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Issue 205 | NOVEMBER 2011

Inside: Casey marriage break-up Golfer wins £400k damages Win £500 worth of clothes José Maria Olazabal interview Christmas Gifts

Boost for club golfers as rule change ends prize limit cap for hole-in-ones

aceshigh See full story on pages 6 & 7

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November 2011 / Issue 205

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INSIDE: Casey marriage break-up Golfer wins £400k damages Win £500 worth of clothes José Maria Olazabal interview Christmas Gifts

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

at

Boost for club golfers as rule change ends prize limit cap for hole-in-ones

ACESHIGH See full story on pages 6 & 7

Photography Kevin Murray (kevinmurraygolfphotography.com) Action Images, James Cheadle Published by BlueGreen Media

Golfing Excellence East Sussex National & Singing Hills Winter Fourball Packages

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for every stroke The New PING Anser Series. Precision milled from 303 Stainless Steel. Six different hosel/face balance combinations. All designed to match your unique stroke.

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The Wallpaper Game While I am totally in favour of the European Tour’s new scheduling, which sees the money list operating on a calendar year, rather than beginning, somewhat confusingly, at the end of November, as it has in past years, am I the only one who thinks that the golf season is over-staying it’s welcome? I know it’s a global game, and the locations of tournaments allow for year-round play, but even the football season, which at times seems never-ending, has the common decency to give us all a break during most of July and August.

Golf, on the other hand, is a 365-24-7 activity these days, and allows no let up in the interminable staging of inconsequential tournaments, whose outcome means little to anyone but the winner. Perhaps it is the fate of such individualistic sports that ultimately nobody really cares who wins. Yes, it’s nice if we get an Open champion from these shores from time to time (thanks Darren, now get back to the bar), and that we win the Ryder Cup when it

comes around, but it is hard to develop a passion for a golfer in quite the same way as it is for those who follow team sports. It’s no wonder that tour players spend most of their time on Twitter discussing the fate of their football teams to the detriment of any other subject.

Perhaps it also explains why so many people insist on calling golf a ‘game’, rather than a sport, regardless of what level it’s played at. Its almost permanent presence on our screens has turned professional golf into little more than a sideshow triviality, where the endless pursuit of prize money has rendered it into an infinite roll of beige wallpaper on which to plaster sponsors’ names.

I know it’s asking the impossible to return to simpler times, when pros dashed back to the club shop to re-grip the captain’s niblick between major tournaments, but I often wish that it could be so. I believe everyone would be a lot happier, and a lot richer in so many more ways than money is able to provide.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

News in Brief Tree named in Boys’ squad Toby Tree, Max Orrin (North Foreland), Liam Sutton (Etchinghill) and Pavan Sago (Ealing) have all been named in the 21-strong England Boys’ training squad for the winter months and 2012. Tree, from Worthing, who was England U16 Champion in 2010, won the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters earlier this year. Orrin, a former U16 international, was capped at boys’ level earlier this year, and finished second in the Darwin Salver and third in the Fairhaven Trophy.

Brooking shoots and scores!

Former West Ham and England striker Sir Trevor Brooking proved that he can score as well as he can shoot, after teaming up with his wife, Lady Brooking, to win the Coronation Cup at Chelmsford Golf Club last month. The Brookings won the stableford foursomes event with 39 points on countback from Sue and Allan Watts.

Farleigh revamp mov

Surrey golf centre comes to market World of Golf New Malden, one of the UK’s busiest golf centres, has been put up for sale. Set in nine acres of prime land just off the A3 in south west London, the facilities at the centre include a two-tier, 60-bay floodlit driving range, which benefits from an automatic ball retrieval system.

With 26 heated bays World of Golf is expected to attract at ground level and plenty of interest from buyers eight bays dedicated to coaching and trialling new equipment, World of Golf attracts visitors all year round. The centre currently employs eight PGA qualified golf instructors.

One of the centre’s most popular attractions is its Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf course, which opened in 2008. The 18-hole course features nine animatronic dinosaurs, testing golfers’ skills while providing great family entertainment.

The centre is also home to one of the busiest pro shops in the UK, which is operated by American Golf on a long lease. The site is host to a Costa Coffee franchise.

Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure at Christie + Co, which is marketing the centre, said: “World of Golf New Malden is a very profitable and extremely popular leisure business, thanks not only to the sort of high quality facilities that experienced golfers demand, but also to the range of entertainments available to all the family. With its mix of income streams, including a sizeable rental income and high profile freehold location within the M25, we expect the business to attract significant interest from property investors, high net worth individuals and existing leisure operators.”

The second stage in Farleigh Golf Club’s plans to become a premier golfing resort in England has been completed, following the reopening of the Red Course at the 27-hole Surrey club.

The new owners have invested over £1 million into redeveloping all three 9-hole loops over the last 12 months.

The Red course, the second of the three courses to be revamped, was officially re-opened last

month. Earlier this year, the Green course re-opened, while the Blue course should re-open in a few months.

The club, which was bought by Foxhills Group last year, is also undergoing a £1.2 million redevelopment of its clubhouse, and is set to spend around £10 million over the next few years in a bid to attract more corporate and society businesss.

Foxhill’s managing director, Marc Hayton, said: “I see the club as being an important

part of the neighbourhood in which it sits, and becoming a place where people from all walks of life can come.

First and foremost we

Wentworth owner undergoes lif Richard Caring, the multi-millionaire owner of Wentworth Golf Club, has had his life saved by a doctor while on holiday in America.

The 60-year-old owner of the famous Surrey venue was on holiday in Los Angeles when he told a friend, who was a cardiologist, that he was suffering pain in his right shoulder following a recent operation carried out a hospital in London. He showed the scar to his friend, who quickly diagnosed an infection to the wound,

Close call: Richard Caring had a lucky escape following a bad reaction to a recent operation

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November 2011 / Issue 205

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oves forward

want this to be a club for local people. We don’t want to be seen as being stuck-up or intimidating.”

Hayton is also looking

to boost club membership as he moves towards his ambition, backed by the Surrey Golf Union, to get Farleigh designated as a course capable of holding major county events.

In addition, he aims to attract more businesses to use what he says will be topclass facilities for conferences, corporate events or simply as a meeting place for contacts.

In the long term, the owners want to provide a country club and spa on the site.

ife-saving operation and arranged for Caring to undergo emergency treatment. Caring endured two operations and spent six weeks on intravenous antibiotics before he was finally given the all clear.

Caring said: “I repeatedly asked the London surgeon about my wound, and he told me it wasn’t infected and would heal by itself. But I got sicker and sicker. I could have lost my arm or got septicaemia, which could have killed me.”

Caring says that he still has only 40 per cent use of his arm and fears he may have

to give up playing golf. He added that he is intending to sue the surgeon.

“I am consulting lawyers,” he said. “Any damages I win will go to the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association, because now I really understand how it feels to lose the use of a limb.”

Caring, who plays off a handicap of two, bought Wentworth in 2005 and, over the last three years, has spent several million pounds masterminding the renovation of the West Course with the help of Ernie Els.

Raitt fires closing salvo at Wildwood Andy Raitt signed off the 2011 PGA South Region season with a flourish to claim the Wildwood Invitational. The St George’s Hill professional fired a nine-under par 63 to add to earlier rounds of 68 and 67, to win the final Virgin Atlantic PGA South Region Order of Merit tournament

of 2011 by two shots.

Raitt’s win delivered a cheque for £2,500, and pushed Scott Stevens and Jamie Harris into second place, while Craig Cowper and Mark Hillson tied for third. With Wildwood and the weather offering ideal conditions for low scoring, there were plenty of 65s and

66s during the week, but Raitt’s stunning last round 63 saw him come back from six shots behind to return the Surrey man to winning ways.

“I’ve been plagued with back problems this season, but my form has been improving, and I felt there was a really good round or two in there somewhere,” said Raitt. “Although my opening drive didn’t exactly go to plan [it went out of bounds], my driving thereon in was pretty good and some good second shots set me up with enough eagle and birdie opportunities to catch the leaders and get in front.

“Wildwood was in the best condition we’ve yet seen it in, and the greens were good, holding well, and letting you fire at the flags. I feel I played well in all three rounds, but it’s terrific to win again at this level.”

Robbers feel the long arm of the law An armed robbery at Perival Park Golf Club in West London was thwarted last month by the instinctive actions of a 66-year-old woman who was about to have a golf lesson. Men with covered faces ran into the back of the clubhouse at the Greenford-based venue and threatened a security guard with a knife, before making off with a cash box containing £3,500.

The police soon arrived on the scene, and, during the attempted escape, one of the men knocked a member of the police firearms unit unconscious, before being detained. A second man was arrested nearby by police officers, while a third was grabbed by the brave golfer, who did not want to be named. The police paid tribute to the woman, all the cash was recovered, and three men have been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey in January.

News in Brief Dalgliesh bags win West Sussex’s Alasdair Dalgliesh captured his first win on the US college golf circuit after firing a final round 67 to win the 54hole River Oaks Intercollegiate tournament in Oklahoma by two shots. Dalgleish, who is a member at Haywards Heath Golf Club, is currently in his second year at Oklahoma Christian University.

Eddie’s Alps bid comes up short Eddie Pepperell failed in his bid to win a place on next year’s Alps Tour after enduring a frustrating time in final qualifying in Italy.

The 20-year-old from Abingdon shot rounds of 73, 74 and 74 to finish on seven-over-par over two courses in Tuscany to tie for 62nd, with only the top 35 gaining their cards for next season. Pepperell is taking part in Stage Two qualifying for the 2012 European Tour in Spain next month.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

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Hurrah for Hayling: The winning team with The Shire’s Captain Paul Wiltshire and Lady Captain Marie McCanna

A team from Hayling Golf Club in Hampshire were celebrating last month after winning the inaugural finals of The National Golf Club Challenge in support of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation.

Golfers from clubs across the UK supported the event, whose final was held at The Shire London, the only Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course in the UK. The Seve Ballesteros Foundation was set up in 2009, and since then has raised over £1.5 million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving brain cancer research.

Faced with a bracing north-westerly wind, conditions at The Shire were extremely testing for the finalists – just as Seve would have liked it – with the Hayling team coping with the weather best to emerge men’s champions by an impressive 30-point margin over nearest rivals Thornbury Golf Club from Bristol.

Hayling’s Phil Merron was singled out during the prize-giving ceremony for achieving the best individual score – 34 points – while the team members each won a four-night golf break to the luxurious La Manga Resort in Spain.

The full team was Keith Clinnick, Phil Merron, Peter Williams, Keith Bartlett, Ben Stevenson, Pete Murphy, Darren Walkley, Darren Edwards, Colin McNiece and Kevin Stokes. A special mention was also made for Chris Penrose, who qualified for the team, but was unable to take part in the final.

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Greg Brodie, Performance Coach at Pine Ridge, is organising the 2012 Surrey County Coaching Conference

Blue Mountain to host course for top Surrey coaches The 2012 Surrey County Coaching Conference is to be held at Blue Mountain Golf Centre in Berkshire on 16-17 January, 2012. The conference is being run in conjunction with the Surrey County Golf Partnership and is supported

by England Golf.

Rob Spurrier, Group Academy Manager at Crown Golf, which operates Blue Mountain, said: “Crown Golf is delighted to be hosting this important conference. There are some fantastic speakers and it will be a great event.

“There are still a few places

available, so any coaches interested in attending should contact Caroline Hardy at the Surrey Golf Partnership.”

The conference is being organised by PGA Professional Greg Brodie, Performance Coach at Pine Ridge Golf Club’s Crown Golf Academy. Eleven guest speakers, including EGU elite coach Hugh Marr, will present papers on a broad spectrum of subjects, covering player development from physical, psychological and biomechanical angles.

Club golfer ace payout Club golfers will soon be able to walk off the course with a new car, an expensive holiday, or even £1,000,000 thanks to the R&A’s new ruling on hole-in-one prizes.

Previously, prizes for holing a tee shot in amateur golf have been subject to the same restrictions as other competitions, but a rule change – which comes into effect on January 1, 2012 – acknowledges the special nature of a hole-in-one and, consequently, restrictions on prizes have been lifted.

So no longer is the chance of winning a brand new car the sole preserve of professionals in a Tour event.

An ordinary club or society day can now be enlivened with a ‘win a car’ hole-in-one competition or a £1million shoot-out.

Following the update to the Rules of Golf, golf clubs and sponsors are able to offer any prize they like for a hole-in-one. Previously, tournament hosts of amateur events could only offer prizes up to the value of £500, but this has now been altered in the face of commercial pressures.

Although many events flouted the rule, it meant that any amateur who accepted such a prize had to give up their amateur status (i.e. become a professional in name and play off scratch) for a period of time.

In one famous case, the Daily Mail’s golf correspondent, Derek Lawrenson, won a Lamborghini after aceing the 15th hole at Mill Ride while playing in the England World Cup squad golf day in 1998.

He readily accepted the £175,000 sports car on offer

The prize is right: New rules will allow club

Rule change op hole-in-one priz and promptly sold it, but it took him five years, and a lot of letter writing to the R&A, before he was able to regain his amateur status.

The restrictions on prizes for longest drive and nearestthe-pin competitions remain as they are – £250 – but the unlimited prize for aces is designed to better reflect the rarity of the feat, especially as most hole-in-ones are achieved when no prize is being offered.

WorldWide Hole ‘N One’s managing director, Brian Luckhurst, whose company insures event organisers against aces, believes the rule change will add a new dimension to golf days – and even ordinary club competitions. He said: “This amendment brings us in line with the USGA; American amateurs have been able to

Elevenses on Re

Carl Day, Robin Stanton-Gleaves, Chris Goodwin, Chris Adams, Sean Guirey, Adam Simon Blackburn, Mike Stratford, Mark Dodd, David Sheppard

November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 07

rs set for t bonanza!

b golfers to win cars without losing their amateur status

pens floodgates for bumper izes. Words by Nick Bayly enjoy these fantastic events at club, society and corporate days for some time. But previously, under R&A rules, winning anything over £500 meant you had to forego your amateur status to claim the prize.

“The R&A has realised that in order to add something extra to the sport and encourage more participation there needed to be some added gloss – a bit of razzamatazz if you like. The opportunity to win a car or even £1,000,000 with a single shot certainly does that.

