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16.5 hilereminds e 2002 Captain Prince’s 27-h I’m going for RSE THAT’S BETTER! in m ing. W Ryder Cup Europ a es ud cl in me compet wise enough to understand it. amme, it’s not you fanc y so don’t bet on McGinley’s te and e nc rie pe springy, dr ex at that the majority of society ix of often that golf on th solid mno THE a proper “NAILCOTEE IS ly on VE longer agreed. If they wanted I pick the M I HA turf that HARDEST GA ” ED AY fer – and EVER PL l MBE to avoid a PR disaster, a ‘Yes’ winner of any course can of he Peter Schmeic alkeeper ce trophy vote was the only outcome. sporting event, CHA International Go winning a ni THE BRITISH PAR 3 MPIONSHIP Stay and Pla COURSE golfing g r the best par 3yin the UK lots of othe But let’s not pretend that let alone a on down e m – then co the vote will turn around golf’s two-horse race ptembe k modation overnight. The fact is Prince’s on Se ‘Birdie’ Bryea like the Ryder ury accofortunes lux ing lud ’s inc t 13 ran ow, it m Under • Stay & Pla Oak Room restau You never kn 18 holes - £7.50 women were already allowed Cup. While breakfast in the ults sh Ad 0 gli n En 5.0 rso ll £1 pe Fu l be han r • 18 holes £19.50 Pe be you that I’l lf m n ing meal in • 18 holes of go en To b 9.50 Per perso ev Society Days fro ts from ’ £2 o! nth to Mo u of the Even the trophy s • 3 course ‘Men restaurant Corporate Golf n & Group Clinic or itio 25 Tu lf om ge Go Ro y k pa Oa em e the ace se Golf Acad

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ust a week after Scotland goes to the polls to decid e whether they want to stay or not, 12 Europ in the UK ean golfers will hopefully be putting on a more united front when they go into battle – sorry, play a few games of golf – against the might of the United States of America.

While the result of the Scottish vote remained in the balance as Golf News went to press, the pre-match talk about the result of the 40th Ryder Cup is how wide Europ all about lots of recen e’s margin t winning form, of victor y will Tom Watso ARE YOU MISSI be at Glene n’s motley agles.

NG crew I don’t think looks like one THE LINKS many of the weake ?

European fans’ st line-ups since Closer to home nerves will the sorry lot , but no withstand that rocked less competitive another nailup in , biting finale 2006 and were Ireland in own Golf News is our to golf’s bihanded out /Callaway annual match a hamm Golf Links ering at the play slugfe Champions st hands as witnessed hip, of Woosie’s which once at Medinah, blue and again so yellow I, like many returns army. to the Kent supporters coast and of the home side, the Without Tiger wonderful will be hopin Woods, links at Prince g for a more Dustin Johns ’s Golf Club in serene march on and Jason Sandwich to victor y.

Dufner, the later this month. team is missin Without a The recent g a touch of hint of bias, I can histor y of the class, and many safely say that matches shows of its player it’s always that the s are hugel a superb event average margi y out of form. , with the team n is just 3.5 While Watso at Prince’s points, while n was scratching laying on a eight of the aroun great day on d to last 15 renew find fit player one of the count als have been s to fill the ry’s finest links decided by 12 places, McGin courses. I’m one point or ley wore out often amaze less.

All of which his temples d at how far gives rise to thinki competitor the belief that s whom to leave ng about travel to take this year’s conte out. part, but st will see anoth Throw in some with the new er duel to the luxury sporting death unpredictab lodge accom between the le Scottish moda game’s best tion weather, strong available on golfers on home either site, the side of the support, and tournamen Atlantic. no doubt a t offers the However, I fair smattering perfec t oppor feel of Churchillian tunity to could be anoth that this speeches, and enjoy a few er K Club I think we days in making. could be about the Kent coast, down on While Paul to witness where there McGinley’s yet another are plenty team includ heavy home of great tracks es a solid mix of win.

I’m going for to play experience once you’ve 16.5-11.5 – and sampled but don’t bet on the thrills and it. spills aroun d Prince’s 27-ho le layout. So if you fancy some comp etitive golf on that springy, dry turf that only a proper links course can offer – and fancy winning a nice troph y and lots of other golfing goodi es – then come on down to Prince’s on September 29.

You never know, it might be you that I’ll be handi ng the trophy too! To book a place see page It’s hard to 25 or call beat a round 01489 58332 links course on a 2 or email at this time paulrockett@ of year milestoneevent.com.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

News in Brief SHANKLIN PAIR WIN HANTS FOURSOMES Shanklin & Sandown’s Jordan Sundborg and Natt Riddett won the Hampshire County Foursomes after shooting rounds of 74 and 67 to take the title by six clear shots from Martin Young (Brokenhurst Manor) and Tom Robson (Rowlands Castle). Third place went to Mark Sawford and Dan Cornish (Rowlands Castle).

Sundborg and Riddett also had the best nett score, 142.

WHIFFIN STRIKES LATE BLOW AT BASILDON

St George’s to vote to end men-only policy Royal St George’s Golf Club, one of three Open venues that do not allow women to be members, is to introduce measures to become a mixed club by next year.

The historic move by the Sandwich-based club comes after the Royal & Ancient Golf Club’s members overwhelming voted to end its 260 years as a male-only club, and invite women members to join its ranks.

Over 85% of the R&A membership voted to overturn the club’s outdated policy, leaving St George’s, Muirfield and Royal Troon as the only clubs on the Open rota that continue to refuse to allow female golfers to become members.

However, Royal St George’s secretary Colonel Tim Checketts has

confirmed that members will vote on the issue in early 2015. He said: “We have had a process in place before the St Andrew’s vote to consult how our membership should be going forward. We will consult with the members and come to a decision in due course.”

Royal St George’s has hosted the Open 14 times, most recently in 2011, when it came under fire from former Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson. Current Minister for Sport and Kent MP Helen Grant has also spoken out on the issue. She said: “This is positive news for the sport, and I hope we will now see other golf clubs that still have outdated same-sex policies follow suit. With golf in the next Olympics there is a huge opportunity for the sport to

grow and this sends out the right inclusive message that golf is for everyone.”

Muirfield, which hosted the Open in 2013, revealed before the R&A vote took place that it would commission a company to handle the consultation process to end its single sex policy, which will start this month. “The research will be undertaken over the winter and a report will be completed in March 2015,” a spokesman for the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns Muirfield, said. “The findings will be considered by the HCEG during the spring of next year.”

Following the R&A’s vote on September 18, a number of leading corporate sponsors and top players commented that it would be unfeasible for a golf

Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club professional Sean Whiffin produced a late scoring burst to force a share of the spoils with Glen Portelli in the Basildon Pro-Am. The pair both recorded five-under-par 67s to finish a shot ahead of Brett Taylor. Whiffin was just one-under par after the 14th hole, but birdies at 15 and 17 and an eagle at 16 turned around his fortunes.

club to remain male-only memberships if it wanted to retain Open status.

Royal Troon, which is due to host the Open in 2016, has said it shares its facilities with a women-only golf club, and therefore has no plans to change its policy.

Ryder Cup star Justin Rose was one of the first tour professionals to speak openly on the subject.

Asked whether the policy of taking the Open to men-only courses should be changed, he said: “I think private golf clubs have the right to do whatever they want to do, but being men only should limit the kind of tournaments that they should be allowed to host. Clubs that want to host high-profile events should conform with what’s acceptable in mainstream society.”

Royal St George’s is drawing up a timetable to end its male-only membershiip policy

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Faldo pays tribute to ‘gentleman’ father Sir Nick Faldo called his father George a ‘gentleman and a gentle man’ in an emotional tribute following his death on September 9.

Sir Nick said: “With an honest sparkle in his eye and a story in his heart, he charmed his life’s gallery, one person at a time. He was an easy mark for a laugh and an easy mark for a tear, illustrating every day his own simple appreciation for the simplest moments in life. That, along with his own signature nod of his head and eternally outstretched hand to greet a visitor or a friend, will forever define the many memories I will hold close.”

George Faldo was born in 1926 in Poplar, London.

He lived in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire for 65 years, where his wife of 67 years, Joyce, is a life-long resident. After retiring as an accountant from ICI in the town, Faldo Snr and his wife were walking enthusiasts and active members of the community’s Footpath Society, where he served as

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October 2014 / Issue 237

High Court rejects Cherkley Campaign’s call for judicial review

accountant for the club for 20 years.

Remembered for taking his only child to his first Open at Royal Troon and Royal Lytham St Anne’s in 1973 and 1974, George was his son’s biggest supporter, letting him leave school at 16 to pursue his dream of becoming a pro golfer.

In recent years, he and his wife served as hosts of the Faldo Trophy at Welwyn Garden City Golf Club, where they brought their son for his first golf lesson at the age of 14.

Just an hour after hearing news of his father’s death, Sir Nick was presented with The Payne Stewart Award, which is presented to a player who shares Stewart’s respect for golf’s traditions and commitment to charity.

The award was accepted by the six-time major champion’s son, Matthew, at a ceremony held in Atlanta.

    



Campaigners fighting against a proposed hotel and golf course at Cherkley Court in Surrey have had a second request for a judicial review rejected by a high court judge.

The application was put forward by the Cherkley Campaign , an umbrella group formed to lobby against the development near Leatherhead. Mr Justice Day refused the application on September 23, deciding the campaign’s application was without merit, out of time, and an abuse of process, having already been argued in the previous judicial review.

A spokesman for Longshot Cherkley Court, the company behind the resort development, said: “We are delighted with the decision, as we always believed this to be a claim that was totally without merit. We hope this will put an end to the matter, and look forward to focusing on our commitment to deliver a world class facility.”

Tim Harold, chairman of Cherkley Campaign, said: “We are obviously disappointed by the ruling, because it was clear that something had gone wrong with the decisionmaking on the landscape and ecology management plan.

We remain of the view that what happened was wholly unlawful.”

Development work on the 18-hole championship course, which is being co-designed by US Ryder Cup Tom Watson, has been stop and start following all the legal wranglings, although contractors are now back on site.

Hutsby secures European Tour card Hampshire professional Sam Hutsby secured his playing rights on next season’s European Tour after winning one of the Challenge Tour’s biggest tournaments – in prize money terms – the Kazakhstan Open.

A final round 67 at Zhailjau Golf Resort, which included seven birdies, saw Hutsby finish two strokes clear of current money list leader Andrew Johnston, and claim his maiden victory on the second tier tour.

The €72,000 top prize moved the 25 year old from Leeon-Solent into third in the Challenge Tour rankings, and guaranteed him a starting berth in The Race to Dubai next season, having not had his card since the end of 2010, when he missed out on retaining it by one place.

Hutsby’s performance in Kazakhstan was the culmination of some fine form this season, and he could barely keep the smile off his face as he realised just what he had achieved on an energy-sapping final day in Almaty.

“I thought if I shot five under then I’d have probably won it by some margin,” said the 25 year old, who only made his flight by a few minutes on Sunday, having been stuck in traffic en route to Heathrow. “No lead is ever big enough, especially with those last two holes and all the water, so one loose shot can rack up a big number. It was just an incredible back nine though, and I pulled off some really key shots, which surprised even myself. My short game kept me in it, as I got up and down when I needed to, and holed out well.”

He added: “It was all a very new experience for me, but I’m just really pleased with how I handled myself. It is just so nice to get over that hurdle and win my first title. I can’t wait to get back out on the European Tour next year. It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m chuffed to bits.”

News in Brief HEAVEN’S ELEVEN FOR GIBSON Cosby’s David Gibson won the Northants County Amateur Championship trophy for a record eleventh time after shooting rounds of 72 and 69 to finish a stroke clear of his closest challenger Steve Sansome at Lingdale Golf Club in Loughborough. It was his fourth consecutive victory in the county tournament that he first won in 1990.

LEVERMORE LOWERS STANMORE RECORD Jason Levermore broke the course record at Stanmore in Middlesex, after firing a seven-under-par 62 to win the Stanmore Pro-Am. The Channels’ professional recorded nine birdies, giving him a fourth pro-am victory inside the last month. His performance gave him a five-shot victory over Murray White (Penfold Park), with Mark Stokes (Rayleigh) in third place.

8/

News in Brief LULU GOES LOW AT DORNOCH Middlesex golfer Lulu Housman finished tied third senior women’s British championship after finishing on two-over par for 54 holes at Royal Dornoch in Scotland. England team-mate Cath Rawthore took the title with a one-under-par total, with Scotland’s Mary Tain in second.

SOUTH BEDS DUO REPRESENT ENGLAND SCHOOLS South Beds Golf Club juniors Luke Charnley and Alex Bithrey were selected for the England Schools team that defeated Scotland Schools 10-8 in the annual match that was held at Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club in Lancashire last month. The friends were paired together in the morning foursomes, but lost 3&2, although Charnley repaired the damage in his afternoon singles, winning 3&2 over Conor Toal, while Bithrey ran into Scotland’s in-form Niall McMullen, who was the star Scottish player on the day, losing 4&3.

KENNEDY FINDS FORM AT LAMBOURNE John Kennedy (Wexham Park) returned to form with an impressive win in the BB&O Open at the Lambourne Club. Kennedy scored a four-under-par 66 in tricky conditions to fend off last year’s winner Lewis Atkinson (The Buckinghamshire), by four shots, with Tom Fleming (Frilford Heath) a further shot back in third.

BROWN IN THE PINK AT BROCKET

October 2014 / Issue 237

Golfers get ready to ‘Glow golfing’ at Kent’s Bluewater Golfers who need to convince their non-golfing partners and family to join them at this year’s London Golf Show need only whisper the word ‘Bluewater’ to ensure a full car and a fun day out for everyone.

The popular annual show, which moved to the Dartford-based retail park from its previous homes at Dockland’s Excel Centre and Earls Court, takes place at the Glow Exhibition Centre in Bluewater from November 14-16.

The new venue for the London Golf Show is owned by one of the UK’s leading retail companies, with over 28 million visitors each year. This year’s show will open on the same day as Bluewater’s traditional Christmas lights party, so it is sure to attract a bumper crowd.

As with previous renewals, the 10th London Golf Show will be a truly interactive experience for golfers of all ages, with informed technical advice, PGA tuition and free golf lessons from coaching partner PlayGolf World, a mammoth indoor driving range, custom fitting, club testing, custom build trucks, simulators, a Kids’ Zone, crazy golf, competitions and prizes, and the latest golf gadgets.

The show is being supported by some of the best known golf equipment companies, including TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno, Wilson, Nike, Titleist, Ping, Cobra, Cleveland and Yonex, with in excess of 100 golf brands at the show, including official clothing partner Taylor Grey.

The show’s equipment retail partner is the Silvermere Golf Store, which will be offering unique deals on clubs, clothing and accessories. The likes of Nike, Adidas, Puma, Galvin Green, and Under Armour will be there, along with a dedicated ladies section, and expertise and equipment for lefties from specialist retailer Left Handed Golf.

One of the key attractions of the show will again be the main stage, where top presenter Tony Westwood banters with celebrity guests, and conducts interviews and discussions on all aspects of the game with experts from

Goodwood begins bunker renovation

Stuart Brown shot a six-under-par 67 to win the Brocket Hall Charity Invitational Pro-Am. The Orton Meadows professional enjoyed a run of five straight birdies over the Melbourne course en route to winning by two shots from Jason Levermore.

CHASE LEADS THE PACK AT EATON Chase Davis made it four pro-am victories on the PGA’s Eastern region this season, when finishing one shot to the good in the Eaton Golf Club Pro-Am. The Stapleford Abbotts professional shot a fourunder-par 66 to triumph fover joint runners-up Michael Few (Weston Park) and Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister). Chris Cutchie (Colchester) led the successful team on a tally of 124.

Bluewater is an easily accessible venue for visitors travelling from all over the South East

lie outside golf, there are plenty of other shopping, eating and leisure activities to keep the whole family entertained on whichever day they visit.

Visitors will be able to try out all the latest gear

Advance tickets cost £11.50 per person, £18 for two, or £48 for groups of six. Tickets bought on the door will cost £15. For bookings, call 0844 858 6749.

all corners of the golfing world, including biomechanics, mind coaching, strength and conditioning, swing coaching, putting and shot game gurus. And, of course, trick shot shows from Dean Davis, and the Trick Shot Boys, Geoff Swain and Kevin Carpenter, will entertain the crowds.

Bluewater is only five minutes off the M25, and parking is free, which makes it a convenient destination for visitors from all over the south, while for those whose interests

Leading golf course architect Tom Mackenzie has been commissioned to supervise a major course refurbishment programme at Golf At Goodwood, as the Chichester-based club seeks to improve its chances of hosting a professional event in the near future.

Mackenzie’s firm, MacKenzie & Egbert, began phase one of the bunker refurbishment programme on the award-winning 7,104 yard Downs Course at the end of September, with the second phase expected to get underway in the autumn next year.

MacKenzie, who has more than 25 years experience in the industry and is a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, has researched and studied James Braid’s original design for Goodwood’s Downs Course and intends to retain the essential character of the original concept, while enhancing the challenge

for the modern game.

Stuart Gillett, general manager of Golf At Goodwood, said: “MacKenzie & Ebert have an outstanding reputation in the golf industry, and their appointment reaffirms our long-term commitment to take our golf business to the next level. The plan is to relocate some bunkers and in other areas increase their visibility and make them strong and distinctive features of the course.”

Speaking about the project, Mackenzie said: “Anyone who knows the Goodwood Estate knows that they do everything well. We are honoured to be part of the next phase of the development of the Downs Course in the estate’s continued quest for improvement of their golf facilities. Being a Chichester-based firm, we know the course really well and look forward to working sympathetically to build on the success that it has already achieved.”

Sherman lowers Littlestone record en route to bagging Kent PGA title Langley Park professional Paul Sherman shot a new course record 63 around Littlestone to win The PGA in Kent Championship by six strokes.

Sherman’s birdie and eagle barrage added up to a 36-hole total of 134,

leaving first round leader Nicholas Olson (Chart Hills) six shots behind, while Sherman walked off with the championship title.

One over par after seven holes in the morning round, Sherman, who was celebrating the completion

of his first year at Langley Park, finished with a levelpar 71.

“I was just plodding round for the first 19 holes and then a birdie putt went in, then another and so on, then a chip-in, and suddenly things were looking pretty

good,” explained Sherman.

“Littlestone was in fantastic condition, and was a joy to play in fine weather. It was very nice to play one of the best courses in Kent, and come back home to the office with rather more money than I’d started with!”

10 /

News in Brief

October 2014 / Issue 237

West Herts bag Daly appearance

The new two-storey range is proving a big hit with Surrey golfers

TAYLOR TAKES TIGERS TO TITLE Surrey’s Ben Taylor led Louisiana State University to victory at the David Toms Intercollegiate tournament held in Baton Rouge.

With four scores from five to count, the Tigers finished on a 54-hole aggregate of 891, winning by two from Southeastern Louisiana. Taylor, 22, who is a member at Walton Heath, also finished as leading individual, after shooting rounds of 74, 69 and 71. He was the only player to finish under par at the University’s David Toms Course.

