The Ryder Cup Edition 2014 by Golf News

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Ryder Cup Issue | September 2014

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RYDER CUP PULL-OUT EWEN MURRAY’S PREVIEW INTERVIEWS WITH THE CAPTAINS MEET THE TEAMS HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE TO GLENEAGLES STEPHEN GALLACHER IN PROFILE

PLUS: GRAEME MCDOWELL CENTURION CLUB TOM LEWIS SARAH STIRK TENERIFE WIN A GARMIN GPS

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September 2014 / Issue 236

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Ryder Cup Issue | September 2014

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EWEN MURRAY’S PREVIEW INTERVIEWS WITH THE CAPTAINS MEET THE TEAMS HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE TO GLENEAGLES STEPHEN GALLACHER IN PROFILE

PLUS: GRAEME MCDOWELL CENTURION CLUB TOM LEWIS SARAH STIRK TENERIFE WIN A GARMIN GPS

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

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RYDER CUP PULL-OUT

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SCOTLAND DECIDES

ust a week after Scotland goes to the polls to decide whether they want to stay in the UK or not, 12 European 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 all about how wide Europe’s margin of victory will be at Gleneagles. I don’t think many European fans’ nerves will withstand another nailbiting finale to golf’s biannual match play slugfest as witnessed at Medinah, so I, like many supporters of the home side, will be hoping for a more serene march to victory. The recent history of the matches shows that the average margin is just 3.5 points, while eight of the last 15 renewals have been decided by one point or less. All of which gives rise to the belief that this year’s contest will see another duel to the sporting death between the game’s best golfers on either side of the Atlantic. However, I feel that this could be another K Club in making. While Paul McGinley’s team includes a solid mix of experience and

lots of recent winning form, Tom Watson’s motley crew looks like one of the weakest line-ups since the sorry lot that rocked up in Ireland in 2006 and were handed out a hammering at the hands of Woosie’s blue and yellow army. Without Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Jason Dufner, the team is missing a touch of class, and many of its players are hugely out of form. While Watson was scratching around to find fit players to fill the 12 places, McGinley wore out his temples thinking about whom to leave out. Throw in some unpredictable Scottish weather, strong home support, and no doubt a fair smattering of Churchillian speeches, and I think we could be about to witness yet another heavy home win. I’m going for 16.5-11.5 – but don’t bet on it. It’s hard to beat a round on a links course at this time of year

ARE YOU MISSING THE LINKS? Closer to home, but no less competitive, is our own Golf News/Callaway Golf Links Championship, which once again returns to the Kent coast and the wonderful links at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich later this month. Without a hint of bias, I can safely say that it’s always a superb event, with the team at Prince’s laying on a great day on one of the country’s finest links courses. I’m often amazed at how far competitors travel to take part, but with the new luxury lodge accommodation available on site, the tournament offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a few days down on the Kent coast, where there are plenty of great tracks to play once you’ve sampled the thrills and spills around Prince’s 27-hole layout. So if you fancy some competitive golf on that springy, dry turf that only a proper links course can offer – and fancy winning a nice trophy and lots of other golfing goodies – then come on down to Prince’s on September 29. You never know, it might be you that I’ll be handing the trophy too! To book a place see page 25 or call 01489 583322 or email paulrockett@milestoneevent.com.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

News in Brief O’CONNOR SECURES FALDO FINAL PLACE Sundridge Park’s Ainee O’Connor can look forward to taking part in the Faldo Series Grand Final in America after winning the England Midland Girls Final at Hollinwell Golf Club on August 21. The Kent ladies team player shot rounds of 76, 72 and 73 for a four-under-par total, and booked her place in the final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia in October, where she will be joined by Trentham’s Emily Coleman.

LEONARD BAGS BONALLACK TROPHY Arthur Leonard (Rochford Hundred) won this year’s Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy after returning a two-under par gross 140 at Thorpe Hall Golf Club in Essex. Leonard’s morning round of 72 included a hole-in-one on the 173-yard, par-three 16th hole. Jonathan Hewett (Clacton-on-Sea) finished two shots back in second, with Mitchel Sarling (Rochford Hundred) five adrift of the winner. Leonard also won the handicap section, while Hewett won the Colts Championship.

Wentworth sold to Chinese investors Wentworth Club, home to the BMW PGA Championship and the headquarters of the European Tour, has been sold to a Chinese company, the Reignwood Group, for £135 million. Speculation about the sale of the club had been going on for several months, but the news of the sale was finally released on September 12. Richard Caring, who paid £130m for the Surrey club when he bought it in 2005, said: “In the nine years that I have owned Wentworth, I have received a multitude of offers to purchase the club. However, I have always looked for an owner with integrity, a recognition of the iconic nature of Wentworth, an understanding of the special place it keeps in so many people’s hearts, an owner who wants to develop the club ever further, improving on what is already a masterpiece, someone with

knowledge and experience of the sport and with premium quality international connections and last but not least longterm vision. In Dr Chanchai and his team at Reignwood, I feel confident that this has been achieved. I know Wentworth is in great hands for the next chapter in its amazing story and I look

forward to staying on as nonexecutive director.” Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang, who founded the Reignwood Group in 1984, commented: “Reignwood has a long history in golf development, a profound respect for excellence in every form and deep interest in East-West cooperation. As a

Richard Caring sold Wentworth for £5 million more than he paid for it nine year ago

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Countdown to London Golf Show continues Golfers looking to bag some end-ofseason equipment bargains, try out the latest gear, have a lesson, or get some inspiration for their next golf holiday, should put the three days between November 14-16 in their diaries, and make a date to visit the London Golf Show at Bluewater Retail Park in Kent. The new venue for the show, Glow at Bluewater, is part of one of the UK’s leading retail companies, with over 28 million visitors each year, and the show will open on the same day as the Bluewater 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

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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, and there will be in excess of 100 golf brands at the show. The show’s retail partner, Silvermere Golf Store, will be offering unique deals on clubs, clothing and accessories. The likes of Nike, Adidas, Puma, Galvin Green, and Under Armour will also be there, along with a dedicated ladies section, and expertise and equipment for lefties from specialist retailer Left Handed Golf. 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.

Seve Pro-Am pushes pot past £200k

Peter Tarver-Jones came out on top at The Oxfordshire

Tarver-Jones claims backto-back EuroPro wins Sussex tour pro rookie Peter Tarver-Jones said he was ‘on cloud nine’ after bagging back-to-back victories on the EuroPro Tour to virtually guarantee his place on next year’s Challenge Tour. The 26 year old from Worthing is currently on his first season on the third-tier of the professional circuit, and was without a win to his name going into the WPT Invitational at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent last month. But after securing a two-shot win at the famous links venue, he followed up the very next week with a similar margin of victory in the PDC & WSL Open at The Oxfordshire. “It is going to take a while to sink in,” said Tarver-Jones. “I am on cloud nine. I have put a lot of work in and I’m delighted that it has paid off. This is my first season on the EuroPro Tour, and I have learnt a lot mentally. I have learnt to enjoy being on the cut line, and trying to play aggressively rather just trying to make the cut.” Tarver-Jones is the first player to win back-to-back EuroPro events since Duncan Stewart in 2012, and in doing so moved into second on the Race To El Gouna. With two events remaining, he is in a strong position to claim one of the Challenge Tour cards awarded to the top five at the end of the season. His hot form has seen him taking his season’s earnings to £21,775, just £4,000 behind money list leader Jack Senior.

The fifth Seve Ballesteros Foundation Pro-Am, which took place at Foxhills on September 9, pushed the funds raised so far to over £200,000 in aid of a cure for brain cancer and providing opportunities for underprivileged children to play golf. The Pro-Am is the brainchild of Brendan Reynolds, a long time friend of Seve and the Ballesteros family, and the tournment itself saw Michael Lowe, Paul Nessling and Ally Mellor shoot sevenunder- par 65s to share the spoils in the individual event. Nessling also led his three amateur partners comprising Brendan Reynolds, Tony O’Brian and former Chelsea and Italian footballer Gianluca Vialli to victory in the team event. The golf was followed by a gala dinner and a question-and-answer session with Ken Schofield, the former executive director of the European Tour. Ken entertained diners with anecdotes based on his recollections Seve, all of which was enhanced by the presence of Seve’s daughter, Carmen. Mellor summed up his thoughts on the day when he said: “It was wonderful to see so much money being raised for two great causes - what a great ambassador Seve was, and judging by the support for this event, still is..”

News in Brief SPOILS SHARED AT CROHAM James Ablett (Lee-on-the-Solent) and Paul Nessling (Cooden Beach) both shot five-under-par 66s to share the honours at the Croham Hurst Pro-Am. Their performances made them £700 each and left them two clear shots ahead of the next players, Nico Els (Clandon Regis) and Kieran Staunton (Woodcote Park).

SPOONER SCOOPS KENT YOUTH TITLE Sundridge Park’s Luke Spooner won the Kent Golf Union’s annual Youth Championship after shooting rounds of 71 and 66 at Knole Park. Starting the second round five shots behind early leader Joshua Bristow (Etchinghill), Spooner captured the title with a stunning fourunder par 66 to take both the scratch by one shot from Freddie Price (Royal Blackheath) and the nett prize on countback from James Austin-Rooth (Chart Hills).

September 2014 / Issue 236

News in Brief GILBERT CLAIMS ESSEX U14 TITLE Chelmsford youngster Michael Gilbert ran away with the Essex U14 Championship after shooting a gross 67 at Maylands Golf Club in Romford. His four-under par total took him a record-breaking 10 shots clear of his nearest rival, Callum Hensby (Stoke by Nayland). Gilbert also won the handicap event, the Fred Stillwell Trophy, by five shots. Abbey Downton (Crondon Park) came second with a net 69, ahead of Carter Rowe (Chelmsford) on countback. The Essex U12s title was won by Harry Wood (Langdon Hills) with a gross 84 at Maldon Golf Club.

HARRIS TOO HOT TO HANDLE Jamie Harris bagged his tenth win of the season on the PGA South region circuit after shooting a scorching seven-under par 65 to win The Oxfordshire Pro-Am by two shots from Guy Woodman (East Berks). The Nevill pro, who had been laid up with a rib injury in recent weeks, had three twos among his six birdies, and hit 16 greens in regulation.

HENTY IN FORM AT HOVE Worthing’s Adam Henty won the Sussex Boys U15 Championship after shooting 75 at West Hove Golf Club on August 27 to beat his clubmate William Townsend and Oliver Smith (Royal Ashdown Forest) by two shots.

PINNER IN THE PRIZES Ritak Patel won the Middlesex U14 Championship by scoring a gross 72 around the 5,8618-yard course Hampstead Golf Club on August 18. The youngster from Pinner Hill finished two strokes ahead of Nya Fraser-Lawrence (Hendon) and six in front of third-placed clubmate Arran Kanth. Harry Baker, also representing Pinner Hill, won the handicap event with a nett 65 off a 14 handicap.

YOUNG BAGS HANTS MID AMATEUR Brockenhurst Manor’s Martin Young won Hampshire Mid Amateur title, shooting rounds of 69 and 67 around his home course to win by a single shot from Conor Richards (Sandown), with a Ryan Henley (Stoneham) a further shot back in third.

On the Mark: Davies celebrates his debut victory in the Scottish Senior Open

Excitement builds ahead of World Match Play Golfers in the South East have a golden opportunity to watch some of the stars of the Ryder Cup in action when the Volvo World Match Play Championship tees off at The London Golf Club on October 15. The first World Match Play Championship to be played in the UK since 2007 is being held over the acclaimed International Course, and the 50th renewal of this iconic event looks certain to create an exciting atmosphere, when the high quality 16-man field, including defending champion Graeme McDowell and world No.2 Henrik Stenson, tackle the head-to-head format which captured the public’s imagination when Arnold Palmer won the inaugural title at Wentworth in 1964. This year’s championship

will be played from October 15-19, with a prize fund of €2.25 million and a first prize of €650,000, and anyone making their ticket purchases before September 22 will be able to take advantage of big savings on gate prices. Single day adult tickets cost £22 for weekdays (£30 on the gate), with £17 for the weekends (£25 on the gate). Daily concessions are £17 on weekdays (£25 on gate) and £20 weekends (£12). Adult season tickets are £70 (£55 concession) before September 22, and £90 on the gate (£70 concession). The elite field will qualify via a new set of criteria, and will be split into four groups

Shinkwin boosts Tour card hopes Hertfordshire tour pro Callum Shinkwin showed a timely piece of form at last month’s Challenge Tour’s Rolex Open in Geneva, where the 21-year-old bagged third place to boost his hopes of securing his European Tour card for next season. The man from Moor Park carded an impressive 15-under-par total to earn €11,650 in prize money, and move to 21st in the money list. The top 15 places are awarded a European Tour card, with Shinkwin currently €7,000 behind the player holding that coveted position, Sam Hutsby. “Hopefully I can continue to move up,” said Shinkwin, whose best-placed finish this season was second at the Catalunya Challenge back in April. “We’ve got a few big competitions coming up, such as the Kazakhstan Open, which have big purses. That could see someone jump up the rankings very quickly, so I’ve got to carry on playing well just to hold my position.” After making a slow star to life on the Challenge Tour, the Bushey-based player believes he has now discovered his best form. He said: “My game is really coming together. It’s taken a little bit of time, but it is my first year on the Challenge Tour, so I expected that to a certain extent. I have had to get used to the travelling aspect as well. “When I was an amateur it was a case of driving around the UK to compete at events, now I am flying across Europe every week This will be my sixth event in the last seven weeks. I’ve made every cut in those six weeksl, so I often have just one day back in England before I’ve got to fly out again. It’s not been easy doing that, so after an event in Northern Ireland I am going to have two weeks off back at home.”

of four in the group stages, before the leading two players form each group proceed to the knockout phase to be played over the weekend. The tournament will be played over five days, starting on Wednesday. Last year the championship was the first full European Tour event to be played in Bulgaria at Thracian Cliffs, with the three previous editions held at Finca Cortesín in Spain. General tickets are available from www.europeantour. com/tickets.