“Event organisers insure against a golfer achieving the hole-in-one and the insurer takes the risk, while organisers and competitors simply enjoy the day and the extra frisson of excitement.

Now, boats, holidays and

even houses can be won by an amateur golfer for their shot of a lifetime, without the threat of relinquishing their amateur status hanging over them like the sword of Damocles.”

Norwegian Tour professional Suzann Pettersen, who is one of the R&A’s Working for Golf ambassadors, was delighted that the new rule closes the gap between the amateur and the professional game.

“I think this is a really good change,” she said.

“Anyone who makes a hole-in-one knows there is a degree of luck. Most professional tournaments offer hole-in-one prizes and it adds some real interest for players and fans. It is great to think that club golfers can now experience that same excitement.”

Ashdown hit by joyriding attacks Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in Sussex has been subjected to a spate of attacks by joyriders in recent weeks that have caused damage to some of the greens on the club’s highlyrated Old Course.

Vandals has driven onto the course on at least four separate occasions, with cars leaving tyre marks on the 9th, 13th and 17th greens, and due to the lack of autumn grass growth and recent rainfall, the damage proved difficult for the club’s greenkeepers to repair.

Club secretary David Holmes said: “It’s extremely frustrating. The staff work so hard to keep the course in a fantastic condition, and this is happening almost on a weekly basis. They are doing doughnuts, where the back end of the car is spun round and round in circles, on the greens. In the summer this causes a bit of damage, but it’s a lot worse this time of year, especially with the recent rain.

We can’t see any reason why someone would do this. It’s just mindless vandalism.”

He added: “There are various ditches that run across parts of the course, so anyone who is driving on the course at night is taking a huge risk. It’s difficult to put a price on it, but it will involve a number of our green staff working to repair it.”

Mr Holmes said that the offenders drove more than 500 yards across an area of heather that is not open to the public, in order to access one of the greens.

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emembrance Day

m Gander, Mark Saunders,

A group of golfers from East Sussex marked Remembrance Sunday by hosting a special golf day to commemorate the fallen in two world wars and more recent conflicts.

In a timely tribute, the team of 11 golfers teed off from the 11th tee at a misty Mid Sussex Golf Club in Ditchling at precisely 11 o’clock.

The winner of the Stapleford competition was former England cricketer Chris Adams, who chalked up an impressive 35 points, with Robin Stanton-Gleaves and Sean Guirey taking second and third place respectively. There were prizes for the top three scores, with additional prizes for two nearest-the-pin holes. The player with the lowest score on the day was awarded a bottle of wine which had been re-labelled as ‘Chateauneuf du Crap’.

The organiser, Mike Stratford, paid tribute to the golf club for allowing them to tee off from the 11th, and was pleased to announce that £200 was raised for the British Legion.

It is hoped that a similar event will take place on December 12, 2012, and any golf club in the Sussex area that would consider hosting this fund-raising event – teeing off from the 12th tee at 12 o’clock – should contact Mike Stratford via email at stratford.m@hotmail.co.uk.

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Free lessons at TopGolf TopGolf Chigwell has teamed up with Sportivate, a £32 million lottery programme that gives 1425 year olds access to courses in a range of sports. The lessons are available on Thursdays between 5-6pm until December 8. To book a lesson call 0208 5002644 or visit www.topgolf.com.

Boote signs for Stanford Surrey Boys’ player David Boote has been offered a golf scholarship at Stanford University in California, starting in September 2012. The 18-year-old, who is a member at Kingswood and Walton Heath, was also offered places at Virginia, Arizona State, Tennessee, Augusta State and Auburn universities, but made his decision to join Stanford which is listed at No.2 in the Times Higher Education World University rankings and has arguably the best golf course and practice facilities in the NCAA Division 1.

Blackheath forms new Baltic bond Royal Blackheath, the world’s oldest golf club, has formed a new competition in celebration of its newlycreated connection with a golf club in the Baltic state of Estonia.

The south Londonbased club, which was established more than 400 years ago, has forged a close partnership with the Estonian Golf & Country Club. To honour the new tie-up, officials have created The Schmidt Trophy – named after the founder and President of Estonian Golf & Country Club, Mait Schmidt – which is to be held every two years, with the home club alternating each time.

Royal Blackheath won the latest match when the club hosted the Estonian team earlier this month. This was the second time the match had been played, with the Estonians making the most of home advantage to win the inaugural contest. The partnership was formed when Royal Blackheath member Nic Brook travelled to the Estonian club, which is located just 20 minutes outside of Tallinn, to take part in a midnight golf event.

He loved the highly acclaimed Sea Course so much he vowed to return with a group from Blackheath, and extended an invitation to his hosts to join him for a game when in London.

Hanno and Mait Schmidt took up the offer of a game at Royal Blackheath, where the idea of a regular formal match soon came to fruition, marking a historic moment for Estonian golf, as it was the country’s first competitive international club match.

Casey reveals heartac following marriage br Former Ryder Cup star Paul Casey has revealed that the reason for his poor run of form this season has been as much to do with his offcourse relationships, as it has been with his extended foot injury.

The 33-year-old from Surrey, who lives in Arizona, has recently been granted a divorce from his wife of three years, Jocelyn, after he revealed that the pressures of life on tour meant that they had drifted apart.

Speaking to US website globalgolfpost.com, Casey explained: “Our life on tour was fun at the start, but little by little it took its toll. My career was costing Jocelyn her dreams.”

Before her marriage, the former Mrs Casey had been a successful competition event rider and was studying for a course on interior design. The couple separated in June by mutual agreement, but it has taken four months for the divorce to be finalised, and consequently made

Paul Casey with wife Jocelyn during happier times

public. “Our decision to part was a mutual one – very sad, but for the best,” said Casey, after enjoying one of his best results of the season in China. “She is now working as a therapeutic riding instructor and making a great success of

it. It’s something she always wanted to do.”

Despite winning the Volvo Golf Champions event in Bahrain in February, and a minor tournament in Korea last month, Casey’s on-course career has been in decline over the last 18

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County Card Visitors Welcome £35 per person Contact: markytee71@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 02392 464491 Website: www.haylinggolf.co.uk Hayling Golf Club, Links Lane, Hayling Island, Hants, PO11 OBX

Q G uot N e 6

News in Brief

November 2011 / Issue 205

November 2011 / Issue 205

che reak-up months, beginning with his failure to win a wild card place in Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup team last October – a decision that rankled with Casey, who had been part of winning teams in 2004 and 2006.

This season has seen Casey plummet so far down the US money list that he lost his PGA Tour card last month, although his current world ranking of 20 will ensure that he will be able to play in just about any tournament he chooses to next season.

Casey’s progress has been significantly hindered by a severe case of ‘turf toe’, an injury to the tendons in the big toe, which meant that placing any weight on his right foot caused immense pain. A course of stretching exercises and the ‘unlocking’ of a joint in his ankle that was preventing his foot from rolling over, has eased Casey’s pain slightly, although he says he won’t be back to anywhere near full fitness until the new year.

/ 09

Swans swoop in to give Bentley a polish Forty years after it was laid out by Alex Swan, the course at Bentley Golf Club in Essex is once again being worked on by the Swan family Howard and son William have recently submitted an audit of the course, which looks at the redevelopment of the par-three 17th hole and will help the club formulate a ten-year plan for the overall improvement of the course.

Building on his experience of designing and building courses with Henry Cotton, Alex Swan took on the challenging site at Bentley in the 1960s, which was situated just a few miles from his home in Brentwood.

Since its opening in 1972, the

An artist’s impression of how the new 17th hole at Bentley will look when it re-opens next Spring

course has stood the test of time well, and now thrives as a private members’ club in a tough market. However, advances in technique and technology now mean that the layout requires updating to remain a test for golfers of all ability.

The work to the 17th has already begun, and encompasses a raised green with new bunkering, drainage and irrigation.

Howard Swan will oversee the implementation of his design, supported by Bentley’s experienced course

manager, Mark Stopps.

John Greasley Ltd has been chosen to carry out the construction, with the new hole due to return to play in Spring 2012.

William Swan said: “My father and I are particularly happy to be revisiting my grandfather’s work at Bentley, and to continue the Swan family’s connection with the club and course. The quality of the original design has shown through over the four decades, with few alterations to the layout, and with the course ranking as one of the best in the country. We now have the chance to raise the bar to make it even better and to enhance the club’s vision for the next decade.”

Hever hosts Trailblazers Tour finale The season-ending Trailblazers’ Tour Championship saw the best players from the 2011 series of qualifiers come together for a thrilling climax to the season at Hever Castle Golf Club in Kent. The final was broken down into three age groups, with Aadam Syed winning the Boys 11-13 category, Zain Ahmed bagging the Boys 8-10 group, and Shergo Kurdi claiming the 5-7 year-olds section. The girls’ categories were won by Darcie Smith (11-13), Mollie Mumby (8-10) and Martha Mumby (5-7).

Ahmed, from West Ealing, also won the Order of Merit ranking with four wins from four events, while Jack Staines won the 11-13 year-old group with 28 points from the three events he took part in. Seven-year-old Shergo Kurdi from Chertsey topped the youngest age group after bagging a maximum 50 points – winning all five of the events he entered. He finished six points clear of Connor Westbrook, who managed to enter all six qualifiers held in 2011.

News in Brief Donald’s father dies Colin Donald, the father of world No.1 Luke Donald, died suddenly on November 8. No details as to the cause of the 61-year-old’s death have been issued by the family, although no-one else is understood to be helping police with enquiries.

Luke was at home in Chicago at the time of his father’s passing, waiting for the birth of his second daughter, Sophia, who was born on November 11.

Unions back EGU merger The English Golf Union is to merge with the English Women’s Golf Association to create a single governing body following an overwhelming vote by the county unions. The new organisation, England Golf, will take over the duties of the EGU and EWGA from 1 January, 2012. The new body is to be based at Woodhall Spa and the new organisation’s first president will be a woman.

IN 11 20 OUT ER B UE D EM C DE

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November 2011 / Issue 205

West Malling owner retires

The owner of West Malling Golf Club announced his retirement last month, after spending almost 30 years building up the club to the successful business that it is today. Mike Ellis, who bought West Malling in 1983, is handing the management reins of the popular Kent club over to the next generation of his family.

Over the last 28 years, Ellis has overseen the construction of the Hurricane course in1988 to complement the existing Spitfire course, while he also significantly raised the profile of the club after bringing a succession of big tournaments to the venue, including the Daily Mail Southern Professional in 1985, a Mastercard event, and in recent years, the PGA South Region’s Southern Professional Championships.

Recent years have seen a major refurbishment of the clubhouse, and the opening of a new £100,000 indoor academy, which boasts two state-of-theart golf simulators. Huge investments have also been made out on the golf courses, with over £600,000 spent on new machinery over the last 12 months.

/ 11

Golfer wins £400k damages for lost eye A golfer who lost an eye after he was hit by a wayward golf ball when he was playing a round of golf has won almost £400,000 damages.

Anthony Phee, 44, sued both the player who struck the shot, and the course where he was playing, and secured substantial damages against both parties. Mr Phee, who had only played golf four times previously, was walking between the sixth and the seventh holes at Niddry Castle Golf Club in West Lothian when he was hit by a shot struck by James Gordon from the 18th tee, and felt his left eye ‘explode’. He was later given a prosthetic eye.

Lawyers acting for both Mr Gordon and the club had claimed contributory negligence based on Mr Phee’s decision to look up on hearing a warning shout of ‘fore’, rather than immediately ducking out of the way, but the judge, Lord Brailsford, said he accepted evidence from Mr Phee that on hearing the call he had made a move to protect himself by putting his hands up to shield his head.

Lord Brailsford ruled that Mr Phee did not have time had to react before he was hit by the ball. Speaking at the hearing, Mr Phee, a railway engineer from Manchester, said: “I did hear a shout and I did duck, but I

Anthony Phee

had no idea where the ball was coming from.”

A payout of £397,000 was eventually agreed, but liability was disputed by both Mr Gordon and the golf club. However, in a landmark ruling at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Lord Brailsford decided that Mr Gordon, who plays off an 18 handicap, was 70 per cent responsible for the accident, with the club shouldering the blame for the remaining 30 per cent.

Golfers dash across hot coals for cash!

A group of brave golfers took part in a firewalking event at Stonelees Golf Centre in Kent last month to help raise funds for the local branch of the RSPCA. The evening event saw 33 hot-footed walkers cross the burning bed of coals, with some doing it several times. Thankfully, no-one was injured during the money-raising event, which raised over £5,000.

Stonelees spokeswoman Suzannah Chapman said: “We were approached by the local RSPCA after they struggled to find a venue with enough courage to hold such an event.

We said ‘yes’ straight away, and many club members and staff put their names down to do the walk. Many of the walkers said they couldn’t feel anything at all, while some felt the occasional ‘hot spot’ – but most importantly, everyone finished the evening uninjured. It was an exhilarating experience, and all for a great cause.”

Golfers hot-footed it over coals to raise funds for charity

In his summing up, Lord Brailsford said: “Mr Gordon took his tee shot at a time when commonsense should have told him that there was a risk that his shot might be a bad one, and might encroach on the area being crossed by Mr Phee. Mr Gordon should have appreciated that every golfer, no matter his or her degree of competence, will make bad shots.”

The judge added that the club had failed in its duty of care, because signs were not provided at the 18th tee or between the sixth green and seventh tee to warn golfers of potential hazards.

The case has highlighted the importance of golfers having specialist golf insurance that covers them for eventualities that occur on the course.

John Woosey, managing director of Golf Care, one of the UK’s leading golf insurers, said: “This sort of incident highlights just how dangerous a golf course can be, and a pay-out of £397,000 is a staggering amount. The vast majority of golfers aren’t properly covered, and whether you’re a single figure handicapper or a golfing novice, we all hit poor shots. Why take the risk, when for less than £30 a year the liable golfer in this case would have been fully covered? In many cases, golfers think their home insurance will cover them for damage or personal liability, but the truth is that an inexpensive specialist golf insurance policy is the best way to ensure that individual golfers are adequately covered.”