CORNWALL CAPTURE FIRST COUNTY CROWN

Cornwall won the English County championship for the first time in their 113-year history after beating Surrey 5½–3½ in the final series of matches held at Royal North Devon.

If Surrey won the match, they would have handed the title to Yorkshire, who had to settle for second spot, despite a 5-4 win over Warwickshire.

Rob MacGregor was Cornwall’s hero, holing a 15-foot birdie putt on the final green against Royal MidSurrey’s Mark Booker to see his side over the line.

SCADDING’S MAIDENHEAD RECORD

Eighteen-year-old Darnell Scadding matched the course record of 65 at Maidenhead Golf Club en route to winning the scratch and nett trophies at the Berkshire club’s junior championship.

IT ALL ADDS UP FOR ADDINGTON Addington Palace won the Surrey Club Foursomes Championship after beating Woodcote Park at Croham Hurst on October 5. After getting a walkover against Burhill’s B team in the first round, Addington beat Reigate Hill in the semi-final.

HERTS G&CC UP FOR SALE

The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club, which offers a Jack Nicklaus II-designed golf course and a Grade II listed clubhouse, has been put up for sale for an undisclosed price. As well as the 18-hole championship course, the Broxbourne-based club offers a 27bay floodlit driving range, a health and fitness club, with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, a beauty spa, conference and wedding suites and outdoor tennis courts.

Tills ring and balls fly at new-look Silvermere The opening of the new state-ofthe-art driving range at Silvermere has not only resulted in the Chobham-based facility becoming one of the most innovative game improvement centres in the country, but one of the best retail golf operations anywhere in the UK. Always known by golfers in the South East as the one place where you could see, touch and feel practically anything in the way of clubs, clothing, shoes, accessories and balls, Doug McClelland’s new-look retail store is powering the sales figures beyond even his and his experienced team’s wildest imagination, with sales exceeding £120,000 during the first week of the range’s launch this summer.

With all of the top names in equipment and clothing, as well as a dedicated shoe fitting boutique with every FootJoy shoe currently available – 239 at the last count – it’s hardly surprising that it’s one of the busiest pro shops in Europe.

“We’ve been here for 30 years, building up a reputation for service and quality, technical knowledge, and always trying to ensure that our customers enjoy their experience so much they tell their mates and come back to us,” said McClelland.

“The new range coincided with some expansion and improvements in the retail area, and that’s enhanced one of the major reasons people come here – they can not only see, but in terms of golf clubs, they can also try before they buy on the range.”

He added: “The investment in the range means every golfer has a view of the outfield, and the target greens create a far more realistic golfing experience. There are PowerTees in all of the ground floor bays and new two-piece range balls. There are 14 PGA teaching professionals, short game practice facilities, and of course the range itself is fully covered and floodlit.

That’s why it’s now doing 12,000 balls a week.”

Victor Dubuisson visited the new shoe store

The retail empire now also includes Left Handed Golf, run by PGA professional Terry Sims, which offers everything that nine per cent of the UK’s four million golfers could ever need. McClelland is justifiably pleased with its sales performance. “Terry’s brought the brilliant concept that he developed at Kingswood Golf Club, Left Handed Golf, here to Silvermere as part of his coming in as my partner, and in turn that’s producing sales that are way in excess of what we expected. Because we’re the only dedicated golf centre for lefthanders, we’re getting lefties from all over the world, not just locals, or even in the UK, coming here.”

Sims has been equally surprised by the lengths some people will go to visit the venue. “We had two chaps from New Zealand here recently, and have had others from around Europe and even the States. They get to hear about us, check us out on the website, and pay a visit as part of their travel plans because we can offer world class teaching facilities, swing simulators, dedicated coaching studios, custom fitting and top notch advice from lefties like them, as well stocking as every left-handed club available.”

With all the new facilities in place, McClelland is confident that Silvermere is well placed to build on its already impressive reputation.

“With the course, the clubhouse, the range and the retail centre, with the expertise, innovative coaching facilities and professional advice, we’re now selling a complete golf experience for golfers of any age and ability. We’re seeing younger and more serious golfers, families whose children want to play golf, the better players who want to improve. They’re all prepared to travel further because of what we offer, and when they get here, we make sure every one of their expectations is delivered, and some – like special demo events and so on – that they don’t expect.”

Two-time major winner, and self-confessed ‘wild child’ of golf, John Daly is to make a special guest appearance at a golf day being held at West Herts Golf Club on November 21.

The 48-year-old American, whose last victory on the PGA Tour was in 2004, will be the star guest at a gala event, ‘An Evening with John Daly’, which is being held after a charity golf day at the Rickmansworth-based club.

The winner of the 1990 Open Championship and the 1991 US PGA Championship will be presenting the prizes to the winners of the afternoon’s competition, and will take part in a question and answer session with guests.

To round off the day’s activities, Daly, who was

renowned as one of the longest hitters on tour during his heyday, will take part in a long drive competition on the club’s opening hole, which will be floodlit for the occasion. Daly will then entertain guests with his other passion, music, playing songs from his two albums, ‘My Life’ and ‘I Only Know One Way’.

The event is open to members and nonmembers, with tickets costing £99 and £125 respectively, to include green fees, a post-round drink, and a three-course dinner and prizes. The evening-only ticket costs £65 for members and £75 for guests. For bookings, call 01923 236484 or email office@ westhertsgolfclub.co.uk.

John Daly will be a big draw at West Herts

Kings Hill pair share spoils on home turf Local hero Paul Page shot a six-under-par 66 to tie with newlycrowned PGA Southern Professionals champion Benn Barham at the Kings Hill Southern Professionals Championship Pro-Am. The hard-charging pair was three shots ahead of its four nearest rivals, with Nevill pair Jamie Harris and Michael Hart, Charlie Wilson and Chris Gane all shooting 69s.

Barham and Page, both of whom work at Kings Hill, obviously knew how to make a low score, and the former reeled off a flawless round with six birdies. Conversely, Page made eight birdies, but stumbled twice on the back nine with bogeys on the 11th and the Paul Page 18th to drop back into a tie with his colleague.

Both players took home £550 for their performances, although Chris Gane was still out in front of Barham in the PGA South Money List, with Jamie Harris just behind in third place.

East Brighton trades on links

Members at East Brighton can enjoy courtesy rounds at 33 other clubs

Golfers considering joining East Brighton Golf Club in Sussex might be swayed by a reciprocal courtesy playing arrangement that members enjoy with a number of UK golf clubs that were also established in 1893. The 1893 Club has 34 member clubs, ranging from Abernethy in Wales to Westgate & Birchington in Kent, and covers all corners of the country, as well several in Scotland and overseas. All the clubs have agreed to offer courtesy green fees for visitors from other member clubs, providing they book in advance. Top private clubs such as Shirley Park, Newbury & Crookham, Flackwell Heath and Bramley are among members of the 1893 Club in the south east, while East London Golf Club in South Africa and Townsville in Australia, are among two clubs abroad that have joined the scheme.

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12 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

News in Brief

Slinfold opens new driving range

Visit Kent launches new golf website

BIRD HILLS SCRAPS MEMBERSHIP Bird Hills Golf Centre in Berkshire has scrapped its full membership scheme and is operating purely as a pay-and-play venue from October 1. The Maidenheadbased facility, which first opened in 1985, had 200 members, all of whom were given two weeks’ notice about the change. The centre currently charges £22.50 for a midweek round and £28.50 at weekends.

COLLINS WINS COUNTY TITLE

Mark Collins became the first Kent golfer in 24 years to win the English Men’s County Champion of Champions Tournament, when he upstaged his more fancied rivals over the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa. The 19 year old from the Chart Hills carded a four-under-par 69 in the second round for a five-under par tally of 141, to finish two strokes ahead of Durham champion Richard Aisbitt and Martin Young from Hampshire.

Members and visitors at Slinfold Golf and Country Club in Horsham will have the chance to sharpen up all aspects of their game, following the opening of its newly-refurbished driving range.

With 14 undercover bays and five outdoor bays, the 250-yard practice facility, which is a short walk from the clubhouse, is ideal for those warming up before a round on the club’s 18hole course, or for practice

throughout the year.

The new-look range includes completely refurbished hitting bays, new mats, and a stock of 30,000 quality two-piece Srixon range balls, while a new outfield is inclined towards the range, so that golfers can see their balls land, and features clearly-marked targets.

Slinfold’s general manager, Dominic Eagle, said: “We believe our redeveloped driving range will be the premier practice facility in

the surrounding area, and we welcome both members and non-members to come and make use of it.”

Slinfold has made significant investment in its facilities over the past few years, including a multimillion pound extension of the clubhouse in 2009, which saw the addition of a gym, pool, fitness studios, locker rooms, treatment rooms, crèche and a refurbished dining area. The club is also currently renovating its ninehole, par-three course.

The new floodlit range features 14 covered bays

Visit Kent has launched a new website to showcase the county as one of England’s top golfing destinations, which offers outstanding golf courses, a wide range of golfing accommodation and a rich variety of off-course attractions.

The creation of the new site dedicated to golf in Kent is part of Visit Kent’s ongoing strategy to build on the county’s strong golfing legacy, and capitalise on the successful staging of the Open at Royal St George’s in 2011.

“Golfinkent.co.uk has given the county a much-needed showcase for its first class golf offering,” commented Cheryl Parker, head of development at Visit Kent. “After all, the ‘Garden of England’ has a golfing pedigree that goes back over 100 years, and boasts a trio of Open Championship venues, traditional links layouts, and some notable parkland courses that make it one of England’s most attractive and diverse golfing destinations.

“Moreover, Kent is easily accessible from the hub of London and its transport systems, from South East England, and is extremely well connected to mainland Europe. We are confident that the new website will drive increased traffic to Kent, where golfers will not only enjoy our courses but the plethora of other attractions of which we are so proud.”

Weekend breaks and longer golf tours can be booked directly through the new website or tailored to suit individual requirements. Next month Visit Kent will be showcasing the new website to a wider audience at the London Golf Show when it takes place at Bluewater, Kent from November 14-16.

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/ 13

October 2014 / Issue 237

Lewton dedicates Asian Tour win to late father Steve Lewton dedicated his maiden Asian Tour title at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters to his late father, who passed away earlier this year.

Lewton, who is attached to Woburn Golf Club, held onto his third round lead with a final round 71 to win by two shots at the challenging Taiwan Golf and Country Club’s Tamsui course.

Lewton, who pocketed $130,000 to move up to fifth on the Asian Tour order of merit, said: “It’s been quite a tough year for me. I lost my father at the start of the year. He was diagnosed with bile cancer about two years ago, and passed away in January. He was my best friend, and he was also an avid golfer. He kept me going when I was struggling in the past few years. It’s a real shame that he’s not here to witness this, but I’m sure he will be happy for me, wherever he is.”

Lewton has been plying his trade on the Asian Tour since graduating from Qualifying School in 2012, and was delighted to win his first title at the Taiwan Masters, an event which he missed the cut in the last two editions.

“It’s strange that I didn’t feel any pressure during the round, maybe because I didn’t get to see a lot of scoreboards out there,” he said.

“The crowd was fantastic. Everyone was cheering and clapping. They kept me upbeat in the game. It’s just amazing to win this kind of stressful event,” said the 31 year old.

News in Brief

Golding saves his best for France

OUNSTEAD WINS WESTWOOD TOUR

Phil Golding fired a final round 70 to claim his second Senior Tour title at the French Riviera Masters at the Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort in Provence.

The 52-year-old Londoner led the field by four shots after opening rounds of 64 and 69, and was still three in front after 13 holes of his final round, when a fierce electric storm caused play to be halted. The competitors returned to the course just over two hours later and Golding played his last six hole in one under par to claim a four-shot victory over Argentina’s Cesar Monasterio Golding lost out to Paul Wesselingh in his previous start in Germany, but he wasted no time in going one better in France, where he has enjoyed

plenty of success during his professional career, including at the French Open in 2003.

“There must be something about the French air I like, because that‘s the third time I have won here,” said Golding. “It’s a great feeling, because it has been a year since I won the Welsh Senior Open, and a few doubts can creep into your mind if you aren’t careful.”

He added: “I got off to a poor start when I bogeyed the first and missed a few putts after that. I don’t like looking at leaderboards, but I knew Barry and Cesar were doing well, so it was good to get a birdie on 11.

That settled me down a bit, and when I birdied both the 13th and 14th that gave me a bit of breathing space.”

Crane lifts SocialGolfer Match Play title Kent amateur Mark Crane claimed the title of TheSocialGolfer.com MatchPlay champion after winning the final of the national competition in a tense match held at Westerham Golf Club in Surrey on September 21.

Crane had to fend off fellow Kent golfer Matt Taylor to take the title, winning 3&2 after a closely-fought contest.

TheSocialGolfer.com, an online social networking community for golfers, stages the tournament every year, with players having to win through six rounds of match play golf in order to reach the final.

The championship ran similarly to an FA Cup-style knockout, with participants arranging each round of matches at a course of their choice, with The Altonwood Group offering preferential green fees at its venues, including Westerham, Woldingham and Surrey National throughout the summer.

Fifteen-year-old George Ounstead from Kent won the nett trophy in the Under 17 category of the Lee Westwood Golf Tour National played at Close House Hotel in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on September 29. The fivehandicapper from Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge Wells fired a nett 68 to win the prestigious title. He qualified for the final after winning regional events at Piltdown, Royal Eastbourne, Littlestone and Royal Ashdown Forest, where he shot a gross 71 to top the order of merit.

MOIR BAGS KENT VETS’ CHAMPS Tenterden ‘s John Moir walked away with a brand new electric trolley after winning the Kent Golf Veterans League singles championship held at Sundridge Park. The tournament saw 54 players take to the club’s East Course, with Moir, who plays off nine, taking the title with 38 points.

Runner-up, four points adrift, was Gordon Gove [Bearsted]. As well as the coveted glass trophy, Moir’s prize was a brand new lithiumpowered Golfstream trolley.

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14 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

News in Brief

Top clubs targeted by overseas investors

ELLIS BOOKS PGA PLAY-OFFS

Following the sale is home to the BMW PGA Turnberry, and the Doonbeg of Wentworth Club Championship, as well as resort in Ireland earlier this to a Chinese being the UK headquarters year, while less than a month investment company last of the European Tour, ago, Fairmont St Andrews month, there are growing although it is understood was sold to US property fears that it could herald to have withdrawn plans to fund Kennedy Wilson for £32 the start of a Premier build a hotel on the site, an million. The same company League-style sell-off of idea which was first put in bought Portmarnock Hotel Britain’s top golf clubs to place by its former owner, and Golf Links near Dublin wealthy foreign buyers.

Richard Caring. for £24 million, while Brehon The iconic Surrey venue Wentworth’s sale comes Capital Partners bought was sold for £135 million as the UK sees a steady Mount Juliet in Ireland for in September to Chinese increase in the number of £12 million. company Reignwood overseas investors showing CBRE, the property agent Investments, whose a financial interest in that handled the sale of billionaire owner Chanchai UK golf clubs. American Fairmont St Andrews, Ruayrungruang has the businessman Donald confirmed that there had licence to sell Red Bull Trump’s bought Open venue been interest in buying energy drinks the resort from Wentworth is among a string of top UK golf clubs to in the Far East. all around have been bought by foreign buyers The mainland the world.

China-based “The bidders group owns were truly Pine Valley Golf international, Club in Beijing, from China, the which features Middle East, the a course Far East and the designed by US,” said Paul Jack Nicklaus.

Collins, head of Wentworth’s UK brokerage new owner for CBRE Hotels. has no plans “With resorts to make any across Europe changes to there’s an the historic increasing level venue, which of interest.”

Great Yarmouth professional Ian Ellis qualified for the Titleist PGA Play-Offs by winning The Rayleigh Club Championship by five shots.

After a stunning opening 64, Ellis followed up with second round 68 to power to an emphatic triumph at 14-under-par.

ABLETT FINDS ROUTE 66

Lee-on Solent’s James Ablett fired a five-under par 66 to win the Littlestone Charity Pro-Am by one shot from Chesfield’s David Ledingham.

YASMIN HANGS TOUGH

Twelve-year-old Yasmin Hang has become one of the youngest players to win the Sussex Girls U18 Order of Merit, after beating Worthing’s Megan Edwards by just one point.

Hang, who plays off 19 at Golf At Goodwood, has now been selected to play in the Sussex Girls team in the Alresford Cup later this month, a prestigious competition in which nine counties from across the south compete against each other.

(l-r) Moseley club captain Martin Knowles with winner Paul Garey and Roy Hobbis

Garey captures Hobbis Trophy Worcestershire amateur county champion Paul Garey won Moseley Golf Club’s scratch open for the Hobbis Trophy, after his level par 36-hole total of 140 was good enough off his 51 rivals.

Garey held off fellow five-time Moseley club champion Chris Heeley, former Midland Open winner Richard Sadler, and twotime Worcestershire Amateur Champion Josh Carpenter, after all three players finished on 143.

The tournament, which began in 2011, is named after Roy Hobbis, a stalwart Midlands golf and a Moseley member for over 30 years. Hobbis has represented Worcestershire in seven consecutive decades, as well as being appointed county president in 2000.

Garey, who has been a constant fixture in the county first team for the past two decades, produced two rounds of level par 70 around a challenging course, reflected by a CSS of 72. He said: “To win a trophy named after Roy is truly an honour, whilst the course once again proved why it is regarded as one of the best in the Midlands. To come out on top is fantastic, and I am already looking forward to defending the title next year.”

The event was sponsored by waste management company Envira, which is owned by Moseley past-club captain Craig Pates.

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/ 15

October 2014 / Issue 237

Windsor wins battle of the castles!

Centurion joins Troon club network

Members of the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire can look forward to reciprocal playing rights at more than 40 of top clubs in North America, after the Hemel Hempstead-based club joined Troon Golf’s Privé Privilege Programme.

Under the terms of the programme, any Centurion Club member and up to three of their guests will be able to play at a total of 43 private members clubs all over America and the Caribbean. They include The Boulders in Arizona, Colonial Country Club in Florida, Cimarron Hills in Texas, and Westchester Hills in New York. Centurion members will also be able to enjoy preferred rates of up to 50% at all other clubs that are managed by Troon.

“We are delighted to announce that Centurion Club has recently become

part of Troon Golf’s Privé Privilege Programme, which means that our members will be able to book tee times at some of the most exclusive clubs in North America,” said Centurion managing director, Scott Evans. “Joining the orogramme represents a great deal for our members, and it is particularly attractive because up to three guests can play with each member simply by paying the host club’s guest rate.”

Ian Bullied, director of international sales and marketing for Troon, added: “Centurion Club has received rave reviews since it opened last summer, and membership of the Troon Privé Privilege Programme will give its members the opportunity to play a wide range of clubs of similar standing on the other side of the Atlantic.”

Windsor Castle’s Royal Household team put their rivals from Hever Castle and hosts Leeds Castle to the sword in the annual Tri Castle golf match held at Leeds Castle in Kent on September 29. The annual competition rotates the venue between the three clubs, and is a fiercely competiive, if friendly event.