Deadly Davis enjoys flying start to senior career Essex’s Mark Davis wasted no time in chalking up his first win on the European Senior Tour, after cruising to a comfortable victory in just his third start on the over 50s’ circuit at the SSE Scottish Senior Open at Fairmont St Andrews. With winds gusting upwards of 25 miles per hour at the seaside resort, Davis carded a brilliant one-under par 71 to finish with a five-under par total of 211 – five shots clear of the field – and with it became the sixth youngest winner in Senior Tour history. Phil Golding, David J Russell, Pedro Linhart and overnight leader Cesar Monasterio finished in a four-way tie for second place on level par, following a hugely testing final day on the east coast of Scotland. Having started three shots back from long-time leader Monasterio, who on Friday equalled the lowest score on the Senior Tour with a blistering 61, Davis’s bid for victory started in inglorious fashion with a three-putt bogey at the first, but that proved to be one of the only low points of the round, in what turned out to be a dream day for the rookie. With birdies at the fourth, 11th, 13th and the 18th holes, he secured a dominant victory and the €47,327 first prize. “To have won so quickly is very surprising, but I’m thrilled,” said Brentford-born Davis, whose European Tour career which was ended by a serious wrist injury in 2002. “I’ve not played a lot of golf in recent years to be honest, it’s been mainly painting and decorating. I had about two months of good practice before this season started, but that really was it. It’s very different doing it at 50 compared to as a young man, but that winning feeling is the same – it’s incredible.”

Work has already started on renovations at Grey’s Green

Green light for Grey’s Green overhaul A pay-and-play golf course in south Oxfordshire has received a major boost, after a planning application to carry out a major renovation project was given the go-ahead by the local authority. The two 18-hole courses at Grey’s Green course near Henley on Thames, which were originally built to provide entry-level golf facilities on what was former farmland, are to be transformed as part of a four-year renovation project to raise the standard of the layouts. Golf architects Adrian

Stiff and Ben Stephens of SAS Golf Design have been commissioned to begin drawing up the project. Grey’s Green was originally built by a local farmer to a basic standard, without irrigation and with greens that Stiff describes as ’low quality’. “Around 30,000 trees have been planted at Grey’s Green over the past 20 years, and the playing corridors are established,” said Stephens. “So the routing will remain largely unchanged, but we will build proper tees and USGA-specification greens, along with adding

an irrigation system to improve the quality of the playing surfaces.” The pair also intend to recontour three of the fairways to improve visibility and playability. These fairways will also be the locations of the waste recovery operation that will defray much of the cost of construction. Nine holes will be rebuilt each year, so the course will always have 27 holes in play. Shaper Bobby Painter, who has worked on renowned courses such as Kingsbarns, The Wisley and Queenwood, is helping with the construction work.

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News in Brief

September 2014 / Issue 236

Shearer hits the skies to complete charity challenge

ENFIELD YOUNGSTER IMPRESSES AT ST ANDREWS Young Enfield golfer Tyrese Danso booked himself a place in the final of the 2015 US Kids Golf European Championships after finishing 11th in the British Golf Championships at St Andrews last month. The six-year-old, who is a member at Bush Hill Park in north London, reached the final in Scotland by winning the Wee Wonders Junior Golf Regional event. The 2015 US Kids Golf European Championships are being held at Gullane Golf Club in East Lothian next May.

GLORY FOR PING PAIRS FINALISTS Cheshire golfers Sheila Mcdonald and Pam Wiseley birdied their way to victory in the Grand Final of the PING Women’s Fourball Betterball at Gainsborough Golf Club in Lincolnshire. Pam chipped in once and Sheila holed from off the green as the Houldsworth pair amassed three birdies on their way to 43 points – and a one-point win over Debbie Birtwistle and Emma Kight of Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire; third place was taken by Zoe Hartley and Charlotte Heath of West End, Halifax. The Plate event was one by Derbyshire’s Sian Mansey and Carol Simpson, who won on countback from three other teams after scoring 41 points.

GARDNER DIGS DEEP AT BUCKS Castle Royle’s George Gardner won the BB&O’s Junior Champiosnhip after finishing on eight-under par for two rounds at The Buckinghamshire to win the scratch event by five shots from Kristian Donaldson. Third in both the South Eastern Group Junior Championship and the Carris Trophy earlier this year, Gardner fired a final round 67, which included an eagle and three birdies.

WORTHING WIN MATCH PLAY TITLE AGAIN Worthing Golf Club’s mens’ team won the Sussex Interclub Match Play Championship for the Optimus Trophy after beating Crowborough Beacon 7-5 in a thrilling final held at The Dyke. After wining the foursomes 3-1, Worthing were held 4-4 in the singles, with Nathan Longley securing the win with a two-up victory in the final match against Elliot Bowles.

Rising to the challenge: Alan Shearer and Feisal Nahaboo with Blue Mountain’s general manager James Elster

A lucky golfer from Berkshire was given the chance to play 18 holes with one of his sporting heroes on September 1. But this was no ordinary round for Feisal Nahaboo, of Crowthorne, who took part in a golf challenge with England football legend Alan Shearer, playing 18 different holes on 18 different courses in a single day. The challenge was all in aid of the Alan Shearer Foundation, after a similar challenge last year raised £20,000. The Match of the Day pundit took on Mr Nahaboo in a rematch, after beating him inside 17 holes in a similar challenge held last year. The pair started the day at Shearer’s home course, Close House in Northumberland, and travelled across the country in planes, trains and cars to complete the challenge. Fog meant they had to divert to Leeds Bradford Airport so two holes were played at Moor Allerton

before heading back to the airport to fly to Grimsby Golf Club. Other courses on the route include Keddleston Park, The Nottinghamshire, Nailcote Hall, Studley Wood, Bearwood Lakes, Sand Martins and Blue Mountain Golf Centre, before finishing at East Berkshire. Nahaboo said: “I’m delighted Alan agreed to take on this fun challenge to benefit his charity. He has represented both club and country at the highest level, but this time it’s golf, and I’ve tried to create the ultimate golfing challenge. I’d like to thank all the courses that have agreed to help, as without them we wouldn’t have the opportunity to do this challenge and raise funds for the foundation.” Shearer, who retired from Newcastle in 2006, said: “I’ve played golf for many years, but never like this! Hopefully we can raise tens of thousands for my charity and I’m proud to be the first to undertake this challenge.”

Top teens selected for first world girls’ championship Teenagers Alice Hewson, Inci Mehmet and India Clyburn have been selected to represent England Golf in the inaugural World Junior Girls’ Championship in Canada at the end of the month. The 72-hole world championship takes place at Angus Glen Golf Club in Ontario from September 28, and will be contested by 15 countries, selected by their performance at the 2012 World Amateur Team Championship. There will be a team competition, with the best two scores counting in each round, and an individual event. Hewson, from Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, was in the England team that

won the 2014 Girls’ Home Internationals for the seventh successive year. The 17-year-old has also been selected for the England team for the Ladies’ Home Internationals. Mehmet (pictured), who was runner-up at the English Amateur Championship, has also amassed a series of good results this season. The 17 year old from Wentworth was fourth in the Portuguese Championship, fifth in the Irish Open, and fourth in the Critchley Salver.

Remedy Oak is to have USGA-specified greens laid this winter

Remedy Oak shuts up shop to rebuild greens Remedy Oak Golf Club in Dorset, one of the most exclusive venues in the south of England, has had to close its 18-hole championship course for the next two months as it carries out a major reconstruction of its greens. The £500,000 reconstruction project began on August 17, with the lifting of the turf in preparation for the contractor, White Horse, to starting the rebuild of

greens on the second, third and fourth holes. The work will see the current rootzone on all the greens replaced with USGA specification rootzone, and the existing grass relaid on top to maintain the current contours, slopes and characteristics of the greens. Nigel Tokely, Remedy Oak’s Director of Golf, said: “We are always looking to invest in the course for the benefit of our members, and this significant

investment in the greens will allow us to have freedraining greens all year round. This is important as, with climate change, we seem to get more rain each year. Once the work is complete, we are confident that the greens will be among the best in the region.” The course is to re-open to members only in late October, with temporary greens in place until Spring next year, while the new putting surfaces grow in.

Waterstock landfill case rumbles on

Raitt lowers Cuddington record en route to regaining Surrey PGA title Andy Raitt shot a new course record 63 in the first round of The PGA in Surrey Championship at Cuddington to storm into what proved to be an unassailable lead. The St George’s Hill professional added a second round 70 to win the title by three shots from Gary Marks (World of Golf ). With three wins in two weeks, Raitt set a hot pace with his eight-under par morning round, ensuring his second round effort was always going to be good enough to see off his rivals. Commenting on his latest victory, Raitt said: “My form’s in top gear at the moment and I’m making the most of it! Cuddington was in top condition too, but my morning round of 63 is something that’ll stick with me for a long time.”

The owner of an Oxfordshire golf club, who went to jail for six months for dumping waste on his course without securing the correct planning permission, has said he feels ‘very hard done by’ after a court ordered that his local council pays him £27,000. Ron Wyatt was jailed for six months, along with his brother, who was jailed for four, because they used more than 56,000 cubic metres of waste material from the construction of the M40 services to carry out landscaping work at Waterstock Golf Club, when the council said they had not obtained the correct permission. A court order then demanded that they remove waste from land next to the club, which they failed to do and were therefore jailed. Using waste to redevelop golf courses has been a growing trend in recent years – as clubs are often paid large amounts of money

to take the soil. The story became more controversial when it emerged that Oxfordshire City Council had itself moved soil from the site of a new leisure centre to fill in a ball game facility by an outside pool, and had only applied for planning permission retrospectively – after Mr Wyatt had complained about it. Speaking of the £27,000 award, Mr Wyatt said: “Our hope has always been to resolve this. We have served time in prison and feel very hard done by.” The council is currently trying to seize assets from Mr Wyatt to help cover the £3.5 million clean-up operation. Council spokesman Paul Smith said: “The council will have to consider what further enforcement action is appropriate in this case, as the Wyatts have still failed to remove the many thousands of tons of waste that they unlawfully deposited on their land.”

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September 2014 / Issue 236

News in Brief BARHAM BAGS SOUTHERN PRO CHAMPIONSHIP Benn Barham reeled off three sub-par rounds of 68, 64 and 65 for a three round 19-under par total to win the PGA Southern Professionals Championship supported by Samsung at King’s Hill Golf Club in Kent. The Pedham Place-based professional finished three shots ahead of defending champion Rob Gowers (South Winchester) and Craig Cowper (Surrey Downs). Barham’s stunning performance meant he lifted both the magnificent trophy and collected a £3,000 cheque – the biggest of the season on the PGA South region schedule.