Aldridge comes good at Goodwood Henry Aldridge holed an eight-foot putt to beat Andy Raitt and claim his first win as a PGA Professional in the C+K Group Southern PGA Championship held at Goodwood.

With both men finishing on two-under, Aldridge and Raitt were the only players to break par in extremely testing conditions around the recently refurbished Downs Course.

Earning £2,000 and £1,500 respectively, they edged out PGA Surrey Open winner Nick Redfern into third place.

Standing on the 18th tee, Aldridge needed a par to take the title in normal time, but he failed to get up and down from the back of the green after a flyer from the rough, and set up the dramatic two-hole play-off.

Aldridge, who works at David Lloyd Golf in Hampton, was realistic about his chances: “At this point, I knew I was going to be up against Andy, and after his terrific win the previous week at Wildwood, I knew the odds weren’t exactly in my favour! We played the first and the 17th, the two long par threes, and after halving the first in pars, Andy found the rough off the tee and left me with an eight-footer to win, which I was so relieved to hole. Andy was really gracious towards me, especially when he learned it was my first win as a PGAqualified professional. It all goes to make 2011 a very special year for me, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do in 2012.”

News in Brief Clubs are all a-Twitter A list of golf clubs in the UK with active Twitter accounts has been set up in order to establish which venues are embracing social networking. As of October, a total of 278 venues have created accounts on the social networking microblogging site, although that figure represents over 1,000 golf courses, given that some accounts cover multiple courses owned by groups, such as Crown Golf and De Vere. The majority of venues are recorded as being ‘active’, with daily or weekly updates, although about 15 per cent have not been updated for several months.

Readers can follow Golf News’s Twitter feed on @golfnewsmag.

London Amateur Foursomes A two-man team from Dartford Golf Club won the London Amateur Foursomes after beating Kingswood in a one-sided final held at Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire. The losing semifinalists were Harpenden Common and Mitcham.

Cottesmore claim title Cottesmore Golf and Country Club won the Morrice Fours Matchplay after beating Willingdon in a closely-fought final held at Singing Hills Golf Club in Sussex. The winning team comprised captain Iona McKean, Linda Adamson, Irene Matheson, Brenda Williams, Annette Walsh and Ann Morgan.

Sudbury win Rowse Finale Sudbury beat Stanmore 7-5 in the final of the 2011 Rowse Trophy played at Grims Dyke Golf Club.

After the morning foursomes, Sudbury were leading by 3.5-0.5, and the margin proved to be too great for Stanmore to pull back despite a good fightback in the singles, which they won 4.5-3.5.

Cronin takes WaltoN WIN Steve Cronin from Burhill won the Surrey Amateur Masters after firing a brilliant 67 over the Old Course at Walton Heath Golf Club to beat clubmate James Wallis by two shots.

The gold medal for the Surrey Golf Union’s 2011 Order of Merit was won by Joe Favata with 157.

12 /

November 2011 / Issue 205

The Daily Mail Foursomes winning teams

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Foursomes joy for Essex ladies Two ladies from Three Rivers Golf Club in Essex were celebrating last month after winning the 2011 Daily Mail Foursomes finals at Marriott Dalmahoy. Angela Paton and Kay Dalton, who came through seven rounds of matchplay golf to reach the finals, combined to take the ladies’ title after beating the Drayton Park pairing of Lynn Gray and Julia Gaunt in a closely-fought final at the Scottish tour venue. Teams from Slinfold Park in West Sussex and Huddersfield GC were the losing semi-finalists.

The men’s final was won by Fulford Heath’s Matthew Burge and Craig Birch, who beat the Wentworth pairing of Alan Healy and Alex Paramor in another nail-biting encounter.

The Fulford Heath pair were two up at the 13th, but lost the 16th and 17th to put the match at all square going up to the last. Birch, who plays off 16, hit a wayward shot off the tee and ended up in a fairway bunker, and the pair had to splash out.

Birch’s next shot left them 100 yards in, and at this point the Wentworth pair were neck and neck. Three-handicapper Burge put them on the green three-and-a-half foot from the hole and, after the opposition missed their putt, Birch heroically knocked the ball in. The finals, which were cut short by bad weather, saw the top 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams play Dalmahoy’s East Course in an 18-hole Stableford event, with the two highestscoring teams taking part in a foursomes matchplay final.

The decision to move the London Golf Show from its old location at Docklands Excel Centre, to the new venue at the Earls Court Exhibition, looks to have paid off, with organisers declaring themselves delighted with the turnout to the interactive public golf show, which was held from November 11-13.

The show, for which this month’s renewal was its seventh incarnation, saw an unofficial figure of 14,000 golf fans from the South East descend on the popular West London venue to take part in numerous interactive experiences, enjoy coaching from top PGA professionals and check out the latest equipment launches, many of which they were able to try and buy on the day.

This year’s show was designed to provide a more hands-on experience for visitors, with an emphasis on expert tuition, custom fitting, club testing and simulators.

There were more than 50 PGA professionals on hand to give instruction and advice to the public, and they were supported by over 100 golf brands, including key players

Image by Peter Bennett

Earls Court move hit for London Go

such as TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno, Wilson and Yonex. The tills were also kept busy at the Internet Golf Store, the show’s retail partner, which reported brisk trade over the course of the three-day show.

One of the main attractions over the three days was the main stage, where interviews with BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter, as well as discussions with biomechanics boffins, mind coaches and conditioning experts proved popular. Trick shot specialist Dave Edwards also kept everyone entertained with his legendary display and his amusing impressions of Miguel Angel Jimenez and Ian Poulter, among others.

Holidays begin Discover the beautifully uncrowded fairways of France and northern Spain with Brittany Ferries. Choose from over 80 courses and a selection of hand-picked hotels. And with a choice of civilised sailings, you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to play the best golf of your life!

November 2011 / Issue 205

e proves olf Show

The London Golf Show’s marketing director, Ian Mullins, expressed delight at the reaction from both visitors and the brands that supported the show. He said: “We were thrilled with the turnout. These are tough economic times for everyone, but the public and the trade really came out to support the event. Clearly, our decision to move to Earls Court made a great difference, as it helped us to attract new visitors from the west side of London. We also think the decision to move the show to November also helped. We are now looking to build on this success at the National Show at the NEC in April 2012.”

/ 13

Worthing Golf Club has always produced its fair share of quality golfers, with skills being honed and tested by the level of difficulty of its two challenging Downland courses. But this year the club exceeded its own high expectations by some way, after winning no fewer than eight Sussex County trophies.

The team wins were triumphant in the PAV Trophy, Cyril Blake, Team Championship and the Junior Covey Cup, while individual members of the club also now hold the County Amateur Championship, the Mid Age Championship and the U15 Championship. Club professional Stephen Rolley and the junior team also won the County Junior Am-Pro. John Holton, Worthing’s general manager, said: “We’ve had another very good year, and my congratulations go to all the players and staff who made that happen and have been such fine ambassadors for the club. The courses are in great condition, and

Broome Park Golf Club

Worthing maintains its winning ways! membership recruitment remains strong. The club welcomes enquiries from new members, and society and green fee bookings and we hope that many will take advantage of our special winter offers. The club stands on chalk Downland and the drainage is first class, giving good yearround playing conditions.”

Worthing has been operating a three-month trial membership category in recent years, which has proved

hugely successfully, with a large percentage going on to take up full membership. The package, which costs £250, entitles users to unlimited golf on the Upper Course and six rounds on the Lower Course, and includes three coaching sessions with PGA Professional Stephen Rolley. There is also a £150 discount off the joining fee for those that subsequently convert to full membership.

The re-structuring of Worthing’s junior section has also been very successful, with the club now boasting a junior membership of over 70, with a good handful of low handicappers who are ready to become star players for the future.

For more information on the latest membership offers call 01903 260801 or email enquiries@worthinggolf.com.

Winter tee time specials From 10th October 2011 to 29th February 2012

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14 /

November 2011 / Issue 205

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If you’re tired of looking like the rest of the boring, old golfers down at your club, then it’s high time you took steps to stand out from the crowd by giving your golfing wardrobe an end-of-season makeover And here’s a golden opportunity to do it, as those generous chaps at Trendygolf.com are kindly offering one lucky Golfnews reader the chance to clear out their dated golfing garb and spend £500 on kitting themselves out with the latest and most fashionable labels in golf, ready to wear for the new season.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 15

Shillito stars at Volvo Masters final A 10 handicapper from the London Golf Club in Kent has booked his ticket to play in South Africa next year after winning the UK finals of the 2011 Volvo Amateur Golf Tour. Jason Shillito compiled Stableford scores of 34 and 35 over Turnberry’s stunning Ailsa Course to take the coveted title and earn a place in the Volvo World Golf Challenge, which takes place at the worldrenowned Fancourt Resort in January.

Shillito beat off the challenge of a field of 53 other amateurs, each of whom had

earned a place at Turnberry following a season-long Order of Merit with featured no less than 78 events, in which over 4,000 rounds were completed.

The tour visited some of the UK’s top golfing venues, including Wentworth, Royal County Down, Royal St Georges, Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham, Royal Liverpool, Sunningdale and Swinley Forest. There have also been overseas events in Florida, Dubai, Portugal and, in September, to California

where participants played five rounds, including one at Pebble Beach.

Speaking about his final round, Shillito, who won the title on countback after tieing with Simon Smith from County Golf Club in Hampshire, said: “I wasn’t exactly a model of consistency on the front nine.

I started with two blobs, then had two birdies, then two more blobs! I thought I might have just missed out, so I’m absolutely delighted to have won.”

Bason is toast of the Oast!

P I N s E E K E R®

PGA Professional Gary Bason was awarded the PGA South Region Coach of the year 2011 title following the region’s annual awards dinner at Wentworth.

Bason, who turned professional in 1994 and competed on the Mastercard and Challenge Tours during the late 1990’s, has been based at Manston Golf Centre in Kent since it opened in 1995, and where he has been promoting the Positive Impact Golf philosophy. He joined the Kent Golf Partnership as County Golf Development Officer in 2008, and has consistently broken targets for introducing children to golf. From next month, Bason will be based at The Oast Golf Centre, near Sittingbourne, where he will be launching his new ‘GB Golf Coaching’ brand.

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Woburn in the driving seat

Woburn Golf Club has renewed its partnership with buggy company Club Car, citing growing revenues from corporate golf among the key reasons for upgrading its fleet of electric vehicles. The high-profile Buckinghamshire club recently signed an extension to its threeyear deal with the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles.

“We have a strong relationship with Club Car, so ultimately it was an easy decision to make,” said Jason O’Malley, Woburn’s general manager. “We have recently invested £3.5 million in our clubhouse, so possessing a fleet of smart and reliable golf cars is vital to complementing our high-end image.”

The extended lease deal is for 50 Precedent vehicles for use on-course by golfers, plus half a dozen utility vehicles for starters and marshals, driving range ball collectors and oncourse beverage retailers.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 17

Matt Nicholson visits Haywards Heath Golf Club in Sussex, where golfers’ short games are being taken to the next level with the help of a state-ofthe-art Odyssey putting studio

Worthing

Simon Iliffe at his putting studio

Two Spectacular Downland Courses that offer a great test of golf

WINTER/SPRING SOCIETY SPECIAL OFFERS

The old saying that golfers ‘drive for show and putt for dough’ may have the ring of the cliché about it, but when it comes to writing the scores on the card, there is no denying that having a strong short game is what separates the best players from the good ones.

You only need to visit the practice green at tour events around the world to witness how many of the top players rely on the expertise of putting coaches to improve both their physical and mental approach to knocking it in the hole. Adopting this professional approach to putting, not only in the form of coaching, but also in the art of custom fitting, can also take amateur golfers to the next level. This is certainly the belief of PGA Professional Simon Illiffe, whose academy at Haywards Heath Golf Club has become a centre of excellence in all aspects of teaching, but especially in the dark art of putting.

Simon, together with fellow PGA professionals Simon Keeling and Sam Holloway, oversees the running of Haywards Heath’s golf academy, where facilities include a driving range and short game area, and a unique indoor putting studio, where golfers can be custom fit for a putter using with the latest stroke analysis technology.

I was lucky enough to be invited down to try it out for myself last month, and was hugely impressed with the professional atmosphere of the venue, and the array of hi-tech equipment on offer to help improve what is without question the hardest part of the game.

Putting for dough

1st November – 31st May

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County Card Holders “NOW £22” Visitors “NOW £30” Call 01903 260801 or email enquiries@worthinggolf.com for further details Worthing Golf Club, Links Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 9QZ.

Getting used to my recommended putter

As Simon says: “Putting isn’t the sexy part of the game, but it is definitely where the money is. With the right putter you can knock ten shots off an 18 handicap, but you can’t do that with a new set of irons or a driver. Conversely, a poorlyfitted putter can destroy your chances of holing putts. It will give you poor posture and balance, from which miss-hits are inevitable.”

The studio specialises in fitting for the Odyssey brand, whose 2-ball model and subsequent designs have long been popular with the best players in the game.

There are putters to suit all stroke patterns and head shape preferences, from classic blades to high MOI designs that help keep the ball online.

My fitting, which cost £25 for an hour, began with a few minutes on the indoor putting green, where I got used to the surface with my own putter.

I then hit 10 consecutive putts to a straight-line

Simon adds the finishing touches to my new putter

target. Each of these shots was then analysed using SAM Puttlab technology to examine a dizzying 28 different elements of my stroke, including lie angles, angle of attack, length of backswing, speed at impact, face rotation, and many other facets. All of this information, combined with Simon’s knowledge of the Odyssey range, resulted in his suggestion that the Backstryke putter – which is used by Thomas Bjorn, among other leading tour pros – was the model that was going to help me get the best out of my stroke.

Given the way my putter sat at address, Simon adjusted the lie angle to be one degree more upright than my previous model and lengthened the shaft by an inch, both of which helped significantly with my overall set up, and together with a few tips on my technique, soon had me holing out from 10 feet and beyond with alarming consistency.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 19

NickBayly

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

Re-branding Rory There has been plenty of speculation in recent weeks as to why Rory McIlroy decided to end his commercial relationship with sports agent Chubby Chandler, so there seems no harm in adding my pennyworth.