“It’s a very competitive event, with castle bragging rights at stake!” said Steve Purves, Leeds Castle’s golf manager . ‘We had the home advantage this year, but the Windsor team was just too strong for us this time.”

All three teams enjoyed a round on Leeds Castle’s nine-hole course, which is currently six months into a two-year course renovation project to return the 84 year-old course to its former glory.

“The project is due for completion in early

2016, but while the work is in progress we remain open and golfers will start to see a rise in standards of the course,” said Purves.

“We want to provide a facility that meets the requirements of all levels of golfers, and one that shows quality throughout the year. The new-look layout will also offer some stunning views of the castle and the surrounding countryside.”

Scotland holds sway at The Shire While Europe and America were battling it out for Ryder Cup honours at Gleneagles, an equally competitive match play tournament was taking place between two old rivals in Hertfordshire last month.

The Auld Enemies Cup, the only pandisabled Ryder Cup-style match in the world, saw teams from England and Wales take on Scotland in six foursomes, six fourballs, and 12 singles matches at The Shire Golf Club in Barnet.

The UK’s only Seve Ballesterosdesigned course proved a fitting venue for the annual event,

which saw blind and amputee golfers go head-to-head over three days of intense competition.

Scotland took an early lead, winning the foursomes 3.5-2.5 on the opening day, and stretched the advantage further to enjoy a 4.5-1.5 margin of victory in the second day’s fourball matches. Holding a four-point lead going into the singles – just as Europe had done – the home team rallied to a 6.5-5.5 win, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap, with Scotland winning the tie 13.5-10.5 to level the series at 2-2.

News in Brief PEPPERELL EYES DUBAI FINALE Oxfordshire tour pro Eddie Pepperell secured his position on next year’s European Tour schedule after claiming four top-five finishes in a six-week period. High placings in Denmark, the Czech Republic and Italy were followed up by a share of fourth place at the Wales Open at Celtic Manor. The 23 year old, who represents Frilford Heath Golf Club, has won £215,000 in prize money during his hot run, and currently lies 55th inthe Race to Dubai ranking, with the top 60 qualifying for the World Tour Championship in Dubai.

NEWMAN ENDS ON HIGH NOTE

Paul Newman (East Berkshire) brought the curtain down on the BB&O pro-am season with an eight-under-par 63 at Burford Golf Club. His blemish free card included six birdiesand an eagle and it left him two clear of Oxford’s Adam Wootton. Mark Booth from Colmworth was third with a 67.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 17

Paul Lewis escapes one of Prince’s fearsome bunkers

The action gets under way on the first tee of the Shore nine

Some friiendly rivalries were renewed on the links at Prince’s

DERRICK Golf News Links Champion Martin Derrick

CLAIMS GOLFNEWS LINKS CROWN Prince’s Golf Club in Kent once again proved the perfect venue for The Golf News Links Championship, which saw golfers from all over the country descend on the historic Sandwich course to do battle for the coveted title

Prize guys: There were some generous prizes from Callaway Golf for the top finishers

Conditions were perfect for scoring

Graham Batchelor fires one off the first tee

On a somewhat cloudy, but warm autumn day, Prince’s provided perfect conditions to sort the men from the boys in one of the most hotlycontested Stableford competitions of the year –­ the 2014 Golf News Links Championship.

With the excitement of the Ryder Cup – which had finished just 15 hours earlier – still buzzing around the clubhouse, the field of wannabe heroes stepped out onto Prince’s testing Shore/Dunes layout.

Their prize? The honour of calling themselves Golf News Links Champion for 2014 and a trophy that Gene Sarazen, who won the Open Championship at Prince’s in 1932, would have been proud to call his own.

This year’s renewal had the added excitement of being a qualifying event for Season 11 of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Swingers’ Order of Merit, with a money-can’t-buy trip to the final in Barbados one of the prizes up for grabs for those golfers who had been sensible enough to sign up for the popular series.

Armed with gifts from Callaway and the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, all the competitors headed

for the first tee of the Shore course in hope and expectation of a great day’s link golf. With benign weather – unseasonally warm and without much wind to contend with – conditions were certainly ripe for scoring, although it still required plenty of skill to negotiate a safe route around the challenging 6,602yard layout.

After all the bogeys, pars and birdies were added up, and handicaps subtracted, Martin Derrick emerged triumphant with 40 points, pipping Andy Gilbert by just one point, with South African Steve du Preez taking third on countback, also with 39 points.

The sideshow events were equally eagerly contested, with Kamal Lakhani winning the longest driver with a fearsome blow on the ninth hole of the Dunes, while nearest-the-pin prize went to Kevin Wellings for his superb tee shot on the second of the Dunes. The Odyssey putting competition was won by Paul Lewis, who holed a monster on the seventh to win on two under par.

As ever, the team at Prince’s laid on a wonderfully presented course, with superb pre- and post-round hospitality, and all the competitors went away knowing that they had experienced a memorable day at one of the UK’s finest links venues.

18 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

TOM LEWIS TIPS FROM THE TOUR

European Tour professional Tom Lewis explains how teeing the ball up at a consistent height will improve your length and accuracy off the tee

TEE IT HIGH TO LET IT FLY I

am often asked how high you should tee the ball up when you’re hitting a driver, and the simple answer is that it comes down to personal choice. There are some players who tee it up higher than others, but that comes down to angle of attack and swing mechanics. Some of my Tour colleagues will also change the height of their tee according to the wind conditions, and the shape of the shot that they are trying to create, but I prefer a more consistent approach, in which I tee the ball up at exactly the same height for every drive.

1 AIM FOR CONSISTENCY I tee the ball up about the same height as the majority of Tour professionals – so that about half the ball is above the top of my driver, and its equator is level with the top edge of the club.

If you tee the ball up higher than that you have to adjust the height of your sternum coming through, and that is an added complication you do not need. It’s equally harmful to tee the ball lower than that, because you don’t get the benefits from the high-tech clubs we use nowadays, where the sweetspot tends to be higher up on the face.

2 SET UP YOUR STANCE Teeing the ball at my preferred height will give you a better chance of swinging up on it and hitting the top part of the clubface. It is made easier if you tee up with the ball well forward in your stance (see picture left), with your weight behind the ball. Catching the ball on the beginning of the upswing will help you to launch the ball higher and with less distance-robbing spin, which in turn enables distance through the air to be maximised, as well as the roll you get once the ball hits the ground. Keeping your head behind the ball through impact will ensure that you catch the ball with a slightly upward blow for a high launch angle and low spin.

3 FIND YOUR SWEETSPOT One last thing to work out is where the sweetspot is located on your driver face, as hitting it is another key to long and straight driving.

With modern drivers, this sweetspot is often further up the face – nearer the top edge – than you might think, although it tends to vary a bit from club to club.

Hitting it out of the sweetspot is vital when you want to maximise distance and control, so it pays to experiment a bit with tee height each time you put a new driver in the bag.

Extensive research with amateur golfers has shown that players who use a high tee ball height gain an extra 18 yards distance on average over a lower tee, so it really does pay to tee it high if you want to let it fly.

Tom Lewis is a brand ambassador for Marriott. The photographs were shot at Marriott Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire.

For details visit www. marriott.co.uk or download the Marriott app from iTunes.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

Bailey prepares for LGU presidency

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Former Curtis Cup player Diane Bailey is to be the next president of the Ladies Golf Union.

Bailey, who was a top amateur during the 1960s and 1970s, and is vice president of Reigate Heath Golf Club in Surrey, will take over the role from Brigid McCaw, whose terms of office ends in February next year.

Winner of the British Girls’ Championship in 1961, and runner up in the Ladies British Amateur Championship that same year, Bailey represented England for over a decade, and was capped for Great Britain & Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy, the World Team Championship, and twice in the Curtis Cup matches against the United States.

She followed up her playing career with a successful run as captain of the GB & Ireland team from 1983 to 1988, recording two wins in the Vagliano Trophy, and two Curtis Cup triumphs. The first came at Prairie Dunes in Kansas in 1986, which was the first ever victory on American soil for any GB & Ireland team, male or female, amateur or professional, while the second was at Royal St Georges’ in 1988, after which Bailey was awarded an MBE for her services to golf.

Speaking on her new role, Bailey, who served as president of the English Ladies’ Golf

Association in 2006-7, said: “I am honoured to have been invited to become president of the Ladies Golf Union. Golf has always been such an important part of my life, and to be given this great opportunity to represent and support women’s golf is an enormous privilege.”

She added: “I will do my utmost to uphold the values and traditions of the game that we all love so much. Past presidents have set such high standards, and I know I have very hard acts to follow, but I look forward to the challenges, to renewing old acquaintances, and to meeting many golfers at events throughout Great Britain & Ireland during my two years as president. I’m also looking forward to working with the dedicated team at the Ladies’ Golf Union.”

Coward’s ace bags £20k car A Surrey golfer has won one of the biggest prizes in amateur golfing history, after bagging a hole-in-one at The Drift Golf Club in East Horsley.

Martin Coward was handed the keys to a brand new £20,000 Subaru XV Crosstrek car last month, after hitting an ace at The Drift’s 11th hole during a captain’s day competition.

Coward’s achievement comes just two-and-a-half years after the R&A lifted the £500 restrictions on prizes for amateur

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golfers who achieve a hole-in-one.

Nigel Baxter, captain of the club, said: “It made my day that Martin won the car, but we also have to thank car dealership Bell and Colville for its sponsorship of the hole-in-one. The whole day raised over £3,500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund charity, so I’d like to thank all the members for their incredible generosity.”

Moodie gets creative at historic Blackheath

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Blackheath Golf Club, one of the world’s oldest clubs, has begun a major restoration project that will bring the 406-year-old venue firmly into the 21st century.

Award-wining golf course design firm Creative Golf Design, which is headed up by Scottish architect Ken Moodie, has successfully completed the first phase of a multi-year project to renovate the historic South London course.

The three-phase project includes new tees and bunkers, extensive alterations to existing bunkering and teeing grounds, plus a wide

range of general course improvements.

The intention is to restore the golf course aesthetically to its authentic 1920s look.

“This work will restore some wonderful parkland views throughout the golf course, which had been lost over time,” said Royal Blackheath’s club secretary, Gordon Hogg.

“Our bunkers will also be remodelled at minimal disruption to the flow of play.”

Moodie is the second Scottish golf architect to be chosen to update Royal Blackheath, after James Braid last modernised the course in the 1920s.

“There’s a natural thrill, and also a certain weight of responsibility, when you’re asked to make alterations at one of the world’s most historic golf clubs,” said Moodie. “But even the most cherished golf courses need to change sometimes, whether to bring them carefully in line with the modern game, or to restore them as a result of wear-and tear, or perhaps some previous alterations need to be corrected.”

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October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 21

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Golf News has teamed up with the fabulous Heythrop Park Resort in Oxfordshire to offer a two-night golf break for one lucky Golf News reader.

Dating back to 1710, Heythrop Park is a quintessential English country estate, which seamlessly combines elegance with style. Boasting two individual hotels – the elegant DeVere Venues Heythrop Park Hotel and the stylish Crowne Plaza Hotel – the resort also offers a championship 18hole course, health club and spa, together with state-of-the-art conference facilities.

Located 30 minutes west of Oxford, near Chipping Norton, Heythrop Park has long been a stopping point for tourists on the Cotswold heritage trail – Blenheim Palace is only a few miles away – but only came on the map as a golfing destination in 2009, with the opening of the 7,008-yard Bainbridge course, which was designed by Tom Mackenzie.

Despite its youth, the 440-acre course is blessed with maturity beyond its years, with 300-year-old majestic woodland providing a stunning canvas on which MacKenzie has worked wonders.

The opening four holes ease you gently into the round, as you move away from the house, but the course really gets into its stride in a superb stretch which starts from the dramatic downhill par-four fifth, and runs all the way through to the challenging 203-yard par-three 13th. Lakes, streams, huge rises and drops in elevation and a clever use of the topography have created some superb holes that will test every part of your game and require every club in the bag – especially if you decide to play off the very back of the five teeing options.

The 314-yard, par-four sixth will be many players’ highlight, presenting a driveable par four over water that offers genuine reward, but plenty of risk. The last three holes are no less demanding, with the gun-barrel straight 18th, bordered by an avenue of trees, offering a challenge that is unique to Heythrop. Looking straight down to the majestic house in the distance, it definitely leaves its mark on

your mind – and on your card, should you happen to have a fade or a slice.

The mansion house offers 17 stunning suites, which are definitely worth booking for those that want to push the boat out for a special occasion. Equally impressive accommodation is available in the DeVere Venues Heythrop Park Hotel, located on either side of the mansion house, which offers a choice of rooms in the Shrewsbury and Archer wings. Alternatively, the fourstar Crowne Plaza Hotel has 197 extremyl comfortable en-suite rooms.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

Hampshire’s women Look Hoo’s capture county title turned pro Hampshire “We are over became the moon,” the new said county English women’s captain Mags county champions Clark. “At the as torrential rain start we were washed out the simply thrilled singles matches at to be here, and Belton Park Golf day after day Club in my team got Lincolnshire. more and more The last day solid. They of county finals are a terrific Leading ladies: Hampshire’s winning team was reduced team and have to the morning worked hard.” foursomes, which Hampshire won 3-0, giving The Hampshire side was a mix of youth them a perfect score of five points from the and experience, and included three juniors week’s five matches. and two players who have now been in Their final day match was against four winning teams. Quinn and Smith had Buckinghamshire, and Kerry Smith and helped Hampshire to take the honours in Emma Allen delivered the first point 5&3.

2014, 1995, 1993 and 1992. And for Quinn, Chris Quinn and Charlotte Barrow followed the event marks her 40th anniversary of up 3&2 and Georgie Mundy and Sarah playing county golf.

Bradshaw clinched the clean sweep on the In the morning’s other matches final green.

Hertfordshire beat Yorkshire 2-1, to take This was Hampshire’s first appearance at second place outright. Buckinghamshire county finals for seven years, and the first came fifth out of the six teams to reach time they have won the trophy since 1995. the finals.

Hertfordshire amateur Robert Grant has announced that he has turned professional. The 21 year old from Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, who plays off a handicap of plus 2.4, is currently a member of the England Futures Squad, and is currently studying at Alabama State University.

Grant has been a member at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa for six years, and regularly uses the championship course to sharpen up his game.

Commenting on his decision to join the pro ranks, Grant said: “I’m excited to turn pro and gain experience in competitive tournament golf. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and will continue to do so.”

Luton Hoo’s manager, Mark Bierton, commented: “Everyone here at Luton Hoo wishes Robert the best of luck, and we hope he goes on to achieve great Robert Grant success.”

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Aldwickbury captain’s charity hits £14k Eighty members from Aldwickbury Park in Buckinghamshire took part in the club’s captain’s day last month to help raise funds for Get Kids Going – a charity helping disabled youngsters get into sport.

The day included two golf competitions, a display from world golf trick shot champion Geoff Swain, and a BBQ lunch.

Members and visitors to Aldwickbury Park have helped raise more than £14k for Get Kids Going already in 2014, and the club captain, Steve Lee, hopes to hit an even higher target. He said: “Thanks to the generosity and support of members and guests, we have already raised a fantastic amount of money for this exceptional cause. It is my hope that before the year is out and my successor chooses his captain’s charity, we will have raised £15k.”

In a final act of fundraising on the day, Steve Lee

Steve Lee suffers the famous ice bucket challenge

undertook the ice bucket challenge, nominating Aldwickbury Park’s general manager, Andrew Shewbridge, among others as he did so.

Shewbridge said: “I will gladly add to the total via Steve’s nomination for me to take part in the ice bucket challenge. Steve has been an excellent ambassador for the club throughout his captaincy, and the vast amount raised for his chosen charity is testament to the pro-activity of both Steve and our vibrant membership.”

Van’s in the driving seat at Cumberwell Former European Tour winner Van Phillips showed his class to win the latest event of the Jamega Pro Tour held at Cumberwell Park in Van Phillips with caddy Wiltshire on September 29.

John Wilshire Phillips, who won the Portuguese Open back in 1999, fired rounds of 67 and 66 in the twoday event to fend off the challenge of Cumberwell professional Steve Surry and Salibury’s Robbie Busher by two shots.

It was the Camberley-based pro’s first win on the Jamega Tour, which offers tournament-style competitions for up-and-coming professionals, as well as those coming off the Challenge and European Tour.

Phillips, who lost his European Tour card in 2002, has been competing on the Challenge Tour this season, and is now a teaching professional and academy director at Dukes Meadows in Chiswick.

Ridge begins clubhouse refurb Golfers visiting The Ridge Golf Club can look forward to a host of new facilities following a decision by the Maidstone-based club to invest over £250,000 in a complete clubhouse refurbishment programme.

The upgrade at the 21-year-old club will include a new bar, an expanded dining room – which will be able to cater for up to 160 guests – and a new conservatory overlooking the course.

Other recent investments have resulted in a new car park for the club’s

popular driving range, while a new fleet of buggies is also available for golfers to use.

The Ridge’s owner, Mike Stoner, said: The new facilities are really going to ramp up the golfing experience on and off the course. As well as improvements to the clubhouse, we have a new greenkeeping team in place, and the course is looking really spectacular at the moment, so it’s an exciting time for both members and visitors.”

October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 23

MEET THE PRO Lee Cox, the Director of Golf at The Shire London in Barnet, lifts the lid on his role at one of the newest clubs in the UK How long have you been a PGA professional?

I’ve been fully qualified since 1993.

What is your day-to-day role at the club?

I’m director of golf and head of coaching – so I divide my time between trying to help golfers improve their game and doing my best to make the visitor and member experience the best I possibly can.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Everything – I love all aspects. The best part is dealing with people who are enjoying doing something they love in their spare time.

And the worst?

Not spending enough time with my family during the summer months.

What can you tell us about the facilities?

We have an 18-hole course, a nine-hole short course, short game area, putting green, indoor teaching area, driving range and a gym. The Seve Ballesteros-designed main course features six par threes, six par fours and six par fives.

It’s challenging, but great fun to play – and it’s always in superb condition.

What have you done to keep your existing members and attract new ones?

We are fortunate to have a very full membership, due to having a first-class product that is competitively priced. So far, we have not struggled to attract or retain members.

What is the club doing to attract juniors?

Our excellent junior coaching programme is well known in the area and is a key attractor, but the huge impact created by The Golf Trust – which is based at The Shire – also means that a rapidly increasing number of young people of all physical and mental abilities first experience golf because of The Shire London. Many juniors then become adult members, of course. The Ballesteros Masters Course is quite long and challenging, so we are looking into providing a new set of junior tees to help young golfers take on the Seve challenge!

How much time do you spend teaching?

About 30 hours per week.

Patshull Park Golf and Resort Hotel Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR

What’s selling well in pro shop?

As we are the UK’s only Seve Ballesterosdesigned course, our best sellers by far are products that carry the Seve-inspired logo of The Shire London – particularly our branded apparel.

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

Many years ago I was advised by a colleague to read Homer Kelley’s book The Golf Machine.