Brocket welcomes footballers (and their wives) Tottenham Hotspur might have chosen to go down a new route when they appointed Maurico Pochettino as head coach this summer, but they maintained a more traditional approach when it came to the club’s corporate golf membership. The Champions League-chasing club has renewed its corporate membership at the historic Brocket Hall Golf Club in Welwyn Garden City, just 40 minutes from the Londoners’ White Hart Lane headquarters. And the Premier League outfit isn’t the only professional football club to benefit from membership

of the venue, after Championship highflyers Watford also agreed a corporate package. The golf club is just half an hour away from the Hornets’ Vicarage Road home. Watford’s commercial director, Alan McTavish, said: “We are delighted to have agreed this new partnership with Brocket Hall and look forward to

working together with David Griffin and the team. This is a great opportunity for both brands, which are renowned for their strong business links and positive working relationships across Hertfordshire and beyond.” David Griffin, director of golf operations, said: “It is testament to the facilities and the quality

of service and discretion we offer at Brocket Hall that professional football clubs feel comfortable with their association with us. They know they can rest assured they will find fivestar service at Brocket Hall, and we are delighted they have chosen to become corporate members here.” In addition to the two championship courses that will be at the teams’ disposal, other golf facilities at the club include the Palmerston Academy, which boasts a par-three short course, an extensive driving range area, and an indoor golf studio. The club has recently joined forces with AimPoint, a green-reading system

used by many of the world’s top players, to offer members and visitors the chance to improve their putting ability. The AimPoint tuition programme focuses on the science behind reading greens, and has proven highly successful with amateurs, professionals and juniors. It is run by top teaching professional Jamie Donaldson – not the Ryder Cup player – who said: “Brocket Hall is the perfect choice for me, as the facilities are the best I have used in the UK. The greens are varied, and have a pure surface, which allows me to create just about any scenario to test the best players’ putting abilities.”

Stars come out to play at Sunningdale

TAVERNER AND TAYLOR ALL TIED James Taverner and Brett Taylor both recorded three-under-par rounds of 67 to finish tied-first in the Dunstable Downs Golf Club Pro-Am. Taverner notched six birdies in a fine round, but left the door ajar for Taylor with a dropped shot at his final hole. Jamie Rednapp was joined by a host of stars at Sunningdale

Former Formula 1 team boss Eddie jordan and ex-footballer Jamie Redknapp joined forces to host a charity golf day at Sunningdale on September 3 to raise funds for children with cancer. The Tullow Oil Golf Day, which is now in its 17th year, raised more £170,000 for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families. Star guests included Sir Steve Redgrave, Mike Tindall, Chris Hollins, and James Nesbitt, while one of the children to have benefitted

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from the charity’s work, 18-year-old Amie Ing from Aylesbury, also attended the day. Jordan, who is a member at Sunningdale, said: “As a patron and committed supporter of CLIC Sargent, I’ve seen first hand just how important its services are for supporting children and young people with cancer, and their families. All the money raised from this event goes towards CLIC Sargent’s vital work, meaning people can have a great day out on the fairways and support a very worthy cause at the same time.”

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Callaway cracks Bletchingley code

The par-three challenge proved popular with palyers at Reigate Pro-Am

Blainey rules the roost at Reigate Bearwood Lakes professional Gregg Blainey won the inaugural Reigate Heath 9-hole Pro-Am after firing a one-under par 33 around the testing Surrey track. Blainey nudged the new The PGA in Sussex champion Guy Woodman (East Berks) and Lea Cooper (Burgess Hill) into a tie for second place on level par. He took home both a cheque for £600 and the inspiration to play in more events and have a go at the European and Asian Tour schools. His last-minute call to play turned into an unexpected pleasure, as he explained: “I got a call the day before and having never played Reigate Heath before, I wanted to see the ‘hidden gem’ that Peter Alliss talked about. It’s like a miniature version of The Berkshire – beautiful heathland golf that really tests your course management skills, and fast greens that ask tough questions of your putting skills. I made two early birdies at the first and the fourth, and then hung on through some particularly challenging holes to cope with the very demanding pin positions.” Celebrating its design, the novel Pro-Am’s

entertainment factor was enhanced with a nearest-the-pin competition, letting the PGA Professionals demonstrate their prowess in front of a large crowd. This involved hitting a shot from a tee in front of the clubhouse down to the second green some 230 yards away, with nothing but heather, gorse and a bunker in between. Reigate Heath’s manager Scott Patience said: “We set the Pro-Am up as a fun day for everybody, and judging from the feedback from the pros, members and visitors, it’s been a huge success. The ninehole format suited everybody, because it only took a couple of hours for a team to complete their card, and the nearest the pin competition gave people the chance to see just how good the region’s PGA professionals are.” European Senior Tour player Wraith Grant led his amateurs to victory in the team event, while Lea Cooper helped make their day for three very happy Reigate Heath juniors – Sam Jones, Noah Evans and Hamish Massey - when they each took home brand new gap wedges for third prize.

Foxhills professional David Callaway shot a four-under-par 68 to win the Bletchingley Pro-Am, proving he’s got what it takes to win events on the tough PGA South schedule. Callaway’s performance edged out the hard-charging pair of James Ablett and Jamie Harris by one shot to take the winner’s cheque of £750. Callaway’s round had just one bogey, followed by three birdies and an eagle, whereas Ablett made six birdies, and three bogeys for his three-under-par 69. Callaway’s season has seen him grow in stature with six top ten placings in August alone after a poor run in July, and 18 top ten placings since April. Speaking of his 68 around the challenging Bletchingley course, Callaway said: “I’ve been getting some good results recently, and the work on my short game with Greg Brodie at Foxhills and Jason Murray at Pine Ridge is starting to pay off. The conditions at Bletchingley were made tougher by the wind, so I’m really pleased my game proved strong enough to win. The eagle at the 11th turned things from okay to being in contention, and grinding out the pars, despite the wind for the next five holes kept me in business. Winning here is a major boost and proves to me that I’ve got what it takes. Now I’ve got to see if I can translate that into some higher placings in the last two Order of Merit events, but my main focus is on the first stage of the European Tour School at Frilford Heath.”

News in Brief LEVERMORE GOES LOW AT THE GROVE Jason Levermore sped to a superb 65 to win the second Grove Pro-Am. The Channels head professional made seven birdies and never dropped a stroke as he returned the two-shot winner from Darren Bragg. Levermore was the last player to tee off from the 10th on a day of excellent scoring. He made four birdies before the turn and maintained progress by picking up another stroke at the first – his 10th. A two at the 210-yard fourth was another highlight on the way to what was Levermore’s sixth success on the PGA in England (East) schedule.

DARREN WINS BRAGGING RIGHTS Darren Bragg bagged a pair of eagles as he surged to a four-shot success in the Grim’s Dyke Golf Club Pro-Am. The North London Golf Academy PGA Professional powered to a sizzling six-under-par 63 to win comfortably from runnerup Matthew Cousens.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Football legends dig deep at The Addington Some of football’s biggest legends were out in force for The Addington Golf Club’s annual Footballers Charity Golf Classic, which was held at the Croydonbased venue on September 3. Now in its sixth year, a total of 28 teams took part in the over-subscribed event, with lots of money being raised for Bob Wilson’s Willow Foundation. Among the former soccer stars showing their skills with a sand wedge were Gianfranco

On the ball: Liam Brady and Des Walker were among the soccer legends on show at The Addington’s annual Footballer’s Classic

Zola, Liam Brady, Des Walker, Mark Bright, Steve Coppell, John Salako, Julian Speroni, Tony Gale and Tony Cottee. The competition went down to the wire, with the team of Steve Smith, Dean Callaghan, Paul Bass and footballer Lee Hendrie coming out top, and winning a three-night stay at La Manga Club in Spain as part of their prize. Next year’s Footballers Charity Golf Classic is scheduled for September 2.

Moul banks on Oman support to get career back on track

Essex Tour professional Jamie Moul is hoping to get his career back on track, after accepting an invitation to play in this year’s National Bank of Oman Golf Classic, which tees off at the Greg Norman-designed Almouj Golf Course on October 30. Moul was well-positioned after rounds of 72, 69 and 71 in the inaugural event last year, but fell down the leaderboard into a share of 28th place after closing with a 77. “Obviously last year was a disappointing way to finish, but the event was a great success and the standard of golf was so good,” said Moul, who turns 30 at the end of this month. “I have spent some time practising during the winter at Almouj over the last few years so I know the venue well – I’m thankful for the opportunity to play again and I hope for a strong finish this year.” He added: “My dad has been teaching in Oman for five years, and my sister for just over a year, and I visit the country a couple of times each year – either for a couple of weeks in the winter, or to drop in on the family before I go to a tournament in the Middle East or Far East or to Africa.” Moul’s game has been in the doldrums for several seasons now, since he lost his card on the European Tour at the end of 2012. The former Walker Cup player’s breakthrough win came at the Acaya Open in 2011, but he has so far been unable to build on that success. “My form has been getting better as the year has gone on,” said Moul. “I made a slow start, but as the Challenge Tour season has progressed, I feel I’ve started playing better, and hopefully I can build on that in Oman.” The field in Oman will be playing for a prize fund of $330,000 with the top 45 players on the Challenge Tour ranking after tournament qualifying for the season-ending grand final at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai, the following week.

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Ashdown’s history bags best book award The British Golf Collectors’ Society has awarded former Scottish international amateur golfer Colin Strachan its prestigious Murdoch medal for his book on the history of Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club. Presented each year on the eve of The Open Championship, the medal is given to the man or woman who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of golf history. Strachan’s book, Fair Ways in Ashdown Forest, was published to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the East Sussex-based club. The book includes such nuggets as the role Ashdown played in the emergence of women’s golf, including the building of the longest 18-hole ladies’ course in the country; the creation of an artisans’ club, The Cantelupe, which produced such golfing luminaries as Abe Mitchell, whose

statuette stands on top of the Ryder Cup, and Alf Padgham who won the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in 1936. It also includes tales of the Royal appointment when George, Duke of Cambridge, arrived in full regalia to hit his first ever golf shot, one-handed, while Horace Hutchison, club captain in 1905 and author of the first modern book on golf instruction, is also brought to life within the glossy pages. Strachan said: “This is a terrific honour, not only for me and my club, Royal Ashdown, but also for all the people who have helped me in my research and in the production of the book.” A limited leather-bound edition of the 280-page book, which is numbered and signed by the author, costs £150, while a hardback edition is available for £55. To order a copy, email club secretary David Holmes at david@royalashdown.co.uk.

Ace helps Gough to claim Harleyford Junior Open Harleyford Golf Club’s first ever Junior Open was won by John Gough from Stoke Park, who fired a level-par 72 to take the title by a single shot from Harleyford’s own Peter Handcock. Gough’s spectacular round included a hole-in-one at the 16th hole in a back nine that took just 31 shots. The event attracted a total of 23 players, including some of the best juniors from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon region. The tournament was the brainchild of Harleyford’s professional, Jon Jones, who presented the winner with the Knight Trophy. Speaking after the presentation, Jones said: “The trophy is just one of the things that was aimed at enticing as many juniors as possible to play in the event – and it worked. We’re hoping that word will spread, and we will be able to grow the tournament over the coming years to be one of the best junior opens in the south.”

Bigham leads Reid rivals in his wake

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Hertfordshire’s Harry Bigham won the Boys U14 Open Stroke Play Championship for the Reid Trophy in front of a large crowd at Enville Golf Club. The 14 year old from Redbourn, who played off scratch, despite having a handicap of four, shot a nervy final round 75, but still finished three strokes clear of his international playing partners, Tadeas Tetak from Slovakia and Thomas Boulanger from France. Bigham, who shot earlier rounds of 68, and 70, was the only player on the leaderboard in red figures and deserved his victory after leading from start to finish. “I wasn’t expecting to win,” he said. “I came here just hoping to finish in the top ten, but this has surpassed my expectations. I didn’t play well in the final round. After two under par rounds, I wasn’t happy with today’s performance. When I saw the crowds today I got a bit twitchy. Bigham, who gains automatic entry into next year’s McGregor Trophy, was rewarded for his win by being selected for the England U16 team to face Wales at Cumberwell Park.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Swingers Season 11 set for dramatic finale

News in Brief HILLSON ON TOP AT THE DRIFT Tandridge professional Mark Hillson shot rounds of 69 and 65 to win the PGA South Assistants & Trainees Championship at the Drift. His 12-under par total saw him finish one shot clear of Kieran Staunton (Woodcote Park), with Michael Lowe (Leatherhead) a further shot back in third.

WOODMAN WINS AT SWEETWOODS Guy Woodman won The PGA in Sussex Open Championship, supported by Virgin Atlantic Little Red and Coppard Plant Hire. The in-form star shot a second round 64 around Sweetwoods Park to ease to 11-under-par 133, but still required a one-hole play-off against his East Berks colleague Paul Newman to take the title. It was Woodman’s sixth success on the regional schedule in the last two months. Third place went to Charlie Wilson (Littlestone).

Crown offers free ‘captain’s picks’ for Ryder Cup golf days Crown Golf has launched a timely golf day offer that gives society and group organisers the chance to have up to three extra places in a golf day booked for nine people. Between now and the end of the Ryder Cup matches on September 28, golfers booking a nine-person golf day at a selection of Crown Golf clubs across the country get three extra ‘wild card’ picks for free to join them on the day. The golf day does not have to be played until the end of January next year. Golfers can chose from 22 Crown venues, including Addington Court, Blue Mountain, Pine Ridge, Chesfield Downs,

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Hampton Court Palace and Merrist Wood – although Batchworth Park and St Mellion are not included in the offer – with society packages varying according to the venue. “Europe’s team looks strong for Gleneagles this year,” said Crown Golf’s golf day sales executive Richard Brown. “Paul McGinley had some difficult wild card selections to make this time around, so we thought we’d give golfers the same dilemma – who will your three captain’s picks be when you book your own Ryder Cup golf day? And will one of your free wild cards prove to be the match winner?” For bookings, call 01276 673000, or email golfdays@ crown-golf.co.uk.

