,000 members, and replace them with a group of about 600 ‘ultra high net worth’ individuals with assets of more than £20 million – including Chinese, Russian and American billionaires, many of whom already own properties on the Wentworth Estate and in other locations in and around London.

The significant increase in fees comes in the wake of an announcement that the Chinese-owned Reignwood Group, which bought Wentworth from Richard Caring for £135m last year, is planning to invest over £20 million in renovating the club’s three 18-hole courses – West, East and Edinburgh – as well as improving the off-course facilities.

Ernie Els, who oversaw the original redesign of the West Course five years ago, has been asked to help instigate the changes to the venue for the BMW PGA Championship, which will include a major remodeling of the course’s eighth and 16th greens, as well as a complete reseeding of all 18 greens with a creeping bent grass. Improvements will also be made to drainage and irrigation systems, while an unspecified number of bunkers will be remodelled. Work is expected to begin early next year.

A statement released by the club, said: “A vital part of the investment programme will see a major renovation of the West Course, carried out in association with Ernie Els Design. The improvements will reinforce the West Course’s position as one of the world’s top golf courses. There are also plans to update both the Edinburgh and East Courses, again working with world-renowned golf course designers. The East Course

were met with a more mixed response. One member, James Wyatt, said there was some confusion over whether the £100,000 payment would be a debenture – a loan without interest – or simply a one-off payment to the club.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Wyatt said: “Money needs to be put into the club, and the money needs to come from somewhere, but we’ve now found out that the money is coming from members’ pockets.”

Long-time member Sir Michael Parkinson described the new membership fees as ‘barmy’, adding, “It’s a cull, and it saddens and angers me to see an iconic golf club treated in this way.” Veteran BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss, who is also a member, said the debenture plan was ‘an extraordinary step given that there are very few people who have £100,000 to piddle away on their pleasures’.

Another current member, who wished to remain nameless, but who has been at Wentworth for 10 years, struck a more positive note. He said: “There is a very vocal element that is against the price rise and everyone is entitled to their view. The financial circumstances and emotional connections of members are all different. I’ve heard varying degrees of support and disappointment, but in my opinion there is more to this than just a membership increase. The club is a great place, but it is in need of investment on the course and the actual buildings. I believe in the vision to make Wentworth the best golfing destination in Europe.”

Another member told GolfNews: “Members have been asking for improvements to our courses, facilities and services for years. The new investment plans, focused on quality and family, will propel the club forward to become one of the finest golf and country clubs in the world.

Many members are hugely excited for the plans to get underway.”

The decision to take Wentworth out of reach of what would traditionally be viewed as already wealthy golfers, and into the hands of the super-rich, marks a small, but growing trend in the UK. St Andrews International Golf Club, which will be home to a Tom Weiskopf course just two miles from St Andrews, is reported to be charging joining fees of between £75,000 and £200,000 and annual subs of £5,000, while Beaverbrook Golf Club at Cherkley Court in Leatherhead, which opens next year, is understood to be asking a joining fee of £100,000.

RICH SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON, WENTWORTH MEMBER

“CONTINUING TO IMPROVE THE WEST COURSE IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP” KEITH PELLEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EUROPEAN TOUR

will be restored to its original Harry Colt design. For the Edinburgh Course, Wentworth’s vision is to create a world-class golf course and state-of-the-art practice facility.”

It continued: “Together, these golf course improvements at Wentworth Club support Reignwood Group’s ambition to increase the competitiveness and quality of UK golf and country clubs on the global stage. Further, as part of the commitment to providing an outstanding experience and service across all areas of the club, the investment programme will include a total refurbishment of both the main clubhouse and the tennis and health club facilities.”

Explaining the change in the membership focus, Stephen Gibson, chief executive at Wentworth, added: “Golf and country club membership in the UK has been in decline in recent years. Our vision here at Wentworth is to be a club based around families, where memberships can be shared and enjoyed and passed onto children, so the spirit of Wentworth will continue for generations.”

The club is also home to the European Tour’s headquarters, and the venue for the tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, which has been unaffected by the change in ownership. Keith Pelley, the new chief executive of the European Tour, was quick to lend his support to Reignwood’s plans to modernise Wentworth. He said: “Whatever business you are in, you are always trying to improve.

Continuing to improve the West Course is something that is absolutely critical for us, and for our flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship.

There is no questioning the commitment that Reignwood Group, Wentworth’s chief executive Stephen Gibson, and Ernie Els share in this quest, and we fully endorse that.”

The development plans were generally supported by the membership, although the means to pay for it – by raising the fees –

[11]

THE REIGNWOOD STORY Reignwood is a Thai-Chinese conglomerate that was founded in 1984 by Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang. Based in Beijing, it has global business interests in property, soft drinks, hotels, healthcare, aviation, construction and finance.

The company is no stranger to creating highend golf facilities, having built Pine Valley Golf & Country Club in China in 1998. Located on a 1,000acre site an hour’s drive from Beijing, the resort features four Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, including the 7,299-yard Golden Bear, and the 27-hole Nicklaus Course, and a 9-hole executive course. Other facilities include a luxury hotel, spa

Pine Valley Golf and Country Club

and wellness centre, and over 100 private villas with 24-hour concierge service.

Half the members are drawn from China’s top 100 enterprises, while VIP members enjoying playing privileges at 25 Nicklaus Design Golf Courses throughout the world.

The Golden Bear course held the now defunct Johnnie Walker Classic in 2005, and has also staged the Reignwood Pine Valley LPGA Classic in 2013 and 2014, although this year’s renewal was cancelled.

[12] NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Golfers can play Pebble Beach on the new HD simulators at Let’s Golf

Drive for show at new Surrey-based simulator venue Golfers who like to drive for show in all forms of sport are being offered the chance to combine the twin adrenalin rush offered by golf and Formula 1, following the opening of the new simulation centre in Surrey.

Lets Race, the UK’s only full-motion Formula 1 Simulation Centre, has expanded its premises in Horley to incorporate some of the world’s highest-specification golf simulators.

The redeveloped venue, which is just five minutes form Gatwick Airport, officially opened last month. Lets Golf offers customers the opportunity to play virtually on some of the best courses in the world, from the Old Course at St Andrews to Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass, in one of three new HD Golf simulation booths, as well as drive state-of-the-art F1 simulators around some of the world’s most iconic racetracks.

Powered by HD Golf, the golf simulators offer the most realistic simulated experience currently on the market, with each of the course personally photographed and mapped by hundred of cameras to offer an incredibly lifelike experience – even down to the crashing of the waves on seaside holes.

Steve Furlonger (left) with his team

Utilising high-speed spectrum sensor smart technology, golf ball and club are accurately tracked, while crucial launch data is also displayed, enabling players to self-diagnose faults and improve their game.

PGA professional Steve Furlonger, who runs nearby Redhill Golf Centre, is heading up a team of three coaches at the venue, who are on hand to offer individual or group coaching sessions using the very latest teaching technology, including Foresight GC2 HMT, a Sam balance ground force plate, and high speed video capture.

Lets Golf also features a small retail shop stocked by Callaway, providing custom-fitted clubs for customers, while the venue also offers a branch of Blacks Burgers, a familyowned American diner-style restaurant that also has outlets in Epsom and Croydon.

Ben Stephenson, commercial manager for Lets Race & Lets Golf, said: “Since opening the F1 simulation centre three years ago, we have seen the business flourish, as more and more people understand the benefits of simulation within sport, and moving into the golf industry seemed like the perfect next step.

“Lets Golf is all about the experience for the recreational golfer. It has been designed to offer enthusiasts a financially feasible opportunity to play on some of the world’s best courses, but with the added luxury and comfort of indoor private booths. Furthermore, with the addition of our new restaurant, Blacks Burgers, we are also able to offer customers table service direct to their booth, enabling us to cater for every market, from everyday visitors to corporate events, stag and hen parties, and even professional team and club hire.”

Sessions for Lets Golf start from £15, and groups of up to six people can hire each booth at any one time. Race experiences for Lets Race also start at £15. For details, visit www.lets-golf. co.uk.

Doug’s Pro-Am bash raises £22k This year’s renewal of the Doug McClelland Charity Pro-Am at Kingswood Golf & Country Club in Surrey resulted in over £22,000 being raised for deserving causes.

McClelland, a Master PGA Professional who owns the eponymous golfing superstore at Silvermere Golf & Leisure in Cobham, has been running his charity day since 1984, and the latest edition saw almost 90 players take part in an 18hole Stableford competition, with three amateurs being joined by a local PGA professional.

Among the stars on show at the event was former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, while the appearance of supermodel Jodie Kidd and actress Denise Van Outen, both low handicappers, added a welcome touch of glamour to proceedings.

The winning team benefitted from home advantage, with Kingswood’s joint head professional Ian Golding combining with three club members to lead the way with an impressive 88 points.

The individual professional’s prize was won by Silvermere’s mercurial left-hander Chris Gane, who shot a superb 68.

The proceeds from the day were boosted at an after-dinner auction hosted by comedian Adger Brown, while Paul McGinley took part in a question-and-answer session that gave guests a unique insight into the behind-the-scenes action at the 2014 Ryder Cup. Mark Stewart, secretary at Kingswood, said: “It was an incredibly proud day for the club and all who attended. The generosity of everyone has been awe-inspiring.”

Denise Van Outen was a guest at Doug McClelland’s charity day

Society days in style... by the sea!

BOO

K NO W FO AT 2 R 015 PRIC 2016 ES!

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

WINT WARMEERR

PAR

BIRDIE

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

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

EAGLE

ALBATROSS

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

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

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

Please call the Pro Shop on 01323 890139.

Breakfast or lunch + 18 holes £20.00 pp (Midweek)

£24.00 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols)

Minimum 4 people. Must be booked in advance.

Available from 1 Nov- 29 Feb 2016

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

WINTER GOLF PACKAGE

£80

per person

Sunday* - Thursday

• Sausage and Bacon Muffin with Tea or Coffee • LGC Welcome Gift • Inclusive of Range Balls and use of Practice Facilities • 18 Holes on the International Course • 2 Course Meal after Golf Available Sunday – Thursday (*Sunday limited tee-times only), from 1st November to 31st March, subject to availability. Must be booked in advance. Driving range closed on Mondays from 10am for maintenance.

To book, please contact the Club on 01474 879 899.

www.londongolf.co.uk London Golf Club, Stansted Lane, Ash, Kent TN15 7EH

NEWS IN BRIEF FIRE DESTROYS WOKEFIELD HOTEL More than 20 firefighters and 12 fire engines were called into tackle a fire that destroyed part of the hotel at De Vere Wokefield Park in Basingstoke on November 12. The fire broke out on the ground floor of the mansion house at 5.30pm and quickly spread to the roof. No one was hurt in the blaze, but more than 200 guests had to be evacuated from the severely damaged building, which contains 222 bedrooms and a conference centre. A total of 95 rooms have been destroyed by the fire.

WATTS TO COACH ENGLAND BOYS Rob Watts, the head professional at Castle Royle Golf Club in Berkshire, has been appointed as the new lead coach for the England Golf boys’ squad. An Advanced Fellow of the PGA, Watts runs a performance academy and has extensive coaching experience across a wide spectrum of skill levels, from European Tour players to elite amateurs and county squads, as well as beginners and improvers. He has been an England Golf U16 regional squad coach for the past three years and currently works with three England internationals

[14] NOVEMBER 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

HAMPTWORTH UNVEILS Penge tops junior rankings ‘DEVILISH’ PAR-SIX Sussex teenager Marco Penge has been crowned England’s top boy golfer of 2015, after enjoying a string of excellent results throughout the season.

The 17-year-old from Horsham won England Golf’s junior amateur order of merit during a season that included Marco Penge has been victories in the in fine form this aeason Scottish amateur strokeplay, the Peter McEvoy Trophy, and the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters.

Bradley Moore, from Kedleston Park in Derbyshire, finished runner up in the order of merit, with Lincolnshire’s Billy Spooner in third.

Penge, who is a member at Golf at Goodwood in Sussex, was delighted to win the order of merit after playing a limited junior schedule following his swift promotion to the men’s ranks. “I only played three boys’ events this year, and I won two of them and reached the semi-finals in the other, which got me over the line to win the Order of Merit,” he said.

“Winning this trophy means a lot to me, as it’s been won by a lot of great players who have gone on to be successful professionals – which is my ultimate ambition.”

Penge, was also in the winning GB&I boys’ team which defeated the Continent of Europe in the Jacques Leglise Trophy, has more immediate ambitions in the amateur game, including breaking into the top 20 in the world amateur golf rankings, playing in the US amateur, and making the 10th Junior Ryder Cup, which takes place in Minnesota next September.

Visitors to Hamptworth Golf Club in Wiltshire are being invited to take on a terrifying new challenge that comes in the shape of a 666yard, par-six hole.

Called ‘The Beast’, the lengthy hole takes up more than 10 per cent of the 6,500 yard course, and plays considerably longer due to its undulating typography.

Hamptworth, which is located between Southampton and Salisbury, was recently bought by local entrepreneur Carl Faulds, a keen golfer who is investing significant sums into improving the facilities on and off the course.

Formerly a 570-yard par five, the newlyextended 16th hole is believed to be England’s only par six, although there are others in the UK, including a 695-yard one at Destow Golf Club in Wales, and there are several par-seven holes located around the world, including an 1,100-yard hole at Gunsan Country Club in South Korea.

The hole is already popular among club members, societies and visiting golfers, with anyone who makes a nett birdie o receiving a special certificate, which is proving a highly sought-after souvenir.

Faulds said: “The new hole has certainly attracted a lot of interest. We were fortunate to have enough space to extend the original par five significantly, and I thought that 666, the number of the beast, would be a suitable number of yards. It actually plays longer than that, because it is quite hilly.”

Describing the unique challenge presented by the hole, Faulds added: “The first shot is quite generous, and allows

The ALTONWOOD Group

Come and have a go if you think you’re long enough: Club owner Carl Faulds unveils the new 666-yard par-six hole at Hamptworth

players to try and get as much distance as possible. But then they need to zigzag through some trees, before they get to the green, which is guarded by a bunker. The green features quite heavy slopes, making it a tricky finish, but an incredibly satisfying one if you make a birdie. For golfers that don’t fancy playing such a long hole, we’ve also kept the tees for the old par five.”

While the 16th hole could be seen as something of a gimmick, Faulds is serious about improving the quality of the facilities at Hamptworth in a bid to attract new golfers. He said: “The intention is to create an inclusive venue for the entire family to enjoy their leisure time, based on providing quality and value for money and a wide range of sporting and social activities. We are keen to innovate at Hamptworth, and are also investing heavily in drainage, so that the course should be playable throughout the year and through wet spells.”

Winter society Packages November 2015 to March 2016 (Excludes Bank Holidays & 28th December 2015 to 3rd January 2016)

THE ADDINGTON GOLF CLUB

020 8777 1055

events@addingtongolf.com

18 HOLES BACON ROLL & COFFEE From £20.00 per person* No temporary greens – guaranteed!

WESTERHAM GOLF CLUB

SURREY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

01959 567 100

01883 344 555

eventsteam@westerhamgc.co.uk

events@surreynational.co.uk

WOLDINGHAM GOLF CLUB

01883 653 501

events@woldinghamgc.co.uk

Additional bespoke packages available upon request *All packages require a minimum of 8 golfers

NEWS | NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Ramsey raises the bar at Mill Ride Mill Ride’s 18-hole Donald Steel designed course has received positive reviews over the season since the arrival of a new head greenkeeper in the spring.

Andrew Ramsey, the past deputy at Mill Ride and previously at Wentworth Club, has made positive strides with his team at the Ascot-based venue, with members, guests and visitors heralding the course as being in the best condition they have seen in over a decade.

Investment on the course from Mill Ride’s owners, along with refurbishments to soft furnishings inside the clubhouse, and the introduction of online tee-booking have also helped raise the standard significantly, leaving the club in a strong position moving into next year.

Shinkwin secures Challenge Tour card Hertfordshire’s Callum Shinkwin was one of 15 Challenge Tour players to earn promotion to the European Tour following the completion of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in Oman.

Shinkwin’s tied-third finish at Almouj Golf was also enough for the Moor Park man to climb ten places in the rankings and finish 13 in the rankings and earn himself a place on next season’s European Tour.

The tournament was won by Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia, who capped an incredible season with a stunning victory in the Road to Oman Rankings with the highest total earnings for a season in Challenge Tour history.

[15]

Winners All: The finalists at this year’s Race to Burhill

NEWS IN BRIEF PARTRIDGE BAGS ENGLAND SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

White masters Burhill’s greens to win disabled championship Surrey-based Burhill Golf Club played host to the Disabled Golf Association’s endof-season finale last month, which saw nine-handicapper Brian White take home the spoils.

With handicaps ranging from seven to 36, 18 golfers from around the country descended upon the club’s New Course to battle it out for top honours in the ‘Race to Burhill’.

Having qualified for the final from Ramsdale Park in August, White’s impressive score of 39 points in the final proved good enough to take the title by two points from ex-professional caddie Ashley Harris, who qualified from Wycombe Heights in September.

Following the round, all the finalists were treated to dinner and prize presentation in Burhill’s Barnes Wallace Room.

DGA events coordinator Graeme Robertson commented: “We’re delighted to be able to host our season final here at Burhill, as well as all of our qualifying events at BGL venues around the country.

It’s a real treat for all of the competitors to play at such a prestigious venue and we’re thrilled at BGL’s commitment to support the association again next year.”

Speaking on the success of the Race to Burhill final, Burhill’s new general manager Matthew Hazelden commented: “The DGA’s mission to promote golf as a pathway to a healthier lifestyle and greater social inclusion for those who are disabled is something we’re delighted to be a part of. The fact that individuals are able to enjoy the game at a competitive level, irrespective of age, gender or disability, is extremely inspiring, and we look forward to hosting it again next year.”

Winter Collection Available from 1 November 2015 to 31 March 2016

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK! 4 Ball Offer

£140.00 Mon-Thur / £200.00 Fri-Sun

Golf & Accommodation

£99.00pp Mon-Thur / £125.00pp Fri-Sun

To include 1 course lunch

(To be reserved in advance)

Overnight accommodation for 2 people sharing a standard twin or double room Includes: Breakfast, 2 rounds of golf and 2 course bar menu dinner (Food image shown is an upgraded option)

Contact Mark on:

T: 01304 611118 E: office@princesgolfclub.co.uk W: www.princesgolfclub.co.uk Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB

/princesgolfclub

@Princesgolfclub

Kent senior star Richard Partridge has capped a superb season by being named England Golf’s top men’s senior for 2015.

Partridge, who is a member at Wildernesse Golf Club in Kent, won the Irish and Scottish Seniors titles and finished second in the Welsh championship. He also played for England in the European Championship and the Senior Home Internationals, and won the Kent County Senior’s title.

ROBBIE RULES AT ROCHFORD Tour professional Robert Coles lit up an overcast day at Rochford Hundred Golf Club in Essex with an impressive nine-under-par 62. The Maylands player won the Rochford Strokeplay title thanks to seven birdies and an eagle. Andy Shakespear (The Warren) took second place with a fine 66, one shot ahead of Mark Talbott (Thorpe Hall).

The low amateur was Taylor Carter from the host club, who returned an excellent 68.

[16] NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MATT FORD’S

TOUR DIARY A GUTSY DISPLAY IN HIS FINAL TOURNAMENT OF THE SEASON SEES MATT RETAIN HIS EUROPEAN TOUR CARD FOR 2016

W

hat can I say?

The final week of the 2015 season was pressure-packed, but ultimately came with a very happy ending!

Obviously, I’m delighted with how Hong Kong went, and the tie for seventh that lifted me to the safety of 105th on the Race to Dubai.

I always knew the tight, treelined course at Fanling would suit me, and felt I was playing decently, but just not holing the putts. So I hadn’t given up, heading into that final week, but had obviously left it very late and made it very hard.