It started my research into the golf swing and completely changed the way I played and coached golf.

What has been your career highlight?

I was a decent junior, but shortly after turning professional, I suffered a terrible case of the yips, which curtailed my playing career. For the last 25 years, I have taken friends and clients away to play some of the best courses in the world, which has been a huge highlight for me.

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

Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, and Kiawah Island in the States.

Who is your golfing hero and why?

Harry Colt. He was the greatest course designer ever, and I’ve had some of the best golfing experiences of my life playing some of the courses he designed.

Who inspired you to take up golf?

My dad, Seve Ballesteros, and Nigel Lawrence, my first coach and boss.

Which three other people would be in your dream fourball?

Winston Churchill, Seve, and Jack Nicklaus, with Ricky Gervais’s David Brent character as our caddy.

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

At the moment, I am redesigning my garden, so if I hadn’t been a pro I would have liked to have done something creative in design or art.

To book a round at The Shire London, including the Winter Four-Ball Package, visit theshirelondon.com or call 0208 441 7649.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

Champagne moment; Paul McGinley suffers the traditional soaking handed out to winning captains

EUROS ‘KICK BUTT’ AT GLENEAGLES There was only one team in it at the 40th Ryder Cup, and it wasn’t America

Oops I missed it again: America’s putting fell well short of the mark

The US waved the white flag, rather than the Stars and Stripes at Gleneagles, as Europe inflicted yet another crushing Ryder Cup defeat on home soil.

The five-point margin of victory wasn’t quite up there alongside the landslides that took place at the K Club in 2006 and Oakland Hills in 2004, but the manner of the victory was just as convincing, with Paul McGinley’s brave men battling back from losses in the fourball format to trounce their rivals in the foursomes – equalling the 7-1 record points haul –­ before winning the singles 6.5-5.5, and the overall matches 16.5-11.5.

Despite the somewhat harsh statistics, the match was never less than enthralling from beginning to end. The 40th Ryder Cup had it all. There were tears, tantrum,s and toys thrown from prams, but there were also some titanic performances from surprising quarters.

Who knew that Jamie Donaldson, a 39-year-old making his first appearance in a Ryder Cup, would be the hero of the hour, hitting a laser like eight-iron to crush Keegan Bradley and secure the point that would take Europe past the magic number of 14?

Who knew that Victor Dubuisson, a laconic and laid back Frenchman with film-star looks, would steal the show with his fearless iron play and stylish

From hero to zero: Bubba Watson excited the crowds with his first-tee antics, but not his captain, as he failed to win any points over the three days

facial hair? Who knew that Paul McGinley, a man without a major to his name, would out-think, outplan and out-manoeuvre his rival, five-time Open champion Tom Watson, at every possible turn?

And who knew that despite some decidedly chilly mornings, it wouldn’t rain for more than five minutes in Scotland at the end of September?

With America playing like a stuck record in the Ryder Cup, the outcome never looked like anything other than a home win. Sporting terrible outfits, looking decidedly ill-prepared, and never seeming to be up for the fight, the visitors wore the look of losers from the outset. Watson surrounded himself with advisors who were even older and more out of touch with the players than he was. And when things went wrong, he panicked. Even when things went right, he panicked.

Calls for the inclusion of the rest of the world to make the Ryder Cup a fair contest will rightly fall on deaf ears, as will the suggestions to tie one hand behind Rory’s back and make the European team play with kids’ clubs and blindfolds, but it’s fair to say that the 2016 Ryder Cup can’t come round soon enough for Europe. As the Champagne corks popped, the ebullient European team chanted in true football style: “Why can’t we play you every week; why can’t we play you every week?”

Iron fist: Rory Mcllroy swept aside Rickie Fowler with embarassing ease to bring home Europe’s first singles point on Sunday

The postman delivers: Ian Poulter turned his Ryder Cup around when chipping in on the 15th hole on Saturday afternoon

Touching greatness: Seve’s image provided a motivating force as European players headed to the first tee

October 2014 / Issue 237

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Killer blow: Martin Kaymer celebrates after holing his chip shot on the 16th hole to beat Bubba Watson in the singles

Captain Chaos: Tom Watson failed to fire up the US team as they suffered their fifth consecutive away defeat The game’s up: Keegan Bradley extends his hand to Jamie Donaldson in the moment that sealed Europe’s victory

Knuckling down: Rose and Stenson bagged three points in the fourballs and foursomes

Europe needed only one Rory McIlroy to inflict another heavy defeat on a lacklustre US team

Who’s listening now? Patrick Reed riled the European fans with his antics on the 9th green

Say cheese: Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team

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October 2014 / Issue 237

Storybehindthepic Barnehurst Golf Course Bexleyheath, Kent

I

n the month following the R&A’s historic vote to allow women to join its hallowed ranks, after they’d waited patiently in the wings for the last 260 years, it seems somewhat fitting to discover a golf club much closer to home that struck a blow for women’s golf long before the R&A cottoned on to this newfangled concept of equality.

You will be hard pushed to find mention of Barnehurst Golf Course in the game’s learned history books, but the fact remains that the Bexleyheath-based venue was the first ever women-only golf club to be founded in Britain.

At the end of the 19th century, the Barnehurst estate was owned by a gentleman called Christian Gray, an accomplished golfer who was a member at nearby Royal

Blackheath Golf Club. Gray’s wife was also keen to play, so with Blackheath being a maleonly club at the time, Gray generously decided to build a course on the Barnehurst estate on which she could play.

Thus the lauded golf course architect James Braid was commissioned by Gray to design an 18-hole parkland course within the grounds of the estate. It opened in 1903 and, for a period of just two years, only allowed women to play the course.

These included members of the newly-formed Blackheath Ladies Golf Club, which, somewhat bizarrely, had no connection with Royal Blackheath Golf Club until the amalgamation with Eltham in 1923, when the two ladies sections joined forces.

But after two years of

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having Braid’s masterpiece all to themselves, the ladies could stand their self-enforced gender isolation no longer, and decided to invite men to join and make it a mixed club in 1905. That same year, the course hosted the first Ladies’ Kent Championship.

Gray and his wife were huge benefactors of women’s

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amateur golf, and travelled with a group of four British ladies who competed in the USGA Women’s Championship played at Merion in 1909.

Among the travelling party was Grace Spurling, who was a member at Barnehurst.

Sadly, Barnehurst’s 18-hole course was reduced to 14, then 11, and finally nine holes,

as parcels of the estate were required for the war effort in the 1940s. Today, golfers play from two different tee positions to ensure an entertaining 18-hole round can be enjoyed.

Even more distressing was the fire in 1959 that destroyed May Place, the 250-yearold mansion house that

had served as Barnehurst’s clubhouse for over 50 years. A new clubhouse was constructed over its foundations, and still stands today, albeit with several subsequent renovations.

Now owned by Bexleyheath Council and operated by MyTime Active, Barnehurst continues to thrive, with its allinclusive policy and affordable greens fees ensuring future generations of Kent golfers get a chance to play a course designed by one of the true giants of the game. Both the course and clubhouse have benefitted from extensive refurbishments in recent years, while this month sees the opening of a new floodlit driving range, which will further enhance the facilities at this most progressive of venues. Christian Gray, and his wife, would be proud.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

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SMITH HOLDS THE SECRET TO

SHORT GAME SUCCESS

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Sharpen up your wedge play with a masterclass from short game coaching expert Stuart Smith at next month’s London Golf Show Golfers looking to improve their chipping and putting should make a date to catch leading short game coach Stuart Smith, who will be passing on his expertise at next month’s London Golf Show, which takes place at Bluewater Retail Park in Kent from November 14-16.

PGA-trained Smith currently runs four successful golf academies at Heydon Grange in Hertfordshire, Old Joe’s Golf Club in Suffolk, Thetford Golf Club in Norfolk, and Feltwell Golf Club also in Norfolk – and he and his experienced team will be at Bluewater between 10am and 4pm on the Sunday, when they will be hosting coaching sessions throughout the day.

Said Smith: “I have been coaching golfers for over 20 years, the last 10 of which I’ve focused on the short game – specifically wedge and chip shots from 100 yards and in – which I believe are the key to good scoring. This is where most shots are played in golf, and a good short game will save your scores and make the difference between winning and losing.”

Smith’s fresh and innovative approach to the often troublesome areas of pitching, chipping and putting has helped hundreds of students transform their short game and dramatically improve their scores.

As well as being an expert coach, Smith is also something of a golfing gadget obsessive, and two of his own golf

2014

training aids are already being sold throughout the USA, Canada and Europe, while he has also successfully launched his own range of equipment, the Heavenly Hybrids, which are designed to make scoring easier for all levels of golfer thanks to their unique sole and clubhead design.

Next month sees Smith release his new book, ‘Seven Steps to Heavenly Chipping’, an extensive and easy-to-follow guide to the dynamics of chipping that he guarantees will dramatically improve golfers’ short game skills. His expertise is such that he has recently been made a short game ambassador to Mizuno, and will be demonstrating his skills to the company’s customers throughout the country over the coming months.

Smith also runs short game master classes from his four golf venues. The three-hour sessions, which cost just £25, cover all aspects of the short game, from putting and chipping, to bunker play and pitching. All students receive a short game booklet explaining the drills, how to practice, and advice on developing pre-shot routines. Smith can also tailor his group sessions to your needs. If you have a group of four or more golfers and would like to book a session, email stuart@stuartsmithgolfacademy.com or visit www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com.

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News in Brief WESSELINGH BEATS BERNHARD IN HIS OWN BACK YARD Derbyshire’s Paul Wesselingh claimed his first title of the season at the WINSTONgolf Senior Open in Germany, denying home favourite Bernhard Langer following a playoff. The 2013 Order of Merit winner finished eagle-birdie for a seven under par 65 to reach 15 under, which was matched by Phil Golding and Langer, who posted rounds of 66 and 69 respectively. All three birdied the first hole of the play-off, then Golding was eliminated at the second when his approach found the water. After heading back to the tee for a third time, Wesselingh conjured a majestic second shot, which he tapped in for birdie, while Langer could only manage a par.

THELEN POWERS PORTUGAL America’s Tim Thelen improved on a string of high finishes this summer by winning the Senior Open de Portugal at Vidago Palace. The 53-yearold Texan started the final round three shots in front of Greg Turner, Des Smyth and Carl Mason, after opening rounds of 68 and 64, but fended off a late charge from Miguel Martin, before claiming a one-shot victory from the Spaniard with a closing 72.

COLSAERTS SHOOTS 60

Nicolas Colsaerts missed out on the first 59 on the European Tour by the smalles of margins on the opening day of the Portugal Masters at the Oceånico Victoria Golf Club. The Belgian slid an 18-foot birdie putt agonisingly past the left-hand lip of the 18th hole to fall short of the elusive feat by a single stroke. No player has broken 60 in the 42-year history of the tour, but Colsaerts looked set to change all that after he followed seven birdies with eagles at the 15th and 17th, before his final effort missed the target. Somewhat ironically, his playing partner was Branden Grace, who shot 60 at Kingsbarns in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship two years ago.

HOWELL MAKES RYDER CUP PANEL

David Howell has been named as the final member of a fiveman panel which will select the European captain for the 2016 Ryder Cup.The 39-year-old Englishman, who played in Europe’s 2004 and 2006 Ryder Cup wins, will join previous captains Paul McGinley, José Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie on the selection committee. The new captain is to be announced early in 2015.

October 2014 / Issue 237

TOUR NEWS

Wilson smokes Dunhill rivals to claim first Tour title Oliver Wilson produced a gutsy final round over the Old Course at St Andrews to finally claim a maiden European Tour title and reignite his career at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The 34 year old from Nottingham represented Europe at the 2008 Ryder Cup and was a nine-time runner-up on the top tour between 2006 and 2009, reaching the top 50 in the world ranking in the process.

Then a dramatic loss of form saw him lose his card at the end of 2012, and he started the Dunhill outside the top 100 on the Challenge Tour and 792nd in the world.

But a first round 64 at Carnoustie, followed by a third round 65 at the Old Course, set up the opportunity for the bridesmaid to finally become the bride – or rather the second best man – to

become the groom.

Beginning the final round with a three-shot lead, Wilson was swiftly caught by former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen when he threeputted the fourth for bogey, but got back on track with birdies at the 10th and 16th to take the title after Richie Ramsay, Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy all failed to press home their advantage.

Ramsay bogued 16 and 17, McIlroy bogeyed the 17th during his final round 68,

while Fleetwood missed a six-foot putt on the 18th to force a play-off.

An emotional Wilson, who picked up €625,787 in prize money (€620,00 more than he had earned all season), said: “When I came into the week I was just trying to make the cut, so to come away with the title is unbelievable.

It’s been 11 years coming.

I didn’t think I had thrown away the other tournaments, so to come here and win from the front is amazing. I played some great shots on the back nine, and the shot I hit into 16 was probably the best shot of my life. I’ve been working with Robert Rock recently, and he’s helped me a lot with my swing and given me the confidence to play. So my confidence from where it’s been the last few of years is in a very different place right now. I could be drunk for a while – I’ve had a lot of champagne on ice over the years!”

Scott splits with caddie Williams Adam Scott and caddie Steve Williams have split up following the latter’s decision to rein back on his caddying duties.

The 50 year old New Zealander had said earlier this season that he planned to caddie part-time and spend more time at home next year, so the split was not a surprise announcement.

“Our priorities and stages of life are different now, and so we decided that this is the best time to end our partnership,” said Scott, who reached the world no.1 spot earlier this season with Williams on the bag.

The often-controversial Williams joined Scott after a long and successful run with Tiger Woods, and helped the 34-year-old Australian to four PGA Tour victories, including the 2013 Masters.

“After discussing this in detail with Adam, it

Hitman Horschel bags $11m payday Although he missed out on a wildcard pick for the US Ryder Cup team, Billy Horschel enjoyed the recompense of winning the Tour Championship, the FedEx Cup, and the small matter of $11.4m in prize money.

After winning the Barclays Championship the week before, the hottest player on the PGA Tour outplayed world No. 1 Rory McIlroy in a tense Sunday pairing and held off the rest of the field in Atlanta to win the monstrous pay day.

Riding a scalding putter that hadn’t delivered a threeputt in 175 consecutive holes, Horschel won for the second consecutive week and captured the third PGA Tour title of his career with a final round 68 at East Lake Golf Club to defeat McIlroy

McIlroy picks up player awards

became evident that my plan was not going to fit with his requirements, so we decided to end our partnership,” Williams said. “Having caddied for the first Australian to win the Masters is a career highlight, and a memory I will cherish forever. If the right opportunity arose I would consider caddying on a parttime basis in the future.”

Rory McIlroy has won PGA of America and the PGA Tour’s player of the year awards for the second time in his career.

The world no.1 won the PGA of America’s points-based award on the strength of his two major wins at the Open and PGA Championship, both of which earned him 50-point bonuses.

The 25 year old from

THESE ARE MY FAVOURITE THINGS…

Bohus FaÌstning

EUROPEAN SOLHEIM CUP CAPTAIN CARIN KOCH REVEALS A FEW OF HER FAVOURITE SWEDISH THINGS

Where were you born?

A small town called Kungälv, north of Gothenburg. It has a famous fort, Bohus Fästning.

What is the best thing about Sweden?

The summer.

The long evenings are great for socialising and getting outdoors.

I also love all the small islands – there so many to explore.

and Jim Furyk by three shots.

“I’m on cloud nine. It’s unbelievable,” said Horschel, whose wife, Brittany, gave birth to a baby just two weeks later. “The year I had, I wasn’t sure this was going to happen, but I kept believing, everyone on my team kept believing in me, and I just kept my head up high. I’m a positive guy. I always see things glass half-full, and it turned out for the best, and I couldnt be more thrilled. To cap the year off like this has been pretty unbelievable.”

McIlroy’s hopes of winning the FedEx Cup faded after he dumped his tee shot with a 5-iron into the water on the sixth hole and made doublebogey. He then made three consecutive bogeys around the turn before finishing with three birdies in his last four holes to shoot 71.

Where is your favourite place in Sweden?

The small fishing villages along the west

Mainly going to watch my sons playing sport, or going with them to watch an ice hockey match. We support the Frölunda Indians and go to quite a few of their home games.

Who are your favourite Swedish golfers?

I grew up looking up to Liselotte Neumann and Helen Alfredsson. I’m also a big fan of Henrik Stenson.

Crayfish party

What’s your idea of a fun night out?

Going to a kräftskiva – a crayfish party.

It’s a tradition throughout Scandanavia, but first originated in Sweden. They take place in August, when the crayfish season traditionally used to start, and involve a lot of eating and drinking, wearing silly hats, and plenty of noisy singing.

Northern Ireland had an adjusted scoring average of 68.62 to win the Vardon Trophy over Sergio Garcia (68.95).

The PGA Tour’s player of the year award is voted for by the players themselves.

McIkroy won the vote over four other nominess that included Billy Horschel, Martin Kaymer, Bubba Watson and three-time PGA Tour winner Jimmy Walker.

Frölunda Indians Ice hockey

coast are very special. Stockholm is also a nice place to visit.

What do you like cooking at home?

Seafood, shrimp, crabs and cod fish – any kind of seafood really.

When you are not on tour, how do you spend a typical weekend?

Tell us something we don’t know about Sweden?

We like squeezing food out of tubes caviar, mayonnaise, mustard, it all comes out of toothpaste-style tubes. We also drink a lot of coffee, and have fika coffee together, eating something small, usually sweet with it.

What is your favourite Swedish saying?

Lagom. It roughly translates as ‘not too much, not too little: just right!’

October 2014 / Issue 237

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CALLING CAPTAIN COLIN Just two days after Europe’s victory at Gleneagles, Golf News caught up with 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie to ask him about the future of the matches and reflect on his own magical form this season

Paul McGinley has received a lot of praise following the European team’s victory. Do you think he has rewritten the rulebook for what some are terming a ‘modern captain’?

It is difficult to say without being in the team room, but obviously the players thought very highly of him, as we have seen the whole team come out in praise of Paul, which is an extremely positive statement from the team towards the captain.

As someone who will be involved in the selection process for the next European captain, what are the names that immediately stand out to you as leading candidates?

I think there are five main candidates: Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Darren Clarke. You would feel these would be the main candidates in the running for the position, and I’m confident that whoever is selected would do a great job. Lee says he will still be too young for the job at 45, and still wants to make the team, so it might just be down to four. I think Darren is the bookies’ favourite, if there is one, and providing he feels he isn’t capable of adding to the team in a playing performance, he would be a strong candidate.

Do you look for slightly different credentials when selecting a captain to lead the team in the US? There is no question that it is more difficult away from home.

The Americans played their ‘wildcard’ this time in selecting Tom Watson as captain, but the question is where they go from here. They are fed up of losing and have two years to get it right. So we have to pick a captain that will be able to counteract that positivity that will come from any American captain.

Any thoughts on who might be the next American captain?

Nobody has any idea what the PGA of America will do at this stage. If Tom Watson had won, you would think that some of the older guard, such as Larry Nelson and Mark O’Meara might have a chance. However, now there is the dilemma as to whether they stick with someone of this age or move for someone who is playing alongside the team in the way that Europe do. Or failing that, go back to the last captain with winning form, Paul Azinger.