The young Irishman’s tight-lipped response to his axing of ISM as his management company has given rise to all sorts of claims, from Rory’s supposed distain for the term ‘Chubby Slam’, when it looked like Chandler was going to be managing all four major winners (thankfully Keegan Bradley spoiled that particular party), to being lured away by Graeme McDowell, who is already represented by Horizon Sports, to whom McIlroy has now moved.

Reading between the lines, it seems as if Chandler was in danger of becoming the star of the show, which is not something that generally goes down well with the stars – at least ones as bright as our Rors.

The limelight is mainly reserved for the players

in professional golf, but viewers of this year’s majors will have found it hard to avoid noticing the not inconsiderable frame of the bearded Chandler dancing all over the greens at Augusta, Congressional and Royal St George’s, as his boys brought home the bacon.

I genuinely believe that Chandler was delighted for his charges – why wouldn’t he be, with all those percentage fees? – and he is clearly more than just a money-grabbing agent, but on the other hand, McIlroy is going places fast both on and off the golf course, and perhaps he felt

that a smaller management stable would give him a more prominent platform from which to launch his ‘brand’, whatever that might be.

Judging from the minimalist homepage on Rory’s soon-to-be re-launched website, ‘less is more’ is going to be the mantra for Rory 2.0, with a new focus on finding sponsors that represent his core values (i.e. ones that pay top whack).

Thankfully, all the off-course shenanigans – which also include dating the women’s world No.1 tennis player Caroline Wozniacki – clearly haven’t affected ‘The Brand’ on the course, with the 22-year-old raking in a cool $2 million pay day following his recent win at the Shanghai Masters in China.

In the meantime, I can’t wait to see what brand extensions we might see from Team McIlroy in the New Year. A hair care range perhaps, or maybe an aftershave?

I can smell it now, a salty sea breeze with grass overtones, combined with a hint of heather and a whiff of vanilla vodka.

O’dour Rory, anyone?

12 months of madness 2011 has seen the creation of a new world order

What a difference a year makes.

This month last year, Lee Westwood was world No.1, Tiger Woods was No.2, while Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and some bloke called Keegan Bradley, hadn’t won a major between them.

America held the bragging rights in the Walker and Solheim Cups, and fans of Sergio Garcia were wondering whether the Spanish maestro had lost his mojo for good.

Scroll to the present day, and we have Luke Donald standing head and shoulders above the crowd at the top spot and on the cusp of achieving the previously considered impossible, by winning the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic; we have a quartet of

first-time major winners; the team cups, including the Ryder, are all back where they belong; while El Nino fired up a storm in Spain last month to put him firmly in the world’s elite While Donald’s stock his risen almost exponentially over the last 12 months, we now find ourselves having to skip the first page of the world rankings in order to pick out the name of Tiger Woods languishing at 56th, sandwiched between Jonathan Byrd and Mark Wilson. They say the tallest trees fall hardest, but who could have predicted such a dramatic downward spiral from the man tipped to eclipse Jack Nicklaus’s major haul without breaking sweat? I don’t believe he’ll even tie for that honour now.

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20 /

November 2011 / Issue 205

The Waiting Game

With just under a year to go before the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, G catches up with European captain José María Olazábal to find out how are going and what the Ryder Cup means to him Why is the Ryder Cup such a special event?

It is a very special event and a unique event, a team event that only happens once every two years. We don’t play team events in professional golf very often. The atmosphere and the camaraderie in those two weeks are second to none.

Would you describe that as ‘the Ryder Cup spirit’?

Yes, without a doubt, 12 players all together, all week long at the same time have to play as one, they play for their countries, and in our case, for their continent. They have to understand each other and leave their differences behind and play as one. You have to let your guard down compared to individual tournaments – you are completely open to your partner for that day or match.

Why do players take so much from the Ryder Cup? That’s because there is huge pressure that week. If you look at the last few Ryder Cups, when you hear from players about on the pressure, it’s bigger than the big matches –

you have to have a stronger mentality and be better.

You attended the 2010 Ryder Cup in Celtic Manor as a brand ambassador for a coffee company and ended up as one of Colin Montgomerie’s vicecaptains. Can you explain how this happened? I was there to represent Nespresso, but because the weather was so bad the match format had to be changed, which required all of the players to play at the same time. This meant that there weren’t enough people to follow the matches, so Monty asked if I was available to fill the role of vice-captain, and I happily accepted.

You have been vice-captain twice.

What will you be taking from that into your role as captain?

There’s a a lot of things you learn.

You learn that captains are always busy during the week, they don’t have a lot of time to see how players are playing, so you have to rely heavily on your vice-captains. You need three or four vice-captains to get the job done, with one guy on each match, seeing that the players get the right information, and that the pairings are working out.

What went through your mind when you were announced as captain?

Well, it was a lot of joy, and at the same time a lot of responsibility. There are a lot of things you have to do; meetings to attend and decisions to be made long before the Ryder Cup. You have to be careful what you say, when you say it, and to whom you say it. With that regard, there is a lot of responsibility, not just on yourself. We are representing the European Tour, and the continent of Europe. I’m really proud, and I’ll do the best I can.

What kind of role do you think Davis Love will have to play in terms of how the US approaches the matches?

I know Davis very well, and his attitude towards the Ryder Cup is second to none. I remember when he was playing against Darren Clarke a few years ago, he hit his ball in the left rough, and his stance was impeded by a sprinkler head. He could actually have taken relief, and had a much better lie for his second shot, but he said that he would not improve his lie and would rather play it from where it was. That says a lot about Davis, and I think his way of doing things will filter down through to his team.

November 2011 / Issue 205

Golf News w preparations

/ 21

How has the Ryder Cup changed since your debut in 1981?

Well, it is a much bigger deal now, for sure – it’s a worldwide sporting event.

I think it is the third largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympics and the Football World Cup. It is a huge event, attended by thousands, and watched on TV by millions of people around the world. It used to be a great matchplay event between the US and Europe, but now it’s a truly global event.

How have the captain’s duties changed in that time?

Not a great deal really, although we have tried to cut down the number of corporate functions that the players have to attend, especially once the matches start. Once the opening ceremony is over, the players need to be able to concentrate on their games.

Sadly, we lost your dear friend Seve Ballesteros earlier this year. He was not just a golf hero, but a Ryder Cup hero. He was a very emotional player and so are you. Is emotion going to play its part next year?

I’m going to be myself, that’s the way I am. Most of the time I talk from my heart.

I will express what I feel and that’s what I’m going to do during that week. We will have some experienced players who know what the Ryder Cup is all about. We might have some rookies in there, and we’ll try to make them feel comfortable within the team, make them feel relaxed and I’ll try to speak from the heart.

What are your abiding memories of playing in The Ryder Cup with Seve?

Obviously there is a lot of special moments, but in relation to Seve, it was my debut in 1987 at Muirfield Village.

It was my first Ryder Cup, and I really didn’t know that much about it. Seve talked to Tony Jacklin and said that he would love to play with me, so we were paired together. And on the Friday morning, just before we teed off for the foursome matches, I was really, really

nervous. I was shaking like a leaf. Seve approached me and said: “José, you just play your game, I will take care of the rest.” And you know, that somehow calmed me down a little bit.

That same day, in the afternoon match playing in the fourballs, we played against Curtis Strange and Tom Kite, and on the first hole the flag was way back left, and I hit it pretty much in the middle of the green, and Seve went for the flag and missed the green left. I was farther away, so I hit my first putt, and I hit it four feet past the hole.

Seve approached me and said, “Ollie, why don’t you finish it, so I can go for it.” And I said, okay, fine. So I’m looking at the line, and Curtis approached me and said, “Ollie, by the way, I think you better not putt that one.” I said, “What’s the matter? What’s the problem?”“Well, if I hit my putt past the hole, you might be standing on my line.” Okay. Fine.

So I said, “Seve, I cannot putt.”“What’s the matter?”“I might be standing on Curtis’s line.” So he looked at me and said, “Don’t you worry. I’m going to make it anyway.” He chipped it in.

Bearing in mind Seve’s influence on the Ryder Cup and the European Tour in general, how disappointed were you with the turnout at the Vivendi Trophy, where so many big names were absent?

I know the younger generation did not have the chance to play when Seve was around, but we are here playing on the European Tour in many ways because of Seve. The younger players need to

I’m not that interested in how well players are playing right now. I want them to be sharp next September remember that, and they should make a little extra effort and make this event what it deserves to be. I can understand it if there were conflicts with the FedEx Cup, but if players aren’t involved, then they should be at the Seve Trophy.

What do you see as the differences between being a captain on European soil and over in America?

Obviously things are going to be tougher over there. We’re playing away, we’re playing in Chicago, the crowds are loud over there. The US team will have huge support. They are going to try and win the trophy back, without a doubt. They have the chance to prepare the golf course to their liking, like we do when we play in Europe. It’s going to be tough. The players have played in America enough to know how the crowds are. They know that they might get some silly comments from people who want to be too clever at the wrong time, but I think they are mentally strong and they will be well prepared for that.

Are you keeping an eye on your potential squad?

We are still in the first stages; we have a lot of months ahead and a lot of tournaments to be played. It’s obviously going to be difficult for me to follow the players in the States, but at the end of the day, the players’ games will speak for themselves. If they play good golf, they will make the team. The team won’t really start to take shape until July next year, by which time we’ll have a clearer picture of who is in the mix. I’m looking forward to following the cut and thrust and seeing who is up for the fight.

You must be delighted to see Europeans leading the way in the world rankings right now.

I am proud of the way Europeans are playing, but to be totally selfish, I’m not that interested how they are playing at this moment in time, I want them to be sharp in September next year. In the past I’ve seen players who literally run out of steam when it comes to the Ryder Cup, so I want my players to be really fresh and playing really well during that week.

What’s your take on the need to balance out youth and experience in a Ryder Cup team?

I think both are very important.

The game of golf is played very aggressively. If you look at the golf courses we play – usually narrow fairways, severe rough, firm greens, pin positions that are really tight – but still the young guys aim for the flags and try to make birdies, that’s golf today.

But I think to have a certain degree of experience is always welcome.

José Maria formed an almost unbeatable partnership in the Ryder Cup with his good friend and mentor Seve Ballesteros

22 /

November 2011 / Issue 205

Storybehindthepic Greg Norman and Bernhard Langer: 1986 Open Championship, Turnberry

A

lthough Greg Norman famously captured the 1986 Open Championship at Turnberry, after he fired a record-equalling 63 in the second round en route to winning by five shots from Gordon Brand Jnr, it was the man standing next to him in this picture that was the World No.1 at the time.

Bernhard Langer, who finished third at Turnberry, became golf’s first number one, following the creation of the Official World Golf Rankings earlier that year.

Sadly for Bernhard, he was only able to hold onto the top spot for three measly weeks, and was never able to recapture it, but the records will always show that it was he who got the ball rolling so-to-speak, and in the process became one of only 15 golfers to have held that coveted position

over the last 25 years.

The German was quickly toppled by a swashbuckling young Spaniard who went by the name of Severiano Ballesteros, who, in turn, was only able to cling on to the No.1 status for 20 weeks, before Norman ended his own annus mirabilis by toppling Seve and maintaining his top dog status for the next 14 months.

During his career, The Shark enjoyed a total of 182 weeks as world No.1, a figure that has only been eclipsed by a certain Mr T Woods, who not only enjoyed an challenged run of 281 weeks between June 2005 and October 2010, but amassed a total of 623 weeks at the top during the ‘glory years’ between 1997 and 2010.

Since Tiger’s fall from grace – he now languishes somewhere down in the mid-50s following his

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three-year period, which led to some striking anomalies, but since then the rankings have been judged over a two-year rolling period, with the average points per tournament (based on a minimum of 40 events in that time) used as the benchmark, and more emphasis being placed on events within the most recent 13 weeks.

Given that there are also only four majors each year, and the lottery that they can often be, the world rankings remain the only true indicator of a player’s long-term success.

And while Luke will no doubt be harbouring hopes of ending his drought in the majors before he retires, he will probably be more proud to tell his children that ‘daddy was once the best golfer in the world’, rather than the man who got lucky in a play-off at the US PGA Championship.

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desperate winless streak – Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, and now Luke Donald, have occupied the exhalted No.1 position, with the latter two having risen up the rankings without having the benefit of bagging a major.

And with Rory McIlroy snapping at Donald’s heels, we now have the prospect of adding a fourth name at the top of the honours’ board in the space of just over a year.

As is the way of the world, the rankings have always been a source of contention.

Some detractors suggest that it rewards consistent mediocrity, rather than winners, but seeing as only one person can win a tournament each week, it clearly reflects those who are and who aren’t the form players at any given time.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 23

Par 3 Champs unveils new date The organiser of The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship has announced that the 2012 renewal of the UK’s most popular short course tournament is to be staged at Nailcote Hall in Derbyshire from August 7-10 The championship, which is now in its 79th year, will start with the ever-popular Celebrity-Am event, followed by two days of hotlycontested professional golf, where leading players from the European, Senior and Challenge Tours will be vying to win the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship.

The final day will see

Andrew Sherborne will be back to defend his par 3 title in 2012

celebrities back on the famous Cromwell Course to play the final Celebrity-Am event of the week.

This year’s championship

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Casey claims Duke of York title ation

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In a rare battle of the sexes, Middlesex amateur Harry Casey won the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy after defeating Spain’s Harang Lee, in a playoff at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Casey triumphed at the first extra hole against Lee, who is the reigning European Young Masters Girls’ champion.

Although delighted to have won the prestigious title, Casey admitted that he found the play-off against his female rival a little awkward. “It was a strange situation, and it in many ways it was harder to have to beat a girl than a boy,” he said.

Casey had been well-placed to win at the 72nd hole, when he arrived on the final tee with a twoshot lead. But, after finding a bunker with his drive on the par-four 18th, he then missed a two-foot putt for the bogey that would have given him the title. Lee, on the other hand, made a stunning birdie on the 18th to tie the scores and send the match into overtime.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

EwenMurray

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

China’s on the fasttrack to success

Donald has formed a winning partnership with caddy John McLaren

I

t’s taken a while for Luke Donald to receive the recognition his play deserves. But, as we approach the end of what’s been a wonderful golfing year, there is no doubt his lofty position as No.1 in the game has been gained on merit.