I thought I needed at least a top 20, maybe a top ten, and you can never block those thoughts out completely. But at the same time, I knew that I couldn’t control such things, so it was just a matter of giving my best on every shot and seeing what happened.

The whole week is a bit of a blur now, as the emotions were high, not just for me, but everyone who was in a similar situation.

But I’d had those feelings at Q School the previous year – I was playing for my career then, and I

was playing for my career in Hong Kong too. So I used those thoughts and feelings in a positive way. I knew I was playing decent golf, so it was just a matter of keeping the emotions at bay and doing my best.

After three good rounds, I was nicely placed in tied sixth, but then I bogeyed the first hole in the final round.

Negative thoughts can quickly creep in then, but I’d bogeyed the opening hole in the last round at Qualifying School too, so I thought, ‘It’s only one hole; there’s another 17 to go’.

Obviously, when you then bogey the 15th and 16th when you’re in good shape with just a few holes to go, you can start getting down on yourself!

I hit a poor tee shot on 16, but actually played 15 pretty decently. My iron missed the green by a small margin – a yard to the left and a short birdie putt awaited – and I didn’t get up and down from the sand. But then I holed from about 15ft for birdie on 17, which was obviously crucial, although I didn’t really know it at the time. The 18th tee shot is pretty daunting, even though you’ve only got 3-wood in your hands – hit the fairway and you have a chance, or you’re in the trees. There’s nothing in

Chipstead Golf Club

between!

I had about a 7-iron in to a difficult flag on a little front right slope. I was just trying to find the right half of the green, and pulled it a bit, leaving myself a 50- or 60-footer. I putted up to about three feet…and then holed that for par. I had a rough idea of what the scenario was, but you never know for sure. As it panned out, it was good enough for a top 10, and good enough to secure my card. One more shot and who knows!

When the putt went in, my caddie seemed pretty certain I’d done enough, and Rich McEvoy, who I’ve been rooming with most of the year, was there by the green as I came off. He was pretty certain that was ‘job done’.

I handed my card in and saw that I was eighth, and that was apparently good enough, but I still didn’t really believe it, to be honest. But it was true, and I then had to compose myself for an interview, which took two attempts because the emotions were running so high!

At that point, I was quite keen to get a beer in my hand. And

Matt enjoys a well-earned beer with his caddie

there were a few of those to follow, I can tell you. My flight wasn’t until 11.30pm, and there was free Stella on tap, but I desperately needed food as well to keep me standing upright.

I did try to treat myself to an upgrade on the flight home, but unfortunately there were none available. Such is life.

Now I have the luxury of being able to plan out 2016. I’m only going to play Leopard Creek pre-Christmas, then from January there are potentially eight or nine weeks in row, so I’m just looking at the schedule to decide what to do. The South African courses suit me, so I will probably do all those, plus Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

I might miss Qatar, but we’ll see.

And deciding which ones to miss is a very nice problem to have, given where I was heading into the final event of 2015!

Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club Sanderstead, Surrey

invite you to take advantage of a one off Membership Offer!!

Winter Special Package

We are offering some fantastic promotions for Winter 2015

3O0F% F

For the FIRST 30 new members

For the NEXT 30 new members

(other than Flexi) joining between October 1st and 31st December 2015. Terms and Conditions Apply.

(other than Flexi) joining between October 1st and 31st December 2015. Terms and Conditions Apply.

on all playing membership categories

on all playing membership categories

JUNIO MEMBER R OFFE S R

P HI S

5O0F% F

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for the FIRST 15 Juniors and half price for the NEXT 15 Juniors.

Winter Package is only £19 pp and includes:Breakfast on arrival 18 Holes of Golf Monday - Friday.

Subject to availability groups of 12 or more.

Must be over the age of 12, have full golf equipment and the required playing standard to take up this offer which will run until 31st December !!!

DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE UNBEATABLE OFFERS!!!

For more information on our one off membership offer’s call Gary or Sue on 01737-555781 or email directorofgolf@chipsteadgolf.co.uk

For more information please call Caroline Screene, Golf Manager on 0208 768 3113 www.principal-payley.com • Addington Road, Sanderstead, Surrey, CR2 8YA

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015

Prior bids farewell to junior days with England order of merit win ALTONWOOD STAYS AHEAD OF THE GAME The Altonwood Group, which owns The Addington, Westerham, Woldingham, Surrey National and Godstone, has always been at the forefront of modern golf club operations, launching flexible and credit-based membership schemes way ahead of many of its rivals, as well as offering reciprocal playing rights across its largely Surrey-based venues.

The group has continued to invest in the on- and offcourse facilities at its five clubs, and has recently begun a three-year, group-wide development programme that will bring about significant improvements to the quality of all the venues. Westerham is currently nearing the completion of a redevelopment of its driving range and practice area, and is already in the process of constructing a nine-hole course to run alongside it, which is set to open next spring.

Altonwood has recently launched a range of competitive winter society packages, with 18 holes available for groups from just £20 per person. For further details visit www. altonwoodgroup.co.uk.

Surrey’s Lizzie Prior signed off her junior career in the best possible manner by winning England Golf’s 2015 Order of Merit by a sizeable margin.

Prior, who tied second in the English Amateur, and also set a women’s record at Sunningdale en route to winning the Critchley Salver, finished 35,000 points clear of her nearest rival, Sophie Lamb from Lancashire, with Meon Valley’s Emma Allen in third.

The 18 year old from Burhill said: “Getting this title was a great achievement for me. It was something I wanted to win, as this was my last year in girls’ golf and I wanted to go out on a high. I have had one of my best years, and I felt as if I prepared myself well for every tournament, ensuring I was in the best shape for every competition.”

Prior’s final season in the junior ranks included victory at the Fairhaven Trophy

[17]

Order your free 2016 Society Guide now

and three runner-up finishes – in the English girls’ championship, the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters, and the English women’s amateur.

As well as setting a course record of eight-under 67 on the New Course at Sunningdale, she also set a six-under record at Lindfield in Sussex, where she played her college golf before starting university in Las Vegas.

“Getting to Las Vegas has been one of the best experiences so far, and I’m excited for it to continue,” she said.

Lizzie Prior Now Prior is aiming to get in the world top 50, to win the freshman of the year title and the English amateur. “I want to continue to keep progressing and getting better both physically and mentally,” she said. “I also intend to start pushing myself harder to go pro in the next two years.”

The Ultimate Guide to Society & Company Golf has been must-have publication for every golf society organisers for many a year.

Featuring many of the UK’s finest clubs and courses, predominantly located in the South East, this indispensible handy full-colour publication provides all the information you’ll ever need to make your golf day a success.

Among details included are up-todate prices and packages for societies and visitors, information on tee time restrictions, comprehensive directions and local accommodation tips, as well as detailed descriptions of all the courses, with full colour photographs.

As well as being available in print format, the 2016 guide will also be available to view and download from the Golf News website – www. golfnews.co.uk – or from golfdayguide. com, making it even more user-friendly.

To pre-order your copy of The Guide to Society & Company Golf, email your name of company or society, number of players, name and address to: info@ golfnews.co.uk, with ‘Society Guide’ in the subject line.

Cameron makes experience count at Wildernesse Pro-Am Bob Cameron

The PGA in Kent held a major celebration in conjunction with the Wildernesse Club’s annual proam, when the Sevenoaks club hosted a lunch for the county’s PGA Professionals and supporters.

Twenty-eight teams played the Open regional qualifying course, and the event was marked by some top class golf from the county’s top PGA pros.

European Senior Tour regular Bob Cameron shot a five-under-par 67 to win the Pro-Am, pushing Benn Barham’s bogey-free 68 into second place to claim the £750 top prize. Philip Beever (Redlibbets) tied for third

spot on 69 with Paul Sherman (Langley Park), whose round included six birdies.

Delighted with his third win of the season, Cameron said: “I’m 63 in January, so edging out a star player like Benn by a stroke has boosted my confidence and made my round that much more special. After some really poor putting this year, I’ve switched to left below right and I’m holing putts again. Wildernesse was in terrific shape, so some good scoring was on the cards, and David Green and the club laid on another great day out for us.”

OPEN TO ALL

Pay and Play Great Golf

10% OFF SOCIETY BOOKINGS

Weekday from £13pp Weekend from £17pp

Discount applies to all society bookings confirmed in November 2015 for play in December 2015, for groups of 8 or more.

Society Packages - From £17pp T&C’s apply

Challenging 18 Hole Course | Online Bookings | Lessons with PGA Professionals | Golf Society Days

Winter Packages 2015/2016 Package prices from

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Bespoke packages on request. Ideal for corporate & large society/charity days.

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www.thesouthbuckinghamshire.co.uk 01753 643332 GolfEnquiries@southbucks.gov.uk The South Buckinghamshire, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4PJ The South Buckinghamshire Golf Academy, Stoke Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4LN

To book please call Lizzie or Debbie on:

01959 522944

www.darenthvalleygolfcourse.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF IRELAND AWARDED SENIOR TEAM TITLE Ireland have been declared the winners of the 2015 Senior Men’s Home Internationals following an appeal against the original result. The championship, which was held at Crowborough Beacon in September, was originally awarded to Scotland, after three countries tied on four match points. England, Ireland and Scotland won two of their three matches, and lost the other, while Wales lost all three. And although the trophy was initially awarded to Scotland on the basis of a tie-breaker, the Golfing Union of Ireland appealed against the decision and the England Golf Championship Committee concluded that the tie-breaker had been incorrectly applied, and that Ireland were the rightful winners after scoring 18 game points to England’s 17, while Scotland only had 14.5.

DAVIS HITS THE MARK AT BURSTEAD Thorndon Park professional Mark Davis carded a threeunder-par 68 to win the Burstead Pro-Am. He won by a shot from Ingrebourne Links’ James Scade and by two from Woolston Manor’s Lloyd Kennedy. A full field of 27 teams took part in the proam, which was won by Scade’s team, which included the sponsor for the event, Luke Fuller from Abbey Marble.

WATERLOOVILLE SHORTENS COURSE TO ATTRACT JUNIORS Waterlooville Golf Club in Hampshire is shortening its golf course and cutting its green fees and membership rates to attract more young golfers. The Portsmouthbased venue is introducing new forward tees to make the par-72 course easier for juniors, while fees for under 14 year olds are also currently under review, although a final figure on the reduction from the current annual price of £85 has yet to be announced.

PGA Pro David Hickman said: “There has been a dip in numbers in our junior section, and we believe along with looking a the fee structure, shortening the course is the better way to increase partcipation. Juniors will use the same holes of our existing course, but play off blue tees to shorten the distance considerably.”

[18] NOVEMBER 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Chelsea pensioners AGONY TO ECSTASY AS EVANS RETAINS TOUR CARD putt in all weathers!

Sussex-born European Tour professional Ben Evans can look forward to playing a full schedule of events on next year’s European Tour after earning a late reprieve.

The 28 year old from Staplecross in East Sussex fired a heroic last round 65 at the Hong Kong Open to propel himself up the Race to Dubai rankings – but his incredible last ditch effort looked to be in vain when he finished 111th in the money list, with only the top 110 players guaranteed full playing rights for the next season’s European Tour.

Facing the prospect of another gruelling trip to qualifying school, Evans was subsequently delighted to learn that American Brooks Koepka, last season’s rookie of the year, had decided to give up his membership of the European Tour in favour of playing full time in the States. That meant that Evans moved up to

110th, and kept his playing privileges for the 2015-2016 season.

After hearing the news from tour officials, Evans wrote on Twitter: “Well @EuropeanTour, it’s been a 24-hour rollercoaster. Overwhelmed and so happy to be told I’ve moved to 110 on R2D. Can’t wait for 2016! #buzzing.”

Evans will have category 10 membership next year, meaning he should be eligible for most tournaments outside the majors and WGC events. Had he been 111th, he would have remained in category 16 and had significantly fewer playing opportunities.

Evans played in 21 events this year, and collected over €250,000 in prize money. He managed nine top-20 finishes, but a Standing tall: run of six missed cuts from Ben Evans will be back on seven events during the the European summer saw him having to Tour next pull out all the stops in season Hong Kong.

East Brighton appoints new manager Former tour player Rebecca Prout has been appointed as the new general manager at East Brighton Golf Club in Sussex.

The 37-year-old from Surrey played on the Futures Tour in America for several seasons, following a successful amateur career in England, where she played in England’s girls’ squad.

After injury cut short her career, Rebecca joined her family’s restaurant business in Copthorne, before she returned to the golf industry as the general manager at Milford Golf Club in Surrey.

Prout is delighted to have recently joined East Brighton, which she says is a ‘great club with some special history’.

Rebecca Prout “East Brighton is a traditional members club with a modern mindset,” she added. “The members have been so welcoming. I’m honoured to have been offered the post, and I just can’t wait to start driving the business forward. The club has invested a lot of money into the golf course over the past two years, and with it being based on the chalk South Downs, it’s a great benefit that golfers can play here 365 days a year.”

Chelsea Pensioners Audrey Merton and Douggie Payne put the new all-weather putting green through its paces

Members of the famous Chelsea Pensioners have been given the opportunity to brush up on their short game all year round, following the installation of a brand new all-weather putting surface in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

Replacing a natural grass green that had proved hard to maintain, the new 9m by 18m surface was installed by Huxley Golf, which specialises in providing tournament-quality playing surfaces for a wide variety of clients, from tour pros’ private homes to golf clubs, driving ranges and a variety of domestic and business settings.

The aim of the new nine-hole putting course was to create a facility that would be accessible for all 300 Chelsea Pensioners, and their friends and families, to use year-round.

Andy Hickling, director of estates at The Royal Hospital, said: “There are limited outdoor activities for our pensioners, so the new putting green has been a huge hit. One or two of our residents use it every day, and we have already held our inaugural competition. Furthermore, the extremely low maintenance that this installation requires will assist the management team enormously.”

Three members at Sheerness had their buggies stolen last month

Buggy thieves Royal Blackheath to auction off target Sheerness rare painting to pay for freehold Royal Blackheath Golf Club is to sell one of it most cherished and valuable assets, an 18th century painting of a former club captain, in order to buy the freehold of its course and clubhouse.

Founded in 1608, Royal Blackheath is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, and its historic clubhouse is home to many valuable artefacts, including a painting of one of its former captains and secretaries, Henry Callender, which is believed to be one of the most valuable works of golfing art in the world.

The portrait, which was painted by Leicestershire artist Lemuel Francis Abbott during the late 18th century, has hung in Royal Blackheath’s clubhouse for the last 200 years and is widely regarded to be one

of the earliest depictions of golf. It has been valued at up to £800,000 by Bonhams, which will be selling the picture by auction at its New Bond Street offices in London on December 9.

The portrait depicts Henry Callender wearing the red coat of the captain general of Blackheath Golf Club and holding a putter in one hand, and a club which was known as a spoon, in the other. The actual putter shown in the painting is also up for sale, with experts valuing it at between £50,000 and £80,000.

Royal Blackheath’s golf course and the clubhouse are leased from the Crown Estate, but the club has been given the opportunity to buy the freehold in order to ensure its long-term future, which has led to the need to sell the painting.

Three members at Sheerness Golf Club in Kent have had their private golf buggies stolen following a break-in at the club on November 4.

Thieves stole the carts during the night after breaking into a locked compound where members are allowed to store the vehicles. One of the vehicles was later found nearby, but the other two have yet to be recovered.

Two of the owners, Jim Poole and Chic McGlynne, used the buggies to get around the course because of ill-health, and cannot play without them. Mr Poole, who has been a member at Sheernees for 18 years, had his re-conditioned white Yamaha model taken. Mr Poole said: “I’m really upset. Playing golf is all I can do. I can’t exercise now because of the arthritis in my knees.”

Mr McGlynne, 76, who had his lower right leg amputated 10 years ago, had his year-old EZ GO cart stolen. He said: “I have been a member for 24 years and the golf club has really looked after me. I find it bewildering how the thieves could get away unnoticed. It’s a disappointment.”

Club secretary Alex Tindall said: “We managed to recover one of the buggies, which was left damaged close to the entrance of Scrapsgate, but losing the other two has stopped Jim and Chic playing, which is a real blow to both players.”

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015

[19]

HOME-GROWN STARS ON SHOW AT WENTWORTH The great and the good of the golfing establishment in the South East swapped their polo shirts for dinner suits and ball gowns for the 2015 PGA in England (South) Awards With an invited audience of over 200 PGA professionals, sponsors and guests, the achievements of the PGA in England South Region’s members were celebrated at a glittering black tie event held at Wentworth Club on November 4, which followed a team pro-am competition held around the East Course, and sponsored by Virgin Atlantic.

After a sumptuous three-course dinner, several keenly-contested awards were handed out by the South Region chairman John Kennedy from Wexham Park.

However there was little argument over the recipient of the coveted Player of the Year award, which went to the all-conquering James Ablett from Lee-on- Solent in Hampshire.

Ablett notched up no fewer than 15 wins throughout the year, and won the 2015 Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit with 493 points, well in front of last year’s champion Benn Barham on 361.

Competing in no fewer than 60 events – in 45 of which he finished inside the top ten – Ablett picked up over £27,000 in prize money for his season’s work, which, somewhat aptly, concluded with victory in the Pro-Am event at Wentworth.

His scoring average was 69.4, and he amassed 304 birdies and eight eagles from 71 rounds.

Included among his many highlights were victories in the PGA Surrey Open at Kingswood in July, the PGA Kent Open at Prince’s in August, and the Keith MacDonald PGA South Match Play at The Berkshire in October.

Ablett, who. along with Benn Barham and Guy Woodman, will represent the PGA South in this month’s Titleist PGA Playoffs in Turkey, said: “The results this season have shown that all my hard work has paid off. It’s a real honour to be win the Player of the Year award and the Order of Merit. I, and my fellow pros, are so grateful to all the team at the PGA South Region’s office for organising so many great events for us to play in, and to all the clubs for giving over their superb courses for us to play, and, of course, Virgin Atlantic, for sponsoring the whole series.”

John Noble, PGA Professional at the RAC Club, was a deserving winner of the Coach of the Year award. A coach since 1993, John is also the joint head coach for Surrey Golf, and a regional coach for England Golf. Under his guidance, Surrey’s men’s team won the

PGA South Player of the Year James Ablett (centre) teamed up with Joe Hales, Nick Hill and Ewan Dunlop to win the Wentworth Pro-Am

Southern League in 2013, the regional six-man team qualifier in 2014, and finished third in the national finals.

The Surrey junior teams have been equally successful, with the U18 finishing second in the inaugural league in 2015; the U16s winning their league in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and the U14 team winning just about everything they have competed in since 2012, including the triple shield from 2012 to 2014. Noble currently personally coaches around 20 elite players from Surrey and Hampshire, several of whom have won events like the Surrey Boys U18, U16, U15 and U14 championships, and the Hampshire equivalents.

The Assistant of the Year title was won by Colton Davis from the James Andrews School of Golf, which is based at Sedlescombe Golf Club in East Sussex. Davis finished in the top 25 of the regional Order of Merit, came second in the Longball PGA South Assistants Order of Merit, and won three county events and the Sussex PGA Order of Merit for 2015, while passing his Year 1 Trainee exams in April with merit.

He has worked hard to support the local juniors in their own stages of golf development.

Top Assistant Colton Davies

Coach of the Year John Noble

European Tour player Matt Ford picked up a special achievement award

The final gong of the night, the Outstanding Achievement Award, went to European Tour player Matt Ford, who, after many years plying his trade in the Kent PGA and PGA South Region Pro-Ams, won his tour card at Q School last November.

Despite a strong start to his first season on the top tour, the 37 year old from Maidstone needed a topeight finish at the final event of the season in order to retain his card for 2016, and acheived it by shooting

rounds of 69, 65, 67 and 69 to finish in seventh, and 105th in the order of merit.