What were your thoughts about the comments Phil Mickelson made about Tom Watson’s leadership?

I was very disappointed in Phil, really. You do not throw your captain under the bus. Whatever you say, you say it in private – you can close the door and have a good old battle – but in public you support your captain. It’s an unwritten rule of sport – you support your manager, especially when he’s sitting on the same stage as you. That was bordering on embarrassing, and I felt for Tom. He did a great job with what he had to work with.

It was obviously not a great week for the Americans, but

do you feel that there were some positives for them to take away from the matches?

The most pleasing aspect for the Americans will be that the three rookies did a great job – Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth and Jimmy Walker. The rookies are often the weaknesses of the team, but on this occasion they performed well – it was the rest of the team that did not back them up.

Do you think this signifies a changing of the guard for the US team?

Well it certainly does when you have the confidence to send out a 21-year-old rookie first off in the singles, 10-6 down, followed by another rookie. This shows that the captain had the most faith in these players ahead of the rest of his team, in order to try and get early points on the board.

it extremely difficult length-wise, but I would have loved the competition, and to have competed in the Ryder Cup in front of the Scottish crowd. Bernhard Langer and I feel that we could still perform for Europe, and it is great that the sport of golf can allow you to feel that way.

We are here at Slaley Hall in Northumberland, the scene of your triumph at the European Open some 27 years ago; how has the resort changed since you were last here?

I think the golf course has improved and matured very well, and the hotel has been completely revamped to a fantastic standard. I was recently at another of the properties within the De Vere Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Cameron House on Loch Lomond, which we chose for our own wedding, and I have noticed the similarities in terms of the impressive design and facilities across the resort.

You must have some very happy memories of the course?

I do have happy memories. I won the Compaq European Grand Prix here in 1997, when I managed to beat Retief Goosen and Lee Westwood, who were second and third respectively. That evening, I drove down to London for my flight out to America to compete in the US PGA Championship, where I unfortunately just missed out by one shot.

“I think there are five main candidates for the next European Ryder Cup captain, and I’m confident that whoever is selected would do a great job” I expect Tiger will be back for the next matches, which will certainly give the team a presence if nothing else, as well as Dustin Johnson, who provides a big-hitting talent. So there is no question that they will be stronger, and I’m sure they will involve the FedEx Cup champion, if he is not already included.

You have to feel that it will be much closer next time with them being at home as well.

How pleased are you with the form you’ve shown this year?

It’s been a fantastic year for me, having won four times, along with three runner-up places and two thirds. It has been my first full year on the Champions Tour and I have really enjoyed it. came back for the Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl, and came up against Bernhard Langer who was in unstoppable form winning by 13 shots. However, I did manage to win two of the Majors myself. I put four good rounds together at the US Senior PGA Championship, and managed to come back from four behind in the final round to take the US Senior Open Championship.

It really has been a great year, but I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation at the end of it. I’ve got four more tournaments to go, including the finale of the Charles Schwab Cup, which involves the top 30 players on the Champions Tour, so hopefully I can continue with my good form.

Do you think Europe will be able to continue with this winning momentum?

It will certainly be difficult for the European team in Minnesota, but it has been difficult every time, and we keep on coming out on top, so all credit to everyone that has performed.

Would you say that your form this year has been as good as it has ever been?

I have certainly been playing very similarly to how I was playing in the mid-90s. The only real difference that I have experienced this year, compared to when I was No.2 in the world, is that I haven’t been driving the ball straight enough.

However, I managed to put this right in Russia, where I won a few weeks ago, by hitting 28 out of 28 fairways, which is extremely pleasing.

Having spent the week up at the Ryder Cup, do you think you could have been competitive yourself?

The course was long, and the younger guys are hitting the ball 30 or 40 yards past me, if not further! So I would have found

Colin Montgomerie was speaking to Golf News at De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland, where he was entertaining Slaley Country Club members and guests of De Vere. For details visit www.devere-hotels.co.uk

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October 2014 / Issue 237

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BEAMER ME UP, SCOTTY What were your design inspirations for the Futura X5?

I’m a big fan of cars, especially BMWs. They have an X Series, which includes the X1, 3, 5 and 7. The seven is the biggest and the three is the smallest of the SUVs, so the X5 represents the mid-size, which is reflected in the size of the putter head. As well as cars, the X5 putter also has the look of a high-end watch. I wanted it to look almost like a piece of jewellery that gleams without glaring. The use of rubber and steel, little inlays, spot colours and fine detailing all give it a very industrial, yet very elegant look. We used a translucent red paint that provides a three-dimensional finish. Some people might be surprised at the black sole plate, but you can’t see it at address, and I think it adds to the mysterious, smokey look.

The latest range of putters to come out of Scotty Cameron’s prolific workshop draws inspiration from the master craftsman’s love of cars, especially the industrial engineering of BMW. Meet the Futura X5

What are its main performance attributes?

Moving weight back and out in the head creates a larger MOI – resistance to twisting – and creates a bigger sweet spot.

You’ve got two models, the X5 and the X5R. What is the difference?

The ‘R’ simply stands for round. Some players like a more rounded look at address, and looks create confidence, so you’ve got a crisper, clean-lined model, and a more rounded model for those that prefer that kind of look.

Cameron puts the finishing touches to one his designs

The X5 has a spongy, Winn-style grip. Why is this?

I always believe that grip size should compliment head size. You can’t put a massive, oversized grip on a small blade-style putter. They need to compliment each other. Larger heads and bigger grips go together. Big grips pinch the nerves less and relax the hands and arms. Winn grips are much lighter than they once were, so you can now use over-sized grips that don’t upset the balance of the overall club. We’ve injected air into the rubber to size it up. It’s still a pistol-shaped grip, but sized up. It’s not like a giant piece of salami!

There’s a growing trend for counter-balanced putters, what’s your take on this and why have you called your version ‘Dual Balance’?

The industry reacted to the new rules on anchoring by experimenting with thicker grips and grip weights inside the shaft to slow down the butt end of the shaft. Putting a 50g weight into the shaft slows down the movement. To me, counter balance sounds like one end is working against the other, so I called it dual balance to reflect the fact that both weights are equally important and are actually working together, rather than offsetting one against each other. The head weight and the grip weight need to work in harmony to perform properly. We’ve got dual balance models in the Select, GoLo and Futura X range.

What is your view on the anchoring ban, and how has it affected your future designs?

Whatever the USGA says is the way we’re going to go.

I’m not going to make illegal golf clubs. If you have the butt end of your putter moving back and forth, or you get a bit flippy with the clubhead, anchoring is a great option. If everyone was winning with anchored putters I would see it as a problem, but clearly they’re not.

There’s no question it affected my putter business last year, as people held off buying putters when the UGSA prevaricated over the decision for three or four months.

what is happening between the ball, the putter and the player – and how we get those three things to work in harmony. When people come into the gallery, we want them to feel the craftsmanship, the vibe, the experience. This is a place where you come to get fit and learn about your putting stroke, but also to get something that there’s only one of in the world.

Inside Cameron’s new gallery in California

I would have preferred it if they had been a bit firmer about it, as nothing kills sales more than indecision.

Have you been working with Adam Scott to find a standard-length putter that he can use?

I must have made six or seven putters for Adam this year. He loved the look of the X5R, so we’ve been playing around with a few designs to get him comfortable. He likes a big head, but he wants something more refined than what he currently plays, so we’ll working on creating something smaller than the Futura X, but a little larger than the standard X5R with a centre shaft. He’s working on finding a method that moves away from anchoring, but still allows him to swing with a pendulum-style stroke.

You’ve just opened a new putting studio in California where regular golfers can get an insight into the world of Scotty Cameron. Can you explain how that came about?

Opening the Scotty Cameron Gallery is something I’d dreamed about for a long time. I always wanted to have a place open to the public where I could share the things that I had created and love. But above all, the gallery is a place where golfers can come to understand

“Fitting gives you peace of mind, it answers questions about your stroke and the kind of putter, and the kind of set up, that will perform best for you.”

Is it important to get custom fitted for a putter?

It’s a difficult question, as it all depends on how far you want to take your game. Plenty of people can pick a putter off the shelf, like the feel and the weight, and it’ll work fine for them. Others will want to take it to the next level. If you’re more serious about your game – and people who buy my putters generally are – then having a fitting makes perfect sense, as if you’re spending that kind of money you want to make sure that it’s going to help your game. Fitting gives you peace of mind, it answers questions about your stroke and the kind of putter, and the kind of set up, that will perform best for you. Fitting is not essential, but it certainly puts you a few steps ahead.

Why do you think golfers like Scotty Cameron putters so much?

A lot of people pick up one of my putters and they don’t know why they like it so much. They just do. I’ve learned to make the trailing edge very soft in shape.

Roly-poly edges. Golfers feel nerves, tension when they putt. I believe you can make a putter soothing to take out that tension.

Scotty Cameron by Titleist Futura X5 putters cost £279, or £315 for the Dual Balance model, and go on sale on October 31. For more information visit titleist.co.uk. To book a fitting session at the Scotty Cameron Gallery in Encinitas, California, visit scottycamerongallery.com.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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WAKE-UP TO THE NEW SRIXON SERIES GRAEME

McDOWELL #JOURNEY TO BETTER

In a wake-up call to serious golfers, Srixon is announcing the launch of the new Z Series clubs, delivering tour-influenced performance, genuine innovation and stunning design. Discover why you need to take the Z Series with you on your journey at www.srixon.co.uk

J00000 Srixon Clubs 128.5x360 Ad AW.indd 1

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October 2014 / Issue 237

SRIXON Z SER

GOES TH

DISTANC Following a seven-year absence from the UK market, SRIXON is back with the exciting new Z SERIES, offering equipment to suit all skill levels from Tour players to club golfers Comprising driver, fairway woods, hybrids, utility irons, and three different iron models, Srixon’s new Z Series offers golfers tour-influenced performance, real innovation and stunning design, developed with the same innovative spirit that has been at the core of the Srixon brand for more than 80 years.

Validated by Srixon’s elite global staff of tour professionals, which includes Graeme McDowell, Keegan Bradley and Hideki Matsuyama, the Z-Series gives golfers all the tools needed for improvement.

Utilising advanced simulation tools at the Srixon Golf Science Centre in Ichijima-cho, Japan, every Z Series club is designed with proprietary Digital Impact Technology to ensure precise performance for the target player, and is built with the highest quality manufacturing processes and unsurpassed attention to detail.

To find out more about the new Srixon Z Series, please visit www.srixon.co.uk/golf-clubs/Z545-driver

Z 545, Z 745, Z 945 and Z U45 IRONS: DESIGNS TO SUIT ALL PLAYERS The Srixon Z series of irons has been built to satisfy the needs of two distinct player types: allability and Tour. The slim topline and compact shape found in the Z 745 and Z 945 irons provide the confidence and workability that better players demand, while the handicap golfer will find added forgiveness and distance in the slightly larger Z 545 irons. Srixon’s staff players have had significant input into the shapes, adjustability, weight placements and face materials found in these high-performance clubs.

Ball speeds have also been maximised through advanced face constructions. The Z U45 utility and Z 545 irons have distance-enhancing SUP10 steel faces and soft, ultra-premium 1020 carbon steel bodies for a smooth feel. With a lower carbon content compared to many key competitors, Z Series iron and utility heads are high in strength, but also exceptionally responsive and smooth at impact, while double laser milling helps achieve more stable spin performance and more consistent distance control from any lie.

October 2014 / Issue 237

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ERIES

HE

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Z 545 DRIVER: MAXIMUM DISTANCE, LOW SPIN Kicking things off with the top end of the bag, Srixon has introduced the Z 545 driver, which was seen in the bag of Keegan Bradley during last month’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The Z 545 is a mid-high launch, low-spinning, fully-adjustable driver, that is suitable for all abilities. With a sleek, aggressive design, the Z 545 is for players who demand maximum distance. The 460cc profile inspires confidence over the ball and aids forgiveness.

Ball speeds have been maximised through advanced face construction, which features a booster cup-face and variable face thickness technology to enlarge the sweet spot by 35% – increasing both forgiveness and distance.

Distance is increased further through Srixon’s Dual Speed Technology, which maximises a player’s rotation efficiency, while also delivering more kinetic energy at impact, resulting in more head speed, more ball speed, and more distance.

Adjusting the Z 545 Driver is simple, thanks to Srixon’s Quick Tune System, which allows anyone to easily adjust the loft, lie, face angle and centre of gravity settings. A 12-way hosel design tunes face angle and lie, along with loft, while the adjustable weight port comes with 3g and 7g weights as standard, while 11g weights are also available to precisely tune the centre of gravity to provide optimal launch and spin.

Z F45 FAIRWAY WOODS: EXPLOSIVE VERSATILITY The explosive and versatile Srixon Z F45 fairway woods have a mid-size design which is engineered to maximise launch conditions from all lies.

As with the Z 545 Driver, Dual Speed Technology works to maximise ball speed and distance. While Quick Tune System adjustability again offers 12 unique settings for loft, lie, face angle and centre of gravity. An ultra-hot maraging steel booster cup face raises the COR by 15 points for maximum ball speed.

Z H45 HYBRIDS: POWERFUL & FORGIVING The Z H45 hybrids feature redesigned shapes for smoother turf interaction and a more confident look at address. Dual Speed Technology maximises ball speed and distance, while the Z H45 also features an ultra-hot maraging steel face, raising the COR by 13 points for maximum ball speed, while the centre of gravity has been moved lower to promote a higher, more penetrating launch.

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SOFT SOFTER LONG JUST GOT

JUST GOT

LONGER Introducing the ALL-NEW Srixon Soft Feel

Available in white and yellow

Available in white and pink

To enhance turf interaction and trajectory control, as well as tighten shot dispersion, all Srixon Z Series irons boast the newly developed Tour V.T. Sole. This sole design is a feature that Srixon’s tour professionals have raved about in testing for the crisp, consistent feel through impact that it provides.

Additionally, the 3, 4, 5 and 6-irons in each of the Z 545, Z 745 and Z 945 sets have a strategically-positioned tungsten weight in the toe to precisely tune the sweet spot position for longer, more forgiving flight in the more difficult to hit mid and long irons.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

Srixon Z 545 Driver

Golfbuddy VS4 Voice

RRP: £299 Contact: srixon.co.uk

RRP: £159.95 Contact: gpsgolfbuddy.eu

Seven years after it last had hardware on sale in Europe, Srixon has launched back into the market with the new Z Series range of metal woods, hybrids and irons.

Headlining the new range is the Z 545 driver, a fullyadjustable, low-spinning, mid-high launching driver that is suitable for players of all abilities. Featuring a sleek 460cc head, with an understated black crown and minimal markings, the Z 545’s smooth profile inspires confidence at address.

Ball speeds are maximised through a booster cup-face construction and variable face thickness, which enlarges the sweet spot by 35 per cent, increasing forgiveness and distance. Distance is increased further through Srixon’s dual speed technology, which maximises a player’s rotation efficiency, while also delivering more kinetic energy at impact, resulting in more head and ball speed – one of the key components for longer hitting.

Golfers can adjust the head for loft, lie, face angle and centre of gravity by using Srixon’s Quick Tune System, a 12-way hosel that tunes face angle and lie along with loft, while an adjustable weight port comes with 7g and 3g weights to precisely tune the centre of gravity for optimal launch and spin.

Golfers looking for a small, light, easy-to-use golf GPS that can be worn any way they choose on the course, should consider GolfBuddy’s new VS4.

Able to be worn as a watch, clipped onto a golf bag, belt or hat with a new leather case (£15.95), or attached via a new retractable cord (£19.95), the VS4 offers spoken and on-screen yardages to the front, back and middle of the green, leaving the golfer free to concentrate on playing the shot.

The VS4 is ready to use out of the box, with access to over 8,000 courses in Europe and North Africa, and over 37,000 globally in more than 130 countries.

In addition to yardages from whichever angle the player approaches the green, the VS4 offers dynamic green view with green shape display, shot distance measurement, and automatic course and hole recognition.

It is available in white/gold or black/red.

SHOP

Mizuno JPX 850 Iron

RRP: £100 per club Contact: mizuno.eu

Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood RRP: £149 Contact: adamsgolf.eu One of the more surprising equipment developments in recent years has been the addition of slots to drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, and no company has used them more noticeably than Adams.

The concept behind slots is that they help the clubface flex more at impact. This allows more energy to be transferred to the ball, especially on off-centre hits, creating faster ball speeds for more distance and consistency. Like last year’s model, Adams’ new Tight Lights fairway woods have two slots — one on the crown and one on the sole — but they look completely different at address, thanks to the new ‘Ghost Slot Technology’, which covers the slot on the crown of the clubs for a more traditional look.

In addition to a standard steel-faced model, Adams has also added a titanium fairway wood (£199) to the range, which features a titanium face and crown with a stainless steel sole.

Boasting the lowest centre of gravity ever in an Adams fairway wood, it also reaches the limit on spring-like effect, resulting in a fairway wood with the playability of a traditional Tight Lies club, but with the power that will rival other fairway woods for distance.

The steel version is available in lofts of 14°, 16°, 19° and 22°, while the titanium model comes in 13.5°, 15° and 18°. Both are fitted with KuroKage graphite shafts by Mitsubishi Rayon as standard.

Six years in the making, Mizuno’s new JPZ 850 forged irons see the introduction of boron into the grain flow forging process that enables these irons to overcome the distance limitations of traditional forged irons.

The new material is 30 per cent stronger than traditional 1025E steel billets, allowing for a thinner face and extreme ball speeds. The result is an iron that combines forged precision and feel, with the ball speeds of a modern distance iron.

The thinner boron face is strategically reinforced by a power frame cavity, which enables it to flex over a wider area, while a shorter top edge to CNC-milled pocket increases launch angle in the mid irons.

“This is distance generated by genuine technology, rather than just cranking lofts or using longer shafts,” said Chris Voshall, Mizuno’s senior engineer. “It used to be that you had to give up a little ball speed to play a forged iron, but boron forged gives the best of both worlds.”

Sun Mountain ClubGlider RRP: £129 Contact: sunmountaingolf.co.uk Anyone who takes their clubs abroad will know the massive pain in the behind – and the shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers – that is dragging a golf travel bag around a massive airport terminal. I suffered in silence, and a great deal of pain, for years with one that was totally unsuited for the job until the ClubGlider literally glided into my consciousness earlier this year.

Spotting one serenely rolling across the vast concourse at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, I made it my ambition to track one down. Mission accomplished, I returned to the aforementioned airport just weeks later and drew some rather envious looks from my fellow travellers as I casually flipped open the leg mechanism and pushed it into first gear (it doesn’t have gears, just in case you thought it did) with just one finger, while others grappled with their recalcitrant alternatives, some of which were little more than oversized cricket bags.

To irritate my golfing partners still further, I executed a pirouette with the ClubGlider that even Len Goodman would have scored at least a seven, while my cornering through the chicane in the duty free shop would have had Lewis Hamilton gasping in awe at its precise handling at speed.