The 33-year-old from Beaconsfield has broken all sorts of records, and will no doubt set a few new ones before the season is out.

His stroke average on the European Tour is 69.24, while in the US it is almost half a shot per round better. In his last 24 starts, he has been in the top ten no fewer than 18 times, and has enjoyed four wins across the world.

To my mind, the most

No doubting Donald’s class impressive victory was at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May. Up against the then World No.1, Lee Westwood, the prize on offer was the Tour’s flagship title, and Lee’s top spot.

It was on that final day that Luke Donald came of age, and it proved to be the foundation for the performances that followed in the months ahead.

It’s often been said that playing in the States and

Europe is an impossible combination, yet Luke has managed to perform well virtually every time he has teed the ball up. Two wins in America, two in Europe, while topping the US money list, is a remarkable achievement, when you also consider his healthy advantage at the top of the European equivalent.

Sometimes too much is made of the caddie’s contribution to a player’s success, but I think joining

forces with John McLaren was a big step forward for Luke. John has the same calm demeanour as his boss, and he has the same dedicated work ethic.

He enjoyed good times with his previous employer, Denmark’s Anders Hansen, whom he left with his blessing. Together, they make the job of playing and scoring look easy, and they will be a strong combination for many years to come.

Back to matters on the golf course, the standard of play at the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai was among the best I’ve witnessed during my 20 year reporting on golf.

We knew that Martin Kaymer could not remain quiet for long, and his nine birdies over the last 12 holes to secure his first World Golf Championship were a joy to behold. And it could have been even better, but for a missed three-footer at the 9th, and taking three to get down from the edge of the par-five 14th.

When we first went to China in 2005, there were no more than 100 spectators, bewildered by what they were watching. Their understanding of the game was limited, as was their etiquette.

In the six years that have passed, and despite golf still being very much an elitist sport, a new generation of Chinese golfers has learned quickly, and with around 500 courses currently under construction across the country, the golfing boom is moving at a very fast pace.

Last year, I suggested that it wouldn’t be long before they had a top player to idolise ,and when that happens, the sport will move into overdrive.

Asia’s first major champion, YE Yang, set the ball rolling and now others are following. The final round in Shanghai saw Zhang Xinjun paired with Kaymer and Paul Casey.

The 24-year-old started his working life as a golf course security guard, before

progressing to caddy, then player. His invitation to the HSBC provided him with the biggest test of his young life.

On that Sunday, he would have gleaned much of what is required in the years ahead.

Three over par with three holes to play, Zhang chipped in for an eagle two, parred 17, and when his 20-foot birdied putt found the cup at the last, the galleries around the green erupted as if it were the last green at the Masters.

For Zhang, it meant a lifechanging cheque for €60,000 – the icing on the cake following his marriage to his childhood sweetheart just three weeks earlier.

China will have a major champion in the next decade, maybe sooner rather than later. We may have seen him in Shanghai earlier this month.

Williams versus Woods leaves no winners It was sad that such a wonderful HSBC Champions event was marred by the unpleasant remarks made

by Tiger Woods’s former caddy Steve Williams.

Anyone who has followed the headlines knows what was said, so I won’t need to repeat it here.

What Williams said was completely uncalled for and cannot be condoned on any level, but I’ve known Steve for many years and I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that he is not racist.

Like me, and many others who know Steve, Woods

Despite his crude remarks, Williams is no rascist

was aware it was an idiotic statement, and not a true reflection of Williams’s beliefs. After all, they were together for almost twelve years.

Woods’s handling of the situation has been impressive, and, to his credit, he has done his best to defuse the situation by clearly stating that Williams was not, and has never been, a racist, and that he just wanted to move on.

It’s a sad end to one of the greatest sporting partnerships the game of golf has ever seen. During their time together Woods won 63

tournaments and 13 majors, with Williams banking an estimated $12 million for his share of the prize money.

They were the best in their field by a distance, and it’s a great pity it should end like this.

However, the man I feel really sorry for in all this is Adam Scott, whom Williams now caddies for. Calls for him to sack Williams, and constant questioning on the whole sorry saga in the run-up to two Australian tour events, can’t have been easy for him, and came about through no fault of his own.

November 2011 / Issue 205

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Tiger back on prowl as Chalmers wins Down Under Australian veteran Greg Chalmers survived a traditional late Sunday charge by Tiger Woods to win his second Australian Open. The 38-year-old, who first won the title in 1998, carded a three-under par final round of 69 to finish one and two shots clear of compatriot John Senden and Woods respectively. The former World No.1 recorded an eagle and five birdies in a storming 67, as he battled back from a third-round 75.

The tournament ended in thrilling style, with Chalmers forced to watch nervously from the

Woods says former caddy is ‘not a racist’

Tiger Woods has said that his former caddie Steve Williams is not racist and has apologised to him for an offensive personal comment made during last month’s Caddie of the Year Awards. Tiger Woods has revealed he was hurt by Steve Williams’s racist comment, but insisted his long-time former caddie ‘is certainly not a racist’.

Woods added: “It was a wrong thing to say. We’re moving forward. It was hurtful certainly, but life goes forward. It is a comment that shouldn’t have been made and he certainly wishes he didn’t make it.”

Woods said he had spoken to Williams about the remark, but declined to reveal exactly what they discussed. “We met face-toface, we talked it through and we have agreed it was the wrong thing to say,” former world number one Woods said. “He did apologise.

It’s one of those things. We’ll see what time does,” said Woods.

“Time does heal wounds and we’ll see how that goes.”

The caddie has also apologised publicly for his remarks, while European Tour chief George O’Grady and US PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem have decided to take no action. “I don’t make policy, I’m not part of the governing bodies and it’s up to them,” said Woods.

Williams, who now carries Adam Scott’s bag, made the comments when he was awarded a light-hearted accolade for ‘the best celebration of the year’ at a private caddies’ dinner in Shanghai.

When the New Zealander, who was sacked by Woods in July, was asked to elaborate on his celebration after Scott won a world championship event in August, he said the aim was ‘to shove it right up that black arsehole’.

Williams later issued an apology, saying: “I now realise how my comments could be construed as racist. That was not my intent.

I apologise to Tiger and anyone else I have offended.”

clubhouse as overnight leader Senden went close with a 35-foot birdie putt at the 18th that would have forced a play-off.

An emotional Chalmers, who fought back tears after beating a field including eight of the world’s top 20, said: “I’m just extremely excited and extremely pleased to win this tournament twice. You can stumble into it once, but to win it again, in one of the strongest fields we’ve had in Australia for a long time, that really floats my boat.

Woods, whose last title win was in 2009, said:

“A couple of drives on the back nine cost me. I fought real hard all day, but I came up just short.

I’m just going to keep plugging along. It’s just nice to be playing and not on the sidelines.”

The first round headlines at The Lakes Golf Club were taken by John Daly, who once again walked off the golf course mid-round after running out of golf balls as early as the 11th hole. After being docked a shot for a rules infringement on the 10th, the 45-year-old hit six balls into a lake on the 11th hole before walking off the course.

Buy a Nikon 350G and get a dozen balls FREE.

“The clarity of the viewfinder was superb and comfortably the sharpest on test.”

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November 2011 / Issue 205

Garcia reigns again in Spain

Spanish eyes are smiling: Garcia was delighted to be back in the winner’s circle

Sergio Garcia’s selfimposed spell in the golfing wilderness ended in spectacular fashion last month, when the 31-year-old Spaniard bagged back-to-back wins at European Tour events held on his native soil.

Following a three-year absence from the winner’s enclosure, Garcia first broke a tour record en route to victory in the Castelló Masters, where he recorded an 11-stroke winning margin over his rivals, and

took that form on to Valderrama for the Andalucía Masters, where he enjoyed a one-stroke win over fellow countryman Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

Garcia’s fifth victory on Spanish soil catapulted him to 18th in the world rankings, having languished as low as 49th in the week preceding his win at the Castelló Masters.

It also puts him a long way clear at the top of the Ryder Cup points list, which will please the man who missed out taking part at Celtic Manor in 2010 following his dip in form.

Asked about his return to form following a long barren spell, Garcia said: “I knew that I still had the game, because I had it before, but obviously, when your head is not in the right spot it doesn’t matter how much game you have, your muscles won’t listen. We all know how difficult golf is. This is a work in progress. I’ll keep working on it, and trying hard and enjoying it. Ryder Cup years are always special for me, so hopefully I can make the team this time.”

Kaymer cuts down rivals in Shanghai Martin Kaymer produced a sensational back nine 29 to cut through the field and win the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

The former US PGA Championship winner from Germany was in tremendous form as he carded a faultless closing round of 63 to win by three shots from Fredrik Jacobson.

It was another golden week for European players, with eight in the top ten at Sheshan International, with Graeme McDowell third, and US Open Champion Rory McIlroy sharing fourth with Paul Casey and Charl Schwartzel.

Kaymer started the final day five shots behind Jacobson, but after six consecutive pars, chipped in from the bunker at the seventh to start a run of nine birdies in his last 12 holes.

The Ryder Cup star had birdie chances on both the holes he parred on the back nine, where he did not drop a shot all week – and although Jacobson and Casey put up a good fight, there was no denying Kaymer a tenth European Tour title.

Crouching Tiger avoids flying dog!

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE

TO ADVANCE INTRODUCING THE NEW AP1 AND AP2 IRONS. Solid, consistent iron play requires precise distance control. And the improved multimaterial technology of the new Titleist AP irons deliver just that. Both irons have been improved with internal weighting that uses higher density tungsten to distribute mass more efficiently and increases the moment of inertia (MOI) for more consistent ball speed

MORE PRECISE Thin steel cradle for more efficient weight distribution.

Concentrated tungsten sole weights increase the moment of inertia for better distance control.

Advanced, dual cavity, multi-material forged design increase playability and precision.

MORE FORGIVING

Feel tuned, integrated aluminium and elastomer cavity insert for improved sound and feel.

Thin steel sole plate for more efficient weight distribution.

Concentrated tungsten sole weight increases the moment of inertia for more ball speed on miss-hits.

across the face for better distance control.

Players will also appreciate the AP1’s thinner topline appearance and more compact short irons. And the AP2’s squarer toe and traditional great looks at address help to provide confidence. To experience the new AP irons, visit a Titleist fitter or go to titleist.co.uk and learn how new AP irons can advance your game.

Advanced, dual cavity, multi-material design and enhanced weight distribution increase forgiveness.

Feel tuned, integrated aluminium and elastomer cavity insert for improved sound and feel.

Dog day afternoon: Woods was unfazed when the snacks started flying

After suffering the indignation of falling to 56th in the world rankings, Tiger Woods was faced with an even greater insult to his persona last month, when a spectator threw a hotdog in his direction during his latest comeback on the PGA Tour.

A 31-year-old man was arrested after launching the snack at the 14-time major champion during the final round of the Frys.com Open. The incident took place on the 7th green at CordeValle Golf Club, as Woods was preparing to take a birdie putt. The hot dog bun barely reached the green, although the weightier hot dog itself landed on the putting surface. Woods appeared unfazed, although he did miss the subsequent putt.

Woods, who has a new full-time caddy on the bag, Joe LaCava, finished tied for 30th behind eventual winner Bryce Molder.

BEN CURTIS AP1

GolfNews_TitleistAP712_DPS.indd 1-2

NICK WATNEY AP2

MATTEO MANASSERO AP2

November 2011 / Issue 205

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Lee Westwood celebrates following his win in China

Seven days, seven cities, seven rounds, one winner Lee Westwood continued his love affair with Asia by holing a 12-foot birdie putt to beat China’s Liang Wen-chong on the first hole of a play-off for the seven-day, seven-city Shui On Land China Golf Challenge. The duo parred the day’s two holes at Caesars Golf in Macau to record an 18-hole total of 71, one ahead of Ian Poulter. US Open champion Rory McIlroy, the world number three, finished six-over after a unique event that featured 5,600km of flights across the east, north, west and south of China.

“I think I do well in Asia because I adapt well. I adapt to the grasses and I adapt the culture and the food. Playing

world golf is all about adapting,” said Westwood. “It has been a bit of a whirlwind tour, very different, very interesting, and very tiring. There has been a lot of autograph signing, so I think my right wrist is going to need physio for about a week!”

During the trip, the players competed at Tomson Golf Club in Shanghai, Jinsha Lake Golf Club in Zhengzhou, Topwin Golf and Country Club and Jade Island International Golf Club in Beijing, the 36-hole Red Flag Valley in Dalian, Sun Kingdom Golf Club in Chongqing, and Long Island Golf and Country Club in Dongguan.

McIlroy repels Kim for $2m payday

YOUR GAME. Hero with zeros: McIlroy enjoyed a bumper payout following his win in China

Rory McIlroy set aside the fall-out following his recent change of management to secure his biggest payday of the year at theShanghai Masters in China. The 22-year-old, who spent the week in China avoiding questions regarding his decision to leave Chubby Chandler’s ISM company and join Horizon Sports, held his nerve to claim victory in a play-off with America’s Anthony Kim at Lake Malaren.

McIlroy started the final round three shots clear of Kim, but quickly lost that lead after two bogeys on the front nine. However, the US Open champion drew level with a birdie at the 15th, and the pair parred their way in to take the tournament into overtime. At the first extra hole Kim missed a three-foot putt and McIlroy’s twofooter for par gave him the title.

The win did not improve McIlroy’s world ranking or boost his Ryder Cup points, because the tournament did not have official tour status.

On the upside, he came away $2 million richer.

Fancourt hosts Volvo Champions Following the decision to cancel January’s staging of the Volvo Golf Champions tournament in Bahrain, after political unrest in the gulf state earlier this year, the event is now to be held at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa. The tournament, which is limited to winners from the 2011 season and those players with 10 or more European Tour titles, will be the first event on the 2012 calendar and carries a first prize of €350,000.

Join Team Titleist at titleist.co.uk

09/11/2011 17:11

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A DV E R T I S I N G

P R O M OT I O N

November 2011 / Issue 205

Following a ground-breaking advancem Golf’s stunning new 588 wedge promise all levels of player, says Cleveland Golf/

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CLEVELAND AN INSTANT

While the game of golf is about who takes the fewest shots to get around the course, there is one club that all golfers must implicitly trust in order to lower their scores, and that’s their wedge.