Flying Club Swingers, Virgin Atlantic’s unique online golf league, has enjoyed its most successful season to date – but as is inevitable, all good things must come to an end, and on September 29, its 11th season will close. For those 24 Swingers lucky enough to qualify for the final, the excitement will have only just begun however, as they make plans to play for either Team Europe or Team ROW in the final in Barbados. The four-day extravaganza sees guests stay at the stunning Tamarind Hotel on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, while the final itself takes place on the beautiful fairways of Apes Hill and Royal Westmoreland. For those who haven’t made the final, there are still over 60 prizes to be distributed to Swingers who have performed well on the 11 leaderboards. Over 140 prizes in total will have been awarded by the close of the season, ranging from Virgin Atlantic engraved Cleveland Wedges, SkyCaddie GPS watches, and Stewart Golf vouchers to SunDog sunglasses,

Superstroke grips and Avis car rental. What’s more, 200 lucky Swingers have received JLindeberg shirts from Trendy Golf and Srixon golf balls. In total, 5,000 scores were submitted during the season, from the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and many other parts of the world – but Swingers is not just about the competition. With four society days in the UK and US, plus the opportunity to arrange golf with other members online across the world, many new friendships are made each season. The focus naturally turns to Season 12 now, with Flying Club Swingers supporting this year’s Golf News Links Championship, where any Swingers taking part on the day at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent later this month can use their score as their first qualifying one of Season 12. Any Swinger that wins will receive a place in any UK Swingers’ society day in Season 12. The Golf News Links Championship in takes place on September 29. For just £85pp, players will receive breakfast, lunch and 18 holes. To sign up, visit flyingclubgolfleague. com/societydays_princes.asp.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Gane proves class Jacklin lends support to Samuel Ryder statue appeal apart at Nevill Dual major champion Tony Jacklin has put his weight behind a campaign to have a statue of Ryder Cup founder Samuel Ryder erected in St Albans. Jacklin, who is currently engaged in a speaking tour of the country, was the guest speaker at a fundraising meeting held in the Hertfordshire town earlier this month, which was organised by the Samuel Ryder Foundation. The 70-year-old Jacklin, who played in eight Ryder Cup matches between 1967-83, and captained the European team three times between 1985-89, spoke at length about his experiences playing in the competition, and revealed how much it had changed as an event over the last 30 years. His talk was followed by an auction and a raffle to raise funds for the appeal to lobby St Albans District Council to build a statue of Ryder in the town in which he lived and worked for a large part of his life. The Foundation – which, in addition to Jacklin,

lists Jack Nicklaus and Peter Alliss among its patrons – is applying for planning permission from the local authority, and has already received significant public support, as well as the backing of golf’s governing bodies. Patricia Fulton, co-chairman for the Foundation, said: “In view of the weather, we were very pleased with the turn out, and it was a wonderful gesture for Tony to come and lend his support. The final amount that we have raised is not known yet, as there has been interest in some of the auction items that were not sold.” She added: “As well as providing a fitting tribute to one of the town’s most famous and influential former residents, a statue would give St Albans a new

form of brand identity, in that when people think of Samuel Ryder they will think of St Albans. It will also provide a focal point for Ryder Cup enthusiasts, and provide another stop off on the Samuel Ryder Trail, which already includes more than a dozen locations around the town.” Samuel Ryder was a seed merchant by trade, and served as a councillor in St Albans for many years, becoming mayor of the town in 1905. He joined Verulam Golf Club in 1910, and served as captain the following year, and again in 1926 and 1927. A keen sponsor of professional golf, he donated the Ryder Cup for the biannual contest between Europe and the United States of America in 1927. He attended the first two home matches played at Moortown and Southport in 1929 and 1933 respectively, and presented the cup to Britain’s successful captain George Duncan in 1929. He died in 1936, aged 78, and is buried at Hatfield Road Cemetery.

Centenary Pro-Am High-flying left-hander Chris Gane added even more lustre to his stunning year when he shot a six-underpar 65 to win the Nevill Centenary Pro-Am. The Silvermere pro’s flawless round outshone the 66 of European Tour star Oliver Fisher, and the 68 of local man Jamie Harris, earning Gane a handy £1,000 into the bargain. As the event was in celebration of Nevill’s Centenary, there were several other famous names that came along, notably Richard Bland, Peter Mitchell, Tony Johnstone and Nevill’s very own Jamie Spence. Heading up the Nevill ladies’ teams were Ladies European Tour players Becky Brewerton and Trish Johnson, fresh from her victory at the Ladies Scottish Open the day before. Starting at the 10th, Gane went straight into top gear with birdies at his first two holes. One more at the 13th meant he turned in three-under par, while two more at the second and third holes put him on five under. One last hurrah at the seventh put Gane in front of Fisher, and earned him the satisfaction of being handed the £1,000 winner’s cheque. Commenting on his win, Gane said: “After finishing fourth in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, the rest of August was fairly quiet, so it was terrific to be invited to play in the Nevill’s Centenary and help them celebrate with what turned out to be a cracking round of golf. The course was in great condition, and although it was my first time playing here, I had the pleasure of playing with the club’s general manager Frank Prescott, who guided me around what proved to be a pretty tight course! Winning here against some really talented players from European Tour, past and present, was a great experience. It’s one that’ll stick with me for a long time.”

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News in Brief SAMMIE SEALS SCRATCH CUP Cornwall’s Sammie Giles won the Liphook Scratch Cup after beating Dorset’s Sophie Keech on countback after the two players tied on two-under par at the end of the 36-hole event on the Hampshire course. The 19-yearold mid amateur champion from Cornwall took the trophy by virtue of a second round 70. Third place went to Surrey’s Lauren Horsford.

WALES HUMBLED AT CUMBERWELL Surrey’s Harvey Byers and Hertfordshire’s Harry Bigham were part of an England U16 that proved far too strong for Wales in the Boys U16 international held Cumberwell Park in Wiltshire. Played over two days, England won the first series of singles 7-1, then dropped just half a point in the afternoon foursomes. The scoreline was repeated the following day in the second series of singles to wrap up a comprehensive 17.5-2.5 victory.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

MARCO MAGNIFICO

After ripping up the record books at almost every level of the amateur game, Sussex and England star Marco Penge is confidently looking towards the pro circuit – despite being just 16 years old

Marco Penge. It’s an unusual name, but be prepared to hear it said, and see it written in print, for many years to come. Blessed with a talent that men twice his age would kill for, the 16 year old from Horsham in West Sussex has been busy making a name for himself ever since he first lifted a golf club aged five. Marco was first introduced to the game in 2004 – yes, 2004 – when he visited a local driving range to watch his Italian-born father, Angelo, try out the clubs that had been given to him as a 40th birthday present by his wife, Marie. Now a fairly decent 15-handicapper, Angelo immediately spotted the potential in his young son

season and was invited for trials with both Southampton and Reading. “For a while I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to be a footballer or a golfer, but golf won through in the end,” he says. With an Italian name and father, he admits to divided loyalties and confesses he supported Italy rather than England in the recent football World Cup. But on the golf course, he’s firmly on England’s side. Having won the both the U15s and U16s National Championships, it’s hardly surprising that he has represented this country at various levels and on more occasions than he can remember. Also a regular in the Sussex county team since the age of 14, he captured the Sussex U15 Championship an astonishing four times in a row. In an amateur career already rammed full of milestones, this year has been no less successful. In March, he finished fourth in the Darwin Salver at the National under-21 Championships in Rye, and he was

Words by Clive Agran

five every single day, so I think that is going to make a big difference. It has also changed my mindset. I now know that golf is my job, and I have got to be 100 per cent dedicated to make sure I am successful.” When not playing in competitions, he’s out there practising at one or other of his two clubs, Goodwood and Worthing. Marco has learnt his craft from many of Sussex’s top coaches over the years, including Neil Darnell and Clive Tucker at Mannings Heath, and Alex Saary, a London-based PGA Advanced Level coach who he has been with for five years. Now at Goodwood, he works with a whole team of swing coaches, physios and mentors who are shaping his all-round game. Ryan Fenwick, one the lead coaches at Goodwood, is confident that they have a future star on their hands. “Marco works harder than any young player I have seen before,” he says. “He never complains that he is tired, in fact we have to tell

“I now know that golf is my job, and I have got to be 100 per cent dedicated to make sure I am successful”

Marco met Justin Rose at Goodwood

and has been extremely supportive ever since. Marco’s natural talent soon manifested itself, and he rapidly got to grips with the game so many find fiendishly difficult. Ranked the third-best eight year old in Britain, he qualified for the 2007 Kids’ World Championship at Pinehurst in North Carolina, where he finished 24th out of a field of 117. At the tender age of ten he was selected to play in the Sunday Mail Classic Cup scratch team for his club, Mannings Heath. Predictably, he won most of his matches. Weren’t his opponents a bit embarrassed to be beaten by a boy in short trousers? “Some took it better than others but, yes, a few were rather embarrassed,” says Marco, who also won The Dyke Golf Club’s men’s title aged just 13. As he improved, the only thing that threatened a career in golf was football. Playing for Chesworth Rovers in Horsham, he scored an astonishing 75 goals in in a single

then picked to play against Australia for England Boys, where he won every match. His dream of playing in next September’s Walker Cup at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s received a huge boost last month, when he won five of his six matches at the Boys Home Internationals in Scotland. His significant contribution helped England notch up a notable triumph and surely won’t have been missed by the selectors. “I’d just love to play in the Walker Cup. It really is a huge ambition of mine,” reveals Marco. After receiving special permission to leave Forest School in Horsham at the beginning of this year, when only 15, the slenderly-built former sixth former now plays golf full-time. Giving up on his education at such an early age comes with its own risks, but it’s a decision that both his parents and he believe is the right one. “I wasn’t going to go to college, and I already know that I want to be a professional golfer, so I thought I might as well leave school early so I could throw everything at it, “ says Marco. “Now instead of fitting in a couple of hours of practice after school each day, I am down at the golf club from nine to

him to stop working! Since joining Goodwood he has really embraced our facilities, and is often in the gym by 7.30am, before his practice starts. Like all young players he has lots to learn, but he is willing to listen and keep developing all aspects of his game. It is great to be part of his journey, as I am sure he can achieve his aspirations in golf.” ‘Work hard’ was the advice Marco was given by former US Open champion Justin Rose when the two met at Goodwood this summer. Rose, who is attached to Goodwood as a touring pro, always pops into the club when he’s back in the UK, and the two have struck up a good rapport. Marco has also met and chatted to Rory McIlroy and fellow Arsenal supporter Ian Poulter. His dream, of course, is to play regularly alongside them. With a handicap of plus four, and an ability to drive the ball over 300 yards, there’s a very real chance he will. What if things don’t work out and he doesn’t make it to the top of the game, has he got a ‘Plan B’? “No, not really,” he confesses. “But I would hope there’s always something I can do in golf.” Marco Penge. Remember the name.