Overcome with emotion, Ford held back the tears just long enough to thank his sponsors, friends, family, and fellow PGA pros for supporting him throughout the season, and said that his achievements should show anyone competing on the South Region circuit that it was possible to reach the top tour if they worked hard enough.

NEWS IN BRIEF PRICE IS RIGHT AT NORTH DEVON Former Ryder Cup player Phillip Price turned the clock back as he won his first Order of Merit tournament for 25 years at Royal North Devon.

The 50-year-old European Tour winner won the inaugural 36-hole West of England Masters at the second hole in a three-man play-off to chalk up his first success at regional level since the West Region Championship in 1990.

Price defeated Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) and Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) who also finished on four-under-par.

STURMINSTER HITS THE MARK Sturminster Marshall Golf Club in Dorset has become the first club in the country to achieve England Golf’s new GolfMark award. Originally started in 2006, GolfMark has been updated and relaunched to make it more relevant, including an increased focus on business support. A total of 766 clubs achieved the award under the previous system and over 200 are currently working towards the new award.

MAGNOLIA PRO WINS MACMILLAN LONGEST DAY CHALLENGE Magnolia Park PGA professional Mark McGeehan combined with three friends to win the Macmillan Cancer Support’s 72-hole Longest Day Golf Challenge in Portugal.

The 37 year old, and friends Mike Baxter, Ben Hellings and Jason Farr, raised more than £8,000 for the charity to qualify for the grand final at Boavista Resort in the western Algarve.

TREBLE TOP FOR OLD THORNS Old Thorns celebrated the County Sevens’ 60th anniversary by becoming the first club to defend the Hampshire Inter-Club Knockout competition since Rowlands Castle back in 2002. The Liphook-based club beat Guernsey’s La Grande Mare in a one-sided match to complete a hat-trick of appearances in the finals. The team comprised Paul Martin (captain), Richard Williams, Matt Bonney, Roy Randall, Robert Craig, Chris Knowles and Paul Gill.

[20] NOVEMBER 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Sawgrass success for Shifting sands at Moor Park Battle Back golfers A group of British servicemen wounded in recent conflicts proved that their golfing skills remain undiminished following an impressive victory in the Courage Cup held at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

The Battle Back UK team, who were defending champions, after a 15.5-4.5 win at Walton Heath last year, proved unstoppable at the home of the Players Championship, winning the three-day event by a 13-point margin over their opponents representing the USA Wounded Warrior Project Golf Team.

After winning the opening day’s betterball matches 4.5-0.5, the UK team pressed home their advantage on day two, winning the greensomes foursomes matches 4-1.

With an 8½-1½ lead, the Battle Back team needed just 1½ points to retain the trophy, and they wrapped up the win in record time, with Gaz Meekins holding his nerve to sink the winning putt, as the visitors win the singles 8-2 to give a final

Battle Back Team UK retained the Courage Cup

How the 18th hole will look

scoreline of 16½-3½.

The Battle Back UK team comprised Paul Swain, Mahendra Phagami, Fiona Gray, Andy Carlton, Tom Scarr, Matt Whisken, Keith Davies (Team Captain), Mike Swain, Andrew Barnett, Neil Chantry, Gaz Meekins and Bernie Broad.

The trophy was named in honour of Captain Kent Pietsch, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, who set up the tournament during his time as captain at Wentworth Club in Surrey.

WORKMAN RISES TO THE POULT WOOD CHALLENGE After 29 weeks, 56 competition days, 460 rounds, and 13,540 Stableford points, the 2015 Poult Wood Challenge has finally come to an end.

Held at Poult Wood Golf Course in Kent, which is operated by leisure trust TM Active on behalf of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, the Poult Wood Challenge was launched in April with a view to providing golfers, including members and non-members, with an opportunity to play every weekend in a friendly competition.

The challenge, which ran every weekend between April and October, saw golfers accumulate points each time they played, with the players with the 12 best combined rounds qualifying for a final, which was held at the end of October.

The final proved a close-run affair, with a tie for first place after 36 holes between Nick Workman and Martin Goodwin, who were level on 80 points. A play-off ensued, which was won by Workman, who was duly declared the inaugural winner of the Poult Wood Challenge.

“I believe this type of initiative is key to engendering loyalty, creating camaraderie and, above all, increasing participation,”

Finalists Nick Workman and Martin Goodwin

said David Copsey, head golf professional at Poult Wood. “It’s only our first year, but I think we’ve got a strong foundation to build on, and we will be able to grow the event next year. Fifteen people attained a handicap through the challenge and now play regularly at the course, which is a really positive start.”

Following the success of the competition, Poult Wood is running a series of weekend team competitions, under a variety of formats, throughout the winter. To find out how to get involved, call 01732 364039 or email poultwoodgolf@tmactive.co.uk.

Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire has begun a major bunker renovation programme on its two 18-hole championship courses, which will improve the overall playing experience, not only by providing a more consistent quality and depth of sand to play from, but also by making bunkers more visible from the tees.

The initial phase of the project, which began on November 2, will see the bunkering on par-three 10th, 12th, and 18th holes on the High Course renovated, along with the par-4 14th hole.

Most of the bunkers will be reshaped to make them more visible from the tees and fairways, while some will be repositioned or removed in order to enhance the overall strategy of each hole. New runoff areas and mounds are also being introduced to improve aesthetics and the challenge of each hole.

The new bunkers are being designed in keeping with original course architect’ Harry Colt’s style, and will feature rubber linings that will provide improved drainage and make them easier to maintain. Stone paths leading to and from some of the greens are being replaced with rubber-based paths, which will help maintain the integrity of the putting surfaces.

Elson wins TP Tour Championship Jamie Elson fired a four-under-par 67 to win the TP Tour Championship at Thorndon Park in Essex.

His wining round contained seven birdies and saw him finish one shot clear of David Clarkson and Thomas Jordan. Elson has combined competing on the TP Tour with the EuroPro Tour this season, and qualified for second stage of the European Tour’s qualifying school.

Smiling all the way to the bank: Jamie Elson

Piltdown boss makes Manager of the Year final Phil Bonsall, the general manager at Piltdown Golf Club in Sussex, has been nominated for the Golf Club Manager’s Associations’ Manager of the Year award.

One of just four finalists from around the UK, the overall winner will be announced at the GCMA’s annual conference later this month, with the top prize of a holiday to Thailand up for grabs.

Appointed to the job at the end of 2013, Bonsall

Phil Bonsall

turned Piltdown from being a loss-making business into a profitable one within 12 months, after implementing a raft of changes, including refurbishing the bar and restaurant.

Last year, he oversaw the relaying of the majority of the greens, and appointed an experienced new greenkeeping team to carry out the work. Feedback from members has been extremely positive, and the improved course conditions have been one of the reasons for a large increase in new members.

During his tenure, Bonsall

implemented a new practice range facility with a state-of-the-art teaching bay, which has resulted in a large increase in academy membership.

Bonsall said that he is most proud of the changes in staff he has made, and the great atmosphere that now exists between them all.

He said: “After the judges visited Piltdown, and had spent a day with my staff, they commented that we could have applied for team of the year, which was the biggest compliment I could have received, and meant all the hard work has been worth it.”

The three other candidates for the GCMA’s Manager of the Year award are Andrew Minty (Langland Bay), Allison Malham (Seaton Carew), and Tracy Rawlinson (Warrington).

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015

[21]

HELLO, SANTA! LEAVE THIS PAGE ON THE FRIDGE DOOR AND EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE

GOLF BUDDY BB5 GPS GOLF BAND £199 // GOLFBUDDY.EU Wearable tech will be a popular gift from Santa this year, and they don’t come more wearable than Golf Buddy’s BB5 – the world’s first GPS golf band.

It comes pre-loaded with over 37,000 golf courses, and offers yardages to the front, centre and back of the green. It also has a shot distance measurement feature and a pedometer. The water-resistant band is available in six different colours.

RORY MCILROY PGA TOUR

TITLEIST PRO V1 BALLS

XBOX ONE // £30 PLAYSTATION 4 //£34.85

£39.95 // TITLEIST.CO.UK

The latest edition of EA Sport’s unstoppable golf gaming franchise sees the recently deposed world No.1 Rory McIlroy return as the cover star for a game that has been completely rebooted for the next generation of consoles.

Adopting EA’s Frostbite 3 engine has enabled more realistic courses in one single map, rather than holeby-hole, and allowing gamers to play shots from all over the course. Despite the enhanced graphics, the format is largely the same, with the exception of the prologue section, which teaches the basics of game play while taking control of McIlroy as he competes in the US Open.

Real-world courses include TPC Sawgrass, Wolf Creek, Royal Troon, TPC Boston, Bay Hill, Whistling Straits, St Andrews and Chambers Bay, while there are four fantasy courses, including the Grand Canyon and a nightclub-themed course – where you might find Tiger Woods – or not – as the 14-time major champion’s likeness has been completely wiped from this edition following his rapid tumble in the world rankings.

TALON SWING TRAINING AID

ETIQUS SPORT PRO WATCH

£149 // OJEEGOLF.COM Ojee Golf’s revolutionary new Talon training aid is proving a real boon to golfers thanks to its delivery of real-time visual feedback on a player’s stance, set-up and angles of address.

The Talon utilises a digital display unit that attaches to the top of any club, together with a separate wireless back unit, which displays four critical angles of address: spine angle, club shaft angle, club shaft to spine angle, and rotation angle of the club face. This enables golfers to view their stance and adjust to their best position, improving muscle memory, consistency and

£269 // ETIQUS.CO.UK

TOMTOM GOLFER GPS £149.99 // TOMTOM.COM TomTom’s first GPS for the golf market comes in the form of a watch that has access to over 34,000 courses and provides distances to the front, centre and back of the green, hazards and layups. It also offers score, distance and time functions, while course updates are delivered wirelessly via a smartphone app. Users navigate the controls via a four-way button bolted onto the bottom of the watch body, which does away with the need for buttons on the side. It is available in white/green or dark grey/green. Visit golfnews.co.uk for a chance to win your very own TomTom watch.

A timely gift for the golfer in your life, Etiqus’s range of watches incorporates several subtle design features that will be appreciated by those who don’t mind being labelled as someone who likes to disappear for large chunks of the weekend. Incorporating a solid stainless steel bracelet, sapphire crystal glass face, and Swiss-made movements, the Sport Pro features a white 3-D dimple-patterned face, while the unique ‘Butler’ bezel, inspired by guidelines published by the R&A, allows golfers to monitor their pace of play. It is available with a silicone or leather strap, as well as a white or black face. There are 30 watches in the collection, with each purchase including a 14-day returns policy and a two-year guarantee.

PING DUNBAR HALF-ZIP SWEATER £69.95 // PINGCOLLECTION.CO.UK Jumpers aren’t just for Xmas, especially if you’re a golfer. Forget the novelty reindeer one with the flashing nose from Tesco, and splash out on Ping’s Dunbar half-zip sweater. Soft and lightweight, it is made from super soft merino wool, and features a zip-neck, with finely ribbed half-collar, cuffs and waistband for a comfortable fit.

It also incorporates Ping’s Sensor technology, which regulates the temperature of the wearer. It is available in a choice of silver, black, blue and smoke, in sizes S-XXXL.

Fill up Dad’s stocking with a few sleeves of Pro V1s and he’ll be happy as a pig in mud. Gift givers can pimp up their Pro Vs by having them engraved with a personal message – up to three lines of 17 letters – for free on all orders placed before December 9. The free engraving offer, which also applies to boxes of a dozen or more NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity and DT SoLo balls, also includes a free Titleist ball marker.

TEA UP TED GOLF FLASK £20 // NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM Capable of keeping up to 500ml of tea, coffee – or perhaps something a tad stronger – at the required temperature, this golf-themed flask is small enough to fit into any golf bag, and can be personalised with up to three initials for an extra £3 per letter. How about T, E and A?

LOOKREALPUTT £139.99 // LOOKREALPUTT.CO.UK An ideal present for all golfers, Look Real Putt’s portable putting and chipping mats provide a simple, practical and cost-effective way to practice all those key drills to help lower your scores. The durable, all-weather putting mat rolls out in seconds, transforming any flat surface into a carpet-like green on which you can groove your stroke by aiming at the specially-designed cup that only traps balls hit at the right pace.

Packaged in a handy carry bag, it also comes with a separate mat fitted with longer synthetic grass that is ideal for honing your chipping skills.

[22] NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ONE-ARMED BANDIT After suffering a serious bout of the yips, Leicestershire’s Jason Palmer switched to onehanded chipping five years ago and hasn’t looked back. Here, he explains how his unique approach took him from struggling amateur to European Tour professional

W

hich shots do you currently hit onehanded?

Any chip or pitch from 40 yards and in.

I used to play all greenside bunker shots one-handed too, but now I probably go one-handed for bunker shots of 10 yards or less and twohanded for the others; it totally depends on the shot.

What caused you to go onehanded in the first place?

My short game began to deteriorate at the back end of my amateur days – and it was really quite comical, although I still experienced some success in the weeks when my long game was solid, or I somehow managed to control my shortgame anxiety. It was early on in the 2010 season on the Alps Tour that I fully committed to going one-handed around the greens.

Players often play one-handed as a practice drill – is that what happened to you, only you took it a stage further?

That is pretty much how it happened, yes. I remember practising at a tournament

with my friend Neil Chaudhuri, and I was extremely low about the demise of my short game and the devastating effect that it was having on my scores. I showed him just how foolish the situation was, as I clipped a few towards the pin nonchalantly with just one hand. Between us we came to the conclusion that it’s a results-based game, and that at the end of the day you have to do whatever gets the ball in the hole. So it was then that I decided I would use the one-handed method in tournament play and see what happened.

Did it work immediately or did it take a while to play well in tournament conditions?

I have to say that the results were instant. After going onehanded, I enjoyed the best spell of form in my life to that point.

I went from being terrified of missing a green or facing a pitch over any sort of trouble, to enjoying the challenge of it all. I felt like I had as a junior – a missed green became fun, an opportunity to show off my one-handed short game, and get it up and down. My mindset completely changed on the course and all other aspects of my game improved due to the increased freedom I had on the

course. In my next 11 events I had nine top 10s and my worst finish was 13th.

What was the reaction of the other players?

I think at first people thought I was crazy! I have a joke and a laugh about it with my friends on tour, as it really is unique.

When I first changed I think the thing I found hardest was worrying about other people’s perceptions of me and feeling quite silly. It was fine while I was playing well on the Alps Tour in 2010, as the results backed up my decision to switch, but during my struggles on the Challenge Tour in 2011 and 2012 people inevitably questioned the method. Nowadays I don’t really care so much what other people are thinking; the only thing of any relevance are my results.

What does it feel like when you try to chip with two hands?

I freeze, I throttle the club, my rhythm becomes quick and I cannot picture a way of getting the ball to its intended target.

With one hand, my posture is better and my grip is lighter.

The difference is phenomenal.

I feel far more comfortable and relaxed, and as a result there is less pressure on every other aspect of my game.

How has it affected other parts of your game?

I think I have developed my course management skills enormously as a result. There are certain shots that are awkward. I try never to leave 30-50 yard shots, but sometimes this is unavoidable. I also try never to short side myself but I believe the same rules apply to everybody there. One thing it has helped is my mental toughness. At first it bothered Palmer in one-handed action during the US Open

me what others thought, but now the only important thing is getting up and down.

You made your major debut in the US Open at Chambers Bay in June. What was that experience like?

It was the best event I’ve ever played in – and I’m only sad that it was all over so quickly. I was six over par after seven holes in the first round and there was no way back from that really. I think I was just a little bit nervy to start with. You just can’t go in the bunkers around there. I was pleased that I recovered with a one-over-par 73 in the second round, but missed the cut.

How have you found your first season on the European Tour?

It’s been my goal since turning pro in 2009 to make the main tour, and it’s certainly been a roller-coaster ride.

Unfortunately I’ve been carrying a niggling wrist injury for most of the season, which forced me to rest up since July. I’ve been to see several specialists to get it sorted, but it’s still not completely cleared up. It’s been very frustrating, as it was always going to be tough to retain my card this year, even without the injury, so I’m going back to qualifying school.

HPV COMPETITION | NOVEMBER 2015 [23]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Steely Smith claims EuroPro title Wiltshire’s Jordan Smith Jordan Smith finished top of the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit, following a play-off victory at the seasonending Matchroom Sport Tour Championship in Desert Springs, Spain.

The Bowood player carded a final-round 64 to set the clubhouse lead on 13 under par, but that total was matched

by Aaron Rai and Daniel Gavins, taking the tournament to extra holes.

For Rai, a place in the play-off assured him a top-five finish, but Smith and Gavins both needed to claim one of the top-five placings in the rankings required to earn a Challenge Tour card.

Yorkshireman Gavins dropped out of the play-off on the third extra hole when he bogeyed the par-four 18th, while Rai exited on the following hole when his approach found greenside water – but Smith held his nerve to make par and land himself promotion to the Challenge Tour in his first season as a professional.

“I am over the moon,” said Smith, who picked up £20,000 for his timely win, which took his season’s earnings to over £32,000. “I am mentally and physically drained, but I’m delighted. My target for the season was to get a win, so to win at Chart Hills and here, and win the overall Order of Merit, is above and beyond what I expected. I am so excited about getting the chance to test my game out on the Challenge Tour next year.”

In addition to Smith and Rai, the other three players to earn their Challenge Tour cards were Darren Wright, Sam Connor and Marcus Armitage.

110x400

Property developers have their eyes on Chessington Golf Centre

Chessington under threat from housing development Chessington Golf Centre in Surrey is facing an uncertain future, following an approach by a housing developer made to the local council to build new homes and a leisure centre on the site.

The centre, which first opened in 1985, offers a nine-hole parkland course, an 18-bay driving range, clubhouse and professional’s shop. It is located on land that has been designated as green belt.

An as-yet-unnamed developer has lodged an informal interest in replacing the centre with 700 new homes and a range of leisure facilities.

Council leader Kevin Davis said: “I can confirm that within the past few weeks there has been an informal approach by a developer regarding the prospects for a swimming pool, leisure centre and 3G football pitch, together with enabling housing development to support its delivery. It is important to clarify that at this stage there has been no formal request for preapplication advice from the council’s planning service, and a planning application has not been submitted.”

He added: “The council is not in a position to confirm whether Chessington Golf Centre is due for closure – that is a matter for the owners. However, the site is within the metropolitan green belt, and unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated, there is a very strong presumption against new house building.”

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[24] NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015 [25]

HIS OWN MAN After Paul McGinley’s textbook Ryder Cup captaincy, Darren Clarke knows he doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel when he leads Europe at Hazeltine next year, but he’s still keen to put his own stamp on the role

T

he Ryder Cup has a habit of casting the roles of heroes and villains. While nothing in the normal course of life is that black and white, the nature of the matches – in fact the nature of sport in general – ensures that when the final whistle has been blown, or, as in this case, the final putt holed, there are only winners and losers.

While Alistair Cook and Chris Robshaw, as captains of the England cricket and rugby teams respectively, have to shoulder the blame when they perform poorly as players, or make wrong decisions on the field of play, a Ryder Cup captain has a more uncertain role. His influence on the field of play is marginal at best – unless, you’re Seve, of course – but given the universal praise Paul McGinley came in for following Europe’s comprehensive victory at Gleneagles last September, you’d think he’d played every shot.

The Irishman was meticulous in every aspect of his preparations, learning from past captains and taking counsel from former players and some of sport’s iconic leaders, including Sir Alex Ferguson.

Indeed, it was the former Manchester United manager who took to the stage alongside the rest of the Ryder Cup team during the European Tour’s Players’ Awards held in London in May. It was an unprecedented gesture that spoke volumes of the impact his motivational speeches had on the team.

Sitting in the audience that night was Darren Clarke, McGinley’s successor to the captaincy, who must have been wondering what he would have to do to fill the shoes of a man who didn’t seem to put a foot wrong throughout his 18-month tenure.