For more than a quarter of a century Cleveland Golf has consistently helped golfers shoot lower scores by providing wedges of such quality that great short games naturally follow. Now, with winners of more than 335 professional events, including 26 majors, and with sales of over seven million wedges, Cleveland Golf has launched the new 588 Forged wedge.

But how is this wedge different to any other that came before? The answer is scientific club fitting. Since the turn of the century, club fitting has become an essential element of purchasing a golf club. A lot of time and money has been invested into The new 588 wedge joins a long history of performance-enha shafts for drivers and irons, while the concept of a specialist wedge shaft has have been developed using precise been largely ignored. laser-milling technology, which Cleveland Golf has now come leads to an impact between ball and together with the industry leader clubface so intimate that it goes to the True Temper to develop a shaft that is limits of the rules and regulations in especially designed to make wedges providing ultimate control. easier to use; instantly enhancing Available in satin and chrome finishes, short game play. The new shaft gives a the 588 is offered in two-degree feeling of softness and subtlety that is gaps between 46 and 60 degrees. delivered through an exclusive stiffness profile with a less active tip. This gives a more penetrating ball flight, increased spin and optimal distance control – along with superior feel.

Although Cleveland Golf is undoubtedly revolutionary in this aspect, the brand has also kept in mind what 691 797 899 900 CG10 Wedge Classic CCII CC has made it so popular by maintaining [1991] [1997] [1999] [2000] [2004] [1979] [1981] [19 the confidence-inspiring look, which golfers of all skill levels can appreciate for its timeless beauty and versatile design. It offers the highest level of allaround performance, no matter what shot is required. After all, why change something that has been so successful? itself797 is made from 588691 The head 691 797 forged 899 899 900 900 CG10 CG10 C 1025 carbon steel, which[1997] provides [1999] a [1988] [1991] [1991] [1997] [1999] [2000] [2000] [2004] [2004] [2 soft strike like no other. The grooves

For more information on Cleveland Golf please visit www.clevelandgolf.com or Srixon visit www.srixon.co.uk

November 2011 / Issue 205

A DV E R T I S I N G

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ment in shaft technology, Cleveland es to deliver consistent shot control for /Srixon PGA Professional Ben Clayton

ELAND UNVEILS T CLASSIC

ONE WEDGE IS A START, TWO IS BETTER, BUT THREE IS A

SCORING SYSTEM

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been using the 588s for over two months, said: “The Cleveland 588s have always been the best wedges ever made, and they continue to improve.

The new 588s are precision wedges with great aesthetics and the classic Cleveland lines that deliver improved feel and spin control. I use the 48, 52 and 58, and I first had these in my bag at the Dunhill Links, where I finished third. They have been in my bag ever since.

The best wedges just got better.”

As greens have got firmer and faster, golfers of all levels have had to learn how to control their ball better in order to shoot lower scores.

Books have been written, many theories have been accepted, and many theories have been dismissed – but through it all Cleveland Golf has been there, giving golfers the tools necessary to be able to control the golf ball around the greens like never before.

So, if you are looking for more control around the greens, make sure you visit your local professional shop from February 1, 2012 to give the new 588 Forged wedge a try.

The bounce options are low, standard and high, giving golfers a range of choices when it comes to choosing which type of wedge suits them and the conditions in which they play.

Srixon/Cleveland staff player Graeme McDowell, who has

Cleveland and the CG logo are registered trademarks of Cleveland Golf / Srixon, CG16 and Zip Grooves are trademarks of Cleveland Golf/Srixon

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For more information on Never Compromise please visit www.nevercompromise.com

www.clevelandgolf.com

30 /

Glenmuir Ossian Gilet RRP: £60 Contact: www.glenmuir.com As soon as I feel the first nip of autumn in the air, I dig out my old Berghaus gilet for that oh-so-comforting sleeveless duvet look. Sadly, it’s not very practical for golf, as it’s too thick and bulky. Thankfully, Glenmuir’s Ossian gilet looks a far more sensible bet, featuring Teflon coating for added warmth and waterproofing, while it’s thin enough not to get in the way of your swing, and features stretch panels to further enhance performance. It is available in navy, black and lead for men (S-XXL), and pink/ black, black and satellite/ black for women (S-XL).

November 2011 / Issue 205

Kikkor Golf Shoes RRP: £50-£100 Contact: www.kikkor.com Joining the trend for golf shoes that offer style and comfort in addition to all-important performance attributes, Kikkor Golf looks set to enjoy a strong following in Europe when its range of fashionable designs hit the shelves early next year.

Already an established brand in North America, where it was launched by Canadian golf professional James Lepp three years ago, Kikkor shoes take their influence from the classic American ‘sneaker’, without ignoring important technical elements such as grip, stability, waterproofing and durability.

Lepp believes that Kikkor will appeal to the young at heart, whatever their age. He said: “It doesn’t matter what age you are – 10, 25 or 45 – nobody truly wants to wear the same stuff as their dad. The golf shoe industry consistently designs shoes that are targeted only for the older demographic, leaving younger players with very few options that match their personal style.” The shoes can be purchased online or through selected pro shops from early next year.

Archer Golf Protest Irons RRP: From £800 Contact: www.archerproject.com Custom fitting is a massive growth area, but nobody has offered the complete fitting experience for irons, until now. Archer Golf’s groundbreaking Protest irons promise every golfer improvement in their iron-play via a unique custom-grind and fitting service.

The clubheads have been designed to perform in relation to varying swing characters by focusing on an area usually overlooked in club fitting: the way the golfer attacks the ball at impact and the way the clubhead subsequently interacts through the turf. When a custom sole grind is matched to an individual’s swing type, it results in better divot patterns, and higher-quality trikes that provide more consistent ball flight, longer distance, and tighter dispersion patterns.

Archer irons feature a large clubface area and, combined with the forging process, provide a soft feel with great feedback through impact. The design also incorporates a large weight bar at the base of the back cavity that creates a lower, deeper centre of gravity, making the head more stable through impact.

The range comes in three different basic shapes – Round, Square and Neutral – each catering for one of the three most common types of swing.

Each shape has a different combination of grinds to the heel, topline, toe, leading edge and sole, to ensure both club and swing are working in harmony.

Golfers with larger divot patterns benefit from cleaner contact produced by the Round grind, while the Square grind will help players who tend to catch shots ‘thin’ to pick the ball cleanly from the turf. The Neutral sits in between the two extremes, providing a wellbalanced performance option.

Players can modify individual elements of the iron to combine different grinds and shapes to optimise, and personalise, their irons even more, with up to 600 grind options to choose from. It takes 30 days to make the clubs following a fitting session, with entire sets of irons starting from £800, and going up dependent on the shaft option chosen.

Nike Method Drone putter RRP: £109-£119 Contact: www.nikegolfeurope.com The latest extension of the Method range is an extreme MOI design, with weights placed in the wing tips and the centre of the putter face to optimise the centre of gravity to prevent twisting and promote a smooth, accurate stroke. The Drone also features Polymetal Groove Technology that generates a faster forward roll at impact and helps eliminate backspin, which is an important ingredient to accuracy and distance control. It is available in standard and belly putter lengths.

Titleist Scotty Cameron California Putter RRP: £278 Contact: www.titleist.co.uk Designed to appeal to golfers who prefer a more fluid, rounded look to their putters, the Tour-proven California range has had five new models added to the range. The Del Mar, Fastback, Monterey, Monterey 1.5, and Sonoma are characterised by blade and mid-mallet style heads with five different neck styles. Built on the form-meetsfunction of the original California putters, the new range accentuates the design principles of visual flow, with soft contours and gentle edges being the order of the day. All models feature circular weights in the toe and heel to help square the face up at address, while a high toe set up reduces the tendency to raise the toe and pull putts to the left. Each model can have its lie adjusted by two degrees, and all come with a new Pistolero grip for enhanced feel.

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Yonex EZONE SD Hybrid

Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder RRP: £435 Contact: www.bushnellgolf.com

RRP: £129 Contact: www.yonex.co.uk The new EZONE SD hybrid features a stainless steel sole and face, with a lightweight carbon graphite crown. The lightweight crown allows discretionary mass to be re-positioned low and deep in the head to improve the centre of gravity positioning, delivering consistently higher, longer shots, whatever the lie. A new sole design reduces the clubhead’s contact with the ground by 30%, reducing drag and maintaining head speed, while a new Nanospeed 200 shaft, incorporating Elastic Ti at the kick-point, provides faster head speeds and reduces shaft deformation, for power and control through the strike. It is available in 19°, 22°, 25° and 28° lofts.

Cobra Golf Long Tom Driver

Combining all that’s best about GPS technology, with the advantages of laser distance measuring devices, Bushnell’s new Hybrid Rangefinder is the ultimate tool for those who like to get their yardages spot on.

The laser rangefinding element provides distances within one yard to virtually any point on any course in the world, while the GPS function offers 20,000+ preloaded courses, making it ready to use right out of the box, without ever having to pay annual membership fees. The GPS provides distances to the front, centre and back of the green, as well as four custom points on a hole that can be useful references point on blind tee shots and approaches, while the laser can hone in on the flag to provide added confidence from close range. The shot distance mode also allows users to track how far they’ve hit a particular shot.

Rating: RRP: £289 Contact: www.cobragolf.com

Under Armour Stability Baselayer RRP: £55 Contact: www.underarmour.co.uk Compression shirts are not just for barrel-chested rugby players, they benefit all kinds of sportsmen and women, especially golfers, who exert huge strains on their lower backs and shoulders during the course of a round. While all makes of baselayers provide warmth without adding weight, Under Armour’s groundbreaking stability top was designed specifically for golfers, with panels built into the material in strategic places to provide added support, boost core strength, and enhance the natural movement of the swing.

The structure of the shirt also helps wearers to maintain good posture and feel more connected with their body’s movements, while keeping the muscles warm and improving stamina.

The baselayer, which is available in short and long sleeve designs, also features mesh ventilation zones that regulate body temperature on hot or cold days, making it wearable in all weather conditions.

Featuring the longest shaft currently available in a mass-produced driver, Cobra’s new Long Tom driver is designed with the aim of delivering out-and-out distance.

The 48-inch ultra-light Grafalloy Blackbird shaft, combined with a lightweight titanium face, produces high ball speeds for extreme distance. Named after a high projectile gun used during World War II, the Long Tom boasts an all-black head that features many of Cobra’s tried and tested technologies, including E9 face technology, advance weight placement, and elliptical bulge and roll.

The Grafalloy Blackbird shaft combines with a short Winn Lite grip, which not only makes the club long, but also very light indeed, at only 269 grams. It is this lightness combined with the slightly smaller 445cc head that makes this club appear shorter than it actually is.

With other longer-thanstandard drivers you feel like you are swinging a fishing rod, but somehow with this even longer one I did not feel that. True, you do have to slow you tempo down a little, but the results are great and the Cobra Long Tom gave long straight drives without the wider dispersion you would expect from a long shafted driver. The Blackbird shaft with its matt finish felt very stable, despite its length, and the feel and sound from the titanium head was excellent too.

A shorter-than-standard Winn grip encourages golfers to use the full length of the shaft, rather than choking down. It goes on sale this month, and is available in lofts of 8°, 9° and 10° in RH and 9° in LH.

Cobra Trusty Rusty wedge RRP: £99 Contact: www.cobragolf.com Cobra is bringing back the Phil Rogersdesigned Trusty Rusty wedge. The head features a non-plated finish that is 7% softer than chrome and will rust more over time, promoting maximum allowable spin and enhanced feel. It also has a tri-bounce sole, with higher bounce in the centre, while relief in the heel and toe optimises performance for long, medium and short shots. Available in RH, in 51°, 55° and 59° lofts and custom order lofts of 49°, 53° and 57°. The wedges, which go on sale in early December, come with a black True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 shaft as standard. There is also an oversized version, the Big Trusty Rusty, which will appeal to players who like to look down on a slightly larger clubface at address. It is available in black, rusty and chrome finishes.

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November 2011 / Issue 205

£85 £45

£29 Peak Performance Embo Hat

Lyle & Scott V-Neck Argyle Sweater

J Lindeberg 3D Tech shoebag

One size fits all for the stylish beanie hat that is made from a mix of super soft merino wool and acrylic fibres to offer a winning combination of warmth and breathable stretchiness. Hats on, I say. Available in grey, gooseberry, red and blue.

V-neck is the only way to go with jumpers these days, and this 100% cotton offering from legendary golf brand Lyle & Scott will look the business on and off the course this winter. Come on the Argyle!

Keep the mud on your boots and not in your boot with this 100% leather shoe bag. If your name happens to be J Lindeberg then so much the better, as it comes pre-personalised.

Get the look this festive season with the latest fashions from trendygolf.com

£89

Have yourself a very

£23

Hugo Boss iPad Cover

Protect your pride and joy from harm with this stylish leatherette zippered pouch. Featuring soft linings to prevent your tablet of choice from being scratched – heaven forbid – there are separate storage for charge cables and headphones, while the HB logo will make it a top pressie for Halle Berry if she happens to drop in over the Christmas holidays.

Ralph Lauren Sock Set Sock it to ‘em this Crimbo with not one, but two pairs of these classy plaid numbers that will have your toes crying out for more. Each pack contains a bright purple pair for high days and holidays, and a navy blue pair for boring office days.

£29

xmas Aquascutum Putter Head Cover Pimp up your short game with this bling-looking Aquascutum putter head cover to match your plaid trousers. Check, check, one-two.

£79

J Lindeberg Slater Yacht Belt Belt up this winter with this stylish 100% leather belt that offers a smaller JL logoed buckle for those looking for a more understated trouser holding-up mechanism. A nice present for Jude Law perhaps?

5 3 1 £ Puma Golf Cell Fusion 2 shoes If they’re good enough for Rickie Fowler (not the muppet off Eastenders, where have you been?), then they’re easily good enough for the likes of you and me. Packed with performance-enhancing technology – and a two-year waterproof guarantee – these spats should be easy to spot in a dimly-lit locker room. Orange is the now, and the future.