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18 /

September 2014 / Issue 236

They ripped up large sections of rulebook when they created the Centurion Club, a relaxed and inclusive Hertfordshire-based venue with first class service and a championship course to match Words by Nick Bayly

NO JACKET REQUIRED

Bunkers front and right protect the putting surface on the par-three fifth

The par-five 18th provides a suitably climatic finish

It’s often the little gestures rather than the grand statements that grab my attention when I’m visiting a golf club. Whether it’s a cheery ‘good morning’ in the pro shop, or a tearful goodbye as I leave the clubhouse bar, it’s the small details that leave a lasting impact long after the memory of that curling 20-footer I holed for a birdie on the 17th have faded into obscurity. It’s all very well having a showpiece clubhouse and a championship course designed by someone whose name sounds vaguely familiar, but it’s the little things that give you that warm inner glow, and let you know that you’re being treated like a human being, rather than a number on a spreadsheet. I say this not to suggest that having a decent golf course is not the number one prerequisite for any successful golf club – it is – but as a caution against making snap judgments about a place just from looking at a glossy brochure or a wing-ding website. A golf club is the sum of many parts, and after many years of visiting them, most of the best ones seem to have the same thing: a pulse (i.e. the staff that work there, and the members who play there). By all these counts, and a lot more besides, the Centurion Club, the newest and boldest golf club opening in England in the last 20-odd years, ticks all the right boxes. After negotiating my way past the security barrier, no sooner had I parked up and was beginning to fumble around with my golf bag, than a young man wrestled it from my feeble grasp and deposited it in the nearest golf buggy, before pointing me in the direction of my partner, who was patiently waiting in the clubhouse. I say ‘clubhouse’, as although the club’s current building performs the duties of a clubhouse

September 2014 / Issue 236

The majestic par-three 17th

– bar, restaurant, changing rooms, pro shop and outdoor patio area etc – it is considered a temporary residence while the owners commission the building of an altogether more impressive facility less than 50 yards away, which as well as commanding an elevated view over the course, will house a wider range of facilities to satiate the demands of the modern golf club member, including a fine dining restaurant and a gym. If this is a temporary residence, lord knows what the real thing will look like, as most golfers I know would be delighted with what’s already in place. Despite fears over golfers cutting back on club memberships, the owners of the Centurion Club, which is located between St Albans and Hemel Hempstead (within a two-minute drive from junction 7 of the M1), are convinced that they have got the right product for the post-recession market. “Some of our friends questioned our wisdom to launch an upmarket club in the middle of an economic downturn, but it is also a time of opportunity, and we are convinced the finished product will attract a huge amount of interest,” says Graham Wildish, a self-made millionaire who owns and operates the club in partnership with managing director Scott Evans and two Dutch partners. “We believe the club has huge potential due to its location on the outskirts of north London,” he adds. “We’ve also got a gem of a golf course, and everyone who has joined to date has been pleased with what we have achieved in such a short space of time. They have been our best adverts for the club, and it’s amazing how many people have joined through word of mouth.” The club has been open for the best part of 18 months now, and in that time has attracted a growing number of golfers from nearby clubs who have become disaffected with the petty rules and regulations that blight many traditional venues.

/ 19

Evans, a genial Scotsman with the role of managing director, brings 25 years of experience working in golf club management at the likes of Loch Lomond, Bearwood Lakes, The London Club and, most recently, Troon Golf Management, to the table, and he knows better than most what it takes to keep discerning golfers happy “We’ve got one chance to get this right and that has certainly focused our minds,” says Evans. “Our plan from the outset was to create a club that rivals and goes beyond the very best for its quality, while getting rid of the all the stuffiness and small-mindedness that permeate through many traditional members’ clubs. You won’t need a certain length of sock or type of trouser to play here, let alone a jacket, and we encourage all our members to bring their families and to treat it as their golfing home from home.” With that ethos, it will come as no surprise that you’ll find no club captains or green committees here, and you’ll certainly find no posters explaining the dress code (there isn’t one), while there is a refreshing absence of signs telling you where you can and can’t park or can’t. Evans adds: “Our aim is to focus on providing the very best facilities for our members, and let the reputation and standing among the golfing community evolve. The challenge is to create a quality product worthy of our location so close to central London, and to be considered one of the finest available.” If you’re looking for bare figures, the course measures 7,195 yards from the back tees, which play to a par of 72, while the middle and forward men’s tees take it down to a more manageable 6,850 and 6,555 yards respectively, although the par goes up to 74, thanks to the first and sixth becoming par fives. The layout begins in an attractive area of pine woodland on the western edge of the 250-acre site, where the opening five holes cut a green swathe through the tree line. A sweeping downhill right-to-left par five (a par four off the backs) opens up proceedings nicely, before switching into a stunning par-three, where a raised green provides a tempting, if often elusive target. This is followed by a superb 405-yard par four (off the front tees), which swings right-to-left, with a bunker guarding the corner of the dogleg. It’s all very Woburn-esque, with deceptivelynarrow fairways dotted with sizeable bunkers at strategic points to catch out the unwary. After the beautiful par-three fifth, the course opens out over rolling terrain, although thanks to sizeable mounds between the fairways, a sense of individuality is maintained for almost every hole. Off the back tees, the 450-yard sixth is a really testing par four, with a big drive required to bring a flag that is hidden behind a raised bank into play, while the eighth introduces the first of four

A narrow fairway awaits at The Centurion’s opening hole

“Our plan from the outset was to create a club that rivals and goes beyond the very best for its quality, while getting rid of all the stuffiness that permeates many traditional members’ clubs”

CONTACTS For membership enquiries or to arrange a tour, call 01442 510 520, email hello@centurionclub.co.uk, or visit www.centurionclub.co.uk

significant water hazards, although the toughest of them is probably the 12th, a 400-yard par four with a pond fronting the putting surface to catch under-hit approaches. The 190-yard 14th is as testing a par three as you’ll find, playing uphill all the way to a raised green that has trees back, right and left, and bunkers at the front, while the 150-yard 17th is another stunning short hole, with two trees standing like sentries behind the green, while water lurks to catch anything hit left. In addition to the overall design, the greens are the stars of the show. While varying in size, many feature significant borrows and slopes around the edges, before flattening out as you get nearer to the cup. Built on sand, the bent grass surfaces are like carpets – fast, true and firm, yet receptive to the right kind of shot. The holes have all been given Latin names, such as Alma Mater, Pro Forma and Hydro, to reflect the Roman history of the local area, and the course closes with the aptly-named Ad Infinitum, a 545-yard par five whose green sits below the clubhouse. With the putting surface protected by a large lake bounded by a stone wall to the right, it’s a fitting finale to a thoroughly entertaining round that will test all parts of your game. As I walked off the 18th mumbling about my shoddy putting, I was greeted by a smiling face and a welcome inquisition as to my preferred choice of beverage. Stunned for a few seconds by this timely, if unexpected request, I plumped for something cold and refreshing, and in the short time it took me to change my shoes, the drink was waiting for me on a patio table ready for the inevitable post-match analysis. Another nice little touch duly noted. Three membership categories are currently being offered to become a part of the Centurion family, including a limited number of founder ‘Senate’ memberships, as well as seven-day Centurion memberships, and a midweek corporate package. These memberships are the only way to access the course, as visitors can only play as a member’s guest. “The different membership categories offer greater flexibility to suit each member’s lifestyle,” says Wildish. “We want people to feel that it is their club, and they can come and go as they please. There are no tee times, no visitors, and the course will never be bunged up with endless inter-club matches. It is our intention to create a modern club that is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and outstanding standard of service. We want to create a distinct ‘wow’ factor which ensures that once you’ve visited the club you’ll never forget it.” I, for one, certainly won’t, and I believe they’ll be plenty of others out there who will agree with me once they’ve had a glimpse of the way they do things at Centurion.

The par-four dogleg third is one of the toughest holes on the course

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Johnson rolls back the years to claim Scottish Open New Lane, Sutton Green, Nr Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7QF Tel: 01483 747898 email: admin@suttongreengc.co.uk

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Veteran tour pro Trish Johnson rolled back the years – and rolled in a hatful of putts – as she wrote her own chapter in the history of the Ladies European Tour by wining the Ladies Scottish Open at the tender age of 48. On a glorious final day at Archerfield Links in East Lothian, the sprightly Londoner became the Tour’s oldest winner after shooting a final round 73 to finish two strokes clear France’s Gwladys Nocera. Johnson began the final round with a comfortable six-stroke advantage in the 54hole tournament, following opening rounds of 66 and 70, and she pulled even further clear of the field with birdies at the second and third holes to reach 10 under. However, she found trouble on the seventh hole, when she drove the ball left into a gorse bush and had to return to the tee, resulting in a double bogey. Three strokes ahead at the turn, she made four steady pars, before missing a fourfooter and dropping a shot on the 14th, then steadied the ship by coming home

without further lapses to bag the 22nd win of her 28-year professional career. “Given the perfect playing conditions, it was difficult to throw away a six-shot lead,” said a relieved Johnson, whose last victory came at the French Open in 2010. “I played pretty well, but never got the putter going at all. I just didn’t putt as well as the first two days, but I didn’t have the same mentality. I suppose that was because I was defending a little bit, which I didn’t think I’d do.” Johnson nearly pulled out of the tournament with a back injury earlier in the week, as she could hardly walk, and in her winner’s speech she thanked the LET osteopath and masseuse, Chris Wilkes and Amanda Bailey, for helping her to recover in time to play and keeping her going. “I wasn’t expecting this. I had very low expectations and I guess that worked for me. I didn’t have a practice round and I didn’t play until Friday morning and probably played one of the best rounds of my life on Friday. I’m chuffed to bits,” she said.

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Golfers are invited to sign up for a ground-breaking open pairs tournament which will allow amateur club players to compete against each other in the same qualifying event without ever having to meet in person. The tournament has been made possible by a technological breakthrough by mobile scoring system specialist VPAR, which has created an app that allows players to see the score required to qualify for the final while in the middle of their round. In search of the ultimate pairs team, VPAR has launched the VPAR Championship in partnership with some of the top clubs in the South East, including Wentworth, Stoke Park, Burhill, Royal Mid-Surrey, The Grove and The Oxfordshire. Competitors only need download VPAR’s app, create a team with a friend, and score a game on any of the partner courses. Entry is free and all participants will receive a year’s free subscription to the app, which is worth £5.99. The format is best one from two medal score, with qualifying rounds being completed between now and September 28. The teams are competing for three spots allocated to each club. These pairs will go through to the final, which is being played on October 14 on the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor. Once there, the 24 teams will battle it out to be crowned VPAR champions and win a brand new set of TaylorMade irons for each of the winners. To see the live leaderboard, visit vpar.com/league/ vparchampionship14.

PRO’S DAD RECORDS H1 CLUB’S 4,000TH ACE It’s taken only 17 months since the inception of the BOSS Watches H1 Club, but the 4,000th celebratory timepiece has already been awarded, taking the total award to a staggering £900,000-worth. And it went to a man for whom golf really is a family affair. Stephen Orrin, from Birchington in Kent, is the father of professional golfer Max Orrin, and the 53-yearold will have no excuse for keeping his son waiting on the golf course now, after he received a limitededition BOSS watch as recognition for his hole-in-one. Orrin senior scored his ace on the 138-yard, par-three fifth at North Foreland in Kent – the same hole at which he scored a hole-in-one 35 years ago – and the 13-handicapper was rewarded with membership of the BOSS Watches H1 Club. He said: “I don’t really have a secret to getting a hole-in-one. You just have to keep hitting close shots and one day one might go in. There’s a great deal of luck involved. Not much has changed since I got my first ace on this hole, 35 years ago. The only thing that’s changed is they’ve realigned the hole!” He added: “I don’t get to play with Max much any more, but I do caddy for him sometimes. I’ve just returned from France after caddying for him in the Challenge Tour. He’s doing well with six events to go.”

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September 2014 / Issue 236

News in Brief

Standing prepares to walk tall in the States Kent amateur Holly Standing has joined a growing generation of talented young British golfers who are trying their luck in the American college system in order to acheive their golfing ambitions. The 17-year-old Ashford golfer flew to the United States at the end of last month to begin a two-year scholarship at Tyler Junior College in Texas. Standing, who already has eight GCSEs, left school in Canterbury in May, having already gained a distinction star in sport and has recently passed A levels in government and politics and English language.

NOBLE WINS ROOKIE EVENT Fast-improving Surrey youngster Will Noble won the U14 section of the Rookie Tour event held at Windlesham Golf Club last month with a gross score of 76 for 32 points. Noble, who is a member at Kingwood, followed up that effort with victory in a junior event at his home club, Kingswood, where he shot rounds of 77 and 76 – after which his handicap was cut from 10 to five. Not to be outdone, Noble’s 16-year-old brother, Oliver, has had his handicap reduced from 16 to eight over a two-week period in August.

ENGLAND FINISH EIGHTH IN JAPAN

Before leaving for America, she told Golfnews: “It’s the first time I have been to America and I am a bit nervous. I am going there to get some experience and play in better weather. Turning professional is my ultimate ambition. It’s a long way off at the moment, but I would like to see how far I can go in the game.” Standing, who is a member at Ashford and Faversham golf clubs, won the South of England U18 title last year and has been club champion at Ashford for the past four years. She regularly plays for Kent Ladies and has previously been

selected for training with the regional England squad. She gained a full scholarship at Tyler Junior, after submitting her CV to a Glasgow-based company Prodream USA. She looked set to be heading to Iowa, but circumstances forced her to change her plans and at one stage she

England shared eighth place in the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship in Japan, with the team of Gabriella Cowley (Hanbury Manor), Bronte Law (Bramhall), and Hayley Davis (Ferndown) finishing the 72-hole tournament on 14-under par – 15 shots behind the overall winners, Australia.

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thought she might have to put things on hold for a year. “I received four offers – two from Texas, one from Alabama and the one from Iowa – which is the one I accepted. What happened after that is a bit of a blur, but meant I had to look elsewhere. It took a couple of months to find another college; at one stage I thought I’d have to delay things and

do a gap year. It’s a full scholarship, which means I only have to pay for my flights, and the facilities are good. I will be there for two years and then have to make a decision about whether to come home, or go on to university for two more years.” Coach Steve Mitchell, now based at Etchinghill Golf Club, near Folkestone, said: “I have worked with Holly since the age of nine and she has always been top of her age group. She is quietly confident, but resilient, shows great maturity, with a good attitude.”