As a keen football fan himself, the fate of Ferguson’s successor at United, David Moyes, won’t have been lost on Clarke. Some acts are just impossible to follow. But follow McGinley he must, and for a far trickier away leg. So what can Clarke possibly do, or be expected to do, better?

The theory that simply recreating the McGinley template will get the job done at Hazeltine next September does not entirely stack up. Besides the obvious away disadvantage, Clarke’s Europe will face an American team in which a youthful but hungry, already battle-hardened, and continually impressive group will compete.

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka are evidence of that.

And it seems virtually impossible that Clarke will benefit from the level of background chaos and dissent that epitomised Tom Watson’s captaincy.

Davis Love III will be far more in tune with his team.

It may be that Europe is about to enter a transitional phase, where the likes of Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald can no longer be relied upon as automatic qualifiers or even captain’s picks. And on a basic level, the more success Europe has, the more pressure builds not to be the captain that falls flat on his face – as Nick Faldo did back in 2008.

Words by Nick Bayly In short, Clarke will have a far stiffer task and because of a multitude of factors. Europe has had precious few supposedly bad captains in recent times – a nod to something deeper which has been working well, or perhaps it is that the Americans have been doing poorly.

To his credit, Clarke has played down any necessity to impose himself at every available opportunity. It must be remembered that the constant message of McGinley himself was about developing templates rather than reinventing wheels. Clarke has duly retained precisely the same qualifying criteria and process as for 2014.

“Everyone knows how good a job Paul did at Gleneagles, and how successful that whole event was, so I think it would be very stupid to move away from that,” says Clarke. “I will obviously consult with other past captains, and try and get as much information as I can as to what was successful, but I think the way Paul did things at Gleneagles pretty much created the blueprint for the way that it should be done.”

“I see my role as trying to make the players feel as comfortable as they possibly can. I’ve got to help the guys enjoy it, and play their best that particular week” For someone who has had criticisms of selfishness levelled at him at various stages of his career, Clarke is going out of his way to relegate himself to the role of a cheerleader rather than a ringleader.

“This Ryder Cup is not about me,” says Clarke, adamantly. “This is about the European Tour. We are going there as a European Tour team. All I’m trying to do is to enable us to have the strongest possible team. Do I want to make my own mark on it? Of course I do, and I will in a few different ways.

But I want to be able to be in the position to select the strongest possible team. The US team is going to be baying for blood and trying to win it back, so it’s vital, more than ever, that we go there with our strongest team.”

He continues: “I see my role as trying to make the players feel as comfortable as they possibly can. I’ve got to help the guys enjoy it, and play their best that particular week. I’ll also be trying to make sure that the team has an enjoyable week, which is quite difficult in such a stressful atmosphere.

Certainly with the teams that I’ve been involved in, both as a player and as a vice-captain, having fun has been a huge factor. Hopefully, if I can maybe bring a little bit of that to it, we’ll do ok.”

While the idea of blood being spilt on Hazeltine’s greens is an analogy that nobody wants to see,

history records that the US-based Ryder Cups have a habit of turning a little bit nasty, especially when the home crowds get on the beers early, and their team gets its head in front.

Clarke, a fearsome competitor throughout his career in all formats of the game, will ensure his players don’t back down from the fight, but at the same time, he’s always been a stickler for the rules and for fair play. He, along with Love, is adamant that there will be no repeat of the scenes witnessed at Kiawah Island in 1991 or Brookline in 1999 – or indeed, those witnessed in Germany at this year’s Solheim Cup. Speaking in Minnesota with Love last month to mark the one-year countdown to the matches, Clarke insisted: “The Ryder Cup will be played in the spirit with which Davis and I respect each other. We have not only been friends for a long time, but he is one of the true gentlemen in the game.”

He added: “It’s always tough for the visiting team to perform on away territory, but I would be disappointed if there wasn’t a lot of noise from the home support. The roars and shouts from the galleries are part and parcel of the Ryder Cup. Our recent run of wins was always going to create some sort of backlash, so the Americans are always going to be up for it, and want to get it back home more than ever. I’ve been fortunate enough to play in matches both at home and away. They are totally different events.”

On potential vice-captains, some of whom he has sounded out already, Clarke is keeping his counsel, although it’s unlikely that he will stray too far from McGinley’s template. “All I would say regarding that is if you take a look at the form that we’ve had in recent Ryder Cups, most of the guys have been involved at some stage or another; prospective captains have been involved behind the scenes. Again, I wouldn’t imagine myself moving too far away from that formula.”

The notion Clarke could not possibly analyse as much as McGinley did before making key decisions would be unfair. Clarke has been a thinker throughout his 25-year career – by his own admission occasionally to the detriment of his golf.

The Ryder Cup has far too much of an attachment to Clarke for him to possibly treat this role lightly or to underestimate what lies in front of him.

Asked whether he’ll be offering up Churchillian speeches to his troops before they go into battle next September, Clarke breaks into a chuckle. “Do I need to say a few words to them? Yes, of course I do. But do I need to motivate them? I don’t think so. The players who make the team are successful athletes in their own right. There will be an awful lot of motivation. Maybe I’ll just give them a nudge in the right direction, but as long as they behave themselves, they will be fine.”

Hopefully the wider – and inevitable – debate, relating to how good or otherwise Clarke is when seeking another European Ryder Cup defence, will take appropriate heed of context.

That means taking far more than McGinley into account; a point Sir Alex Ferguson would undoubtedly acknowledge.

[26] NOVEMBER 2015 | STORY BEHIND THE PIC

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

STORY BEHIND THE PIC MAX FAULKNER | ROYAL PORTRUSH | OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP | JULY 6, 1951

F

ollowing the announcement that Royal Portrush is to stage The Open Championship in 2019, it seems only fitting that the exploits of one of England’s finest post-war golfers should be remembered: the late Max Faulkner, whose name is inextricably linked with the famous links venue.

A notoriously flambuoyant figure, with a penchant for wearing salmon pink plus fours and dragging on a cigarette mid-round, Faulkner arrived at Portrush with just four previous major appearances to his name.

But having finished sixth in The Open in 1949, and fifth in 1950, he was certainly one of the leading fancies, with his chance improved by his liking for the Dunluce Links, where he had twice finished runner up in the Irish Open.

The Sussex man opened with solid rounds of 71 and 70 to claim the halfway lead, and was four strokes clear of the field when he reached the 16th hole during the third round. After hooking his tee shot on that hole within a few inches of the out-of-bounds fence, Faulkner was faced with either chipping the ball sideways safely back onto the fairway, and probably accepting a bogey, or taking a swipe with a wood,

starting the ball out of bounds, and hoping to fade it back into play. Reaching for his three-wood, Faulkner lashed the ball over the fence and, as the gallery watched spellbound, it dutifully turned right, right and right again, as it crossed the fence and bounded up the fairway on to the green. It was a shot that only a character like Faulkner would have dared play, and it caused his playing partner, America’s Frank Stranahan, to call it the greatest shot he’d ever seen.

Round in 70, Faulkner started the final 18 holes with a six-stroke lead, and looked sure to win by a wide margin – but Argentina’s Antonio Cerda emerged from the pack to lay down the gauntlet, and approached Portrush’s last five holes needing one more birdie to tie. Thankfully for at Lytham the following year, from Faulkner, Cerda’s challenge faded about four feet, which I managed over that testing stretch, and the to miss, and my immediate 34 year old from Bexhill was able thought was: ‘That’s it, I’ll never to coast home by two shots with win the Open again’.” a closing 74.

He never did, although he “It was all I ever wanted,” managed 16 other professional Faulkner said later. “The Open victories, including three Spanish meant everything to me. When I Opens, and won the Portuguese was handed the trophy, I looked at Open at the age of 52 – a prethe names on it – Walter Hagen, European Tour record that still Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, stands today. He also represented Sam Snead, Henry Cotton – and Britain and Ireland in five Ryder thought ‘Wow!’ In fact, it meant Cups, including the famous 1957 so much that one victory sapped victory at Lindrick. my will. I remember I had a putt at A popular figure on the charity the second hole of the first round DOWNSHIRE golf circuit during and after his GOLF COMPLEX

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professional career, Faulkner possessed a wicked sense of humour. When presented with first prize at a small local tournament, he is reported to have said: “Ladies and Gentleman, big prize, big speech; small prize, small speech. I thank you,” and then walked off the stage.

Faulkner grew up in Bexhill in East Sussex and learnt to play golf on the course at nearby Selsey, which was owned by his father, who was also the club professional. Golf flowed through the family, as his son-in-law is former tour professional Brian

Barnes. The pair later went on to create West Chiltington Golf Club in West Sussex, which was designed by Barnes. Well into his 80s, Faulkner was able knock it around the nine-hole course in even par.

He died in 2005, aged 88, having been awarded the OBE just five years earlier in recognition of his services to golf.

It was the very least he deserved for a lifetime spent entertaining golf fans and encouraging future generations to take up the game for which he had such an enduring passion.

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NOVEMBER 2015 [27]

Brilliant Brown secures third Senior title

Lullingstone lures in winter golfers Lullingstone Park in Kent is looking forward to hosting plenty of golfers this winter, with the free-draining course set to provide quality playing conditions for members and visitors alike.

Offering two courses, the 18-hole championship Castle Course and the 9-hole Valley Course, Lullingstone is perfectly placed to offer a variety of challenges, whether golfers are looking for a quick nine or a full day’s golf. And with easy access from major routes such as the M25, M20 and A2, the centre is not only affordable, but extremely accessible.

Experienced Head PGA Professional Mark Watt said: “We have striven to match our local competitors this year, especially by offering full greens throughout the winter period. Our temporary greens are rarely used, unless essential course maintenance is required. Trolley bans are never imposed and our dedicated team of green staff is always striving to maintain and improve the Lullingstone experience.”

He added: “Looking ahead to the coming months, our position on the borders of the North Downs of Kent, as well as natural drainage means we will continue to offer good playing conditions over the winter period.”

Visitor green fee rates are just £21 during the week for adults (18-59), and £28 at weekends, while midweek twilight rounds are £16, rising to £19 at weekends.

Former West Sussex-based professional Simon Brown claimed the third title of his rookie season on the European Senior Tour when winning the French Riviera Masters at Terre Blanche Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort.

Brown, who is based in Germany, but served his apprenticeship at West Sussex Golf Club in Pulborough, has surprised himself, and his more established rivals on the over-50s circuit, with wins in Russian, Holland and now France.

Brown, who joined the senior tour in March, shot rounds of 66 and 68 to hold off a final day surge from his compatriot Barry Lane. The tournament was reduced to 36 holes after torrential rain caused the first round to be abandoned, but the sun shone on the final day, and Brown took advantage of the benign conditions with a flawless round of 68 for a ten-under-par aggregate total.

Lane set the clubhouse target courtesy of a superb 64, which included four birdies and an eagle on the back nine.

But Brown was not to be denied, adding a brace of birdies after the turn to the two he had carded on the front nine to prevail by two strokes from Lane and Paraguay’s Angel Franco, with Paul Broadhurst joint fourth with Surrey’s Gary Marks.

Brown said: “I couldn’t see any leaderboards until we came to the 11th hole, then I saw that Barry was right up there. I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s a very good player, so I just thought that if I could get to ten under I would have a chance, and here I am holding the trophy!

Simon Brown has had a stunning start to his senior career

“It’s my third victory since 2013, and I’m really pleased – it always feels great to win. I’m already looking forward to coming back and defending my title next year.”

Victory moved Brown up to 11th on the Senior Tour’s order of merit, which is comfortably being led by Colin Montgomerie, who is over €400,000 clear of secondplaced Peter Fowler following his success in this season’s senior majors. The final event of the season, the MCB Tour Championship, takes place at Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius from December 11-13.

CENTURION EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL LINKS While members at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire already have the exclusive use of their own 18-hole championship golf course, they are also able to take advantage of reciprocal playing privileges at a number of other high-end clubs around the world.

The management at the club, which is located between St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, has recently secured a partnership that allows its members to enjoy playing rights at Royal Westmoreland in Barbados and Finca Cortesin in Spain.

Royal Westmoreland is one of Barbados’s premier residential resorts, and features a Robert Trent Jonesdesigned championship course that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Finca Cortesin, located in Andalusia, features a Cabell Robinson-designed course, which is ranked the fourth best in Spain. First opened in 2007, it

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The Centurion Club itself is no stranger to hosting top players, with European Tour winner Oliver Fisher being the attached professional, while last month the club received a visit from former Ryder Cup player Peter Alliss, who was full of praise for the 7,195-yard course, which first opened for play in 2013. The veteran golf commentator said: “My first visit to the Centurion Club was a great success. Of all the new clubs I have seen and played over the past few years, this, in my opinion, could become something very special.”

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[28] NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Up for the Jug: Darren Clarke has been a fervent campaigner for The Open’s return to Royal Portrush

Stoke Park begins course renovations The par-three 7th on the Colt Course

Portrush to host Open in 2019 The Open is to return to Northern Ireland for the first time in nearly 70 years, after it was officially announced by the R&A that Royal Portrush will stage the 148th renewal of the championship in 2019.

The Open, which was played at Royal Portrush in 1951, when Sussex player Max Faulkner lifted the Claret Jug, is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland.

Peter Unsworth, chairman of The R&A’s Championship Committee, said: “We are very much looking forward to bringing The Open to Royal Portrush in 2019, and believe it will be a tremendous venue for the championship. We know there is great anticipation throughout Ireland at the prospect of welcoming the world’s top golfers and it promises to be a hugely memorable week. We are delighted with the progress being made on the course preparations, and they will undoubtedly enhance the challenge presented by these historic links.”

Darren Clarke, who has backed Portrush’s bid to host the Open from the outset, said: “This is going to be absolutely huge for Northern Ireland, and Ireland as a whole. To have the world’s biggest and best golf championship played at such a fantastic venue as Royal Portrush, with all the

Several holes on the Dunluce course are being rerouted to increase the challenge for the 2019 Open

passion that the Irish fans will bring to the event, is going to be amazing.”

Rory McIlroy said: “Royal Portrush is one of my favourite courses in the world. I think it will be a fantastic Open venue. I understand they are going to add a couple of new holes, which will make the course even stronger, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Course preparations, and the work to create the two new holes on the Dunluce Links, are already underway.

The new 7th and 8th holes will use land from the adjacent Valley Course to develop a new par five, playing down into the valley and encompassing that course’s 6th hole, and then a par four, playing back over its 5th hole, into duneland. The new holes will replace the current 17th and 18th holes on the

Dunluce Links, freeing up that land to be used to accommodate the spectator village and championship infrastructure.

As well as the creation of two new holes, a series of other changes are being made to the course to enhance the challenge that will face the world’s top golfers, while remaining true to the ethos of Harry Colt’s original design. The overall length of the course will increase by just under 200 yards to 7,337 yards, and the number of bunkers will be increased by three to 62, still leaving Royal Portrush with the fewest bunkers of any of the courses which host The Open.

The work on the Dunluce Links is due to be complete by the middle of 2016, with the two new holes being given time to grow-in ahead of the following season.

Williams reveals life with Tiger in new tellall autobiography Tiger Woods’s former caddy, Steve Williams, has broken his silence for the first time since the sex scandal involving his former employer broke in 2009, revealing his former boss treated him ‘like a slave’ at times during their 13-year period together.

In Out of the Rough, Williams reveals details of the events that led up Woods’s fall from grace after details of multiple affairs during his marriage to Elin Nordgren were revealed, as well as what it was like to work for Woods for more than a decade.

Williams, who denies knowing anything about Woods’s offcourse antics, says Woods cut off all communication with him for four months after news of the affairs were made public.

Williams also claims he and his family were harassed by media and members of the public because Woods refused to put out a statement clearing Williams of any involvement in the scandal.

Williams also describes his frustration with how Woods occasionally mistreated him on the course. ’One thing that p***ed me off was how he would toss a club in the general direction of the bag, expecting me to go over and pick it up,’

he wrote. ‘I felt uneasy about bending down to pick up his discarded club – it was like I was his slave.”

Williams caddied for Woods from 1999 until 2011, during which time Woods won 13 majors, before their split four years ago.

‘Out of the Rough’ is available to download from Amazon for £6.49.

Stoke Park Golf Club is to invest a seven-figure sum in a completing a major renovation programme of its 27-hole course, which was first built by Harry Colt in 1908.

The first phase of works, which begins at the Buckinghamshire club this month, will involve rebuilding every bunker on the Colt course – holes one to nine – with some minor design changes being made to their shape and size before the holes reopen in April.

The strategic positioning of the bunkers will remain, however, with just a few minor tweaks. And, while the nine holes are out of action, other work will take place to enhance one of the finest parkland golf experiences in the UK. Director of golf Stuart Collier explained: “We are very fortunate to have three nines of outstanding quality, which enables us to close one for a brief period while maintaining 18 championship holes for members and visitors.So, holes one to nine will remain closed during the works period this winter, while holes 10 to 27 – the Alison and the Lane Jackson – will ensure our members always have 18 holes on which to play.”

The course works are being carried out Leicesterbased John Greasley, under the supervision of Collier and estate director Alex Millar. Each of the nine-hole loops will be addressed in turn, with the Alison (holes 10-18) being renovated in winter 2016/17 and the Lane Jackson (holes 19-27) the following year.

Stoke Park chief executive Chester King added: “This significant investment is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining Stoke Park as the ultimate golf venue. We are hugely fortunate in having a beautiful and historic golf course, but like anything precious it occasionally needs some TLC, and that is what we are looking to provide here.

When it’s completed it will enhance the beauty and playability of what is already one of the best parkland courses in the country.”

R&A announces major changes to Rules of Golf An end to anchored putting and a change on the punishment for signing for the wrong scorecard are among a number of alterations made to the latest edition of the rules of golf, which will come in to operation from January.

The rules, reviewed every four years by the R&A)and the USGA, have also been altered to take into account the use of equipment to aid play as well as the guidelines on when a ball moves.

The biggest change had been originally announced back in 2013, with a two-stroke penalty handed to any player who anchors their club either directly or with an ‘anchor point’ against the body. Although anchoring, predominantly with a long putter, has helped a number of players to major victory in recent years, the technique will now be banned.

Other changes include an amateur golfer being allowed to donate any winnings in an event where prize money is offered to a recognised charity.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015 [29]

MEET THE PRO  JASON PARTRIDGE

JASON PARTRIDGE PROVIDES THE INSIDE TRACK ON LIFE AS HEAD PROFESSIONAL AT PILTDOWN GOLF CLUB IN EAST SUSSEX

When did you join Piltdown and how long have you been there?

At the end of 1987 – so 26 years.

How much time do you spend teaching?

Most of it. I still play a fair bit, so most of my lessons are concentrated on the days that I’m at the club.

Piltdown Golf Club

What is your day-to-day role?

Running a busy pro shop, as well as the day-to-day management of green fees and competitions.

Teaching members and academy group lessons.

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

Slicing, and coming over the top on the downswing.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Getting paid to do the sport I love.

And the worst?

The hours are long and the money is very seasonal.

What can you tell us about the facilities?

Piltdown is 110 years old and offers a 6,076-yard, par-69 course, half of which was designed by JH Taylor. A feature of the course is that there are no bunkers, but there are plenty of other hazards. We’ve recently rebuilt 14 of the greens and added new run-off areas and swales, which has toughened up the challenge significantly. We’ve also opened up a new six-bay covered

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

Developing a less time consuming way of playing – so more 9-hole competitions and making more use of the simulator will help.

driving range, and invested in an indoor simulator for teaching, as well as for playing simulator games on championship courses around the world. The club is definitely changing with the times.

What is the club doing to attract junior and female golfers?

We have over 100 junior members who receive free coaching as part of their membership. We offer group coaching for the lady golfers’ club who visit Piltdown on a regular basis.

How should clubs go about retaining existing members?