All the items featured in this page are stocked by www.trendygolf.com. To make a purchase visit the website direct or call 08456 6806479.

Gift vouchers are also available. All orders over £100 will be dispatched for next day delivery at no additional charge.

November 2011 / Issue 205

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Spoil the golfer in your life with a Christmas gift that keeps on giving £39.9

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1. Novelty Clubhead Covers

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5. Titleist Winter Mitts RRP: £22 visit: www.titleist.co.uk

RRP: From £20 visit: wwww.mastersgolf.co.uk

Not much more to say than that they go on your hands and keep them warm during those chilly winter rounds.

The only drawback is you look like a penguin and they make it hard to write your score down, or retrieve a tee from your pocket.

Used either for its intended purpose, or as a punchbag/Voodoo doll, the Ian Poulter novelty headcover will be a popular present for both friends and foes of The Tartan Trousered One. If you slash his face across the mouth with a sharp blade, it could also be used a glove puppet for kids’ parties (only to be done by a sensible adult).

6. Titleist Pro V1 balls

2. SkyCaddie SGX

RRP: £39.95 visit: www.titleist.co.uk

RRP: £349.95 visit: www.skycaddie.co.uk Go the extra distance this Christmas by buying the golfer in your life the ultimate GPS device. SkyCaddie’s SGX model offers 30,000 preloaded courses, all of which are viewable on a full-colour three-inch screen. The unit can store a further 50 full-featured courses, which provide zoom capability and offer even more detail, while additional features include a digital scorecard, stats tracking, and synchronised links to an online database. Units bought before December 31 qualify for a free ‘birdie’ membership package – normally costing £29.95 – which offers a year’s worth of free course downloads in the UK.

No Christmas would be complete without the reassuring rattle of a dozen Pro V1s emanating from a familiar rectangle-shaped box under the Nordman Fir. Gift givers can pimp up their spherical offerings by having the balls engraved with a personal message. Among my current favourite lines are: ‘This ball was stolen by (insert the name of person you are giving the balls to) – please don’t give it back to him’, or try ‘THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A STRAIGHT PUTT’ as a helpful alignment aid. Each box of 12 comes gift-wrapped and is supplied with a free ball marker.

3. 100 Greatest Ever Golfers

7. Druh Belts

RRP: £14.99 visit: www.eandtbooks.com

RRP: From £79 visit: www.druhbeltsand buckles.com

Perhaps not one for those who like an in-depth read, but rather something to help pass the time while in the smallest room, Andy Farrell’s collection of mini biographies of those he regards to be the top 100 golfers in the history of the game is guaranteed to spark plenty of clubhouse debate. Tracing the greatest golfers back to Allan Robertson, the great Scottish professional whose death in 1859 precipitated the first Open the following year, right up to Rory McIroy’s exploits in 2011, Farrell harnesses the emotive pull of the game and its players in a fascinating and, at times, revealing book. The list contains 80 men and 20 women, and I won’t spoil it by revealing who makes the No.1 slot.

Add a dash of bling to your golfing partner’s wardrobe with a designer belt from Druh’s funky range. With a DIY design function on the brand’s website, you can customise the material, colour, buckle size, width and length to suit your style. Each belt ordered before Christmas comes with a free set of DB cuffllinks, worth £25

4. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12

8. Two for One Greensaver

RRP: £19.99 visit: www.ea.com

RRP: £39.95 visit: www.golfnews.co.uk/greensaver

His name may be on the box, but you won’t find a picture of Tiger Woods on the cover of the current edition of EA Sports’ best-selling golf game for Wii, PSP and Xbox platforms. That’s because this year’s version is all about The US Masters, with gamesters treated to a staggering 2-D rendition of one of the world’s most iconic golf courses. This is about as close as most of us are ever going to get to treading the fairways at Augusta, so take your time and smell those azaleas. Next year’s version, which is being launched in March, will have Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler sharing top billing on the cover – boasting five tour wins between the them – following an online vote. However, I can’t see Tiger complaining – he still gets the dough.

For the gift that goes on giving long after the turkey has been turned into curry, why not indulge the golfer in your life – or treat yourself – to a Greensaver, an annual pass to 2-for-1 green fees at over 200 excellent golf courses in the South East? Twelve months’ rolling membership entitles the user to play each course up to 10 times, while a handy A5 fullcolour booklet, listing all the venues, will help you get the most from your membership.

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| 2011

They’re under starter’s orders for festival of golf

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www.golfnews.co.uk

Tenterden

Golf breaks with tuition Day 1

Day 2

Swing Health Check with Pro (1hr) l 18 Holes of Golf l Full Unlimited use of Golf Facilities l Full Use of our Luxury Spa l 2-Course Dinner l Accommodation

Breakfast l 9 Hole Playing Lesson with the Pro l 18 Holes of Golf l Full Use of Golf Facilities l Full Use of our Luxury Spa (up to 5pm)

l

l

Variety of Spa Treatments available on request

Price £190 per person (based on 2 sharing) London Beach, Hotel Club & Spa,

Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent. TN30 6HX. T: 01580 766279 F: 01580 763884 E: offers@londonbeach.com

www.londonbeach.com

Following the success of the Cheltenham Festival Golf Day, Fairway to Furlong is returning to the Celtic Manor Resort in 2012, to once more give golfers the perfect start to one of the biggest weeks of the horseracing year.

Guests can enjoy golf at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue, a gala

FREE GOLF At The Ashbury Golf Hotel The UK’s Largest Golf Resort Set in over 600 acres of rolling Devon countryside in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park, the Ashbury Golf Hotel boasts seven 18 hole golf course options plus extensive sports and leisure facilities - all free of charge to guests staying at the hotel. Guests may also take advantage of the sport, craft and leisure activities available to them at the Manor House Hotel.

Beeches 5th 385 yards, Par4

Ashbury 6th 410 yards, Par 4

Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

Kigbeare 8th 403 yards, Par 4

Autumn to Spring Specials 3 Night weekend £134/£282 4 Night midweek £162/£311 Full board, Group Discounts Including

FREE BUGGIES & FREE UNLIMITED GOLF

with all breaks taken between October 10th 2011 and April 29th 2012 NEW for this winter, All Season Fully Enclosed Buggies. £2 per day. Subject to availability.

7x 18 hole course options – yards KIGBEARE PINES FOREST ASHBURY BEECHES OAKWOOD WILLOWS

Par 72 Par 72 Par 71 Par 69 Par 69 Par 67 Par 54

White 6528 6400 6140 5804 5765 5502 1939

Yellow 6126 6076 5854 5534 5400 5299 1939

Red 5334 5327 5211 4918 4826 4630 1939

In addition there are extensive practice facilities and a driving range.

Pines 4th 270 yards, Par 4

Forest 8th 442 yards, Par 4

Freephone: 0800 389 9892 www.ashburygolfresort.com

dinner with a panel of expert tipsters, five-star overnight accommodation and tickets to the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The event takes place on March 12, the day before the Cheltenham Festival begins, and commences with breakfast, with all competitors receiving complimentary buggies and Callaway goody bags, while there are some great prizes up for grabs.

This year more than 200 golfers took to Celtic Manor’s

fairways for the inaugural event, with competitions taking place on the Twenty Ten, Montgomerie and Roman Road courses, before even more race fans joined the evening’s festivities.

Channel 4 Racing’s Derek Thompson, ex-jockey Graham Bradley, and the former chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association, Josh Apiafi, formed the panel of horseracing pundits who guided guests through the coming week’s races, and

next year expert advice will once more be up for grabs alongside a threecourse meal, live music and entertainment and a charity auction in aid of Cancer Research and Help for Heroes.

Those staying overnight will receive a Cheltenham Guinness breakfast on Tuesday morning, before transferring to the racecourse’s Club Enclosure to enjoy the day’s racing.

Packages to play golf on the Montgomerie or Roman Road courses, attend the gala dinner and spend a night at Celtic Manor cost just £996 for a team of four. Those looking for a VIP Ryder Cup experience can play the Twenty Ten course, enjoy the gala dinner, a night at the resort, and get tickets to Cheltenham for only £2,000 per team.

For more information, or to book, please call 0207 336 5346, email sam@ fairwaytofurlong.com or visit www.fairwaytofurlong.com.

Brocket’s the perfect pl Not content with boasting two championship golf courses, a 250-year-old magnificent stately home, Hertfordshire’s only Michelinstarred restaurant, and unparalleled golf practice and instructional facilities, the Brocket Hall estate in Welwyn can now also lay claim to hosting a beautiful new corporate facility.

Opened in September, the Palmerston Lounge is a new golf and entertainment facility welcoming all visitors, from corporate and society golf days to visitor green fees.

The Palmerston Lounge houses a beautiful bar and restaurant area in which to

The golf academy at Brocket Hall

November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 35

Dale Hill launches teaching retreats Golf lessons are always a good idea, but how much can you achieve in half-an-hour? And by the time the next lesson comes around, haven’t you forgotten most of what you learnt the last time?

Two top teaching pros – Mark Wood and Mark Janes – have combined their considerable talents to offer a more intensive and sustained programme of instruction.

Called ‘The Ultimate Golf Retreat’, it’s targeted at those determined to make rapid and significant improvement.

Flexibility is vital, and the retreat, which lasts one, two or three days at Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club in Ticehurst, East Sussex, is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual students.

However, the crucial aspect that is common to all retreats is the intensive personal nature of the tuition.

The bulk of the instruction is given on a one-to-one basis

Just awarded British Tourist Board Gold Award

and there are never more than two students per coach.

Each day roughly lasts from nine to five, with the two professionals in attendance all the time. They even lunch with their pupils.

As well as the excellent driving range and practice putting greens, the two

championship courses at Dale Hill are superb, and use is made of the magnificent short-game areas at nearby Chart Hills, where all the latest video and computer technology is employed to help pupils fulfil their true potential.

“We offer a comprehensive

One in four go for Free at Dartmouth

place, cost as little as £110 per person. Those wanting to extend their stay can add a further night and extra day of golf for as little as £30. Alternatively, onenight’s accommodation and two days’ unlimited golf is available from just £69 per person.

Unlimited golf comprises one round per day on the Championship course and unrestricted use of the Dartmouth course.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the Lakeside Health and Leisure Suite, while non-golfers can exchange their rounds for selected spa treatments.

Situated in 225 acres of South Devon countryside, just outside the beautiful town of Dartmouth, the resort boasts 27 holes of golf.

For more information, or to book your stay, call 0800 043 3669 or email reservations@dgcc.co.uk.

Golfers looking to keep their costs down while taking a golf break this winter can take advantage of Dartmouth Golf & Country Club’s new group deals. For groups travelling between November 1 and February 29 one in

every four golfers will be able to stay and play at the South Devon resort for free when taking a two-night break.

The packages include three days of unlimited golf and one evening meal, and, with the complimentary

place to lounge around enjoy a drink or a light meal after a round of golf, as well as its own reception area and golf shop, providing hire equipment.

On the first floor, showers and 64 lockers are available, making the lounge a perfect self-contained destination for smaller corporate or society golf days.

Also available for hire for small corporate functions and private parties, the Palmerston Lounge is capable of seating up to 60 guests, and provides tranquil views across the Palmerston course.

Both rooms in the Palmerston Lounge have a large plasma screen television

with a Sky subscription, so that guests need never miss out on the major sporting fixtures, while for corporate clients these screens can be connected to a laptop for meetings and presentations.

Completing Brocket Hall’s extensive golfing portfolio, the Palmerston Lounge is set to ensure that visiting golfers, corporate clients and those holding private parties, will be entertained in a beautiful, secluded setting.

For more information, or to review Brocket Hall’s newest golf facility, please contact Stephanie Mann on 01707 368 791 or email Stephanie.

Mann@brocket-hall.co.uk.

after-sales service,” explains Wood. “We ask students to email us videos of their swings, chips, putts or whatever, whenever they like.

We’ll analyse them and then send back specific drills and appropriate advice.”

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

FREE GOLF Air-conditioned clubhouse facilities l Restaurant offering an extensive menu l On site accommodation in the Dorset Golf Hotel 16 twin rooms l From £57.95 pppn including Dinner, B&B and FREE GOLF l l

Autumn Special Offer

Coffee & Bacon Baguette on arrival Basket of Driving Range Balls l 18 Holes of Championship Golf l Two Course Dinner l Coffee & Mints l l

£31.95pp (min 8 players)

FREE golf GUIDE www.golfnews.co.uk

Telephone No: 01929 472244

36 /

November 2011 / Issue 205

Matt Nicholson enjoys some healthy competition and generous hospitality at the Korineum Golf Resort in Northern Cyprus

Being a naturally competitive kind of person, the opportunity to play a few days of organised tournament golf under sunny skies in Cyprus was not to be missed. So it was with a spring in my step that I boarded a flight from Stansted on a chilly English autumn afternoon, and fiveand-a-half hours later found myself blinking into the sunlight as I stepped onto the tarmac at Ercan airport.

Never having visited the northern part of Cyprus before, I wasn’t sure to expect in the way of golf facilities.

Southern Cyprus has long been popular with UK golfers. The northern part of the island, on the other hand, has been somewhat left in the shade, following the political upheavals in the mid-1970s that left it operating as a separate state backed by the Turkish government.

Political machinations aside, Northern Cyprus is every bit as

Classy Korineum welcoming to foreign visitors as its neighbour, and even more beautiful – although it is not quite so developed, which many will find in its favour.

A sign of the region’s commitment to attracting a wider cross-section of visitors has been the unveiling of its first ever golf club, the Korineum Golf & Country Club, in 2007. Located just 30 minutes from Ercan airport, the stunning boutique resort represents a significant addition to the region’s

leisure offering, and one that has been embraced by locals and international visitors alike in the five years since its official opening.

At the heart of its attraction is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by English architect David Hemstock. Carved from a forest of pine, olive, and carob trees, with stunning views of the Mediterranean on one side, and the dramatic Five Finger mountain range on the other, the 6,232-metre, par-72 course is a real gem. The club also benefits from superb practice facilities, including a 34-bay covered driving range, and a three-hole academy course, all of which is staffed by a team of PGAqualified professionals.