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Record-breaking Monty Carter claims wows Woburn crowds Essex Boys’ title Colin Montgomerie put on an impressive front-running display in front of packed galleries at Woburn to seal his second successive victory in the European Senior Tour’s Travis Perkins Masters. The 54-year-old Scot, coming off the back of two senior major victories, marched to a ten-stroke victory over Woburn’s Dukes Course as he extended his list of record-breaking achievements on the Senior Tour in 2014. Montgomerie won by six shots last year to claim his maiden Senior Tour title, and it ended up being even more comfortable on his return, with the Scot carding a closing round of 67 for a 12-under-par

total of 204, two strokes lower than his score 12 months ago. The eight-time Order of Merit winner had started the final round with a four-stroke cushion over Mike Cunning, and after both players birdied the opening hole, Cunning briefly halved the deficit to just two shots when Montgomerie bogeyed the third hole and the American birdied the fifth. But that was as close as the contest would get, as Montgomerie immediately struck back with a birdie on the sixth hole, and left the field trailing in his wake, picking up four more shots, including a closing birdie. Austrian Gordon Manson, Switzerland’s Andre Bossert and Montgomerie’s former

Monty was all smiles after bagging his second British Senior Masters title in front of adoring crowds at Woburn

college teammate Tim Thelen came through to share second place, but for a second consecutive year the back nine proved a victory procession for the 2010 European Ryder Cup captain. “I’m delighted to come back here and successfully defend this great title,” said Montgomerie. “It probably looks pretty comfortable, and in the end it was, but Mike managed to get to within two shots and it could easily have been one shot at one point. I didn’t start that well, but I made a birdie on the sixth hole, and then I just started moving away really. “There are two places in England that I really love play at. One is Sunningdale and the other is here at Woburn. It’s always a privilege to come here, and I’m very proud to win around here once again.” Montgomerie follows Carl Mason as the only other player to successfully defend the Travis Perkins Masters title, and as well as setting a new lowest winning total in the tournament’s history, he also broke two of Mason’s Senior Tour records, including one that had stood for 11 years.

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Taylor Carter won the Essex Boys’ Championship after shooting rounds of 68 and 70 for a four-under par total at Thorndon Park Golf Club. His score was matched by Braintree’s Elliot Fullalove, who fired a final round 68 to take the tournament into extra-time. Carter, from Rochford Hundred Golf Club, then birdied the first extra hole to take the title. In addition to the coveted trophy, Carter earned the chance to go through to the final stages of The Telegraph Junior Championships. In the U16 section of the championship, Jack Dyer, also from Rochford Hundred, prevailed by one shot over Ryan Cox (Warley Park) with a total of 143. The team event was won by Braintree, with Fullalove’s total combining with Todd Clements for a score of 284 – four shots clear of Rochford Hundred’s Bradley Bawden and Jack Dyer.

News in Brief ENGLAND’S SENIORS TAKE THIRD PLACE England’s senior men’s team collected the bronze medal for the third successive year in the European Senior Men’s Team Championships held at Sierra Golf Club in Poland. The team, which included Denham’s Andrew Stacey, won their final match against Scotland 4-1, but finished behind Ireland, who took the title for the fourth time in the last eight years.

PIERS HAS NO PEERS AT GOLF COLLEGE! Piers Berrington has been crowned ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’ at the Golf College in Lindfield following a strong season at the West Sussex-based venue. The highlight for the 18-year-old amateur from Kingswood Golf Club was his victory in the Golf College Challenge – a professional event – with a seven-under par score of 129 for 36 holes.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

NEW CLUBHOUSE BOOSTS RICHMOND PARK’S APPEAL The opening of the new clubhouse at Richmond Park Golf Course is already beginning to pay off, with a growing number of local golfers and golf societies taking advantage of the stunning new facilities at the Surrey venue.

The impressive new building, which features a sloping grass-roof, was officially opened by the Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra, earlier this summer, following a £2.5 million investment from club operator Glendale Golf. The investment coincided with Richmond Park’s 90th anniversary last year, which also provided a new driving range and academy courses, as well as the redevelopment of the two 18-hole parkland courses, the Prince’s and the Duke’s, which have both recently re-opened after an extensive improvements programme that included construction of new USGA greens. The eye-catching clubhouse is an ideal venue

for hosting society and corporate golf days, with the first-floor veranda offering stunning views of over the 3,000 acres of London’s largest royal oark. Inside, facilites include brand new locker rooms and showers, while Glendale Golf’s inhouse catering brand - Nineteen Bar & Kitchen, has the capacity to cater for over 80 diners, with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking a lake to the 18th greens. Golfers taking up a range of enticing packages this winter, will also be able to make use of the new driving range, which reopened in June, as well as the new academy course, which opens in October. Jon Dummett, general manager of Richmond Park, said: “The investment into the courses,

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clubhouse and driving range is part of Glendale Golf’s long-term commitment to improving golf facilities in Richmond Park. The newly-built driving range and four-hole academy course is also an important development, and ensures we offer the best facilities across the board for golfing groups of all skills levels. The two 18-hole courses have never looked in better conditions, so now we are really able to offer the complete package.” Current society package rates start from just £19pp until the end of the year, representing a £10 saving on the normal rate of £29, while bookings made before December 31 for golf days taken in 2015 will also be able to obtain that discounted rate. For bookings call 0208 876 3205 or email richmondshop@glendalegolf.co.uk.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Kingswood Golf Club’s new on-site accommodation is proving a real hit with golfers visiting the popular the Surreybased club. The attractive new facility, which opened earlier this summer, offers 18 wellappointed guest rooms, which are proving ideal for members, visiting groups and societies, as well as golfers travelling to take part in the numerous high profile events that the club stages on a regular basis. Built in 1927, and designed by legendary architect James Braid, Kingswood has recently undergone a major renovation programme in recent years that has seen the course updated to

Stay and play at new-look Kingswood

maintain its status as one of the finest courses in the region, with a challenge to match. Since the changes, the club has proved a fitting venue for the British Senior Open

Championship regional qualifier, while a significant number of charity golf days, including the Household Cavalry, Variety Club, Shooting Stars, and the Kingswood Pro-Am, have all discovered what a superb venue it is for hosting events large and small. Stay-and-play packages are currently available from £102pp, including 18 holes of golf, overnight accommodation and breakfast, based on two people sharing a room. For tee time bookings or accommodation enquiries, visit kingswood-golf.co.uk or call 01737 832188.

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Green light for JCB £30m ‘tour-quality’ course Plans to build a £30 million tour-quality golf resort to help international plant machinery company JCB boost sales and build global brand awareness have been granted planning approval. JCB plans to build the 18-hole, championship course on 240 acres of rolling countryside to the south of its global headquarters at Rocester in Staffordshire. After East Staffordshire Borough Council unanimously approved the scheme in July, tenders were invited for earthmoving works and initial landscaping. JCB’s group property director Alan Thomson said: “We are delighted that the golf course project has been given approval. It is good news for JCB, and even better news for Staffordshire, because of the positive impact this scheme will have on the local and regional economy.” Initial works will start in the autumn, and after a planned suspension during the winter months, earthmoving and landscaping will recommence in 2015. Play will start on the course in 2018, when it is expected that up to 100 people will be employed in grounds care and hospitality roles. The course will be designed by European Golf Design – the course design company of IMG and the European Tour – best known for the Twenty Ten course at Celtic Manor. Part of the design includes a TPC Sawgrass- style 17th hole, which will feature an island green and an island tee. Conceived by JCB chairman Lord Bamford, it will be built to tour-quality standard and could potentially host a tour event, although it will mainly be used as a hospitality tool for JCB’s network of 770 global dealers. Lord Bamford said: “Golf is a truly global sport and is a perfect fit for

JCB as a global manufacturer, as we look to develop strong relationships with customers and dealers worldwide. I’m not a golfer myself, but I’m excited by the opportunity it presents us in driving our future plans for business growth.” At the heart of the site is Woodseat Hall, an 18th century mansion currently in ruins, but which will have a new lease of life under plans to renovate it as the clubhouse, complete with a new luxury spa, leisure facility and five-star hotelstyle accommodation for guests. The development has already met with a degree of resistance from ecological groups, with The Woodland Trust and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust saying that it will lead to an unacceptable loss of ancient woodland. Kate Dewey of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: “We strongly object to the loss of 0.97 hectares of ancient woodland on the site. Although we appreciate the desire to achieve a championship-level course, we feel with some changes, this could be done without these losses, and that the need for this exact design cannot be argued to outweigh the need to preserve this irreplaceable resource.” A spokesman for JCB said: “We have reduced to a minimum any ancient woodland that has to be disturbed and that disturbance is significantly outweighed by planned new planting of trees.”

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Essex was crowned English Boys County champions after hammering Derbyshire on the final day of matches at Sandiway Golf Club in Cheshire to lift the title for the third time. The team’s 8½-½ success over the Midland winners was their third victory of the week and underlined their overall supremacy in the event, while Durham came from behind to beat Wiltshire 6-3 to ensure second place. After heavy defeats of Durham and Wiltshire in the opening two days, Essex only needed to win by a small margin to take the title, but the South East champions came out all guns blazing on the final day, winning all three morning foursomes, as they had on the previous two days, abefore taking the top two games in the singles to confirm their overall victory. Todd Clements edged them towards the finishing line with a 7&6 win over Matt Bailey, while Louis Lazarus completed a 4&3 success against Josh Thorley. Clements was out in level par to

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be five up and he also won the 10th and 12th to close out the contest. Carter proved the most successful Essex player, when he completed his sixth win in six outings with a 3&2 scoreline against Will Painter. The Derby player led early on, but when Carter got into his stride he won three holes in four from the tenth to build a winning lead. “The boys have done a superb job and they finished in style,” said Essex manager Brian Collins. “To win our region and to get to the final was an achievement. To win the championship again is a real boost for Essex.”

September 2014 / Issue 236

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LAST MAN STANDING After bagging the final spot in the Ryder Cup team, Graeme McDowell has a month of match play golf to look forward to as he heads from Scotland to Kent to defend the Volvo World Match Play Championship he won so impressively last year Words by Nick Bayly

If you’re searching for proof that good things come along in threes, then look no further than Graeme McDowell. The 35 year old from Northern Ireland has enjoyed a triple whammy of happy events over the last 12 months, starting off with his wedding to long-time girlfriend Kristin Stape last September, followed by the arrival of his daughter, Vale, this August; then a week later, hearing the news that he’d clung onto the final automatic qualifying place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team to face the US at Gleneagles this month. Needless to say, golf hasn’t always been at the forefront of his mind over the last few weeks. “I think most parents can imagine what I’ve been up to,” McDowell said on his return to competitive golf at this month’s BMW Championship at Cherry Hills. “Not sleeping much, and changing a lot of nappies. It might have been the week when my Ryder Cup spot was finally confirmed but, to be honest, much of my attention was elsewhere, and for the very best of reasons.” Adjusting to fatherhood, while challenging for any man, is especially difficult when your job takes you to a different corner of the globe on an almost weekly basis. But rather than fretting about his season’s form, which has yielded a victory in the French Open and no fewer than 10 top-10 finishes, McDowell has enjoyed the new-found balance in his life that only marriage and parenthood can bring. “There’s a switch inside me that’s flicked and I know things have changed forever,” he says about his happy-family set up. “It’s still kind of all sinking in, and it’s a very, very special time.” However, even the loved-up McDowell had his attention diverted from his daughter for a few hours on September 1 when his place in the team looked more than a little shaky. “I have to admit that I flicked on the European Tour app every now and again to see how Stephen [Gallacher] was getting on in the Italian Open,” he says. “It was nip and tuck for a while.” In finishing third in Turin, Gallacher failed by the narrowest of margins to oust McDowell from his tenuous position as the last-placed man in the points list, and while not wishing ill of his fellow player, McDowell must have been praying that Hennie Otto and David Howell would keep their noses in front so that he could earn this fourth Ryder Cup cap to go with those in earned at Valhalla, Celtic Manor and

“I have experienced all the emotions the Ryder Cup can throw up. I’ve hit the first and last shot, I’ve won on both sides of the Atlantic, and I’ve been on a losing side”