By listening to their views and by not spending so much time trying to attract new members at the expense of neglecting the ones you already have.

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

Waterproof golf bags have been very popular with the recent wet weather, while non-spiked golf shoes are all the rage.

What has been your career highlight as a player?

I’ve won the Sussex Order of Merit on a few occasions, but nothing compares to making final Qualifying for the Open Championship on seven occasions.

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

To be able to roll a ball out of a divot if it’s on the fairway.

What’s your best swing tip?

Use your legs.

Who is your golfing hero?

Lee Westwood – I just like the way he conducts himself on and off the golf course.

Who or what inspired you to take up golf?

Watching the Masters on the BBC when I was a kid.

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

Carnoustie in Scotland and The Links at Fancourt in South Africa.

Which three other people would be in your dream fourball?

Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood.

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

I’ve honestly no idea, but I probably wouldn’t like it as much as being a golfer.

To book a round at Piltdown visit piltdowngolfclub.co.uk or call 01825 722389.

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[30] NOVEMBER 2015

LIVING UP TO THE HYPE In an interview at the HSBC Golf Business Forum in Shanghai, world No.5 Rickie Fowler reveals how he manages his life as a global brand Interview by Andrew Cotter

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I

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t’s obviously an exciting time in world golf, with so many young players such as yourself, Jason [Day], Rory [McIlroy] and Jordan [Spieth] vying for majors and world rankings. How much are you looking forward to competing against these guys for top honours in the years ahead?

Yeah, it’s a great time in golf right now. There are a lot of good, young players playing well. The last three winners on the PGA Tour have all been young players – all in their 20s. And with the group of guys playing the best in the game right now – Rory, Jordan and Jason – the professional game looks to be in good shape. It’s going to be a lot of fun competing with these guys.

There is obviously far more to being a top player than simply hitting balls and playing in tournaments. What does your life involve away from the day-to-day routines of playing golf?

Obviously, when it comes to tournaments, I want to be prepared and ready to go play, but it’s also fun being able to do some of the other things that go along with professional golf, from being involved with the commercial activities of sponsors, and the photo shoots that may go along with it, to being involved in charity events and fundraisers.

So I’m travelling quite a lot, but it’s fun. It’s all part of it. It’s great to be able to give something back and help each other out. I played in Jordan’s charity event last week, and I was able to play in the Irish Open last year, which benefitted Rory’s foundation. So it’s fun to be able to work together and help grow the game.

When you were coming up through the amateur ranks, and moving into the professional game, did you have any idea how much you might be required to sell yourself and sell the game to the wider public?

As a little kid my dream was just to play on the PGA Tour. But, over time, I learned that there was a lot more that went along with it. It’s not just about playing golf. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with that, whether it is being seen as a role model, or being someone who has the chance to help grow the game in some way.

Social media has had a huge impact on professional golf, and you’re obviously a big player on social media. Is that something you enjoy, the interaction with fans?

Social media has opened up a whole new avenue for us to connect with fans, and for fans to be able to see what’s going on day-to-day inside and outsides the ropes, whether it’s in golf, or other sports or celebrities’ lives. I’m able to kind of regulate what I want to show or not show, so if it’s handled properly, social media can definitely do a lot for someone as an athlete or a celebrity. There’s a lot of good that can come from it, if you get it right.

You’re obviously hugely popular with a lot of younger golf fans. How important is it for you to give them your time, whether it be engaging on social media, signing caps at tournaments or high-fiving fans as you go along the course?

Yeah, little things can mean so much to fans. I remember being at sporting events growing up, whether it was golf or something else, and even just a little acknowledgment went a long way.

It’s really cool to be in a position now where I have a lot of young fans and get to sign autographs. Just to be able to do that, and have the chance of having an impact on someone’s life,

NOVEMBER 2015

[31]

Thirsty work: Rickie Fowler is one of few top American players who enjoy playing all over the world

Having the chance to have an impact on someone’s life, for what could take just a few seconds, is an important part of being a professional

for what could take just a few seconds, is a really important part of being a professional.

I never really thought about those kind of responsibilities when I dreamed of playing on the PGA Tour, but it’s something you learn about along the way. Playing on tour is a partnership. We take care of our stuff during tournaments, but work together with sponsors and partners for a lot of the rest of the time in order to give us the opportunity to be able to play.

Given the demands on your time, you must have to be quite ruthless in what you do and don’t decide to do. How do you balance out those demands?

My life is very structured at times. I mean, we’re still normal people. I like to have some fun and enjoy some free time when it’s right. But time management is very important when it comes to making sure that I’m ready to play come Thursday week-in and week-out, and that goes with the offweeks, as well. How you manage your time during the weeks when you’re not playing can have a huge impact on how you play when you are in a tournament week.

What’s the hardest aspect for you in your life as a tour player?

It’s got to be the travelling. Last month, for example, I was over in Korea for the Presidents Cup; then I went to Japan for two days to do some stuff for Puma and Cobra over there; then I flew to LA for two days, went to Las Vegas, played in a charity event; then flew to Dallas to go do Jordan’s event; and then went back to LA for a couple days; and then came out here to Shanghai. Luckily I enjoy travelling. I love seeing the world. I guess if I didn’t enjoy that, this would be pretty tough.

You seem to have embraced the idea of being a global player, perhaps more than many other PGA Tour players. Why is that?

Yeah, luckily I’m in a position where I get to go play the best tournaments around the world.

It’s been fun to be able to play tournaments in places where I’ve just thought about being able to visit.

Like most of us, you probably started out playing golf because it was fun. But now that it’s your job, is it still fun?

I really enjoy every aspect of it. When I go home, I still just go tee it up and play with friends. I just love to play golf. I love the game. When there’s more competition involved, the more fun it gets. And there’s ways of making it fun at home, playing for lunch or pride. I’ve loved the game since I first started playing. Golf is unique in that we get to play in pro-ams and play on the same courses with regular golfers. The scores may not be the same, but I’ll give you a four handicap, and we’ll have a match, and we’ll play a game together. That’s such a unique and fun part of our sport.

It goes without saying that you want to beat the likes of Rory, Jordan and Jason every time you tee it up, but are you friends with those guys?

Would you ever hang out with each other?

Yeah, we get to hang out quite a bit on the road or at home. Rory and I live by each other, so we’ll play and practise once in awhile when we’re at home at the same time. Like I mentioned, I went to play in Jordan’s event last month, and then I texted him before I went out there and said, ‘Hey, you want to play on Wednesday?’ So I stayed the next day, and we went and played golf with a couple of buddies. We enjoy being around each other, whether it’s playing golf or grabbing dinner at a tournament. I feel like we’re going to be able to do a lot of cool things together now.

There have always been golfers in the past who have naturally drifted towards the business side of things – Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer being prime examples. Can you see yourself sort of building your own brand or perhaps going into other avenues somewhere down the line?

Quite possibly, but right now I’m focused on continuing to play well, and hopefully that will open some doors along the way for me to be able to do different things in future. For now, I’ve just got to keep making birdies, and we’ll figure things out from there.

[32] NOVEMBER 2015 | EQUIPMENT NEWS

THE GEAR EFFECT

WINNERS’ BAGS ON TOUR

JUSTIN THOMAS CIMB Classic DRIVER: Titleist 915D4 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 915Fd (13.5) IRONS: Titleist 712U (2), Titleist MB 716 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM5 (46, 52, 56) Titleist Vokey TVD (60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Timeless GSS 350 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x VICTOR DUBUISSON Turkish Airlines Open DRIVER: Titleist 915D2 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 915F (16.5) HYBRID: Titleist 915H (21) IRONS: Titleist 712 U(3), Titleist AP2 714 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM5 (480, Titleist Vokey TVD (52, 58) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Notchback BALL: Titleist Pro V1x SMYLIE KAUFMAN Shriners Hospitals Open DRIVER: Cleveland Classic 290 (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 915Fd (15) HYBRID: Srixon Z H45 (19) IRONS: Srixon Z 745 (4-9) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (48, 52, 58, 62) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron T10 Select Newport 2 BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

JUSTIN ROSE UBS Hong Kong Open DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 460 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade AeroBurner TP (15), TaylorMade M1 (19) IRONS: TaylorMade PSi Tour (4-7) TaylorMade TP MB (8PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP EF (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Ghost Tour Black Monaco BALL: TaylorMade Tour Preferred X LYDIA KO Fubon Taiwan Championship DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 Double Black Diamond (9) FAIRWAY WOODS: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 (14) Callaway Big Bertha (18) HYBRIDS: Callaway X2 Hot Pro (20, 23, 25) IRONS: Callaway Apex Pro (6-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 Tour Grind (54, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Tank Cruiser 330 BALL: Callaway Speed Regime 3 EMILIANO GRILLO Frys.com Open DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway Big Bertha Pro (14), Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 (18) IRONS: Callaway Apex MB (3-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (52, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Metal-X Milled #1 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

G/Fore swings into apparel with TrendyGolf The brainchild of Beverley Hillsbased Italian fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, G/Fore first launched into the golf market in 2011 with a colourful range of premium leather golf gloves.

And following the launch of its range of equally eye-catching golf shoes, bags and accessories last year, the brand has now moved into the apparel market with a modern interpretation of classic styles in high performance fabrics.

The autumn/winter collection features premium cotton-pique knits and lightweight jumpers and cardigans in a choice of vibrant and traditional colours – including on-trend camouflage in two colourways.

Special features include allnatural yarns; moisture-wicking

FOOTJOY TURNS UP THE STYLE FOR 2016 and fast-drying properties engineered for breathability; built-in UV sun protection; and four-way stretch to allow essential freedom of movement. Polos start from £79, and jumpers from £129.

The complete G/Fore range is available to buy online exclusively at www.trendygolf.com.

Motocaddy launches £50 cash-back offer on lithium-powered trolleys Motocaddy has launched a cash-back offer on its range of lithiumpowered trolleys in a bid to get more golfers to switch to the longerlasting and more efficient power source.

Anyone opting to upgrade a Motocaddy trolley purchase to lithium – including the S7 Remote model – can claim £50 in cash directly from Motocaddy. The promotion runs through to December 24, 2015.

It coincides with more golfers choosing lithium batteries to power their electric trollies because they provide a more reliable, longerlasting and cost-effective power source.

Over 60 per cent of Motocaddy trolleys sold this year have been equipped with lithium batteries, a figure that has almost doubled from this time last year. With a lifespan five-times longer than its lead-acid equivalent, a lithium battery is lightweight and more compact, plus it comes with a five-year limited warranty.

For more details visit www. motocaddy.com/cashback.

Casey tees up new Nike Vapor Fly

Paul Casey was among a number of Nike staff players spotted using a new bright blue Nike Vapor Fly driver at the PGA Tour’s seasonending Tour Championship.

“It gives me higher launch, flatter ball flight, and I’m picking up distance,” said Casey, who finished 13th in the final FedEx Cup standings. “I tested it back in May at Nike’s R&D headquarters in Fort Worth, and I actually hadn’t seen it since. So when the box arrived in the Tour truck, I was keen to get after it.”

His Vapor Fly replaces the Vapor Speed and has the same 10.5-degrees loft and Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana White Board 73x shaft as before.

According to Casey, the change was pretty seamless: “I played it for nine holes during a practice round and played around with it on the range. The head design is very similar to the Vapor Speed, so the shaft just changed over from the previous driver.”

The Vapor Fly, which is also already in Rory McIlroy’s bag, shares many of the same technologies as previous Vapor drivers, including a compression channel, support beams, and an adjustable hosel. It will go on sale in the UK next February.

FootJoy is releasing new versions of its popular DryJoys and HyperFlex shoes, with design enhancements promising better comfort and stability.

The DNA (£160) will be offered with the MyJoys customisation option for the first time, in new colours and with the Boa lacing system.

The new DNA features a NitroThin 2.0 TPU outsole – designed to boost stability and flexibility by encasing the internal midsole. It also has new cleats, Tornado by Softspikes TourLock, which are designed to keep golfers low to the ground for added stability.

The DryJoys Casual (£135) has been restyled and comes in a new range of colours: again, the Boa system is offered, on the white/ black version. Other colours available are white/navy, black/white and white/red.

FJ has also upgraded the DryJoys Tour (£145), using the soft ChromoSkin leather previously only used on the DNA. There are

new patterns and colours to chose from, including black/black croc, white/white croc, white/brown gator and white/navy gator.

The HyperFlex (£140) is also getting a colour upgrade, with navy/electrical blue, white/lime, black/red, white/metallic and silver/yellow added to the line-up.

FootJoy marketing executive Paul O’Hagan said: “With new upgrades to the increasingly-popular DryJoys range, golfers have the chance to combine ultimate style and unparalleled performance.

HyperFlex has also been a really big hit since its launch earlier this year and now we’ve added even more colour combinations to reflect the latest fashion and athletic trends expected for 2016.”

For details visit footjoy.co.uk.

Ping G30 gets tills ringing

Ping’s G30 range has been the top-selling driver, fairway wood, hybrid and iron in terms of both value and units since its introduction in August last year.

According to Golf Datatech, which tracks golf equipment sales data for the UK, G30 has topped four of the major hardware product categories over the past 12 months, with PING as a whole achieving the No.1 selling brand position in terms of value (24.1%) and volume (21.1%) across all clubs.

“The G30 family has now been in the marketplace for a full year and it continues to be the number one choice in golf shops,” said Ping’s chairman, John Solheim. “It’s a tribute to our engineering team, and to the hundreds of club fitters around the country who take the time to properly fit their customers. Their ability to match the head technology with the proper shaft is allowing golfers of all skill levels to see significant distance and accuracy gains, and find more fairways and greens than ever.”

EQUIPMENT NEWS | NOVEMBER 2015 [33]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

HYBRID PUTTER PROVES HEAVEN SENT A putter invented by a PGA Professional with a knack for designing clubs that make the game easier for club golfers is creating a storm of interest before it has even gone into full-scale production

Stuart Smith, a PGA Professional from East Anglia, has designed a putter based on his best-selling Heavenly Hybrid range of clubs.

And such has been the positive effect of the prototype the club used by clients in his coaching clinics, that Smith is already taking orders.

The putter, known as the HH1, features the head used in the Heavenly Hybrid range and has a loft of three degrees. As a result, it is significantly lighter than conventional putters and boasts a much larger sweet spot.

Explaining how he came up with the idea, Smith said: “I looked at putters on the market and felt they were all very heavy.

What’s more, I wasn’t sure how forgiving they were. Using a hybrid head, as opposed to one made from a solid chunk of metal, means the HH1 is much lighter than most putters. The ball comes off the head a lot faster than it does with a traditional putter, so a shorter, more controlled stroke is needed to get the ball up to the hole. And because it’s got the hybrid head, the sweet spot is huge. It’s probably one of the most forgiving putters out there – which is great for people who don’t always find the middle of the clubface.”

He adds: “The feel you get from the putter is excellent, and the feedback from people who have used it in lessons has been superb. I’ve had more than 50 pre-orders already. People like its lightness, which means they’ve got much more control over

the clubhead than they would have with a conventional putter.”

The HH1 putter is set to be the latest success story in a stable of products invented by Smith, including the PuttEasy training aid and the range of Heavenly Hybrids, which are designed to replace complete sets of irons.

The latter are proving particularly popular with more senior golfers, as Smith explained: “Older golfers have more time on their hands to play the game, and many have the cash to be able to afford it. Unfortunately, their age means they cannot hit the ball as far as they used to, and they have trouble getting it airborne.

“Hybrid clubs enable them to overcome these problems, are easier to use, and help them get more enjoyment from the game. Hybrid clubs have made all my customers enjoy the game more – which is how things should be. Golf should be fun, not a trial. I’m sure the putter will do exactly the same thing, although I’m confident it will be used by all standards and ages of golfer, rather than just older ones.”

The HH1 putter will be available with a white head/ black shaft or black head/ white shaft with a RRP of £79.

For orders call 07766 733560 or visit www.heavenlyhybrid.com.

Steve Smith with his latest creation, the HH1 putter

It’s one of the most forgiving putters on the market, which is great for people who don’t always find the middle of the clubface

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[34] NOVEMBER 2015

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BERND OFFERINGS GolfNews catches up with Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, who will become his country’s first ever Ryder Cup player should he make Darren Clarke’s team next year. And following another consistent season, which yielded his third European Tour win, the 29 year old from Vienna is in with more than a fighting chance

H

ow did it feel to eclipse Markus Brier to become your country’s most successful ever golfer following your win at the French Open in June?

Markus was the first Austrian on tour when I was growing up as a young amateur and he was someone I really looked up to. He was not only very supportive of me personally, but lots of the other young players. He has definitely helped all of us Austrian golfers believe that we can achieve great things in the game. I’ve been good friends with Markus for a long time, and I knew he was

watching when I won in Paris.

It was his 47th birthday on the same day that I won, but I’m not sure it was much of a present, especially now that I’ve beaten his record of tour wins!

You’ve been the model of consistency in the last couple of seasons, without getting the wins you perhaps deserve. Why is that?

Yes, I had lots of top 20s last year, lots of finishes 10th and 15th, and just wasn’t quite able to get myself up there in the hunt. This year, I’ve managed to convert a lot of those into top 10s, and of course, I got myself over the line at the French Open, so I’m

definitely moving in the right direction. The more I put myself into positions to win, hopefully more comfortable I’ll be with it.

You came very close to winning in Qatar and Malaysia earlier in the season, and the again at the Irish Open. How disappointed were you not to get the job done at those events, and what made the difference in France?

I really don’t think of those results as disappointments. Finishing second or third is a great week, actually. The way I tried to look at it was that I for most of those two or three weeks I played great golf. I had the opportunity to win, but couldn’t quite take it. You learn from it. It is just part of accepting the nature of game. You can’t control how other people play, and sometimes someone plays better than you.

However, I knew my day would come.

You seem to thrive on tough courses, why is that?

I like courses where you get challenged a bit more, and you’re not shooting about 20 under par to win, which was the case obviously in Ireland and in France. I also played really well at the US Open, but just had three shocking holes – which was really easy to do at Chambers Bay – and that totally killed my score. But apart from that, I was quite happy with the way I played there and was pretty pleased with my form.

You got your first proper taste of global attention after you played in the final round of last year’s US PGA Championship with Rory McIlroy. What did you learn from that experience?

That it is a situation

that I’d like to be in more often.

Shooting 74 wasn’t quite the Sunday I would have hoped for, but it was a great experience, and it showed me that I can be up there with the best if my game is in good shape. I took a lot of positives out of it. Playing in the final group in a major, and being in contention to win, was a great experience, and hopefully I can get myself there again in the near future. I’m disappointed that I’ve not played well in the Majors. I’ve played well in the other bigger events in Europe, and won a couple, but the Majors are at a completely different level. But, you know, many things are still the same. You’re still out there with your caddie trying to do the best you can.

Your ranked inside the top 10 in Europe and 25th in the world, are you now feeling at ease on the world stage?

I’m certainly a lot more relaxed when I play in the big events, as I feel I’ve earned my place in the top flight with my results, and have no reason to be stressed.

Having won again, and secured a two-year exemption, I feel like I can go out there and play with a bit more freedom, and that is the best way for me to play.

The stats show you’re averaging almost 300 yards off the tee this season. What is the key to your power?

I think I’ve actually scaled back a little bit with my distances this season. I’ve always been in the top 20 or so for driving, but I’ve realised it’s not always about the big hit, but more about finding fairways, especially on tighter tracks. So I’m focusing a little more on accuracy rather than distance. But to answer your question, I’m quite tall, and I have got a lot of weight to put behind the ball. I’ve got great equipment that I can trust, as well, and that combination, mixed in with a little bit of talent, seem to get the ball out there.

Austria better known for producing world-class skiers than it is golfers, so who got you into golf?

My father owns a big sports shop back in Austria, which was near to which a golf course that opened up when I was about eight or nine years old. I started going to the driving range there soon after, and really enjoyed

it. I started practising seriously from the age of 13 or 14, and quickly moved from club teams to national junior squads.