The newly-opened Elite Hotel rooms are located just a 9-iron from the first tee and offer an excellent variety of accommodation. My own room was extremely spacious and comfortable, and had all the mod cons you’d expect from a quality hotel, with walk-in showers, free-standing baths, 42-inch plasma TVs, free wi-fi, and balconies with sea views. a choice of three restaurants, three bars, swimming pools and a spa, while there’s also a regular shuttle service running to a

nearby private beach. from all over the island, and further afield. The golf club launched a Festival Week in 2011, with over 80 golfers from all over Europe taking part in five days of competitions from September 29, covering all formats of the game, including Mixed Opens, Mixed Greensomes, Ladies’ Stableford and Men’s Singles.

Throughout the week golfers were treated to a variety of evening entertainment, including local folk dancing and belly dancing performances, while gala dinners and prize-giving parties all added to the celebratory atmosphere of the occasion.

After a good first night’s sleep, I opened the curtains in the morning to see the shimmering seas of the Mediterranean only half a mile away.

Having arrived in the dark, I didn’t quite know what to expect, but it was certainly a nice surprise! After a tasty breakfast in the hotel’s new dining room, I met up with my playing partners for the practice round, Ken Black and Jim Watson, both of whom were member of the club (and singlefigure handicappers to boot). You couldn’t find two more enthusiastic ambassadors for a club, and they showed me how to play the course

November 2011 / Issue 205

before the following day’s big event, The Men’s Invitational.

The next morning, after a quick warm-up on the practice putting green, I knew I was in for a treat. After a gentle opener, the course quickly reveals its teeth, with the second hole, a par three, requiring a mid iron over a creek to reach the green. With tee shots either played down to the sea or towards the mountains, the views are never dull, while the opportunities for the course to trip you up are plenty.

Among the numerous highlights is the 198-metre 13th – which is played over a deep ravine, and is one of the best par threes you’ll ever play – and the par-five 14th, where many a card has been ruined. I reckon I used every club in the bag during my round – a sure sign of good course design – while the undulating greens, which are even-paced and true, ensure your short game has to be on the money to score well here.

It’s a course that you’d find hard to get bored with – a fact backed up by member playing partners from the previous day – and while the challenges that it presents will constantly entertain – and maybe enrage – it’ll will always keep you coming back for more.

The clubhouse terrace was buzzing with atmosphere after the round,

Five Finger Mountain provides a stunning backdrop

The hotel rooms are spacious and luxuriously-furnished

/ 37

Taking on the 215 yard uphill carry at the 13th

with members and guests enjoying a few drinks while discussing where it all went wrong for them out on the course. Everyone seemed in agreement that a good time had been had by all, regardless of what the scorecard might have revealed!

For the record, I scored 30 points in the Men’s Invitational and finished in the top half of the field of 80 players.

Jim Watson, my playing partner on the day, won the event, which goes to prove that nice guys sometimes win.

The best bit is that all this can be enjoyed without having to break

Strong par three 2nd hole

the bank. The general cost of living is very inexpensive in Northern Cyprus, with a bottle of beer costing as little as £1 in the resort, and a steak sandwich only £3. A three-course in the hotel restaurant was around €15, easily half what one might pay in mainland Europe, and all backed up by great service and a warm welcome.

Away from the course there is plenty to do for golfers and non-golfers alike, with some stunning wide sandy beaches to explore and pretty harbour town of Kyrenia to enjoy, which is buzzing with local restaurants,

bars and shops.

So my advice is to book up early for next year’s Golf Festival,which is scheduled for late September, or if you can’t wait that long, book now for a relaxing winter break.

Matt Nicholson travelled with Cyprus Paradise (www.cyprusparadise.com).

For more details and the latest offers on golf holidays to Korineum Golf & Country Club, please visit www.korineumgolf.com, email info@korineumgolf.com or call 00 90 392 600 1500.

France & Spain

38 /

November 2011 / Issue 205

Golf breaks

Top travel award puts Abu Dhabi firmly on the golfing map Yas Links

Abu Dhabi has been named ‘Golf Destination Of The Year’ Africa & Gulf States in the 2012 International Association of Golf Tour Operators awards, which sees over 380 specialised operators from 55 countries vote for the golf destinations viewed as the best performing by their clients.

Abu Dhabi beat off competition from nine contenders, including five other shortlisted candidates Dubai, Kenya, Morocco, Mauritius and the Western Cape in South Africa.

In voting for their preferred winners, operators judged against criteria which included customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, professional conduct of suppliers, support from the local tourist industry and accessibility to tee times.

Timing perfectly with the receipt of the award, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

(ADTA) has launched its new ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative, an umbrella marketing platform that sees golf clubs, hotels and other stakeholder groups working closer together to increase the emirate’s exposure to the global golf tourism market The promotional package kicks off with highly attractive rates to play three of Abu Dhabi’s finest championship courses at Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links.

The packages can also include flights, hotels, and car hire to suit all budgets.

“For the last six years our world-renowned

championship has put Abu Dhabi golf on the map,” said Dayne Lim, spokesman for ADTA. “And far from simply praising the playing conditions and weather, the tournament’s field leaves us every year extolling the traditional Arabian hospitality they experience. Our goal

Pro-Am teams vie for Vilamoura glory

Golfers looking for a bit of winter sun should fly down to southern Portugal, where resort owner Oceânico has unveiled a selection of stay-and-play packages at its stunning Amendoeira Golf Resort that are ideally suited for golfers looking for a combination of championship golf, first-class accommodation, fantastic leisure facilities and that allimportant winter sunshine.

All packages include golf on both the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr championship courses, accommodation in a luxury apartment, breakfast each morning, complimentary buggy and club hire, and free use of the resort’s extensive sports facilities, which include tennis courts, five-a-side football, beach volleyball and a gymnasium.

Amendoeira, which is situated in the central Algarve countryside, offers 36-holes of championship golf, along

Vale Do Lobo Ocean Course

Golf Escapes, one of the UK’s leading specialist golf holiday operators, is organising the PGA South Region Overseas Pro-Am in Vilamoura on Portugal’s sunny Algarve from February 23-28, 2012.

The event includes five nights’ accommodation in the luxury fivestar Pestana Vila Sol Resort in a twin room, on a bed and breakfast basis. The tournament comprises two rounds at Vila Sol and a further two rounds on Vale do Lobo’s Ocean Course.

The package also include the hire of an estate car per team, daily lunch packs for each tournament day, welcome cocktail party, gala dinner, range tokens, excellent amateur prizes, on-site PGA tournament controller and a professional prize fund of £6,665 (based on 24 teams taking part).

Each team will consist of one PGA Professional and three amateurs. The price per amateur is £699, with the team professional staying free of charge. Flights are not included.

This is the 3rd year Golf Escapes have organised the PGA South Region Overseas Pro-Am. The previous events were held in Turkey and were both fully subscribed, so early booking is advised. If you can’t find your own professional, the PGA South Region will be more than happy to find a professional to join your team. Professionals and teams from outside the South Region are welcome to attend, as are non-golfers.

For more information, please contact Golf Escapes on 01342 811777 or see www.golf-escapes.com.

now is to entice the world’s amateur players by leveraging the destination’s diversity of playing options and our other, multi-faceted tourism assets.”

The capital’s three championship courses are all located within a 25-minute radius of each other, while further golfing experiences can be enjoyed at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the emirate’s heritage heartland; a floodlit, nine-hole urban course at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club; and a unique 18-hole sand course at Al Ghazal Golf Club.

“Our dynamic and diverse offering goes beyond the capital’s intriguing mix of parkland, ocean and links style championship courses,” says Lim. “With half a dozen different playing experiences, tourists visiting the emirates can play a contrasting course, with varying challenges, every day over a standard six-day break. We believe this diversity gives us a significant competitive edge.”

For more information visit www.golfinabudhabi. com or email info@ golfinabudhabi.com.

Saadiyat Beach

unbeatable value • unrivalled service • superb courses

Book early for Brittany bargains!

2012

The 2012 Brittany Ferries golf holiday brochure, which is now out, features no fewer than 71 golf courses in Western France, and a further 17 in Spain.

These holidays have always offered outstanding value but now, with a 10 per cent saving if booked before 31 January 2012, they are truly unbeatable.

But low prices does not mean any compromise on quality of service, particularly when it comes to getting the right advice from the Brittany Ferries Golf Desk, which is manned by experts that are familiar with the courses, the best routes, what restaurants to visit, and where to stay.

Golf breaks start from just £57 per person for an away day, which includes return unbe

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crossings and a round of golf.

Graham Ruth, Director of Golf for Brittany Ferries, said: “Booking early not only makes sense to secure the best crossings and Fran ce & tee_times, S p Golf ain bre aks but now it can save you 10%.

We recognise that in these difficult economic times everyone is seeking value and we truly believe that our golf breaks offer the best value ever, especially when compared to flying because with us there are no hidden costs and you can take as much golf equipment as you can fit into your car.”

Details of all courses can be found at www.brittanyferries. com/golf. For advice and bookings call the Golf Desk on 0871 244 0808.

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2012

Attractive winter packages to Amendoeira

with a floodlit 9-hole, par-3 course and a whole host of leisure facilities.

The Faldo Course, designed by the six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo, is a challenging Arizonastyle desert layout that is presented in pristine condition

throughout the year and demands careful positioning from the tee to score well.

The back nine provides some breathtaking views over the entire resort.

The O’Connor course, designed by Irish Ryder Cup hero Christy O’Connor Jnr, takes full advantage of being situated in a fertile valley, featuring lush landscapes and orange groves, while large areas of lakes and watercourses demand accurate positioning.

Both courses opened in 2008, and have matured well over the last three years.

The winter package deals start from £190 per person for a three-night, two-round break, rising to £380 for five nights and four rounds, and £470 for seven nights and five rounds.

Flights to Faro are not included, allowing guests to book the most convenient flight times with airlines including Monarch, British Airways, and Easyjet from the UK. Prices are based on four people sharing a two-bedroom apartment, and are available from January 1 until 31st October 2012.

For more details visit www.oceanicodirect.com or call 00 351 289 320 525.

November 2011 / Issue 205

/ 39

Me&MyTravels

In association with...

with Steve Backley – the former international javelin champion won’t need his passport to attend next year’s Olympic Games, but he still finds time for a swing in Spain My most recent holiday was to… Spain, to our villa near to Villamartin Golf Club on the Costa Blanca.

Valderrama

I always pack… my running shoes. I couldn’t be on holiday without doing some form of training!

My favourite golf course in the world is… Valderrama I’ve only played it twice, but both times it blew me away!

The London Golf Club, Heritage Course

My ideal travelling golf partners are… my athlete friends, Kriss Akabusi, Roger Black and Mick Hill.

My favourite golf course in the UK is… without doubt

The best hotel I’ve ever s tayed at was…The Lost City Hotel at Sun City.

the London Golf Club. I will never tire of setting out on either the Heritage or International courses.

The Lost City Hotel at Sun City

Kriss Akabusi

My worst ever holiday was… in a caravan in Scotland - it rained... lots!!

My best ever round was at… Lullingstone Golf Club in Orpington, which is near where I live. As they say...even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then!

My favourite city in the world is… London.

My most memorable meal was…in Japan eating blowfish. They are highly toxic and can kill you if they’re not cooked properly!

I’m planning a trip to… I’m not! The Olympics are coming.

I can’t go anywhere!

The thing I hate about travel is... flying, it’s a pet hate.

My top travel tip would be… to leave British expectations at home; embrace the new culture; keep an open mind, and indulge in the local experiences.

Exotic�Golf�Holidays Mauritius 5*�Belle Mare Plage 2�weeks�from�£1,595

algarve

incl.�12�nights�halfboard�accom. flights�&�transfers “best�golf�resort�in�the�world!”

includes�unlimited�golf�on 2�championship�courses

Golf Escapes are delighted to team up with the fabulous CS Vila das Lagoas complex overlooking Salgados Golf Club on the Algarve to offer Golf News readers outstanding golf packages through the winter and spring.

Our fantastic package prices

Tournament Mauritius�Chaka�Open 7�nights��in�Heritage�Awali 3�competition�rounds with�unlimited�golf 20�-�28�April�2012 from £1,700�pp All�Inclusive

1 - 31 March 12

1 Apr - 31 May 12

3 Nts + 2 Rnds

3 Nts + 2 Rnds

3 Nts + 2 Rnds

5 Nts + 3 Rnds

5 Nts + 3 Rnds

5 Nts + 3 Rnds

South Africa

7 Nts + 5 Rnds

South�African�golf�specialists

7 Nts + 5 Rnds

Prices are per person based on 4 golfers sharing a two-bedroom apartment and include golf on any combination of Salgados, Morgado and Alamos. Please call for different durations and different group sizes. Car hire, transfers and flights also available.

All packages booked with Golf Escapes Ltd are financially protected.

5*�LykiaWorld�&�LinksGolf 7�nights�all-Inclusive with�unlimited�golf�(excl.�flights)

from�only�£495�pp

incl�flights

1 Nov 11 - 29 Feb 12

£129.00 £169.00 £159.00 £199.00 £259.00 £245.00 7 Nts + 5 Rnds .00 £269 £349.00 £329.00

Tu r k e y

extend�by�5�nights�for�£300�pp�all�inclusive

Tailor�made�holidays�by�the Visit�our�dedicated�website

Golf Holidays in South Africa.com

Madeira 5*�Meliã�Madeira�Mare 7�nights�bb with�4�rounds�golf incl�transfers�(excl.�flights)

from�only�£535�pp

enquiries@chakatravel.com

Tel:�028�9023�2112 For more information on all our great deals call: 01342 811777 or please visit: www.golf-escapes.com

www.chakatravel.com

© 2011 PING P.O. Box 82000 Phoenix, AZ 85071

At PING, we’re always thinking about your game and how to improve it. In the new G20® Series, we’ve applied our more than 50-years of engineering know-how to optimize the entire set to fit your game and your swing. With new materials, like the Ti 8-1-1 used in the G20 driver and the elastomer cavity badge found in the G20 iron, we’ve advanced our award-winning designs even further. Each club is engineered to bring your game more distance, more accuracy and more consistency. It all adds up to more enjoyment. All you need is a custom fitting. We’ve taken care of everything else.

To find your perfect fit, visit ping.com