October 2014 / Issue 237

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Callaway Golf Big Bertha Irons RRP: £699/£899 (st/gr) Contact: callwaygolf.com Callaway’s new Big Bertha irons feature a two-piece head that comprises a 360-degree steel cup face wrapped around a steel body. This design mirrors the face currently used in the company’s X2 Hot fairway woods and hybrids, resulting in an iron that offers wood-like performance characteristics – with corresponding distance gains.

The wrap-around face flexes like a metal wood to offer increased ball speeds, even on off-centre hits, which, Callaway claims, makes the irons up to two clubs longer when compared with the company’s now extinct Razr X HL irons. The yardage gain is, in part, boosted through the use of stronger lofts (the 6-iron is two degrees stronger than the Razr X) and longer shafts (up by 3/8ths of an inch).

Like all previous Big Bertha irons, this new generation falls into the upper end of the game improvement category, although the sole width has a progressive design, with the long irons featuring a relatively wide, almost utility iron-like sole, while the short irons offer a much thinner, more workable sole. A low and forward weighting in the head shifts the centre of gravity lower to maximise MOI for added forgiveness and a higher launch angle.

Available in 3-PW (along with A and S wedges), the standard steel shaft is True Temper’s Speed Step 80, while the graphite option is a UST Mamiya Recoil.

TRIED &

TESTED Callaway Big Bertha V Series Driver Rating: RRP: £299 Contact: callawaygolf.com

Ping Collection Altitude Rain Jacket RRP: £145 Contact: pingcollection.co.uk Ping Collection’s Altitude jacket is made from a lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, which allows the wearer to swing with complete freedom, and in total silence. A water repellent finish has been added to the surface of the noiseless fabric to help bead water away and keep it dry to the touch. Waterproof zips and fully-sealed seams offer complete protection from the rain. Other features include offset pockets, zip-off sleeves, and a scorecard pocket. It comes with a three-year waterproof guarantee and is available in black/asphalt, in sizes S-XXXL. Matching trousers are available for £124.99.

Fans of Callaway drivers from days of old will find their hearts skipping a little beat when they catch sight of the sole of the new V Series driver, which features the muchloved concave Warbird sole that has launched a million big-hitting drives down the decades.

While the Warbird sole really comes into it own on uneven fairway lies – there are matching higher-lofted woods to choose from – it is great to see it on a driver too, as it contributes to the clubhead’s improved aerodynamics.

Built from lightweight materials, the 460cc V Series feature a sleeker, more refined head, which translates increased clubhead speed into faster ball speeds, which leads to longer distances through the air.

The clubhead tips the scales at just 190g, and when combined with a low-drag carbon composite crown and sole, Callaway’s Hyper Speed Face technology, and a 42g Bassara E-Series graphite shaft, you have a driver that is capable of producing significantly faster swing speeds for all levels of golfer.

I can certainly testify to that, cranking out an extra 4mph more swing speed against my current driver, although the higher-than standard ball flight meant that my overall distances achieved were very similar, so you’ll need to seek a fitting expert to dial in your most effective ball flight.

Some lightweight heads leave you wondering about their precise location during your backswing, but I never felt detached with this driver. Just as importantly, it delivered a reassuring thud into the back of the ball, and the sound is powerful without being offensive.

Callaway fans will also enjoy the return of the chevron on top of the crown, which acts as an alignment aid, although the crown itself is a tad too glossy for my own liking, having been using a driver with a matt finish for some time. Call me a dullard, but I found the plastic badge on the sole, which features a cartoon caricature of Isaac Newton, a little tacky, cheapening what is essentially a serious club.

All told, the V Series combines the renowned forgiveness of the Big Bertha brand with the speed of its OptiForce driver (which the V Series replaces), which must be what the designers intended when they set out on this project. So if you’re looking for a club to boost your ego, and your clubhead speed, this could be the driver you’ve been looking for.

Titleist 915 Driver RRP: £379 Contact: titleist.co.uk It’s a sure sign that you’ve got a hot product on your hands when over 100 tour pros around the world put your new driver straight into the bag in the middle of the season. This was pretty much the reaction when Titleist seeded its new 915 driver on tour this summer.

While pros will always test out new gear when asked nicely, most take quite a lot of convincing to make a change, especially mid-season, but change they did, among them some big-name players such as Adam Scott, Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson.

The reason being is that although the new 915D2 and D3 models mark a sizeable departure from what came before, they also outperform their predecessors by some margin, which is a persuasive argument in any language.

The 915 breaks a lot of new technological ground for Titleist. The first, and most visible addition, is the ‘active recoil channel’, a deep depression across the sole which creates a trampoline effect to increase ball speeds across a wide section of the face. While other drivers have slots to create a similar effect, the 915’s is deeper, wider and longer than any of its rivals, offering a correspondingly enhanced spring-like effect.

The face itself is progressively thinner in the heel and toe areas, further enhancing the trampoline effect, while a low and back centre of gravity location ensures low spin and high MOI to deliver all-important forgiveness.

Throw all these elements together and you find that real golfers – not robots – have enjoyed distance gains of up to 15 yards – and an average of nine – once they’ve dialled in their specifications. This process is simplified by Titleist’s adjustable SureFit Tour hosel, which allows golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight for improved shot control and maximum distance Golfers can choose from the 440cc head in the D3 or the more forgiving 460cc head in the D2, whose profile has been stretched to offer more stability and a slight draw bias. With interchangeable shafts that work with the 913 driver, golfers can simply switch in the new head or choose from a variety of standard and after-market shafts, including Aldila Rogue and Mitsubishi Diamana models with different launch parameters.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

1. JOHN LETTERS TR47

2. PING SENSOR

RRP: £6.99 Contact: johnletters.com

The senor gloves –Tour (£18), Sport (£16), Tech (£12) – all feature Sensor Cool, a Ping-created technology that wicks moisture away to keep the golfer cooler, drier and more comfortable. The Sport and Tour gloves offer a special combination of breathable Sensor Cool technology and Solite cabretta leather, while the Tech is made from an all-weather synthetic leather for improved durability and features a reinforced palm. All three models feature finger vents to improve breathability and ventilation, while pre-curved fingers ensure a more natural fit around the grip of the club.

While plenty of gloves feature Lycra across the knuckles to make them more flexible, John Letters’ new TR47 glove features Lycra zones on the palm, fingers and thumb and knuckle areas, so that it can flex around the natural shape and movement of the hand. The rest of the glove is made from high-grade cabretta leather, while an elasticated wrist and perforated finger holes provide further breathability and increased comfort.

3

2

RRP: £12-£18 Contact: ping.com

4. BIONIC PERFORMANCE RRP: £19.99 Contact: bionicgolfglove.co.uk The central idea behind the Bionic range of gloves is that they help you grip the club, so that you don’t have to.

Created by an othopaedic surgeon, the top-of-the-range Performance model is made from high-grade cabretta leather and boasts no fewer than 44 anatomical features to aid grip and feel. All of which translates into a glove that hugs the contours of the fingers, retains its shape and elasticity, and wicks moisture to reduce sweaty palms.

3. MIZUNO SKINTITE 5. FOOTJOY STASOF RRP: £14.99 Contact: mizuno.eu

RRP: £17.50 Contact: footjoy.co.uk

Mizuno’s Skintite glove is made from soft cabretta leather, which is just 0.45mm thick, to offer the ultimate in feel.

Pre-cut curved panels serve to enhance the grip around the club for a more comfortable ‘second-skin’ natural movement. An angled Velcro closure tab ensures secure closure, while a thicker, moisture-absorbing wristband provides a more comfortable fit.

Worn by a good number of tour pros, the latest generation of the StaSof delivers optimum feel, exceptional moisture management and improved grip performance. Constructed using Traction2 Advanced Performance Leather, the StaSof features a more tailored fit across the palm, knuckles and cuff for improved comfort, while the angled ComforTab closure and PowerNet mesh enhance breathability.

Put your hands together for the latest gloves to help keep you swinging come rain or shine

1

4

GLOVED UP

8

7

5 6

6. NIKE DURA FEEL VII

7. FOOTJOY WEATHERSOF

RRP: £9.99 Contact: nikegolfeurope.com

RRP: £8.50 Contact: footjoy.co.uk

Although sounding more like a gentleman’s protection item than a golf glove, the Dura Feel offers the optimal mix of feel and durability due to its enhanced synthetic leather design, with leather patches on the palm and thumb for extra grip where it is needed most. Perforated knuckles and fingers provide enhanced breathability, while pre-curved fingers prevent the material from bunching.

Cabretta leather in the palm and along the thumb, combined with FootJoy’s FiberSof material on the back of the glove, makes the WestherSof an durable yet soft-feeling glove for golfers who play in all conditions. A stretch PowerNet mesh on the base of the thumb improves comfort and flexibility, while Coolmax Lycra knuckle inserts provide a comfortable fit as the hand flexes.

8. FOOTJOY RAINGRIP XTREME RRP: £15.99 Contact: footjoy.co.uk As the name suggests, this synthetic glove – which comes as a pair – is designed for playing in extreme conditions. It is made from a microfbre material that creates thousands of tiny gripping ‘fingers’ that engage with the grip to increase traction and maintain control. It also features suede-like patches in the palm and index finger to enhance grip further, while a QuikDry knit mesh ensures optimum breathability. The left-hand glove features a built-in tee holder.

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October 2014 / Issue 237

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Rory vaporises Rickie with new Nike driver

Keegan keeps the faith with Cleveland/Srixon

Former US PGA champion Keegan Bradley has signed a contract extension to remain a member of Cleveland Golf and Srixon’s PGA Tour staff.

The 28-year-old American Ryder Cup star will continue to play Srixon’s Z-Star XV ball, as well as the new Srixon Z-Series woods, Cleveland irons and Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges. He will continue using headwear with a Srixon and Cleveland logos, while wearing a Srixon glove and carrying a Srixon bag.

“We are extremely pleased that Keegan has once again

chosen to remain a member of our PGA Tour staff,” said Todd Harman, President of Cleveland Golf/Srixon USA. “We’ve had the pleasure to play a part in Keegan’s journey dating all the way back to his college days, and we’re thrilled to continue being a part of his journey moving forward. We take great pride in the passion and competitive drive that Keegan brings to the game. He is the type of brand ambassador and competitor that any organisation would be thrilled to have as a member of their team.”

Trade-in deal sees Cleveland Golf grab huge slice of wedge market Cleveland Golf has enjoyed a dramatic upsurge in the UK wedge market following its successful summer trade-in promotion.

Under the terms of the trade-in deal, which was launched last year, customers got a £25 credit on any wedge traded-in for a new RTX wedge, with up to a £75 for three old wedges traded in for a set of three Cleveland wedges.

Ben Davis, Cleveland Golf’s marketing manager, said: “When we launched the trade-in offer in 2013, we had a market share of nearly nine per cent for wedges. Today that has risen by over 20 points to 29 per cent. There were 20,000 wedges traded in last year, and we will probably see upwards of 15,000 traded-in this year.”

Rory McIlroy chose the week of the Ryder Cup to put a new Nike Golf driver into play – the Vapor Pro. Widely regarded as a risky move on the eve of the most pressure-packed tournament, McIlroy had been trialling the distinctive new driver since June, and was confident that it would improve his distance and ability to shape shots off the tee – which it largely did, with the world number one winning three points out of five, and handing out a 4&3 hammering to Rickie Fowler in the final day singles.

“I wouldn’t have put it in the bag if I didn’t feel it was better than what I had before,” said McIlroy. “The first thing I noticed when I hit this driver was how hot

it was. Then, I found that I could really control the flight and work it both ways on the course. I saw the added ball speed on the monitor and I am getting 10-15 yards more distance, so putting it in the bag was a no-brainer.”

According to Nike, the Vapor driver – which comes in standard and pro versions – blends three new technologies, including a new-look reinforced cavity, a re-engineered compression channel, and a new loft adjustment system.

“This is the first time we have created a driver where the face and channel are measurably more flexible than the body,” said Nate Radcliffe, director of engineering.

“The FlyBeam construction stiffens the cavity in the back of the club, while the compression channel accentuates the springlike effect across the face.

Cohesively, the two work together to focus, store, and return impact energy to the golf ball for shots struck at all points on the face. This effect drives the increases in ball speed we are seeing in athlete and robot testing,” added Radcliffe.

The club features a new FlexLoft system, which offers five lofts and three face angles within 15 different settings. The Vapor drivers are expected to go on sale in January, although details of the retail price have yet to be released.

Letters unveils ‘straight shot’ challenge Scottish-based equipment brand John Letters has launched a challenge to golfers to prove that its TR47 irons are not only the longest, but also the straightest on the market.

When the TR47 irons were first launched last year, Letters promised that the clubs would make every golfer ‘47 yards longer’ across their bag – or they would get their money back.

More than 500 golfers took the challenge at their nearest Direct Golf store, and not a single customer took up the offer of a refund.

And now Letters is inviting golfers to visit their local Direct Golf store to hit three shots with their current seven-iron on the in-store swing monitors, followed by three shots with the TR47 seven-iron. Staff will measure the ‘dispersement’ on the two sets of shots, and demonstrate just how much straighter the TR47 irons are.

As with the previous challenge, any golfers purchasing the irons who don’t see a huge improvement in their accuracy will be able to

return the clubs and get their money back.

Direct Golf’s Chris Clarke said: “The TR47 iron is the best-selling iron in the 96-year history of John Letters and was also acclaimed as the best-performing iron in many magazine reviews. As a result, the original TR47 challenge was a huge success, and proved the TR47 irons are definitely the longest irons on the market. And thanks to the TR47 Challenge 2.0, we’re confident that they’ll soon be officially the straightest, too. The combination of the TR47’s Tour Proven Rifle project X shaft and its low torque UST grip means every swing with a TR47 iron will result in a solid impact and unrivalled accuracy. We have huge confidence the product can live up to this claim, and we’re certain this challenge will be every bit as successful as the original TR47 challenge.”

The TR47 set – comprising nine clubs, with a three and four hybrid and five-iron to sand wedge – costs £399.

Get creative with Big Wigz!

If you’re bored with looking down at the same dull old clubhead every time you tee it up, it’s time you added some excitement to your game with the help of one of Big Wigz Skins UK’s colourful decals.

Big Wigz Skins are the new and creative way for golfers to express their personality while on the links. The special wrap personalises the clubhead through a nonpermanent self-adhesive 3M vinyl, which features a special adhesive backing to prevent air bubbles.

The Big Wigz Skin covers the entire crown of the driver, protecting the club from knocks and scratches, while giving the club a new paint-like finish. Golfers can choose from a range of eye-catching designs, including the English, Irish, and Scottish flags, flames and lightening flashes, to more outlandish looks such as those in the Loudmouth range, which offers a panoply of psychedelic shapes and crazy colours.

There is also a choice of a plain-coloured skins, including white, green, orange, blue, red, pink, aqua and white – ideal for players

who want to change their look to match their outfits, or to switch up a black or grey crown to something brighter. There is even a range of wood-effect skins for those who love the old school look, but still benefit from modern technology.

Every pack of skins, which are priced between £17.99 and £19.99, includes the simple tools and information needed to fit them, and even offers a free practice skin to trial fit before re-styling your driver. Each skin weighs between 2g-4g, so that it will not alter the performance characteristics of the club.

For orders, visit bigwigzskins.co.uk or call 0844 8002208.

THE GEAR EFFECT BILLY HORSCHEL Tour Championship DRIVER: Ping G30 (9) Fairway WOODS: Ping G25 (15, 18) IRONS: Ping S55 (3, 5-PW) WEDGES: Ping Tour Gorge (50, 56, 60) PUTTER: Ping Karsen TR B60 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x PAUL CASEY KLM Dutch Open DRIVER: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour (11.5) 3 WOOD: Nike VR_S Covert (15) IRONS: Nike VRS Covert Forged (3), Nike VR Pro Combo (4-6), Nike VR Pro Blade (7-PW) WEDGES: Nike VR Forged (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Nike Method 006 Prototype BALL: Nike RZN Platinum DAVID LIPSKY European Masters DRIVER: TaylorMade SLDR (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade SLDR (15) UTILITY IRON: TaylorMade TP UDI (16) IRONS: TaylorMade TP MC (3-4), TaylorMade TP MB (5-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP (54, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Metal-X Milled #7 BALL: TaylorMade TP X WES SHORT JR Quebec Championship DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 (14.5) HYBRIDS: Adams Pro VST (19, 24) IRONS: Callaway Apex Pro (5-PW) WEDGES: Hopkins CJ (50, 56, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Tank Cruiser #1 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x HYO-JOO KIM Evian Championship DRIVER: Yonex i-EZone (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: Yonex i-EZone (14) HYBRID: Yonex EZone XP (22, 27) IRONS: Yonex i-EZone (4-PW) WEDGES: Yonex EZone Tour (52, 58) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa 2-Ball BALL: Srixon Z-Star OLIVER WILSON Alfred Dunhill Links Championship DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha V Series (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway X2Hot Pro (15) UTILITY IRONS: Callaway X Utility (2,3) IRONS: Callaway Apex Pro (4-9) WEDGES: Callaway X Tour Forged Vintage (48, 54, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot XG Sabretooth BALL: Callaway Speed Regime 3 MIRIM LEE Reignwood Classic DRIVER: TaylorMade JetSpeed (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 (14.5) HYBRIDS: Adams Idea Super Pro (16) IRONS: TayllorMade Tour Preferred CB (4PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Tour Preferred (50, 54, 58) PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider Blade 12 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

38 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

BREAKS

Mannings dishes up golf breaks to savour

Five-star golf and fine-dining are very Waterfall and the Kingfisher, and a three-course much on the menu at Mannings Heath meal in the Camelia Restaurant. South Lodge Golf Club in West Sussex this year, also boasts the Michelin-starred The Pass, where following the launch of its latest stay-and-play head chef Matt Gillan, a regular guest chef on packages, which include a Saturday Kitchen, cooks a chance to sample food stunning range of tasting prepared by Steven Edwards, menus in a restaurant winner of last year’s coveted where diners sit at tables MasterChef: The Professionals’ inside the kitchen. title.

The Waterfall Course Edwards, who is head chef hosted the 2013 English of The Camellia Restaurant at Women’s Amateur South Lodge Hotel, Mannings Strokeplay Championship, Heath’s sister property, hit the while the Kingfisher flows headlines in December when he gracefully through the beat off stiff competition from Sussex countryside, testing professional chefs from all over the skills and nerve of the the UK to be crowned champion most seasoned player, and of the popular show. is rated by the ‘Top 100 Golf From £135 per person – Courses in England’ as the based on two people sharing a best pay-and-play course in room – visitors can experience the county. a one-night bed-and-breakfast For full details of stay at the luxury hotel in Mannings Heath’s stay-andHorsham, including two rounds play packages at South of golf on Mannings Heath’s Lodge Hotel, visit www.

Stephen Edwards award-winning courses, the manningsheath.com.

Relive the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles If you fancy following in the footsteps of your Ryder Cup heroes, then now is the time to book up a winter break to the fabulous Gleneagles Resort in Scotland.