Austria is bidding to host the 2022 Ryder Cup, alongside Germany, Italy and Spain. What are the strengths of the Austrian bid, and what would it mean to you to be in that team in six years’ time, or perhaps even next year at Hazeltine?

The Ryder Cup is the greatest golf event in the world, and anyone I’ve spoken to who has played in it says that there is nothing else to compare with it.

Its pure goose bumps. It would be incredible to have the Ryder Cup in Austria, and it would be even more incredible to be a part of it. The Austrian bid has many strengths; in fact, I believe there are many elements that are the strongest of the four nations.

Certainly, Fontana [Austria’s bid venue] already has the experience of hosting Tour events, and its stadium-style design is perfect for offering great views for lots of fans, as well as creating exciting match play golf. It’s a quality course and there’s always a great atmosphere there. Its location, close to Vienna, and the centre of Europe, is also a big plus.

Throw in wonderful Austrian hospitality and our renowned organisational skills, and you have a great combination for hosting the Ryder Cup! What are your favourite Ryder Cup memories?

The first one I remember watching was at Valderamma in 1997. As for favourite memories, I’d have had to say Jamie Donaldson’s wedge at Gleneagles last year; GMac’s putt at Celtic Manor in 2010, and Tiger Woods’ putt into the water at Valderrama.

What is the set up in Austria for bringing on the next generation of wannabe Wiesbergers?

With around 150 clubs and fewer than 100,000 members, the pool of talent from which to find elite players is small, but the Austrian Federation has done a great job in building up a strong base of good, young players, and now they’re able to pick the best fruits from the tree. A lot of the amateurs we have are now showing some great potential, so it’s an exciting time for Austrian golf.

TOUR NEWS | NOVEMBER 2015 [35]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Dubuisson doubles up in Turkey

Gleneagles to host 2019 Solheim Cup Scotland has been chosen to host the Solheim Cup in 2019, when Gleneagles will become the third venue in the home of golf to stage the biennial event.

In what was a straight fight against Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Sweden, the host venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup came out on top.

Scotland first staged the event in 1992 at Dalmahoy, before it returned eight years later at Loch Lomond. Both stagings resulted in European wins.

Ping chairman John Solheim, whose family set up the matches, said: “I am excited that the Solheim Cup will be returning to Scotland, home of Europe’s first win.

Gleneagles is certainly one of the great venues in golf and will provide a wonderful experience for all. I’m sure that the members of the 2019 Solheim Cup teams will be up to meeting the challenges of this exceptional golf course.”

The tournament will be hosted on the

Jack Nicklaus-deisgned PGA Centenary Course – the same course which saw Europe triumph in the 2014 Ryder Cup. Gary Silcock, Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, commented: “It’s a real coup for Gleneagles to have the opportunity to host another high-profile golfing event.

The Solheim Cup has an audience in the hundreds of millions, globally, and it will bring thousands of spectators to the area. After hosting a successful Ryder Cup last year, we are really focusing on bolstering Gleneagles’ reputation as a flagship European golfing venue. Our ambition is to build on the great tradition of golf at Gleneagles, which dates back to 1919, by developing events across the entire spectrum, including men’s, ladies’, junior and senior tournaments for both professionals and amateurs.”

Eight-times Solheim Cup player Catriona Matthew, who will be 50 in 2019, is hotly tipped as a likely European captain.

Poulter backs European Tour qualification rules lan Poulter’s last minute dash from his Florida home to compete in the USB Hong Kong Open was rendered unnecessary when he got into the WGC-HSSC Champions in Shanghai as the sixth reserve.

The 39 year old became ineligible for the WGC tournament after dropping out of the world’s top 50.

He elected to play in Hong Kong to ensure he would enter the minimum 13 events required to maintain his European Tour membership – and eligibility for the European Ryder Cup team. But Brandt Snedeker’s withdrawal from the event in China opened a slot for Poulter, which took him up to 14 events for the season.

Despite his inconvenient journey, Poulter believes the European Tour should not relax its membership requirements. “You can’t expect the European Tour to roll over and allow its players to disappear,” Poulter said. “The Ryder Cup is the one thing that has kept the European Tour together. I am not going to demand it changes any of its qualifying criteria, or slash the number of events to ten or nine events. Rules have to be in place to protect the tour.”

Rose hangs on in Hong Kong

Justin Rose won the Hong Kong Open by one shot after a final round battle with Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard on a dramatic closing day at Fanling Golf Club.

The pair had been neck-and-neck for two days, coming into the final round with a share of the lead. Rose edged in front with a birdie on the second, but Bjerregaard immediately hit back with birdies at the next two holes to move into a lead, which he held until three-putting the eighth.

The Dane was then left to rue a back nine of 37, which featured wild drives on the 11th, 13th and 14th – the latter leading to a double-bogey six when his recovery attempt from the trees hit more timber.

Rose birdied the 10th and the 13th and then holed from 12 feet on the 16th to claim a decisive two-shot lead with two holes to play. The 35 year old could afford to three-putt the 18th for only his third bogey of the week, mocking his timid par attempt by performing a chicken impression.

“I’m very happy to get the job done,“ said a relieved Rose.

“I had a chance to win in Napa last week and let it slip, so I wanted to hang onto this one.”

Victor Dubuisson won his second Turkish Airlines Open after finishing on 22 under par at the Maxx Royal Resort in Antalya.

The 25-year-old Ryder Cup player carded a closing 66 to finish one shot ahead of South Africa’s Jaco van Zyl, with Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat a further shot back.

Dubuisson and Van Zyl, the joint overnight leaders, were tied when they teed off on the 18th, after the Frenchman had recovered from a double bogey on the fifth, chipped in for an eagle on the 11th, and birdied the 15th and 17th. After Van Zyl parred the 18th, it left Dubuisson two shots to win the tournament ,and he was down for a birdie to spark emotional celebrations.

It was the second Turkish Open victory in three years for Dubuisson, after winning the event in 2013, although those two successes have been his only European Tour titles in that time.

Rory McIlroy began the final day one shot off the lead, after three consecutive 67s, but the world number three could only manage a final round 71, and finished tied sixth.

TREBLE TOP FOR SUPER SULLIVAN Andy Sullivan became the first man to win three European Tour events this season, after he claimed a stunning nine-shot victory at the Portugal Masters.

The 28-year-old Midlander came into the final round with a five-shot lead, and a six-under par 66 extended that to nine as he finished well clear of playing partner Chris Wood on 23 under at Oceånico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura, Following earlier wins in the South African Open and the Joburg Open, Sullivan has now moved into the top 45 in the world rankings and can look forward to teeing it up in all the majors and WGC next year should he stay inside the top 50 at the end of the season.

Paul Lawrie match play returns to schedule The Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play has been confirmed on next year’s European Tour schedule, at Murcar Links in Aberdeen this summer.

The five-day tournament was held at Murcar Links in Aberdeen and was won by Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat. It will remain a 64-man field with a straight knockout format, with the 2016 event being played from August 4-7.

“I’m delighted to see the event returning to Murcar Links next year,” said Paul Lawrie, who hosted the event. “I thought the course set up perfectly for match play, so it’s great to give the players another shot at it.”

NEWS IN BRIEF OPPORTUNITY KNOX FOR RUSSELL Russell Knox became the first Scotsman to win a World Golf Championship event after the 30-year-old from Inverness captured the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

A final round 68 saw the Florida-based Scot finish on 20 under par, two shots clear of America Kevin Kisner. The €1,264,450 first prize saw him jump from 85th to 31st in the world rankings.

SPIETH SET FOR EURO DEBUT Jordan Spieth will feature in a regular European Tour event for the first time when he appears in January’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The world No.1 will join Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson in the field at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 21-24.

LANGER PIPS MONTY TO MONEY LIST Bernhard Langer edged out Colin Montgomerie to the Champions Tour’s money list title after finishing above him at the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

The 58-year-old German lost a play-off for the tournament to Billy Andrade, but his $254,000 runners-up cheque saw him pip Montgomerie to the order of merit, after the Scot could only finish 17th.

LAURA LEADS EURO LADIES Laura Davies is the playing captain for the Ladies European Tour team for the upcoming Queens event that is taking place at Miyoshi Golf and Country Club in Japan in early December. Davies leads a nine-player side that includes four members of Europe’s Solheim Cup team for the inaugural competition, which also features teams from the Japanese, Korean and Australian professional tours.

DUNNE DEAL FOR Q SCHOOL Paul Dunne progressed to the final round of the European Tour’s qualifying school after edging through a six-way play-off in the second stage in Spain. The 22-year-old needed a birdie at Lumine’s final hole to move into a tie for 17th, before taking the final qualifying spot on offer by winning a play-off at the sixth extra hole.

[36] NOVEMBER 2015 | PROSHOP

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TITLEIST 816H HYBRIDS RRP: £209 CONTACT: TITLEIST.CO.UK Titleist says its new 816H hybrids are designed as ‘scoring clubs’ rather than ‘rescue clubs’. Available in two models, the H1 has a larger head profile, and a slightly increased face progression, which will appeal to higher handicappers who tend to sweep the ball at slower swing speeds; while the H2 has a more compact, pear-shaped profile, with less offset, and will suit those who like to hit more aggressively down on the ball.

Featuring a grey crown that is designed to offer a more seamless transition into irons, each model has an undercut sole channel located parallel to the leading edge, which flexes at impact to launch the ball with lower spin and higher speed.

Distance is also enhanced by an ultra thin steel face, which is consistent across the face, while the high MOI design – the H1 has a 7% higher MOI than the 915H – delivers even more forgiveness on miss-hits. The H2 has a slightly longer blade length than its 915H equivalent to offer better players slightly more forgiveness.

An adjustable hosel enables loft and lie to be altered independently in one-degree increments, with the range comprising 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27-degree lofts. A weight port with 6, 9, 11, 13 and 16g weight options provides further flexibility for custom fitting.

TRIED + TESTED

TAYLORMADE M1 DRIVER

Carbon-fibre crowns are not new in the world of drivers, as owners of Callaway’s C4 will testify, but the addition of three-way adjustability makes TaylorMade’s latest driver very much an industry first.

The M1 features technology found in many of TaylorMade’s recent launches, including sliding sole weights and centre of gravity adjustability, but it introduces a new lightweight carbon composite crown that changes the clubhead’s dynamics.

The M1’s head is not that much lighter than the R15’s, once all the various weights are totted up, however it’s the distribution of the weight that improves performance. The crown tips the scales at just 10g – roughly 12g less than the titanium crown used on the R15 – which enables weight to be shifted to the two sliding weight tracks in the sole – one that runs from heel to toe and the other from the front of the club to the back.

The 15g track that runs parallel to the face shifts the centre of gravity horizontally to promote a fade or draw, while the 10g track that runs from front to back alters trajectory. Moving the weight forward produces a lower launch angle with less spin, while the back weight position increases launch, spin and forgiveness. The driver also features a 12-way adjustable loft sleeve that enables standard lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12°) to be altered by up to two degrees in either direction.

Looks-wise, it’s undeniably classy, with a definite Formula 1 vibe about it, its contrasting black/white crown design helping to centre the ball on the face. The sound at impact is far less thuddy than the aforementioned C4, and more closely

GOLFBUDDY LR5 LASER RANGEFINDER RRP: £219.95 CONTACT: GPSGOLFBUDDY.EU Offering accurate yardages from a range of 880 yards, GolfBuddy’s new LR5 benefits from improved ergonomics over the previous LR4 model, making it even easier to use.

The ‘Mode’ and ‘Power’ buttons now sit alongside each other on the top of the unit, making it simpler to select the operational mode and press the laser, while a non-slip grip has been introduced on the side to give added traction and stability in the hand in wind and rain.

A new battery power indicator shows up in the display, while the battery compartment has been relocated to the rear of the unit. A new grey and blue casing, with metallic detailing and edging to the lens casings, eyepiece and all buttons, completes the new look.

The LR5 has three visual modes – ‘Scan’ provides a continuous 10-second display of all objects located; ‘Pin’ homes in on the flag and factors out background objects; while ‘Standard’ provides a single distance to any chosen target.

RRP : £429 CONTACT: TAYLORMADEGOLF. EU

matching the ‘ting’ you get from a traditional alltitanium head. Distance-wise, it’s not appreciably longer than anything else I’ve hit this year, but it required less effort to get the ball out there, which points to a club that does more of the work for you, rather than requiring a full-out smash. It was also extremely consistent, even on slight miss-hits, with a tight dispersion in terms of distance and accuracy, while slight adjustments to either weight rail brought about noticeable changes to ball slight and direction.

Already in the hands of a large percentage of TaylorMade’s tour staff, the M1 could well be on many club golfers’ Christmas lists.

CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA ALPHA 816 FAIRWAY WOODS RRP: £249 CONTACT: CALLAWAYGOLF.COM While adjustable drivers are ten a penny these days, the same can’t be said for fairway woods, many of which are very much set in their ways. That criticism can’t be levelled at these woods, which feature an eight-way adjustable hosel and two adjustable sole weights.

By switching the 3g and 16g weights, golfers choose between a lower spin flight (weight forward) or more forgiveness with a higher launch (weight back). This versatility means the fairway wood can be both a long option off the tee, or a more playable club for approach shots, all depending on how you want to use it.

The heads, which feature Callaway’s Forged Hyper Speed Face, are slightly bigger than the previous generation 815s – up by 25cc in the 3-wood – which makes them slightly more forgiving, without sacrificing feel or workability. Loft options are 14, 16 and 18 degrees.

PROSHOP | NOVEMBER 2015 [37]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PRO SHOP

POWERBUG WATERPROOF CART BAG

LYNX BLACK CAT IRONS RRP: £429/£329 CONTACT: LYNXGOLF.CO.UK

RRP: £179 CONTACT: POWERBUG.CO.UK

With a heritage that stretches back to the 1970s, when the Black Cat irons were played by a number of leading tour pros, Lynx Golf is now in the hands of a family-owned Surrey-based company, which is determined to get its products into the hands of regular golfers.

With affordable pricing, and a range of well-designed clubs to suit a wide spectrum of skill levels, Lynx has benefitted from a good deal of celebrity support, with the likes of Austin Healey, Will Greenwood, and most recently, European Tour player Nick Dougherty, being ambassadors for the popular British brand.

The new Black Cat irons, which are one of the highlights of an all-new line up of clubs for Lynx in 2016, are packed with game-improving technology, including maraging steel faces, variable face thickness, and an Efficient Energy Transfer system, alongside Lynx’s tried and tested twin-slot technology, first seen in its premium Boom Boom irons.

They are available with blue or red inlays and are fitted with True Temper 85g steel or Lynx graphite shafts in regular or stiff, with matching dual colour grips. An optional 4-iron and a gap wedge are also available.

Robust, yet lightweight, Powerbug’s new cart bag is designed to withstand the rigours of winter weather. Made from a waterproof fabric, it also features seven waterproof pockets, and a waterproof rainhood. Features include 14 full-length club dividers; velour-lined valuables pocket; insulated drinks pocket; glove holder; and universal trolley lock-in base to stop the bag twisting. It is available in black or black/white.

ECCO CAGE RRP: £170 CONTACT: ECCO.COM/GOLF

FOOTJOY DRYJOYS SELECT RAINJACKET RRP: £295 CONTACT: FOOTJOY.CO.UK FootJoy’s new DryJoys Select rain suit is constructed from a lightweight material that boasts a moisture permeability rating of 25,000g/sqm, which allows golfers to remain cool while still being protected from heavy rain. Its three-layerconstruction incorporates a number of weather-beating features, including bonded seams, waterproof zippers and FootJoy’s Xtreme DWR finish. The collar has been reshaped and heightened to ensure it does not interfere with the swing, while also preventing rain from entering the garment. The suit – matching trousers cost an additional £200 – comes in black, in sizes S-XXL.

MIZUNO JPX EZ FORGED IRONS RRP: £100/£115 PER CLUB (ST/GR) CONTACT: GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Combining the qualities of a distance iron with that of more controllable, softerfeeling forged iron, the new JPX EZ Forged irons feature heads that are infused with boron, which facilitate a wider pocket cavity from 4- to 7-iron, creating a larger rebound area for increased ball speed and stability on miss-hits.

Extreme perimeter weighting and a softly beveled leading edge provide more forgiveness than previously found in a forged iron. From 8-PW, the heads offer a more compact, solid one-piece design, while the anti-glare black nickel finish will wear and soften over time.

Ecco has almost single-handedly pioneered the growth of the spikeless shoe over the last five years, but its latest launch bucks that trend by offering cleats on the sole as well as an eyecatching new outsole design.

The Cage gets its name from an external frame that wraps itself around the heel, through the midsole, and across the toe box. The structure is made from hardwearing thermoplastic polyurethane, which is flexible enough to allow the natural movement of the foot, while providing a stable and balanced platform from which to swing with confidence.

While the heel area offers a more secure fit, the toe area is roomier, letting the toes move and perform their natural function of offering balance and stability, while also increasing comfort.

The full-grain leather uppers are made from lightweight Caldera cowhide, which is more durable than standard leather, while Ecco’s water-repelling Hydromax treatment ensures longerlasting performance in all weathers. Waterproof properties are further enhanced by Ecco’s unique direct injection manufacturing process, which bonds the upper and outsole unit together without the need for stitches or glue, resulting in a 100% watertight seal.

The sole features eight Champ Slim-Lok cleats – three in the heel and five in the forefoot – while flex channels in key parts of the sole allow the foot to flex.

Available early in 2016, it comes in a choice of black, white, grey/white, white/red, white/black, and white/royal blue.

[38] NOVEMBER 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

DI’S GOT TALENT

S

ince disappearing off our Sky Sports’ golf screens, you seem to have popped up all over the place. How much are you enjoying your new portfolio career?

It’s been a bit of a juggle, especially with a young son, and another baby on the way in December, but it’s been great fun.

Nick helps me out with everything.

He’s a great dad, hands on, and absolutely supportive of the work I do. He sees how much I enjoy it, and now he does some live TV himself, he loves it.

You look like you really enjoy presenting Game Changers on Sky. How much fun is it to help get kids involved in sport?

Game Changers has been brilliant and we’ve had a great response, too. We’re now starting our third series, which is amazing. From the kids coming into the studio to tweets I get from parents and schools, everyone seems to be enjoying it. I also love the features when we go out to schools or into the community to show how people are getting involved in sport, and the interaction we get from our audience through the Saturday Shout Outs and the Super Skills, which break skills down into easyto-learn chunks.

What’s it been like working with Darren Campbell?

It’s fantastic working with Darren.

For someone with no previous presenting experience when he first started, he’s doing a fabulous job.

His charisma, charm and wit really come across on screen and he’s a quick learner, too.

Which jobs have you enjoyed the most?

They are all enjoyable in their own way. Nick and I are ambassadors for Lynx Golf, along with Laura Davies and Lydia Hall, so it is great to be a part of their team. Lynx was the official club sponsor of the Women’s British Open this year, and it was great to be up at Turnberry representing the brand.

I also work for the R&A on their Open Championship feed, which is ten hours’ live streaming on their website, and I also thoroughly enjoyed working at the last two Ryder Cups in Europe, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies.

Other jobs include working on the Golf Channel’s coverage of the BMW PGA Championship, and hosting the Celebrity Cup at Celtic Manor, which is always great fun. I also hosted England Golf’s annual conference this year at Moor Park.

It was really inspiring to see all the counties get together and talk about the game and the different initiatives within golf clubs to try to get more members. And the recent newcomer to my list is after-dinner speaking – so life is never dull!

Word has it that you started out wanting to be an actress.

I used go to auditions and get down to the last two, but never got through the door. I found it incredibly hard to take. It’s fascinating, though, because I can use many tools I learnt at drama school in the TV environment.

The roles were for series and films. It’s a tough career going from one audition to another, and I applaud all my friends from drama school who are still acting.