Medinah. “I wished Stevie well, and I certainly would not have begrudged him a place in the team if he’d got the finish he needed to go past me in the standings,” says McDowell. “He certainly made a brilliant effort to grab the last qualifying place, and only came up a fraction short. Given the way he’s played throughout this year, and because of the type of player that he is, he thoroughly deserved his wild card spot, especially with him being a Scot and the Ryder Cup being at Gleneagles. Stephen will bring a lot to a Ryder Cup team; he’s a big hitter, he’s an upbeat, positive personality, which is always an asset in any team.” Had Gallacher forced McDowell out, the former US Open champion would have been up against Lee Westwood and Luke Donald for the 12th spot, and he, like Donald, would most likely have missed out given Westwood’s long history in the matches. “We all knew that Paul only really had two picks, as Ian [Poulter] was nailed on because of his past heroics, so it would certainly have been a tough job to sneak ahead of Lee or Luke, but fortunately that scenario didn’t happen, so I can’t dwell on it.” He adds: “I’m the only man to play in the last four Ryder Cups without needing a wildcard pick, so I have to give myself a pat on the back for that. There was a big part of me wanting to get into the team through the automatic places, probably because there is that unsaid pressure on a player who has been picked. I hope at some point I will get a pick when I need one, but you don’t want to start using those up quite yet, do you?” He adds: “I feel like I did my qualifying job reasonably well. From the US Open through until the WGC at Firestone, I was extremely happy with the performances I put in. I showed consistency and form, putting numbers on the board and showing Paul that I’m ready and up for it. I felt I reaped the rewards for the way I have paced myself this season. The only disappointing performances came in the final stretch of the qualifying period. At the PGA at Valhalla, I think the wet weather made that golf course out of my reach. In New Jersey last week, I could have finished the weekend better, but mentally I wasn’t quite there. They were perfectly reasonable circumstances to be distracted, though, because I wanted to be home with Kristin knowing our baby would soon be with us.” With his place in the team settled, and his run in the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup having come to another

premature end, McDowell is now focusing his attentions on getting his game razor sharp for the matches in Scotland, where he hopes to build on a Ryder Cup career that currently reads five wins, five losses and two halves from 12 matches. “I just can’t wait for Gleneagles,” says McDowell. “It’s going to be a very, very special week. In golfing terms, it doesn’t get much better than playing for your continent and trying to defend that precious trophy.” One of only three European players to lose a singles match in Medinah, McDowell feels like he has something to prove in the Ryder Cup. “I’ve certainly ridden the Ryder Cup rollercoaster,” he says. “I have experienced all the emotions the contest can throw up. I’ve hit the first and last shot, I’ve won on both sides of the Atlantic, and I’ve been on a losing side.” ‘I’m ready to go to Gleneagles and enjoy it, and that’s not always the case with the Ryder Cup,’ he says. “You can get too wrapped up with the pressure. I didn’t enjoy it last time, because I was washed up mentally, having played too much in the build-up.” Whatever happens at Gleneagles, McDowell will be heading south just two weeks later to take part in the 50th anniversary of the Volvo World Match Play Championship, which is being held at The London Club from October 15-19. Although it would be a stretch to call it home soil, given that he now lives in Florida, the defending champion – who was also a finalist in 2o12 – is delighted that the matches are being played back at the tournament’s birthplace. “I think it is fantastic that the Match Play Championship will be played in England for this special anniversary,” he says. “I enjoyed everything about the tournament last year in Bulgaria at Thracian Cliffs, but somehow it seems right to celebrate the championship’s anniversary in England, where the tournament was held for so many years. The International Course is a great track and one that I’m looking forward to playing. I finished third in the 2008 European Open on the Heritage Course and I think it will make for a fantastic match play stage, where I will do my best to defend my title.” Given a bit of Irish luck, McDowell will hopefully have a Ryder Cup trophy tucked in his golf bag to show the fans when he arrives in Kent. That really would be the icing on the cake in what is already turning out to be a very special year in the life of one of Europe’s most popular golfers.

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SPECIAL RYDER CUP 8-PAGE PREVIEW GLENEAGLES, SCOTLAND, 26-28 SEPTEMBER 2014

EWEN MURRAY’S PREVIEW INTERVIEWS WITH THE CAPTAINS MEET THE TEAMS HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE TO THE PGA CENTENARY COURSE STEPHEN GALLACHER IN PROFILE

NO MORE MR NICE GUYS THE BATTLE FOR THE 40TH RYDER CUP STARTS HERE

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Ewen Murray, Sky Sports’ lead golf commentator, sets the scene for the 40th Ryder Cup, and casts his eye over the protagonists taking centre stage in the game’s most compelling

event

IT’S SHOWTIME! “Hunter Mahan now has a chance to bury the ghosts of Celtic Manor”

The wait is over. Well, almost. Between now and when the first ball is struck in the 40th Ryder Cup at Glengeagles on September 26, there will be a lot said, and perhaps even more written, about golf’s most hotly-contested event – but the time has almost come for the chatter to stop and the clubs to do the talking. One man who will be more relieved than most about that is Europe’s captain, Paul McGinley, who has spent the best part of two years watching and waiting for this moment to arrive. And with the sideshow that is the announcement of the captain’s picks now behind him, he can concentrate on the main task of arranging his team into winning combinations. Always one of the more uncomfortable parts of the captain’s job, McGinley’s decision in awarding the wild cards was easier than it was in the last few

RYDER CUP RESULTS IN THE LAST 20 YEARS 2012

Medinah

13 ½

14 ½

EUROPE

2010

Celtic Manor

13 ½

14 ½

EUROPE

2008

Valhalla

16 ½

11 ½

USA

2006

The K Club

9½

18 ½

EUROPE

2004

Oakland Hills

9½

18 ½

EUROPE

2002

The Belfry

12 ½

15 ½

EUROPE

1999

Brookline

14 ½

13 ½

USA

1997

Valderrama

13 ½

14 ½

EUROPE

1995

Oak Hill

13 ½

14 ½

EUROPE

occasions, and I think many would have arrived at the same choices. Stephen Gallacher thoroughly deserves his place, and McGinley stuck to his words that he would strongly consider players in form, rather than on reputation. The Scotsman did everything he possibly could to make the side, and his play in the Italian Open, under the most stringent of pressure, captured everyone’s imagination. His experience of that pressure over the weekend in Turin will be of great benefit to him when he plays at Gleneagles in front of his own people. Ian Poulter’s performance at Medinah made him a certainty, and it semed a straight choice between Lee Westwood and Luke Donald. Both had been struggling in the run up to the Ryder Cup, with Westwood’s adaptability and experience – this will be his ninth appearance against Donald’s fifth – probably gave him the edge. Francesco Molinari and Dutchman Joost Luiten must have come into Paul’s thoughts, but neither did quite enough to force their way into the team. The European captain must be delighted with the nine that automatically qualified, and the two rookies in that nine are strong. Both Dubuisson and Donaldson are tournament winners; the former has an enviable short game, the latter is a fine driver of the ball. With four of the five sections played in pairs, matching personalities, egos and style of play is vital. In the countdown to the first day of competition McGinley will constantly have combinations turning over in his mind. In picking Westwood, he has a player who can be paired with anyone in the four balls and foursomes. With long game consistency his strong point, McGinley can rely on him being the anchor of his pairing. Often in the past, Westwood

has had Darren Clarke alongside him, but in 2002, when he was struggling with his game, he formed a fine partnership with Sergio Garcia. That could be restored – but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at some point with Dubuisson. Poulter and Justin Rose have been close since they were teenagers and are most comfortable on the course together, although I would say more so in foursomes. Poulter and McIlroy would be a match for anyone in four balls, while McIlroy and McDowell would be an ideal choice in the alternate shot discipline. Thomas Bjorn, like Westwood, is versatile and may not start on Friday morning, but he will be ready to step in whenever the call arrives. Martin Kaymer and Garcia could feature together and would form a formidable partnership, while Stenson could achieve that with either of them. It may well be that the three rookies could have, Westwood, Stenson or Bjorn beside them at some point. The balance of the side is good. In Poulter, McIlroy, Garcia, Stenson, Bjorn and McDowell, you have that brashness along with passion. In Rose, Kaymer and Westwood there is a calmness. Dubuisson, very much a loner, brings mystery, while late developers and debutants Jamie Donaldson and Stephen Gallacher have the maturity to cope with the white-hot

September 2014 / Issue 236

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Lee Westwood will be keen to justify his wild card selection

Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson seem a likely pariing for Team USA

Watson and McGinley won’e be in such jovial mood when the action gets under way at Gleneagles on September 26

“Westwood’s adaptability and experience probably gave him the edge over Donald”

Rory McIlroy will be a prized scalp for the visitors

atmosphere and expectation. The real bonus for McGinley is that should his twelve hit form, there is no weakness in his team. All are winners, and he is spoilt for choice as far as pairings go. Along with his vice captains, he will closely monitor form on the practice days, and it might well be as late as Thursday afternoon before he decides how they line up on Friday morning. On the downside, he has that much quality available, the choice of pairings for the opening match will not be an easy one – but it’s not a bad problem to have. A few hours after the European side was announced, Tom Watson took centre stage in New York. In the weeks running up to the team announcement, the Americans endured all sorts of problems. First, there was the self-enforced lay-off for Dustin Johnson, then the circus and the saga concerning the health and lack of form of Tiger Woods, closely followed by Jason Dufner’s bulging disc injury that ended his season prematurely. It was therefore important Watson made the correct choices to balance his team. His automatic top nine had won the majority of their points late last season and early this year. In fact, since the beginning of May, not one of his qualifiers had won a tournament. Chris Kirk rather forced the captain’s hand with a wonderful final two rounds in Boston. Sitting at the top of the FedEx rankings, which mean so much to the PGA Tour, Watson surely had to include him. Had the Boston cash counted, he would have comfortably made the top nine, but Watson passed him by, and should Kirk go on to win the FedEx Cup, and the $10m bonus that goes with it, it will be an embarrassment for the tour, and for FedEx. His exclusion was a surprise to say the least. Keegan Bradley’s inclusion surprised no one after the chemistry he showed with Phil Mickelson at Medinah. In fact, had Davis Love played them on Saturday afternoon in Chicago, the miracle might never have happened. They are sure to start together on Friday morning. The other two wild card selections could not have

Ian Poulter has become Europe’s ‘Mr Ryder Cup’

been easy. In the end they went to Hunter Mahan, winner of the opening FedEx play off, The Barclays, who now has a chance to bury the ghosts of Celtic Manor, and Webb Simpson, who finished first, seventh, fifth and third in his opening four events. Since then, he has gone through difficult times, but has returned to be a regular top-ten finisher in the run up to selection. Both Bradley and Simpson are inspirational putters, which I suspect that tipped the scales. With four of the five sections of play in pairs, Watson had some ready-made partnerships. Simpson and Bubba Watson enjoyed two big wins at Medinah, and Mahan can be paired with any of his side, including the three rookies, Reed, Spieth and Walker. The same can be said of Furyk and Kuchar – ever reliable, ever steady. Watson went for experience, as all three of his rookies have cooled after great starts to the year. One worry could be Patrick Reed, who after two 68s was two shots off the pace at the halfway stage in Boston. He missed the third round cut after five sixes in an 82. Just bad play, or temperamental meltdown? I suspect the latter, and he may be used sparsely. The experienced players will look after Jordan Spieth, and although Jimmy Walker has come into the winner’s circle fairly late in life, he is an impressive individual and will fit in comfortably alongside any of his 11 team mates. A lot depends on how many of Tom’s team deal with the scar tissue of defeat in Wales and Chicago, and can his team cope with the loss of Johnson and Dufner? Tiger has never really fitted into the team environment and America’s only victory this century, in 2008, featured 12 players without Woods. The youth of Rickie Fowler will be inspirational, and having already tasted the atmosphere of the Ryder Cup, he arrives in Scotland a man rather than the boy he was in Wales. It’s all set up beautifully for the greatest golfing show. It will be close, and it might just come down to who wants it most. Let the show begin amid the beautiful backdrop of Glendevon.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

“MAKE NO MISTAKE, WE WANT TO WIN – IT’S NOT GOING TO BE A PALLY-PALLY CONTEST” European captain Paul McGinley plays down the role of favourites, but knows that he has been dealt a strong hand with which to defend the Ryder Cup How pleased are you with the final 12 men in the team? I’m very excited about the team that we have in place. It’s a quality team. But we are playing against a very strong American team. led by a very strong individual in Tom Watson, and I am under no illusions how difficult the task is going to be, and I’ll make sure the players know that too, if they don’t already. It’s going to be a very exciting week, a roller coaster ride, as we all know Ryder Cups are. But I think everybody who is a European fan will be proud of those 12 players representing them in this year’s Ryder Cup. It must have been hard to leave out Luke Donald, but it must surely feel positive to have had the choice between him and Lee Westwood?