Set in 850 acres at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, Gleneagles is a world-class resort offering guests an unrivalled choice of sports and leisure facilities. When it first opened in 1924, it was described as ‘a Riviera in the highlands’, and today the Five Red Star resort retains that ambience, and a ratio of more than one staff member to every guest ensures an unprecedented level of service.

The resort is host to three championship courses, as well as the nine-hole ‘Wee Course’. The courses were the inspiration of two of the world’s most famous golfers; James Braid, five-time winner

of the Open, designed the King’s and Queen’s, while Jack Nicklaus created the PGA Centenary Course, on which the 2014 Ryder Cup was staged so successfully.

The Centenary Course plays between 5,065 and 7,081 yards, due to five tee options at each hole, and from the back tees is the longest inland course in Scotland. Nicklaus combined the best of the earlier designs to create a modern classic that offers a suitable challenge to all abilities of golfer – not just golf’s elite.

The 6,741-yard King’s Course was a regular host of the Scottish Open, while the 5,965 yard Queen’s threads through high ridges on the north and west sides of the estate, offering woodland settings, as well as many moorland characteristics.

Away from the courses, three

CORNISH CREAM

restaurants and bars provide award-winning menus and a choice of over one hundred malt whiskies. The estate offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits, including horse riding, shooting, fly-fishing, falconry, mountain biking, tennis, squash and off-road driving. Indoors at ‘The Club’ there is state-of-the-art fitness equipment, swimming pools, spa and turkish baths and a sauna, as well as health and beauty treatments.

Stay-and-play packages from November through to March start from £305 per room per night, including bed and breakfast, full use of the spa facilities, and a round of golf on the King’s or Queen’s.

A round on the Ryder Cup PGA Centenary course can be added at the £175 resident rate. For bookings, visit www. gleneagles.com.

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To discuss your exclusive golf package call 01822 618181

We have over 15 years experience of organising golf breaks throughout the UK and Europe

October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 39

BREAKS A view of Carnoustie’s first and 18th holes from the Carnoustie Golf Hotel

Visit Our Website

Awarded 5 Star Gold Award by British Tourist Board

www.dorsetgolfresort.com

Snap up Carnoustie’s dream ticket from November 1 until March 31, 2015. Considering that a peak season green fee to play the Championship course is £154, the combination ticket represents a remarkable saving on the cost of individual green fees for Carnoustie’s three courses.

Four-star accommodation can be found right behind the 18th green of the Championship course at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, which has 75 bedrooms and 10 suites – many of which offer stunning views of the golf courses – as well as an excellent Dalhousie restaurant serving a variety of locally-sourced food. A two-night stay, including breaksfast on both days, a three-course dinner on the second night, and rounds of golf on all three courses, costs from £316pp.

To book a combination ticket, go online to carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk. For hotel bookings visit bespokehotels. com or call 0844 815 9833.

Patshull Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, which is set in glorious south Shropshire countryside, in the West Midlands, has long been a favourite for golf and leisure breaks, and its convenient location is just 10 minutes from Junction 3 of the M54, 20 minutes from Junction 10a of the M6, and only two hours from the M25, makes it easy to reach from all corners of the country.

The beautifully mature par 72 parkland course is an enjoyable challenge that will test the best, as it winds it way through majestic old oaks, elms and Lebanese cedars. Designed by John Jacobs, the layout is not long, but it’s relatively tight, especially on the heavily tree-lined holes around the turn. Elsewhere, elevation changes, and a few ponds, ditches and well-placed

bunkers, ensure golfers have to keep their concentration at all times, while the true greens are a pleasure to putt on.

After a round, players can relax in clubhouse before retiring to one of the hotel’s 49 wellappointed bedrooms, all of which tastefully furnished, with many commanding stunning views over the golf course or the lake, which are well worth upgrading to when making a booking.

In addition to the golf course, there are numerous other health and fitness facilities, including a large indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas, solarium, beauty treatments and a well-equipped gym.

To book a golf break, call 01902 700100 or visit www.patshull-park.co.uk.

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The Buddon has recently received a major redesign, with architects Ebert & Mackenzie brought in to reconfigure the course, after its opening par four had to be reduced to a par three following the construction of the town’s new £2 million Golf Centre.

The overall length of the course has been increased from 5,420 yards to 6,088 yards, and the par from 65 to a challenging 68. All in all, it makes for a much more complete course, although the six par-three holes still make it possible to scoot round in three hours, have lunch, and then play either the 6, 208-yard Burnside, which has been used as an Open Qualifying venue on a number of occasions, including in 1953, when Ben Hogan won the Open title at his first and only attempt.

Golfers wishing to take on all of three courses should snap up a combination ticket, which offers 18 holes on each course for just £90

THE DORSET GOLF HOTEL AND LUXURY LOG HOMES FOR RENT

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With the fairways and greens in tip-top condition following the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, there has never been a better time to pay a visit to Carnoustie, arguably one of the most accessible Open Championship venues in Britain.

The Championship course on which Padraig Harrington enjoyed one of his finest hours in 2008 has been described as the ‘supreme test’, and was praised by Walter Hagan as the greatest course in the British Isles and one of the top three in the world. The course, which at 7,421 yards is the longest in Open history, is a fair but severe test, with one of the toughest closing stretches in world golf.

However, the Championship course is just one of three courses at the club, with the Buddon and the Burnside combining to offer three superbly differing yet enjoyable test of true links golf.

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40 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

BREAKS

Hit England’s Atlantic Links this autumn With free-draining fairways and firm greens, the stunning links that line the north coast of Devon and Cornwall come into their own in the autumn months, when inland courses are beginning to soften up.

Among the many highlights on this superb stretch is Royal North Devon Golf Club, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, a landmark that will highlight the history and tradition of the Atlantic Links, a collection of some of the oldest and most revered links in England.

The six courses that form the Atlantic Links trail along the dramatic backdrop of the north Atlantic coastline, and boast a combined age of almost 700 years, with both Burnham & Berrow and St Enodoc founded in 1890, Saunton East in 1897, with the younger members, Trevose and Saunton West, having been established in 1925 and 1937 respectively.

Royal North Devon, or Westward Ho!, as it is fondly known, is not only the senior citizen of the Atlantic Links, but is also England’s oldest golf

course. Indeed this unique links course, set on common land on which livestock still graze today, has hardly changed in 150 years and to play it is like taking a step back in time and seeing how golf was played in Victorian England.

The club is steeped in history: it was on this course that JH Taylor, born in the village of Northam that overlooks the course, started his career as a caddie. He went on to win five Open Championships and formed one third of the great triumvirate, with Harry Vardon and James Braid, who dominated the game for some 30 years. The club honoured Taylor with club presidency in 1957, and his portrait and some of his clubs are proudly displayed in the clubhouse. In fact thanks the club’s heritage, the clubhouse is a veritable treasure trove of golf memorabilia, second only to that owned by the R&A. Breaks start from £318 per person to play three courses, rising to £688 for all six courses, and include all tee time and accommodation reservations. For more details and bookings, visit www.atlantic-links.co.uk.

Weald of Kent to extend hotel accommodation Work has begun on the construction of a new accommodation block at The Weald of Kent Golf Course and Hotel in Kent, that looks set to make it an even more attractive proposition for visiting golf groups.

The building of the new accommodation, which will comprise 16 well-appointed and spacious room, is due to be completed by spring next year, with room rates starting from £95 per night for bed and breakfast. The venue already offers a 19-bedroom lodge which overlooks the ninth green.

The Weald of Kent already boasts a reputation as one of the most improved venues in the South East, with the current owners having invested heavily in the 18-hole parkland course, which now features some

of the finest and fastest greens in the area.

Measuring 6,310-yards off the back tees (5,934 off the yellows), its par-70 course provides a superb challenge to all levels of golfer.

The club is also renowned for the quality of its catering and ambience within the spacious clubhouse, which also boasts a terrace overlooking the lake from which to enjoy postround drinks and a meal.

For details of golf breaks, call 01622 890866 or visit www.weald-of-kent.co.uk.

Cowdray offers sporting breaks Set amidst the rolling Sussex Downlands, the award-winning Cowdray Park Golf Club is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in southern England, and is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing country break, whether you want an action-packed weekend or a refuge from modern life.

For a short break, the refurbished 18th century lodge can accommodate up to 12 guests and all the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and satellite television. The whole lodge is exclusively available for £650 per night or £1,200 for two nights, with a maximum capacity of 12 guests accommodated in six twin/ double rooms. For couples and smaller groups, the rooms can be booked from £75pp, to include one night’s bed and breakfast in a twin room and a round of golf. Breakfast, lunch and

dinner is served in the main clubhouse, which is just a short walk from the lodge.

Set amongst the beautiful South Downs, the 6,212-yard course offers a traditional parkland challenge, with open fairways and expansive views over Viscount Cowdray’s estate. The course is quite hilly in parts, but the climbs are well worth it for the views that are to be had from the lofty vantage points, which include a sight of the remarkable ruins of the old Cowdray House.

The estate offers wide choice of other sporting activities, including clay pigeon shooting and a chance to watch top-class polo being played on the pitches adjacent to the golf course. Goodwood Racecourse is also just a 15-minute drive away.

For booking enquiries call 01730 813599 or visit www.cowdraygolf.co.uk.

Sandford tees up superb value breaks Set among beautiful rolling hills, with spectacular panoramic views of Berkshire and Hampshire, Sandford Springs is a visual and golfing delight to savour. And thanks to the recent opening of a 40-bedroom hotel on site, it is also a venue that you can savour for that little bit longer.

Opened by Dickie Davies last November, the £6 million hotel has been designed with leisure break market in mind, and is perfectly placed, and keenly priced, to offer golfers a great value golf break at any time of the year.

Situated between Newbury and Basingstoke, Sandford Springs offers a 27-hole layout,

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comprising a trio of testing nine-hole circuits – The Park, The Woods and The Lakes – that ensures a varied challenge amid enviable geography that is both distinct and memorable.

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The driving range, well-stocked pro shop with custom-fitting services, friendly, welcoming membership and clubhouse, complete with a fantastic food menu, all contribute towards making Sandford Springs the enticing place it is.

The hotel boasts a contemporary look and feel, with large windows overlooking the course.

The oak-finished rooms come inclusive of a full English or continental breakfast served in the hotel restaurant. Evening meals are served in the clubhouse restaurant.

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while weekday fourball rounds during October can be booked for just £29pp, or £87 for a fourball on week days, where the fourth player goes free.

For further information, and the very latest golf break offers, visit sandfordsprings.co.uk or call 01635 291500.

Start your golfing adventure on some of Scotland’s most scenic courses.

www.visitscotland.com/dumfriesgallowaygolf 12/09/2014 12:18

October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 41

SarahStirk

Fresh from covering the 40th Ryder Cup for Sky Sports, Sarah Stirk has high praise for the luxurious highland resort

GLORIOUS GLENEAGLES My choice of destination for this month’s column was easy. Fresh off an incredible week at the Ryder Cup, it had to be Gleneagles. Not only was it my first Ryder Cup – in a working capacity – but it was held at what I call my spiritual home.

I’ve been visiting the famed Scottish resort for years. My uncle John has an apartment at Gleneagles Village, just opposite the hotel. It was where I first learnt to play golf, and I readily admit when describing my initial foray into the sport, I used to find it incredibly boring. It was quite simply the breathtaking beauty of the venue that kept me coming back, and had it not been for the spectacular surroundings, my fascination with golf would have probably been very short lived. As it was, I kept returning, and we all know the familiar beginner’s story – once a few sweetly-struck drives sailed down the middle of the fairway, I was hooked.

So enamoured with the game – and more pertinently, Gleneagles – I applied to work at the resort during a summer holiday at Loughborough University. It was one of the best summer holiday jobs in the world. The role consisted of working in the bag store and on the drinks buggies around the three courses. We had an in-depth induction period where we learnt about all the different departments at the hotel, and one of the highlights was without question dinner in the Strathearn restaurant.

The procedures and training were very strict, which highlights the importance Gleneagles places on fivestar customer service and satisfaction. If they looked after the staff and made sure we were happy, the staff would look after the customers. We all felt very proud to be working at one of the world’s best resorts, and the fact we felt valued made our connection with the guests much more special. It’s not rocket science, but it’s a basic lesson many companies could do with following. Treat your staff well and the end result will always be better.

It goes without saying, the other big benefit was the opportunity for free golf while I was working there, and that’s where my passion for the game intensified. After a long day trawling the links serving whisky and bacon butties to wealthy Americans, we would head out onto the course as often as possible.

Given it remains light until late in the day, there was

ample opportunity. There was a staff golf club, and it was a great way of meeting the other employees.

I was pretty smart about things; I befriended the resident pros, so I could tap into their wealth of experience and sharpen up my skills as quickly as possible.

It was incredible being back for the Ryder Cup last month. I must admit to heading back regularly anyway, as we always go up for New Year, and at various other times in the year when my schedule allows. I know several of the staff, and everyone was so proud to be hosting the greatest golf event in the world.

The television compound effectively took over the equestrian centre for the tournament, and our golf buggy path to the course saw us drive past my old staff digs at the back of the hotel, (when I wasn’t staying at Uncle J’s, of course!).

The hotel always got it right in my eyes for being luxurious and opulent, but never pretentious.

It welcomes kids with open arms – as my three livewire nieces and nephews will testify – and the aforementioned outstanding customer service never waivers. Golf fans the world over know the Gleneagles name, but it was special to watch it being beamed to 500 million homes around the globe, for others to see it in all it’s glory.

The PGA Centenary Course, or Monarch’s course as it was known when I first started playing, was a fabulous venue. The Jack Nicklaus design provided

“The hotel is luxurious and opulent, but never pretentious, and the outstanding customer service never waivers”

The Queen’s is many people’s favourite of the three 18-hole courses on offer

a great risk-and-reward test of golf – perfect for match play. The 18th gave us drama to the death – as expected, the rough was thick and juicy, and the sympathetic renovation conducted a few years ago saw it fit seamlessly into the Perthshire landscape.

The viewing areas also worked brilliantly. Around 45,000 fans streamed through the gates each day, and they had superb vantage points and mini-stadium amphitheatres from which to watch the action.

Talking of amphitheatres, how special was the first tee set up, with the guardians of the Ryder Cup orchestrating the vocal ambiance so majestically? We were very lucky to have a great position in the Sky Sports studio overlooking the first tee. I won’t forget hosting the celebrity challenge on the Thursday, and hearing Jamie Redknapp admit that he was nervous about slicing his drive through the perspex glass.

Thankfully for all concerned, he nailed one down the middle.

I will admit though, as much as I enjoy the challenge of the Centenary course, I will always have a soft spot for the Queen’s. A much more sedate challenge, and effectively the first ‘big’ course I ever played, it always brings back fond memories; the pine trees; the abundance of wildlife on the estate; the thought-provoking par threes; the far-reaching views out over the hills; and, of course, not forgetting the best waffles and maple syrup outside of Canada you will ever find at the halfway house!

The King’s, like the Queen’s, is also a fabulous James Braid layout, with a traditional Scottish feel. If you’re heading to Gleneagles to play the Ryder Cup course, of course do so – but don’t leave without tackling the other two. While I’m at it, the Wee Course is also a must-play – and is much trickier than you would expect.

I was so proud to see Gleneagles host the Ryder Cup, and I’m very proud to say it was where I learnt to play this wonderful game. When the Ryder Cup was awarded to this special corner of Scotland some 13 years ago, I made it my goal to make sure I would be there working in some capacity. It was a dream come true to make that a reality. I hope you all enjoyed our coverage on the Sky Sports Ryder Cup channel, as it was certainly a privilege to bring viewers the action. Gleneagles – I can’t wait to see you again for Hogmanay!

42 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

TRAVEL

Take a closer look at Lisbon

Ribagolfe I

Golfers are being invited to take a closer look at Lisbon following the launch of a new range of golf packages set-up

by ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf, the operator of seven courses close to Portugal’s capital city.

The packages provide visiting golfers with a choice of five hotel and self-catering options in the Costa Azul area and in Lisbon, and includes a combination of golf on six Orizonte courses, with a five-night

break at the Hotel Alfoz in Alcochete starting from €283 per person, including rounds at Ribagolfe I, Ribagolfe II and Santo Estevão.

A seven-night stay at the same hotel costs €459 per person, and includes five rounds of golf, with additional play at Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club and Aroeira I. Groups seeking a self-catering option can enjoy a week at the two-bedroom Aroeira Apartments from €372 per person, including four

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green fees across Aroiera I and II, and a further one at Quinta do Peru.

The coastal fishing town of Sesimbra is much admired for its authentic Portuguese atmosphere and stunning views, and seven nights at the Sesimbra Hotel & Spa, with two rounds at Aroeira and three at Quinta do Peru, can be had for €548 per person. The same fiveround golf package is also offered to guests of the modern Aldeia dos Capuchos Hotel Golf & SPA, with a week’s stay starting from €493 per person.

And finally, for those seeking to stay in Lisbon itself, and enjoy the trappings of one of Europe’s most intimate cities, one week at the five-star Hotel Turim AV Liberdade is available from €650 per person and, again, includes two green fees at Aroeira and three at Quinta do Peru.

The packages are available for travel until May 31, 2015, and are based on two sharing a twin or double room.

For more details and bookings go to www.orizontegolf.com.

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The most iconic golf destination in Italy Enjoy your “Golf Full immersion” in Lake Garda!

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It is the virtuous combination of antique and modern that makes the Chervò Golf Hotel Restaurant Spa & Resort San Vigilio so unique. Our efficient services and features work in partnership with nature, comfort and enhancement of your body and spirit on your quest for wellness and relaxation. Our resort is in Pozzolengo, just south of Lake Garda, between Sirmione and Desenzano, in the center of the most important cities in northern Italy.

At its heart is the ancient Benedictine abbey of San Vigilio built in 1104. New buildings and historic residences have been constructed around the abbey in a harmonious fusion of line and form, providing facilities for the hotel, restaurant, spa, resort and the 36-holes golf course.

AIRPORT CONNECTION: VERONA 18 KM - BERGAMO 58 KM - MILANO/VENEZIA 120 KM. Transfer from/to airports - On request.

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Enjoy time with family and friends in sunny Italy with these golf packages and special offers from Chervò Golf Hotel Spa & Resort San Vigilio. * Rate for day, 1 person in double room and includes: continental buffet breakfast, 1 dinner with half board treatment, unlimited green fees, complete wellness pathway, 10% discount on wellness treatments and 20% discount on spa products, free Wi-fi, free parking place or garage. Minimum Length of stay is 3 nights.

Subscribe to Special Offers Contact + 39 030 91 801

info@chervogolfsanvigilio.it visit www.chervogolfsanvigilio.it Chervò Golf Hotel Spa & Resort San Vigilio

N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION

N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION

TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT IN THE WORLD

TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT IN THE WORLD

Loc. San Vigilio, 1 - 25010 Pozzolengo (Bs) N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION Lago di Garda - Italy TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT Tel +39 030 91 801 - Fax +39 030 91 80 999 IN THE WORLD

Golfers are being offered the chance to escape the British weather and enjoy some competitive golf on the beautiful island of Madeira, following the launch of the Pequena Madeira Golf Tournament.