Since giving up her job on Sky Sports’ Golf Night, Di Dougherty has branched out into numerous media roles, including hosting kids TV sports show Game Changers and being a brand ambassador for Lynx Golf. She also finds time for the occasional round of golf, while bringing up a young family with Tour pro husband Nick Dougherty

What is your earliest memory of playing golf?

It was in north Wales at Rhos-onSea Golf Club. My parents have a house that backs onto the 16th fairway there, and I can remember running out as a six-year-old with a hickory-shafted seven-iron and playing the par-three 15th hole over and over again with Tom Greenwood – brother of rugby legend Will. Occasionally, Tom and I would be a little naughty and play the 16th (a par-four) as well.

Unfortunately, that seven-iron went missing when my mum moved house and I’m still trying to find it.

What is your handicap, and how often do you play?

I’m currently off 11. I got down to six when I was 17 years old, and I represented Cheshire Ladies. So I need to do some practice and get down to single figures again. At the moment I play two or three times a week in the summer. I admit I’m a bit of a fair-weather golfer, so in the winter I only play once every two weeks on average. I’m a member at Stockport Golf Club, which is my home course in the north-west. I’ve

been a member there since I was six. My family live just around the corner, and my two sisters and my brother all play there.

What is your biggest golfing achievement?

I had a hole-in-one on the second at Rhos-on-Sea. It was 151 yards and I was 14 years of age; I hit a four-iron and just holed it. I’m also proud to have represented Cheshire Ladies for a few matches, and it’s great to be on the honours board at Wentworth. Two years ago I won the annual ladies’ stableford competition there and that was a big thrill for me.

Which players do you most admire?

I grew up watching Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo on TV. My mum was pretty obsessed with Faldo, so I became a huge fan of his. I met him for the first time about seven years ago, and I literally couldn’t speak because he was my idol growing up. It’s also hard not to admire Rory McIlroy. I admire his talent, demeanour, his honesty, and the way he is helping others through

the Rory Foundation. I hosted a Q&A with him at a children’s support centre in Royal County Down in May, and I have to say I left with a tear in my eye, uplifted by the evening’s events.

What is the best thing about playing golf?

It’s an uplifting sport, it gets you out amongst nature, and it’s definitely good for clearing the brain. I love the social aspect of golf and meeting so many people from different walks of life. I think it’s a wonderful sport for girls and women to be involved in, because there usually aren’t that many of us involved in pro-ams or corporate golf days, so there’s an opportunity to beat the men!

It’s also a great way to stay fit, as you’re walking between four and five miles each round – depending on how straight you’re hitting it.

I also love the travel involved, and playing wonderful courses all over the world. I had the privilege of going to Pebble Beach for the last US Open there, so I’d love to go back and play there and Spyglass Hill too. But my favourite venue is the Old Course at St Andrews – Nick and I got married up there, so it brings back good memories. I’ve played it a handful of times and my best score was 11 over.

And finally, who would make up your dream fourball?

It would be Lydia Ko, the Tiger Woods of 2000, and finally I’m going to throw my husband in there, because he always makes me laugh!

Di chats with Tony Jacklin on Lynx Golf’s stand at the Women’s British Open

Di Dougherty hosts Game Changers every Friday on Sky Sports 1 at 5pm and on Sky One on Saturday morning at 8am.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NOVEMBER 2015 [39]

LYLE & SCOTT CAIRD SKI HAT £29 Stay warm and bang on trend with this reversible ski hat that features a tricolour tape with matching yellow tipping on the side. Embossed with the brand’s golden eagle logo, this beautiful beanie will turn heads both on and off the course.

HUGO BOSS BOXER £35 DUNHILL LINKS LUXURY COOLMAX INTARSIA POLO £169 The newly-launched Dunhill Links range draws inspiration from the unrivalled heritage of the British luxury brand, with a modern twist to reflect current trends. Using the most luxurious materials available, combined with advanced fabric innovations, this polo is packed with technology to perform to perfection on the links.

J LINDEBERG HUXLEY JACKET £135 Aimed at the athletic golfer who demands every possible advantage, the Huxley jacket features all of Lindeberg’s trademark innovations in material, design and technology, and goes beyond expectations in every condition the course can throw at you.

RALPH LAUREN MERINO LINKS HALFZIP KNIT £145 Made from luxurious Merino wool and featuring an innovative windproof polyester panel, this luxurious jumper has a modern look and feel that delivers a smart and effortlessly stylish piece.

These aren’t just ordinary pants, these are smart, stylish Hugo Boss pants – or boxers, if you prefer. Either way, they make for the perfect stocking filler.

Fashioned from the softest, stretch cotton, the set of two features a festive tartan pair and a plain blue pair and incorporates a Boss-branded elastic waistband to provide a snug fit.

HAVE YOURSELF A VERY

ARMANI EA7 BELT £45 Buckle up in style this Crimbo with Armani’s ID reversible belt.

Pulled together with a standout zinc buckle, and finished in a jetblack matt paint, this on-trend piece will complete your Armani look with finesse.

CHRISTMAS Whether you are giving or receiving, TRENDYGOLF.com has Xmas covered J LINDEBERG SLATER 40 2.0 HERRINGBONE BELT £69 With a structured Herringbone pattern, and featuring a brushed silver-framed buckle with copper bridge, this striking belt is sure to be an eye catcher both on and off the golf course.

WOLSEY CORE TWILL CHINO £65 A contemporary take on the classic chino, cut in a slim silhouette, these trousers feature a zip fly and button fastening, with two side pockets and a straight-cut back pocket. High-performance tailored sportswear at its best.

ROYAL ALBARTROSS CLUB BROGUE £220

RLX RALPH LAUREN BRUSHBACK TECH JERSEY SWEATER £99 A perfect mid-layer piece to wear on those crisp winter days, this technical knit offers breathability and complete freedom of movement, and features long sleeves, a zip-up chest pocket and the iconic RLX logo.

J LINDEBERG COIN WALLET £45 Ideal for slipping inside the golf bag or pocket, this luxurious full-grain leather wallet has plenty of convenient storage compartment options for coins, keys and cards.

Cashback!

PUMA GOLF BLOCKED POLO £39 Puma’s blocked polo is ideal for any golfer that heats up on the course. Crafted from a stretch dry-cell fabric that helps wick sweat away from the body, the polo features a cleansport NXT natural anti-odour finish to keep you smelling fresh and feeling comfortable throughout the round.

The British-designed Club Brogue is hand crafted in Italy to create a trainer-style golf shoe that combines the best full-grain Italian calf leather with waterproof treatments.

In collaboration with Vibram, these stylish shoes feature a golf-specific insole design, and also include a ventilated forefoot, gel heel and removable arch support.

All these items and many more are available to order by visiting www.trendygolf.com

[40] NOVEMBER 2015 | BREAKS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Take a fresh look at The Belfry If it’s been a while since you visited The Belfry, the West Midlands home to four past Ryder Cups, then it’s time you went back to see what a £26 million refurbishment project looks like.

The refurbishment took 12 months to complete, and no area of the resort left has been untouched. The changes are apparent from the moment you walk into the main reception, where a unique golf club chandelier, featuring a mix of irons, wedges and putters, adorns the striking new entrance.

All 324 rooms have been refurbished and guests can enjoy the new Brabazon Bar – located in the heart of the hotel, the former courtyard garden – and The Ryder Grill restaurant. Sam’s Clubhouse offers a more casual dining experience.

Golfers are also benefitting from smarter, more spacious locker rooms and many will no doubt be fascinated by the Ryder Cup collection and heritage selection, featuring all kinds of artefacts and memorabilia from the biennial matches.

The pro shop has also had a complete makeover, with a new bag drop area, complete with a meet and greet service on arrival, a new indoor putting green, five hardware sections for Titleist, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade-adidas and Ping, and a dedicated ladies section. For those looking for the full custom-fitting experience, The Belfry’s PGA National Golf Academy is equipped with four state-of-the-art custom-fitting suites.

No visit to The Belfry could be complete without a trip to the resort’s legendary nightclub, Bel-Air Club & Lounge, which has also received a major facelift, and offers comfortable surroundings to round off any visit to this muchchanged venue.

A wide range of winter golf break options is currently available, depending on the length of stay and preferred golf course. For example, starting from just £99, golfers can enjoy one night’s bed & breakfast and two rounds of golf - one each on the PGA National Course and The Derby. While for those who want to push the boat out, the best option is ‘The Ultimate Belfry Golf Experience’, which for £235pp, includes a twonight stay, full English breakfast each morning, and 18 holes on all three courses, including the Brabazon, use of leisure facilities, and entry to Bel Air. For details of the latest breaks, call 0844 980 0600 or visit www. thebelfry.co.uk.

Kent’s coastal tracks are calling

It’s about this time of year, when many inland courses are suffering the effects of too much rain The Lodge at Prince’s Golf Club and not enough sunshine, that a trip to the seaside to play a free-draining links course becomes very appealing.

And where better to go in search of great links golf than Kent, the ‘Garden of England’.

Last year saw Visit Kent launch a new website www.golfinkent.co.uk – to showcase the county as one of England’s top golfing destinations, with its outstanding golf courses, a wide range of accommodation, and a rich variety of off-course attractions.

Kent possesses a long tradition and history of golf that dates back to over a century ago and boasts over 100 courses, including three Open Championship venues. Its courses are all conveniently located within easy reach of London and the south east.

Testament to the quality of its courses, Kent has hosted 17 Opens over the years, the first of which – St George’s in 1894 – marked the first time the prestigious major had been held outside Scotland. Since then The Open has returned to Royal St George’s 13 times, while Royal Cinque Ports staged the global event in 1909 and 1920, and nearby Prince’s hosted it in 1932.

Littlestone and North Foreland have also played their part in Kent’s rich golf history as venues for numerous Open Qualifying tournaments and various notable amateur championships.

Golfers visiting the Kent coast can take advantage of a number of special two-night, three-round itineraries that take in a mixture of these courses while staying in local hotels. You can play Littlestone, Prince’s and North Foreland and stay at The Royal Hotel in Deal for £322pp (£340 at weekends), or Royal Cinque Ports, Royal St George’s and Prince’s for £507 (£540 w/e). Staying The Bell Hotel in Sandwich, golfers can play Cinque Ports, Prince’s and Littlestone for £412 (£430 w/e), or if you stay at The Lodge at Prince’s can pay £299pp (£325 w/e) to play Prince’s, North Foreland and Littlestone.

For more information on golf break itineraries all over Kent, email info@ golfinkent.co.uk, call 01637 879991 or visit www.golfinkent.co.uk.

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Pampering golf breaks on offer at Dartmouth Golfers who enjoy a bit of post-match pampering should check into the Best Western Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa in Devon, which boasts a new £850,000 spa facility where a number of relaxing treatments are available for weary limbs.

Following a major renovation, the spa boasts an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and fully-equipped gym. The spa also includes three treatment rooms, a dual treatment room for couples, manicure and pedicure areas and relaxation room.

Among the new treatments on offer is the unique Rasul experience - renowned for its detoxifying properties – that involves specially formulated muds, infused steams and a dedicated Rasul bathing chamber.

Away from the spa, the 18-hole Championship Course is designed to challenge the most proficient golfer, with strategic positioning of tees, meandering streams, 12 water features, and undulating greens. An additional nine-hole layout, the Dartmouth course, is built to the same high standards as its sister course.

Measuring 2,252 yards, with a par of 33, it is guaranteed to test players while they enjoy a more relaxed round.

Weekday golf breaks during December and January, including two nights’ accommodation, three rounds of golf, a three-course evening meal and breakfast the following morning, cost from just £99pp, while the same package at the weekend costs £115.

Situated in 225 acres of south Devon countryside, just outside the beautiful town of Dartmouth, the three-star resort offers a variety of accommodation split between luxury self-catering cottages and a 35-bedroom hotel, which also offers an excellent restaurant, the Bar & Bistro. For bookings, call 01803 712686 or visit www. dgcc.co.uk.

The spa has benefitted from an £850,000 investment

Dartmouth offers 27 holes

Hunt out Celtic Manor’s Hunter Lodges Groups of gollfers looking to make a stay at Celtic Manor even more memorable should consider booking one of the luxury lodges that overlook the Twenty Ten Course at the popular Welsh resort.

The luxury lodges provide the best of both worlds – a private home-from-home in the peace and tranquility of the South Wales countryside, yet with Celtic Manor’s five-star amenities on their doorstep.

The Hunter Lodges enjoy views of the Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course and the Usk Valley beyond. Sleeping up to 10 people, the large Scandinavian-style log lodges all have four double or twin bedrooms, spacious dining and living areas, and fitted kitchens.

The lodges overlook the 2010 Course

[41]

Chart Hills

Leaderboard launches winter break packages Leaderboard Golf has launched a range of winter golf breaks across its four venues – Chart Hills, The Oxfordshire, Dale Hill and Sandford Springs.

Available for bookings made for between November 28 and March 28, 2016, golfers take advantage of a great value stayand-play packages, including one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast at Dale Hill Golf Club & Hotel in East Sussex, with one round on the Ian Woosnam-designed championship course and a second round on the Nick Faldodesigned championship course at nearby Chart Hills in Kent. This price for this package is £119 per person.

Alternatively, golfers can enjoy two rounds at The Oxfordshire, with dinner, overnight accommodation and breakfast at the club’s on-site hotel for just £99pp.

For the complete list of packages, or to make a booking, call 0844 4823125.

TheManor House

&

Ashbury Hotels

FREE GOLF At The UK’s Largest Golf Resort Set in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park, Devon, the Ashbury Hotel is the ideal venue for your golf break.

At least 27 holes of FREE golf with each night of stay!

Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

They also boast outdoor hot tubs and indoor saunas.

Hosting three-, four- or seven-night stays for guests, the lodges are primarily aimed at the family and leisure market, which is filling Celtic Manor’s 400-bedroom hotel on weekends and during school holidays.

The lodges are also designed to appeal to golf groups playing Celtic Manor’s three championship courses, friends on spa breaks, and corporate incentive trips.

Prices start from £48 per person, per night. For more information visit www.celtic-manor. com or call 01633 410262.

Pines 17th 442 yards, Par 4

Our Courses - ALL ON ONE SITE! Kigbeare Par 72 6528 Pines Par 72 6400 Beeches Par 69 5803 Oakwood Par 68 5502 Ashbury 9 + Pines Front 9 Par 69 5775 Ashbury 9 + Pines Back 9 Par 71 6111 Willows Par 54 1939

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[42] NOVEMBER 2015 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Sporting feast on the menu at La Manga this Christmas Families keen to keep active over the Christmas holidays can head to the five-star La Manga Club and indulge in a feast of sporting action at Spain’s flagship resort – with a seven-night stay for a family of four available from around £670.

Europe’s premier sports and leisure resort boasts a wealth of sporting facilities, including three 18-hole courses and a 28-court tennis centre, and is offering accommodation in a twobedroom apartment in Las Lomas Village from £95 per night.

Golfers of all abilities can work on their swings with a range of different tuition schools at the resort’s Leadbetter Golf Academy, with packages including a fourday total golf experience, which offers 12 hours’ expert tuition and analysis on all parts of the game.

Three- and five-round packages can be booked on any of the resort’s courses from €170 per person, and there’s plenty to keep the younger members of the family entertained as well. Special teaching packages for children start from €99 for a four-hour under-nine academy, with further

six-hour teaching options for youngsters in the under-15 and under-17 age groups.

In addition, youngsters aged five to 12 can enjoy free access to the resort’s Junior Club and its special Christmas programme, with activities including crazy golf, table tennis, Nintendo Wii and air hockey competitions.

Fun for all the family is on offer on Christmas day, with a festive buffet lunch at the resort’s Amapola restaurant featuring children’s entertainment and a visit from Santa. Tickets cost €90

for adults and €45 for youngsters aged 12 and under, including selected wines and soft drinks.

And families of four seeking a touch of luxury for their stays can book a seven-night bedand-breakfast stay in La Manga’s five-star Hotel Principe Felipe for €1,588 All prices include complimentary use of fitness centre, indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms, with free meals for kids under five for guests staying in the hotel.

For more details, visit www. lamangaclub.com.

Lam Manga has

Join John Daly for Gloria golf clinics Amateur golfers are being offered the chance to learn from one of the true legends of the game while sunning themselves on holiday, following the announcement that John Daly is taking up residence at a luxury golf resort in Turkey in the run up to Christmas.

The two-time major champion is staying at the Gloria Serenity Resort in Belek until December 2, during which time he will be running a series of coaching clinics at Gloria Golf Club for hotel guests. The 48-year-old star will also be hosting a series of dinners.

The clinics will be free of charge for guests staying at the Gloria resort, but must be pre-booked.

For more details visit www.gloria. com.tr.

Two beautiful games on offer at Lisbon derby

Ribagolfe

Sporting Lisbon against Benfica is one of the world’s oldest football rivalries, and golfers with a love of the beautiful game have the chance to experience all the raw passion of the Lisbon derby with a new three-night golf break offered by Orizonte – Lisbon Golf.

As part of Orizonte’s ‘Derby & Golf Weekend’, guests can enjoy three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in Lisbon’s three-star Sana Capitol Hotel, two rounds of golf around the Portuguese capital and a ticket to the Derby de Lisboa for only €365 per person.

The Sporting Lisbon versus Benfica rivalry dates back to 1907, and a host of international football stars will be on show when Portuguese league leaders Sporting host their legendary rivals on Sunday, March 6th.

As well as football, the must-have break for all golf and football fans features 18 holes of golf at two of the finest courses in Lisbon’s Costa Azul region, Quinta do Peru Golf and Country Club – host of several European Challenge Tour events – and Aroeira, recently voted as one of Europe’s Top 100 Courses.

An additional round of golf at Ribagolfe, a European Tour Qualifying School venue since 2009, can also be booked on the day of arrival or departure for an extra €50, while all transfers to and from the golf courses are also included.

Prices are based on two people sharing a twin room.

For more details, email info@ orizontegolf. com or call 00 351 212 134 The Lisbon derby is always fiercely contested 320.

Make a date with Daytona Pearl Valley

Chaka Travel serves up South African treat Chaka Travel has been sending golfers on luxury golf holidays to some of the world’s most exotic destinations for two decades.

Established in 1995, the Belfast-based company 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.

Chaka also organises a wide range of golf tournament holidays, with a range of mixed pairs and open tournaments hosted in a range of exotic destinations for those who like an element of competition while on their travels.

The UK’s leading tour operator in Mauritius, Chaka hosts a popular mixed pairs event at Belle Mare Plage every October, while South Africa is another popular destination with the company’s clientele, with its 500 golf courses, many of them in Cape Town and Western Cape, providing quantity and quality in equal measure. Chaka’s next tour to South Africa is being held from February 20-March 2, when South African professional Jacques Gous will be hosting a 10-night trip taking in courses such as Pearl Valley, Oubaai, Pezula, Pinnacle Point and George.

Prices start from £2,895pp, including return flights from London.

To start planning your next golf holiday, visit Oubaai is on the itinerary for Chaka Travel’s www.chakatravel.com or next guided holiday in South Africa call 028 9023 2112.

With great weather, great beaches and world-class golf courses, it’s not surprising that Daytona Beach is one of Florida’s fastest growing golf destinations.

The area is famous for its fairways designed by the legends of the sport, where golf lovers can discover over 20 outstanding courses to challenge every skill level.

Located on the east coast of the Orange State, an hour’s easy drive from Orlando and central Florida’s numerous attractions, Daytona makes for a great beach and golfing escape.

Daytona is home to the LPGA International, which runs events throughout the year, as well as offering two championship courses, the signature Rees Jones course, which offers 7,088 yards of linksstyle play, and the Arthur Hills designed course, which challenges golfers with generous water and sand hazards.