The week-long festival, which takes place from November 24-December 1, is limited to 60 players, and will include an individual handicap Stableford competition over 36 holes at Palheiro Golf Course. There will be separate trophies to be won by men and women, and there will be additional prizes for each competition over the practice days.

In addition to the competitive golf, there will be plenty of social activities to enjoy, including cocktail parties and a gala dinner, as well as the opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and local culture.

Accommodation will be at the Quinta Casa Velha do Palheiro, a luxury five-star resort which boasts 37 rooms and a spa, swimming pool and tennis courts.

The hotel also has its own pleasure yacht, which is available at Funchal marina for coastal cruises.

The price for the package, which includes seven nights’ B&B, four rounds of golf and all airport and golf transfers, is £769. Flights are not included.

For more details on the package, email clubhouse@drivelinegolf.com or call 01462 810634.

October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 43

Le Tronchet

THE BEST OF BRITTANY Clive Agran lets the ferry take the strain, as he hops over to Northern France to sample Brittany’s beautiful golf courses and convivial clubhouses

OVER TO BRITTANY To discover Brittany Ferries’ range of golf breaks to France, visit www.brittanyferries.co.uk or call the Brittany Ferries Golf Desk on 0871 244 1818.

It has often struck me as strange how few French people there are on the crossChannel ferries. Quite often, the only one’s you see are the ship’s crew. When you’re sailing southwards, why don’t you see Frenchmen and women returning home after a delightful holiday in England? The answer strikes you on your return journey from France, when you realise that there aren’t any French people visiting England in the first place.

I appreciate the weather isn’t as good over here as it is over there. And that France has pretty well everything that we have, but you would have thought that they would at least be a little curious to see the country that gave birth to William Shakespeare, John Constable and Ian Poulter. But they’re not. There aren’t even many French golfers wanting to tackle the great golf courses that we have in abundance. That’s probably because golf is cheaper in France, the fairways are less crowded and, perhaps most importantly of all, there aren’t that many French golfers.

You would have thought that the exploits of Jean Van de Velde would have spawned a whole generation of young Frenchmen eager to play with their trousers rolled up, but it seems cycling and cheese-eating are more attractive leisure pursuits for the average Gaul.

Perhaps Ryder Cup hero Victor Dubuisson will have more luck in inspiring the next generation.

Historically a rather ill-disciplined lot (hence La Revolution in 1779), the few French that do play golf appear to play it purely for ‘la joie de vivre’, which is, of course, hopelessly naïve. Not only that, but women and children are clearly welcomed everywhere and, when it comes to clothing, pretty much anything goes.

So casual is the atmosphere at the average French golf club, that I felt almost overdressed with my shirt

hanging outside my baggy shorts in a style that would give the Colonel sipping gin and tonic in the spike bar back home an attack of apoplexy.

Both geographically and culturally similar to those other Celtic golf havens – Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Cornwall – Brittany is blessed with that mystical mix of rugged terrain, pounding surf and wild weather.

These elements combine to create some of the most appealing golfing opportunities to be found anywhere in France.

So I put my clubs in the boot, the car on the ferry at Portsmouth, and, after a restful night in a cosy cabin and a pleasant two-and-a-half hour drive from Caen,

“Brittany is blessed with that mystical mix of rugged terrain, pounding surf and wild weather” I arrived just a few miles inland from Brittany’s south coast ready and raring to tackle Saint-Laurent.

Since it has hosted the French professional championship on a couple of occasions back in the late 1980s, and the National Open in 1995, the course is clearly capable of providing a tough test. However, despite the fact that it weaves through an oak and pine forest in a rather Woburnesque way, the fairways are pretty generous, and the trees are less of a threat than they are protection from the wind. Only on a couple of the tighter holes do they encroach sufficiently to persuade you to leave the driver in the bag.

At a tad under 6,200 yards off the yellows, this gently-undulating Michael Fenn design is not too

Baden

long either and, despite a couple of steepish hills, is eminently walkable with the help of un chariot (trolley).

Possibly rather flattered by its selection in a French golf magazine as one of the nation’s top 40 courses, it nevertheless is an extremely enjoyable inland track which is genuinely suited to players of all standards.

Just a few miles up the coast is Baden. Although not an authentic links, this seaside course offers frequent glimpses over the pretty estuary of the River Auray and is full of interest. The sloping terrain makes it rather more challenging than it might at first appear, and the flourishing gorse is rightly regarded as the golfer’s enemy, since it renders even a cursory look for a ball a pretty fruitless exercise.

Generally rather benign, and just under 6,300 yards off forward tees, the course rapidly metamorphoses into something of a beast when the wind starts howling, which is not infrequent in these parts. And don’t let the rather dreary appearance of the clubhouse discourage you from staying on after your round – the food is delicious.

Returning north across Brittany, and close to the Channel coast for one last 18-hole fling before sailing back to England, I strongly urge you to look in on Le Tronchet course at Saint-Malo Golf Club. A magnificent example of the new generation of French golf clubs, it’s a cracker. With a decidedly upmarket feel, it’s more than just an impressive parkland course, as there is a delightful hotel and all the associated comforts.

On the edge of the Mesnil forest, and bordering the lovely Lake Mirloup, it covers 250 acres and is thought to be the largest course in Brittany. It starts and finishes with a par five, and certainly feels spacious, with more than enough room to open your shoulders and let rip.

It has the feel of an old, established estate, with the lake adding a touch of Capabilité Bruin. Beautifully presented, it is certain to grow in popularity with vacationing Brits, who will particularly appreciate two especially memorable holes: the par-three ninth over a lake to a well-protected green and the 16th, which calls for precision off the tee and a nerveless approach over a ravine to an elevated green.

My only criticism of the course is that there are too many white stakes, indicating far too much in the way of out of bounds. It’s my contention that, ideally, there should be no out of bounds on a golf course.

Being sensible, however, it’s sometimes necessary to discourage deliberate driving onto an adjacent fairway, where to do so shortens a hole and creates a safety problem. For my part, I would much rather that OB stood for something positive… like Over to Brittany.

IMAGES: GOLF SAINT LAURENT, CLAUDE RODRIGUEZ

St Laurent

44 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

TRAVEL

Board the Golf Train with Golf Escapes

La Manga opens Leadbetter Academy Another exciting chapter in the history of the prestigious La Manga Club resort in Spain has been marked by the opening of its new world-class golf tuition facility by renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter.

Leadbetter, who has previously coached a host of the world’s leading players, including Sir Nick Faldo and Ernie Els, was in Spain to cut the ribbon on what promises to be the finest golf tuition facility in Europe, following a €1 million redevelopment of La Manga’s teaching and practice centre. The centrepiece of the renovation is the creation of a bespoke Leadbetter Academy building, complete with two tuition studios equipped with the latest technology, including Trackman, SAM PuttLab and K-VEST. The new academy is adjacent to the remodelled practice range, and features two 36-metre Huxley grass tees, three teeing areas and a 150-metre wide grass tee area. The range has been extended to 300 metres, with additional target greens, trees and bunkers for increased definition.

“I have heard so many good things about La Manga, that the opportunity to open a facility at the resort was one to jump at,” said Leadbetter.

“La Manga has incredible facilities for golf, and this new facility enhances its reputation as one of the best sports resorts in Europe.”

The new practice facility also boasts four short-game areas, three large putting greens, and four teaching classrooms, which are ideal for visiting professionals on tuition breaks.

Golfers looking to sample the new practice facilities, and enjoy some competitive golf on the resort’s three championship courses, should book up for the 14th Murcia Open, which is being hosted at La Manga from December 2-6. Tournament packages feature four nights’ accommodation, including breakfast and a welcome pack; three rounds of golf, a cocktail reception; a gala dinner and prize-giving ceremony, and are available from €450 per person for guests staying in the fivestar Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe, or €375 per person in the fully-serviced four-star Las Lomas apartments.

To book a break, call 0034 968 17 5577 or visit lamangaclub.com.

Golfers dreaming of Durban Country Club combining a golf holiday with a chance to see some of South Africa’s big game animals are invited to board the world-renowned golf train, which offers a nineday trip that will provide a lifetime of memories for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The journey is spent on board the Pride of Africa, an authentically refurbished Edwardian train, which meanders a slow round route from Pretoria. It first travels west to Sun City, in the hills of the Pilanesberg, for a day at this renowned resort, including a game drive for non-golfers. Next up, 18 holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort, located in the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, while a guided tour of the battlefields is a further highlight for non-golfers, where golfers then enjoy a game at Durban Country Club or can take a tour the city.

Then it’s on to Zululand for game viewing at Hluhluwe, before heading to Swaziland, where golfers can tee off at Royal Swazi or enjoy a game drive at Mkhaya and a visit to Ngwenya Glass and Guava Gallery. Golfers can then play the challenging Leopard Creek course, while nongolfers enjoy a game drive in the world-famous Kruger Park, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.

The trips cost from £2,189 per person, based on two people sharing a Pullman suite on board the train for eight nights. All meals and drink are included plus five green fees, buggies and all excursions. Dates for next year include February 19-27, April 2-10 and November 19-27.

Another route, taking in rounds at Leopard Creek, Durban Country Club, Humewood, Ernie Els Oubaai Club and Fancourt is also available from £2,549pp.

For more details and bookings visit golf-escapes.

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TURKEY

Greece is the word for golfers looking to take part in a range of exciting competitions, while soaking up the sun in one of the country’s foremost golf resorts this autumn.

Luxury resort Costa Navarino, located in Messinia, in the southwest Peloponnese, is hosting two week-long series of tournaments (November 15-22, November 23-30), that will give golf aficionados the opportunity to tee off at the resort’s renowned courses, The Dunes and The Bay. Staying at the Romanos, a luxury resort at Navarino Dunes, guests will spend their first two days practising on the two courses, before battling it out over three tournament rounds.

Designed by Bernhard Langer, the par71 Dunes is the longer of the two layouts, measuring 6,600 yards off the back tees, and offers spectacular sea and river views. The Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed Bay course is just 6,200 yards off the back tees, but places a greater emphasis on strategic play to score well. It also offers panoramic seaside and mountain views, while holes that play directly along the historic Bay of Navarino offer an unforgettable stretch of golf.

The tournament week costs from £1,225 per person and is available to book as a seven-night package through Your Golf

Travel. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation at the Romanos Resort; six rounds of golf; return flights from London to Athens, and all transfers. Also included are five evening meals at Costa Navarino; one evening meal in a local taverna; a welcome drink; tournament gift pack; and complimentary use of golf trolleys and the driving range on green fee days. To book, and for more details, visit yourgolftravel.com.

Costa Navarino

46 /

October 2014 / Issue 237

Home&Away Golfbreaks.com has selected two great destinations for you to consider when thinking about your next golf break. Whether staying at home or heading further afield, there is a stunning range of venues to choose from...

Golfbreaks.com provides a one-stop service that makes booking golf breaks as simple as possible. ABTA and ATOL-bonded, it is the only golf travel company to reward customers for their loyalty through its Breakpoints rewards programme, which earns money off all future bookings made with Golfbreaks.com and sister companies Teeofftimes.co.uk and BookaSpa.com.

THOUSANDS OF BREAKS FROM AVAILABLE ONLINE

BUZZING BOURNEMOUTH TAKES SOME BEATING!

Isle of Purbeck

Famed for its bucket-and-spade holidays, the south coast resort of Bournemouth is also attracting the driver-and-putter brigade, thanks to its stunning golf courses and great choice après-golf activities Located on Dorset’s glorious coastline, Bournemouth is one of the largest – and most popular – seaside resorts in Britain.

With miles of sandy beaches, and a lively town centre, it isn’t hard to see why it has long been a best-selling golf destination. It’s easy to get to if you live in the lower half of the country, the landscape is incredibly pretty, and it has a nightlife that groups will just love, with a massive choice of pubs, bars and restaurants.

More importantly, though, it offers a wide variety of golf, from the premium layouts to be found at Isle of Purbeck, Broadstone and Parkstone, to the superb value Meyrick Park and Canford Magna. With a range of excellent hotels to suit all budgets, Bournemouth really is the perfect place for a golf tour.

Meyrick Park

The aforementioned Isle of Purbeck simply has to be on any Bournemouth golf itinerary. A glorious amalgam of heathland, clifftop and links holes that offers panoramic views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, Purbeck is highly ranked and will not disappoint those who visit this beautiful area of the country. The view from the raised fifth tee is as good as anything you’ll ever see.

MAGICAL MOROCCO

Another coastal gem not to be missed is the 27-hole venue Bartonon-Sea. Like Isle of Purbeck, the current configuration owes much to Harry Colt’s design from the 1930s, and features some incredible holes playing along the spectacular coastline. As you might expect, the wind is a constant challenge.

When it comes to hotels, there are a number of options within walking

Morocco is one of the world’s up-and-coming golf destinations and is absolutely perfect for a sunshine golf break. Whether you base yourself near the bustling centre of Marrakech or the beach resorts of El Jadida and Agadir, the quality of golf in Morocco is superb, the courses are never crowded, and the flight time is just three hours from the UK. Boasting that ideal blend of sunshine, culture and fantastic golf, Morocco really is a great option for travelling golfers.

Marrakech is the beating heart of Morocco, with so much to see and

Bournemouth beach

distance of the town centre. Stay at the Menzies Bournemouth East Cliff Court and experience fantastic sea views or the popular Queen’s Hotel & Spa, which is perfectly located when it comes to playing and staying in Bournemouth.

Away from the golf courses, there are plenty of things to do in and around this lovely town. By day, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the seafront lined by its iconic, colourful beach huts, and take in the views across the channel. Alternatively, visit the bustling town centre, which features a range of shops, from high street brands to designer boutiques.

Bournemouth really comes alive at night, with a buzzing town centre that will cater for groups of all sizes, whatever the occasion.

Golf breaks in Bournemouth certainly offer an all-round experience

Mazagan, El Jadida

From championship layouts in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, to coastal courses in El Jadida and Rabat, Morocco is proving a popular choice for discerning golfers

Assoufid Golf Club

do on and off the course. Explore the city’s famous souks and bustling medinas or take a day trip by camel into the desert with stunning views over the Atlas Mountains. And if great golf is top of your shopping list, you’ve come to the right place.

There’s plenty of accommodation options – from boutique hotels to five-star all-inclusives – all with a wide range of cracking courses within easy reach.

Big-name designers have certainly left their mark in the area with the likes of Jack Nicklaus (Samanah), Robert Trent Jones (Palm GC) and Kyle Phillips (Al Maaden) all having

Tikida Golf Palace Agadir

created excellent courses. A new Colin Montgomerie course will open next year, bringing the number of layouts in the area up to 12. The newest of these, Assoufid and Noria, have both gone down a real treat, with immaculate conditioning and some amazing design elements

£59

leading to rave reviews.

Moving further afield, the coastal resorts of Agadir and El Jadida – where the stunning Mazagan Beach Resort awaits – are both excellent options, should you look to combine a golf break with a beach holiday.

Agadir is a very popular beach holiday location, but thanks to its quality golf offering, it’s fast becoming a golf destination in its own right.

With two courses at the Golf Du Soleil, as well as Golf de l’Ocean and Golf Les Dunes, there is plenty of golfing choice, while hotels like the Riu Tikida Beach and the superb Tikida Golf Palace – both close to the central hub of Agadir – will ensure there’s plenty to do away from the course.

El Jadida is steeped in history, mixing a modern European feel with cultural Moroccan charm.

Located on the coast to the north of Marrakech, El Jadida’s star attraction

and with everything this thriving town has to offer, Bournemouth should be a serious contender when looking for your next golf trip.

GOLFBREAKS.COM OFFERS • Two nights’ dinner, B&B at Queens Hotel, with rounds at Dorset Golf Club, Isle of Purbeck and Canford Magna, from £185.

• Two nights’ B&B at Menzies Bournemouth East Cliff Court, with rounds at Meyrick Park, Isle of Purbeck and Barton on Sea, from £229.

For bookings visit www.golfbreaks. com or call 0845 543 6673.

is the fabulous Mazagan Beach Resort. With spectacular views, Gary Player-designed 18-holer and a warm welcome, it’s perfect for golfers looking to try one of the game’s hottest resorts.

Morocco has a superb year-round climate that is perfect for golfing. In Marrakech, September to May is ideal, and with the temperature in the peak of summer being lower on the coast, golfing conditions are ideal for most of the year.

With so much great golf, excellent value, and many off-course attractions, it’s little wonder that Morocco is growing in popularity. Go now, before the word gets out!

GOLFBREAKS.COM OFFERS • Five nights’ all-inclusive at the fivestar Kenzi Menara Palace with three rounds at Al Maaden, Samanah, and Royal Golf Marrakech, from £499.

• Five nights’ B&B at the five-star Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort with unlimited golf from £399.

• Five nights’ B&B at the five-star Tikida Golf Palace, with three rounds at Golf Du Soleil, from £285.

For bookings visit www.golfbreaks.com or call 0845 543 6673.

October 2014 / Issue 237

/ 47

Me&MyTravels ormer Formula One champion Mika Hakkinen enjoys a spin around Terre Blanche Golf Club in F the south of France and was suitably impressed with Gleneagles My most recent holiday was to… the beautiful islands of Mauritius.

My favourite golf course is…

Le Riou Course at the Terre Blanche Golf Club in the south of France. The course is always in great condition and provides a challenge, but is still a fun course to play.

My most memorable ever round was… with Bill Clinton in the World Celebrity Golf Pro-Am tournament in Stockholm in 2002. I didn’t give him any ‘billigans’!

My favourite golf resort…

Terre Blanche in Provence

the Four Season Resort at Terre Blanche in Provence, which is a beautiful resort that has two great championship courses, the Riou and the Chateau – which was designed by Dave Thomas – and a David Leadbetter academy. The surroundings are stunning, the restaurants are superb, and the staff are very professional and friendly.

Gleneagles Hotel

Singapore

I always travel with…my phone and my passport.

The best hotel I have ever stayed at…is the Gleneagles Resort. I had the good fortune to stay there during last month’s Ryder Cup, as an ambassador for Johnnie Walker, and everything was wonderful.

My best meal on holiday was… difficult to choose just one, but I always really enjoy spicy food.

My favourite city in the world

is… Singapore. I was recently out there for the Singapore Grand Prix, and I enjoy it more every time that I visit.

My worst holiday experience was…I do not recall, I’ve been very lucky I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience, I always make the most of my holiday time.

My top travel trip would be… to plan ahead. It allows you to get the most out of your holiday and removes all the stress and worry.

JOHNNIE WALKER Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador Mika Häkkinen is a two-time Formula 1 World Champion. Mika fronted the JOHNNIE WALKER ‘Join The Pact’ initiative at this year’s Ryder Cup, where he supported the whisky brand’s goal of getting 25,000 golf fans to make a commitment to Never Drink and Drive. You can ‘Join The Pact’ at www.jointhepact. com or by using the hashtag #ImNOTdriving.

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