Other area courses also offer

pro-worthy play, such as Indigo Lakes, consistently ranked as one of Florida’s top 10 courses

by GolfWeek Magazine. Tee off surrounded by majestic live oaks and see a wealth of wildlife at the DeBary Golf & Country Club, or revel in the scenic fairways of the Pelican Bay Golf Club.

Destination Golf offers packages from the UK starting from £829 per person, which include return flights from Gatwick to Orlando with Virgin Atlantic, seven nights’ accommodation at the Daytona Beach Resort based on two sharing, plus seven days’ compact car rental. In addition, the golf package includes four rounds at four different courses for £150 per person. The package is valid between now and December 15, and between January 1 and February 15, 2016.

To book your Daytona Beach golf holiday, visit www. destinationgolf.co.uk or call 01737 771613.

LPGA International in Daytona

TRAVEL | NOVEMBER 2015 [43]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SarahStirk

H

aving spent much of this year hopping on and off planes, it’s been really nice to spend some time at home in recent weeks. However, with the weather at its November dreariest, the prospect of jetting off for some winter sunshine is getting more appealing by the minute.

One thing golfing visitors to Dubai can be assured of is never having their game called off for rain. In fact quite the opposite, as in July and August temperatures regularly push past 50 degrees – which is too hot even for mad dogs and Englishmen to venture out with a sand wedge. But it is around this time of year, when daytime temperatures dip into the low 30s, that the Middle East really comes into its own.

Due to its location at the point where east meets west, Dubai has carved itself out a unique place in the golfing map of the world. It’s home to a growing number of tour pros who find it convenient for hopping to America, China and Europe, as well as enjoying a superb winter climate for off-season practice. It is also home to three big tournaments - the Dubai Desert Classic, which has been a mainstay of the European Tour since it began 1989; the DP World Championship, which provides a glittering finale to the season, where the winner of the yearlong Race to Dubai pockets the best part of £1 million; while the Ladies European Tour’s final event, the Dubai Ladies Masters, also takes place here, with a quality field to rank alongside the majors.

While popular with Tour players, Dubai is also a five-star playground for golfers of all skill levels looking to challenge themselves on truly world-class courses designed by some of the game’s leading architects. Throw in a collection of stunning luxury hotels, a ladle full of Michelinstarred restaurants, and tax-free shopping malls, and you have the recipe for a memorable, if undeniably expensive, golf holiday. Here is my shortlist of

IF YOU’RE FEELING A LITTLE GLOOMY, THEN A GOLFING TRIP TO DUBAI, WHERE THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON A HATFUL OF CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES, WILL PUT SOME SPRING BACK IN YOUR STEP, SAYS SARAH STIRK

DESERT DELIGHTS

Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club

places to play on a week-long trip…

Emirates Golf Club The prestigious Majlis course is one of two courses at the Emirates designed by Karl Litten, and was the first 18-hole all-grass golf course to open in the Middle East. The Majlis is a magnificent 7,300-yard par 72, which plays host to some of the finest golfers in the world during the annual Dubai Desert Classic. Known as the ‘Desert Miracle,’ it offers immaculate landscaping and

large, slick greens. The Bedouin tent clubhouse is an impressive backdrop to indulge in a post round beverage. The challenging 18-hole Faldo Course, meanwhile, is floodlit for night play.

Dubaigolf.com, Green Fees: Majlis £185, Faldo £120 Jumeirah Golf Estates Jumeirah is home to two Greg Norman-designed courses, Fire and Earth, with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship held on the Earth, which features 102 bunkers and 20 lakes. The

18th hole, Earth Course, Jumeriah Golf Estates

Al Badia

final four holes measure over a mile long, while the 651-yard 18th, whose fairway is split by a rock-lined stream, always provides a stunning climax to the tournament. The course boasts wide fairways and many teeing options, but it’s a tough walk, with distinct variations in gradient and some tricky lies. My sand wedge was my weapon of choice last time I played, and I was very grateful for the stepladders to help me out of several of the bunkers! jumeirahgolfestates.com, Green Fees: Earth £120, Fire £100 Al Badia A regular tournament venue on the Middle East and North Africa Tour, Al Badia offers a par-72 course designed with an oasis theme by Robert Trent Jones II. Water is present on 12 holes, with a series of large, interconnected lakes, soft flowing streams, and peaceful waterfalls.

It offers a picturesque setting and a test that will suit holiday golfers better than some of the more grandiose venues. albadiagolfclub.ae, Green Fee £100 The Montgomerie Surrounded by some of Dubai’s most exclusive properties, The Montgomerie is a desert oasis featuring 14 lakes and 93 acres of landscaped gardens. Playing like a Scottish links, it’s a unique experience in this part of the world. The 13th green is the shape of the UAE and, at 58,000 square feet, is the largest single

green in the world. Aside from the course, the practice facilities are first class, with a hi-tech swing analysis studio, a nine-hole academy course, and a floodlit driving range – meaning it really does offer the full Monty. themontgomerie.com, Green Fees: £140 The Els Club The first course designed by Ernie Els in the Middle East combines what the Big Easy believes to be the best attributes of all the great tracks he has played around the world. The course is designed as a ‘desert links’, with rolling undulations and strong elevation changes creating a fascinating course both visually and strategically. Extensive use of dunes, sandy waste areas, and native grasses, complete with a classic style of bunkering, all add to the links effect. elsclubdubai.com, Green Fee £150 Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Situated in the heart of the city, the 6,857-yard Creek course has undergone a major redevelopment, with Thomas Bjorn redesigning the front nine to ramp up the challenge. The manicured fairways are lined with date and coconut palms, while attractive water hazards and shrubbery give it a distinctly tropical feel. The clubhouse – with its design mirroring the sails of a traditional Arab dhow – is one of most iconic images of Dubai. dubaigolf.com, Green Fee £120

[44] NOVEMBER 2015 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Bluffs’ top award elevates Vietnam’s golfing pedigree

Make your way to magical Mazagan

Located 90km south of Casablanca, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the Mazagan Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort features a 500-room hotel, 67 villas, six restaurants, spa, casino, nightclub, and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Opened in 2009, the resort was built by South African hotelier Sol Kerzner – who made his fortune at Sun City – at a cost of more than £250m. Styled on traditional Moroccan architecture, the hotel features dark woods, mosaics, ochre walls and green-tiled roofs.

Mainly frequented by golfobsessed French couples and other well-healed Europeans looking for a bit of luxury under sunny skies, new low-cost flights from Gatwick have recently opened this corner of the country to the UK market.

The golf course is the highlight of the leisure facilities on offer here, with Gary Player having carved out a superb 18-hole links course that runs alongside a 3km stretch of beach.

While only a handful of holes are hard by the sea, the 6,093-metre course follows the contours of the dunes and offers many natural

links features, albeit it with very non-Celtic vegetation, including the dreaded ‘witches fingers’, a stubby shrub that seems to live on a diet of golf balls.

The first five holes wend their way around the luxury villas built beside the hotel, but the fun really starts once you head down the sixth, with the crashing Atlantic waves directly ahead of you. The fairways are extremely generous, which helps given the omnipresent wind, although the challenge gets tougher as you get nearer the greens, with ragged-edged bunkers and heavilycontoured putting surfaces proving exceptionally testing.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from private villas overlooking the course, to one of 468 deluxe en-suite rooms and 17 suites in the main hotel. Sea views come at a premium, but are worth the extra cost.

Golfers and non-golfers alike will appreciate the spa, which offers 19 treatment rooms, including a romantic ‘his & her’ suite, with treatments having a mixture of traditional Moroccan and Western

influences. A hamman and a Technogym fitness centre are also free to use.

There are six dining options, including Olives, a high quality allyou-can-eat buffet-style restaurant for breakfast and lunch; Morjana, a Moroccan-themed eaterie specialising in tagines and meze; and Sel de Mer, a stylish seafood restaurant offering locally caught fish.

The hotel also boasts the largest casino in Morocco, with over 400 slot machines and 60 gaming tables. There is a selection of VIP rooms wherer high rollers to gamble in private. The adjacent Sanctuary nightclub can accommodate up to 1,000 people, and offers regular themed nights, live bands and guest DJs. An unlimited golf package this winter costs from £140 per room per night, based on two adults and two children sharing a double room, with breakfast. Return flights to Casablanca from London Gatwick on Air Arabia (www.airarabia.com) cost from £200pp, with a free transfer to the hotel included.

For bookings visit www. mazaganbeachresort.com.

Vietnam’s reputation as one of the world’s most exciting new destinations took a big leap forward this month, after the venue for next month’s Asian Tour-sanctioned Ho Tram Open, The Bluffs, was given the title of ‘The World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the prestigious World Golf Awards.

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, which also scooped ‘Best Golf Course in Vietnam’ and ‘Best Golf Hotel in Vietnam’, is part of trio of golf courses located on the coast between Danang and Lang Co, that has earned itself the title of ‘Golf Coast Vietnam’ that has seen the number of golf visitor numbers rise from virtually zero five years ago, to more than 250,000 rounds to date.

The Bluffs is the second Greg Norman design project in Vietnam, which opened in October last year. Located 80 miles south east of Ho Chi Minh City, the 7,000-yard course is routed around an exposed coastal plateau, with many of the fairways bordered by towering seaside dunes, while the greens feature some extraordinary contours that are fast becoming Norman’s trademark.

Green fees at the course are around £125, while guests can stay at the 541-room Grand Hotel, which forms part of Vietnam’s first integrated casino and golf resort, Grand Ho Tram Strip.

The resort is currently in the final stages of preparation to welcome some of the world’s best golfers, when the inaugural Ho Tram Open is hosted at the resort December 3rd-6th. For details on golf break packages, visit www.thebluffshotram.com.

The Bluffs Course at Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam was voted the new best new course in the world

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TRAVEL | NOVEMBER 2015 [45]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Me&MyTravels

FORMER SPURS AND ENGLAND WINGER DARREN ANDERTON HAS FALLEN IN LOVE WITH GOLF IN BERMUDA, AND IS A REGULAR VISITOR TO HOTSPOTS AROUND MIAMI BEACH

My first holiday was… to Devon.

When I was young our family used to rent a house down there.

We played a lot of football in the garden, and I can still clearly remember slicing a shot wide of the goal and smashing a kitchen window.

My most recent holiday was to… Bermuda. It was fantastic.

It’s a great holiday destination and the golf courses are superb.

Everything was spot on, and I’ll definitely be going there again.

My favourite golf course in the world is… Mid-Ocean Club in Bermuda. It’s simply sensational.

And that would probably be closely followed by Pebble Beach in California, which I absolutely love. I started my round with a seven, and then followed that up with an eagle.

It was an unforgettable round and a memorable, if somewhat expensive, experience.

My ideal travelling golf partners are… a few mates of mine from near where I live in Southampton.

We normally pop over to Spain for four or five days and always have a good time.

My best ever round was at…

Woodbury Park, near Exeter. It was during a pre-season tour with Spurs and I went round in two under par.

Delano South Beach Hotel, Miami

Washington Redskins stadium

My favourite golf resort is… probably somewhere in Spain.

I do like Spain. Or if you want somewhere a little more exotic, then I’d say Palm Springs.

travel is... airports. I absolutely hate them – they always make me grumpy.

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… the Delano South Beach Hotel in Miami. It’s got a fabulous beach. In fact, it’s got absolutely everything.

My favourite city in the world is… Miami. There are magnificent hotels, outstanding restaurants and brilliant beaches. It’s great for both boys’ trips and family holidays. I had an apartment there for four or five years and really love it.

My most memorable meal abroad was… a Thai meal at the TAO Hotel in Las Vegas.

Mid-Ocean Club, Bermuda

I’m planning a trip to…

Washington to watch the Redskins play the New York Giants. I enjoy NFL, and the match between these traditional rivals should be a cracker. I’m going with some mates who live in Washington and I suppose I’m a Redskins’ fan. One year I went to the

Super Bowl in Tampa, which was great fun.

No matter where I am… I always panic that I’ve lost my contact lenses.

I always travel with… my iPad. The thing I hate most about

travel

MAURITIUS

The worst holiday I’ve ever had was… a while back on a trip to America with my then girlfriend. We were on the flight home when she became ill and began coughing up blood. Obviously, it might have been something very serious, and so they turned the plane around and flew back to the airport we had taken off from. She was checked out thoroughly and, as it happened, it wasn’t anything very serious, but we had to stay another couple of days, and it wasn’t a lot of fun.

My top travel tip is… turn left when you get on the plane!

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[46] NOVEMBER 2015 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

RAISING THE BAR IN MARRAKECH Marrakech is spearheading Morocco’s bid to become a serious golf destination, with a dozen courses already surrounding the famous walled city. Clive Agran pays a visit to Assoufid, one of the latest and most impressive openings

W

hile the beaches along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast have always been a Mecca for holidaymakers, it is Marrakech that is currently blazing the trail for tourism in the country, with the walled ‘Red City’ proving a magnet for those looking to experience the heady mix of the bustling souks with the more refined pleasures associated with five-star resorts and boutique riads. Golf is an integral part of this equation, and by the end of this year there will be at least 14 courses open for play within Marrakech’s city limits.

Golf is not new to the city, with Royal Golf Marrakech, Palmeraie and Amelkis long being part of the leisure offering, but they have now been joined by a raft of new clubs, such as Samanah, Marrakech Golf City and Al Maaden, in the last few years, with big-name architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Kyle Phillips adding to their appeal. Last year saw the official opening of Assoufid, a desert-style course located a few miles south east of the city, that I had the pleasure of visiting on this trip.

Assoufid actually opened several years ago, but it is only in the last few months that the club’s supporting infrastructure – i.e. the clubhouse – was completed, while a new hotel and housing development are currently under way.

Refreshingly, the architect responsible for the 7,000-yard layout is not some famous name, but a little-known former European Tour professional making his design debut. Formerly the head pro at Royal St George’s, Niall Cameron undoubtedly has a talent and, as the current director of golf at Verdura in Sicily, clearly

understands what is required of a top-notch holiday course.

Thus Assoufid is endowed with wide, inviting fairways that encourage rather than intimidate, and allow players to enjoy themselves as they go in pursuit of birdies and pars. That’s not to say it’s a pushover, because it most certainly isn’t. And serious trouble does occasionally rear its ugly head, mostly in the form of a dry creek, known locally as a ‘shaaba’, which weaves through the back nine.

Trees, too, create problems, but the gently swaying palms are so appealing it’s hard not to like them, and the olive trees are not really big enough to be threatening. The cacti, on the other hand, are more of a menace, and writing from experience, should be avoided.

The layout begins gently, and only hits its stride at the fifth, a strong par four with a blind tee over a ridge. The front side returns to the clubhouse at the ninth, an excellent par three played from a slightly elevated tee. The design really hots up on the back nine, with the 10th marking the first encounter with the creek, which runs in front of the green. Hit your ball in here and your lie could be anything from a simple chip up to completely unplayable.

Assoufid was recently voted the best course in Morocco and it’s not hard to see why

The par-five 14th is arguably the signature hole. A clump of trees splits the landing zone, and the hole narrows progressively between the creek and the boundary fence as the green comes into view. The closing three holes are all strong, with the 16th being a shortish par four that requires a drive across the river bed and a pitch to a green set in an amphitheatre in the hillside, while the par-three 17th is also played across the shaaba.

The finishing hole is a testing dog-leg par four, where the angle of the drive determines how long your second shot is to the green. Hit it up the right side, flirting with the scrub, and you could be left with a very short iron; go straight, and you could be in one of three bunkers, Marrakech’s famous souk draws in tourists from all over the world

where par could be a stretch.

Along with numerous bunkers, intelligent use has been made of expansive waste areas that create difficulties without needlessly delaying play by obliging players to search for lost balls in unnecessarily deep rough. The main benefit of these waste areas is they don’t require watering and, by reducing the amount of grass that has to be cut, they enable green staff to concentrate on tees, fairways and greens – all of which are presented in immaculate condition.

Another standout feature at Assoufid is its elevation changes.

Marrakech is mostly as flat as a pancake, and most other courses in the area reflect this lack of elevation, however Cameron has worked plenty of height into his creation, whether it be off tees or into greens, which adds to the enjoyment.

Although Cameron deserves praise for the quality of the course, he can’t claim credit for the impressive Atlas Mountains, which provide a majestic backdrop on every hole. Even though a haze sometimes reduces visibility, their brooding snow-capped presence adds significantly to the considerable aesthetic appeal.

Green fees are around £60 –

again, not a silly price for holiday golf, although a buggy, at extra cost, is probably essential in the hotter months. Off the golf course, an impressive clubhouse, enormous terrace, and excellent practice facilities are already in place, while a five-star Rocco Forte hotel and a spa are part of the future masterplan.

After golf, the vibrant city of Marrakech awaits. Encircled by pink sandstone walls, it contains the largest Berber market in Morocco, with hundreds of shops and stalls selling pretty well everything imaginable, from leather goods to shoes and spices. Curiously, the one glaring omission was the absence of anyone selling golf gear. However, my experience passing through airport security suggests this might be about to change.

After my case had been X-rayed, my bag was opened by a young official who pointed to four sleeves of balls and shook his head. My smugness at not having lost a single ball around Assoufid soon gave way to righteous indignation, as the official proceeded to remove all four, indicating via gestures that they could be used as missiles and that he was therefore confiscating them. Instead of shouting, I did what they do in Morocco and bargained. He could keep one ball as a souvenir, I suggested. He took two boxes, before eventually settling for one. Absurdly, we shook hands on the deal.

If you follow my advice and visit Marrakech to play Assoufid, please look out for a sleeve of Titleist Pro V1s going cheap in the souk.

EasyJet flies daily to Marrakech from Luton, with return flights starting from £49 return.

For more details about Assoufid, visit www.assoufid.com.

OCEAN VIEW BI R DI E S AND B O G EYS G O BET T E R W IT H AN

There’s never been a better time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, fabulous restaurants and unmatched hospitality of one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Charleston offers a unique array of accommodations for all golfers. Find more information on the properties below, as well as specialty golf packages on EnjoyCharlestonGolf.com.

WILD DUNES RESORT Just minutes from downtown Charleston, a 1,600-acre oceanfront paradise offering world-class golf, top ranked tennis and recreation programs, restaurants and miles of pristine beach. Stay in your choice of the Boardwalk Inn, The Village, a condo or luxury home. wilddunes.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT CHARLESTON-MT.PLEASANT Island Elegance and Charleston charm with luxurious bedding, 32inch hi def TV’s with connectivity panels, complimentary Internet access and state of the art meeting facilities. Featuring a library and lobby bar with charming courtyard and fire pit. marriott.com/chscm

FRANCIS MARION HOTEL

KING CHARLES INN

Historic Charleston’s landmark hotel since 1924. Completely restored and elegantly appointed marble lobby, crown moldings and intricate wrought iron. Across from Marion Square. 233 guest rooms and suites offer spectacular views of Charleston’s harbor. On the National Register of Historic Places. francismarioncharleston.com

Located in the historic district, this boutique hotel features an outdoor pool, complimentary parking, lobby bar, and access to a world class fitness center ($5 fee). An extensive room remodeling and technology project was just completed. This property is recognized as an Expedia Insiders’ Select hotel. kingcharlesinn.com

Find Great Rates at EnjoyCharlestonGolf.com

THE NEW

IRON

LONGER AT ITS

COR.

INTRODUCING COR-Eye TECHNOLOGY TM

In the new PING GMax iron, we’ve created our longest iron ever through COR-Eye Technology, a revolutionary design that increases ball speed across the entire face. Consistent with PING’s commitment to engineer without sacrifice, the GMax iron provides everything you need to hit more greens and, just as importantly, hold more greens. Get fit today or visit ping.com. You’ll be better for it.

HIT THE GREEN. HOLD THE GREEN. The simultaneous activation of the sole, face and top rail creates a diving board-like effect that springs the ball off the face up to three miles per hour faster than previous PING models.

©2015 PING P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071

MAXIMUM DISTANCE MAXIMUM FORGIVENESS