I’m very lucky to have such a huge pool of talent to choose from. There’s some quality players who have performed incredibly well who didn’t make the team. But on the positive side, I think we have three players that will add a lot to the nine who qualified, and make our team as strong as it needs to be to take on America. How pleased are you to have so many of your players putting in strong individual performances in the run to the matches? Speaking from experience, I believe I was in my best form going into 2004, and I went on to play what I believe to be my best Ryder Cup at that time, so form is very important. It’s been great to see so many of the guys winning tournaments and generally being up there on

the leaderboards. Of course, there are question marks over the form of players like Ian [Poulter] and Lee, but there are well-documented reasons why they are in the team, so I’m very happy with the way things are going. How much influence does a captain have in deciding a Ryder Cup? A captain can win the Ryder Cup, no doubt, but he can also lose it, too. We won the Ryder Cup in 2002 because of Sam [Torrance]. He was the difference in his man-management of each player. As much as everybody would have thought he was the rip-roaring, lion-type of captain, Sam’s meetings were very brief. We would sit in his hotel room and they would never last more than five minutes. But he put so

much work into me. I would never have holed that putt on the 18th green without Sam. The previous week, I was out of form and Sam hired a car so that I could play the Belfry beforehand. All the stands were there, but the place was empty. On the way back, we sat in the back seat of the car with a bottle of pink champagne and he told me his plan for the week. He told me my role exactly and what my focus would be. That’s the difference a captain can make. How do think the Centenary course will stand up as a Ryder Cup venue? It’s a very interesting course, and I think it sets up great for match play. You’ve got two par fives and a drivable par four in the last five holes, so if that doesn’t get people on the edge of their seats, nothing will. Jack Nicklaus went back two or three years ago and made some slight adjustments to the course, which I’ve respected. I certainly haven’t tried to outdo the changes that he’s made, but I’ve enhanced them as best I could. What kind of Ryder Cup are you expecting? It’s going to be incredibly competitive, but that it’s going to be played in the right manner. Having said that, one of the things that makes the Ryder Cup so special is the electricity between the two teams, and within a team too, and it’s very important that is kept and doesn’t lead to a pally-pally contest. Make no mistake, we want to win, but not at all costs.

MEET THE EUROPE RORY MCILROY Age: 24 Caps: 2 (10, 12) Record: P 9 W4 L3 H2 Described the Ryder Cup as ‘an exhibition’ the year before making his debut in 2010, but has changed his opinion since. Beat Keegan Bradley in the singles at Medinah, despite only arriving at the course with minutes to spare. Paired with McDowell in 2012, but the two have since had a minor falling out, although in current form he could win with anyone. HENRIK STENSON Age: 38 Caps: 2 (‘06 winners, ‘08) Record: P7 W2 L3 H2 Effectively sealed his place last year when he won the DP World Tour Championship to become the first player to win the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai in the same season. The big-hitting Swede has struggled slightly for consistency this season, but was fourth in the US Open and third in the US PGA, pointing to a player who rises to the big occasion. VICTOR DUBUISSON Age: 24 Caps: 0 Won his first title in Turkey last year and followed that by finishing third behind Stenson in Dubai. Made sure of his place by finishing runner-up in the Accenture

Match Play, producing some miraculous recovery shots in the final. An enigmatic figure, the big-hitting Frenchman is certainly no slouch.

vast experience. Victory in the Nedbank Golf Challenge was the catalyst for his return to the side, which aided by a third-place finish in the BMW PGA Championship. A streaky putter, the Dane could figure in the fourballs.

months after winning the US Open. One of just three European players to lose in the singles at Medinah, he has enjoyed a solid run of form since the summer, including winning the French Open in July.

JAMIE DONALDSON Age: 38 Caps: 0 The Welshman secured his place by winning the penultimate counting event, the Czech Masters. Took a long time to break into the winner’s circle at the Irish Open in 2012, but then won in Abu Dhabi last year, and was second in the WGC-Cadillac to rack up more vital points. Will probably play two matches at most, given the strength on tap.

JUSTIN ROSE Age: 34 Caps: 2 (08, 12) Record: P9 W6 L3 H0 Played all five matches at Medinah and beat Phil Mickelson in a match that shifted the mood on the final day. Claimed his first major at the US Open in 2013. An accurate driver and a great iron player, he will feature heavily in the early skirmishes.

IAN POULTER Age: 38 Caps: 4 (04, 08, 10, 12) Record: P15 W12 L3 H0 ‘Mr Ryder Cup’ was nailed on for a wildcard pick despite having an indifferent season. Unbeaten in all four singles matches and having lost only three matches in his Ryder Cup career, he’s the player every captain wants on his team.

SERGIO GARCIA Age: 34 Caps: 6 (99, 02, 04, 06, 08, 12) Record: P28 W16 L8 H4 The Spaniard is a talismanic figure for Europe, so much so that he was brought in as a vice-captain at Celtic Manor in 2010, when he was enduring a downturn in form. Finished second behind McIlroy at the Open and the Bridgestone Invitational this summer, and won his first tournament since 2011 when capturing the Qatar Masters in January.

MARTIN KAYMER Age: 29 Caps: 2 (10, 12) Record: P6 W3 L2 H1 The young German admitted his form was so poor that he would not have picked himself for the team two years ago, but qualified automatically and ended up securing the point that ensured Europe won. Won both the Players and US Open this summer. A nerveless putter and accurate off the tee, he will be an ideal foursomes partner.

THOMAS BJORN Age: 43 Caps: 2 (97, 02) Record: P6 W3 L2 H1 Europe’s oldest player has not played in in the Ryder Cup since 2002, but brings

GRAEME MCDOWELL Age: 35 Caps: 3 (08, 10, 12) Record: P12 W5 L5 H2 Claimed the winning point with victory over Hunter Mahan at Celtic Manor, three

STEPHEN GALLACHER Age: 29 Caps: 0 With solid course form at Gleneagles and the support of the home crowd, Gallacher will have to show the calmness under pressure that earned his place on the team. May only play two matches, but he won’t care. LEE WESTWOOD Age: 41 Caps: 8 (97-12) Record: P37 W18 L13 H0 Won the vote over Donald to the final wildcard slot after enjoying a marginally less indifferent season than his rival. A talismanic figure following his eight appearances, he brings the necessary gravitas to a team that will need a few older heads to calm the nerves.

September 2014 / Issue 236

USA BUBBA WATSON Age: 35 Caps: 2 (2010, 2012) RECORD: P11 W5 L5 H1 The top-ranked player in the US standings has notched just one top-10 finish since his victory at the Masters. He has a tendency to get tense over short putts and can let his head drop when things aren’t going his way, neither of which are ideal for Ryder Cup golf. RICKIE FOWLER Age: 25 Caps: 1 (2010) Record: P3 W0 L1 H 2 Fowler was one of the bright spots of the US team at Celtic Manor in 2010, where he fought back to bag two vital half points. A revelation in the majors in 2014, he will be one of Watson’s biggest assets, although he will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders for someone still so relatively inexperienced at this level. JIM FURYK Age: 44 Caps: 8 (97, 99, 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12) Record: P30 W9 L17 H4 The oldest player on the US team is also the one coming into the matches with the best form, having posted nine top-10s in 2014. Despite his immense talent, he boasts a poor Ryder Cup record, having won

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less than a third of his 30 matches. JIMMY WALKER Age: 35 Caps: 0 Despite winning three times during the 2013-2014 season, Walker remains something of an unknown quantity. His third win came in February, and although he has been impressive in big events, he has also missed a few cuts. As a Ryder Cup rookie, he may well be reduced to a bit-part role. PHIL MICKELSON Caps: 9 (95, 97, 99, 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12) Record: P38 W14 L18 H6 The mercurial left-hander owes his place in the team to his runner-up finish at the PGA Championship (and his win at The Open in 2013). However, that was also his first top-10 finish all year, and he seems to reserve his best efforts for the majors as he enters the twilight of his career. MATT KUCHAR Caps: 2 (10, 12) Record: P7 W3 L2 H2 Has posted just two top-10 finishes since his win at the RBC Heritage in April. He also withdrew from last month’s PGA Championship with back spasms. A good putter on his day, expect to hear annoying ‘Cooooooch’ roars if he gets it going.

JORDAN SPIETH Age: 21 Caps: 0 The sensation of the 2013 season, Spieth has enjoyed just one top-10 finish since The Players in May. Performed well enough in last year’s Presidents Cup, winning 2.5 points in twoman play, but lost his singles match. Nerves will play a big part in how he performs. PATRICK REED Age: 24 Caps: 0 Reed has recorded just one top-10 finish since labeling himself one of the ‘top five players in the world’ after his victory at the WGC-Cadillac in March. A rookie with virtually no experience of playing outside of America, expect Reed to be sparsely used by Watson. ZACH JOHNSON Age: 38 Caps: 3 (06, 10, 12) Record: P11 W6 L4 H1 The former Masters The former Masters champ has never been on a winning Ryder Cup side, and was the last player to qualify for the team. He has just two top-10 finishes since January and just one top-20 since The Players, all of which points to a man who is out of form.

TEAMS How happy are you with the 12 men you have at your disposal? I’m wonderfully happy with the team, from the nine players that made it automatically, and from my wild card choices. I believe that every player has the ability to play great golf and compete at the highest level in the Ryder Cup. My job as a captain is to inspire them. I’ve talked with all the players had about how they feel about the Ryder Cup, and they have left it very clear that they are motivated to the nth degree to win this Ryder Cup, and that’s all I can ask of them. What were your overriding reasons for picking Bradley, Mahan and Simpson as your wild cards? You want players that are playing well or those that are starting to show some real good form, and all three players have shown that. The other factor that I look at most is the gut factor. Can that man play under pressure? Can that man hit the shots under pressure? They tick that box as well. What do you think the players that were in the team at Medinah have learnt from that defeat? Not to get complacent. They got complacent, and each seemed to be relying on another player to win it for them. That’s a natural reaction when you have a big lead. The flip side of that coin is that you play more conservatively. You change your style. Players playing with a lead sometimes back off, while those coming from behind put the pedal to the metal. That’s what happened in 2012.

KEEGAN BRADLEY Age: 28 Caps: 1 (12) Record: P4 W3 1L H0 Bradley was one of the few bright lights to emerge from the mess up at Medinah, with his 3-1-0 record being among the best on the home side. A natural partner for Mickelson again, his length off the tee and ability to shoot plenty of birdies is ideal for the match play format. WEBB SIMPSON Age: 29 Caps: 1 (12) Record: P4 W2 L2 H0 Simpson has been a consistent performer since his US Open win in 2012, with regular top 10s maintaining his world ranking. He won at the beginning of 2014, and has had nine top-10s. He teamed up with Bubba Watson to win both their fourball matches at Medinah. HUNTER MAHAN Age: 32 Caps: 2 (08, 10) Record: P8 W3 L2 H3 Mahan is one of the few players with a winning record in the Ryder Cup, although he lost that vital match against McDowell at Celtic Manor that gave Europe the cup. Was always likely to get a captain’s pick following his victory in The Barclays last month.

GolfNews profiles the 24 players and two captains that will go into battle at Gleneagles

“WE’VE GOT MORE THAN ENOUGH STAR POWER OF OUR OWN TO WIN THE CUP BACK” USA captain Tom Watson talks about the balance of his team and his preparations for winning a Ryder Cup on foreign soil for the first time since 1993 What do you make of the European team? On paper, there’s no question that they look stronger than us. It’s full of star power, from Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Martin Kaymer, to Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose. They’re all good players that have been playing well. But we’ve got more than enough star power of our own to win this cup back. Our team has got that motivation to win back their pride, and I’m going to lay that on them. I think that’s a great motivator. How do you think the players will cope with conditions at Gleneagles? The first thing I did when I knew I was going to be captain was to check the weather at Gleneagles in later September on weather.com. I found the temperature is going to be, on average, 56 degrees, with a low of 48. Players will have to make sure that they have the proper clothing

for playing in cold weather. It could be windy. It could be raining. Coming off the PGA Tour at that time of year, they are definitely going to be in for a shock. How much of an advantage is it for Europe to have been playing the Centenary course under tournament conditions these past few years? It’s a clear advantage to have the knowledge of the course under all conditions – they’ll know the type of shot to play in certain wind directions, for example. We are just going to have to ramp up our preparation and get to know the course the best we can. These players do it for a living, so I’m not too concerned about them getting to know the course. Any thoughts on possible pairings? I do, but I’m not going to share them with you at

this point. I will assess how they are playing their practice rounds, how they measure up to the golf course as I see it, and how they see it, and how their caddies see it. I’ll gather information from a lot of different sources, and that’s how I’ll assess my pairings. That’s how I did in ’93 and that’s how I’ll do it this time. Finally, How much are you looking forward to the whole event? Ever since I was captain in 1993, I had always hoped that I would have the opportunity again to be the captain again, as it was such a great experience. I watch every shot from start to finish every time it’s on, and I still get that feeling in the gut of the nerves that I went through, not only as a captain, but also as a player. It’s one of those great pleasures in life to be able to watch a golfing event with that type of feeling inside you. I love it.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE

TO GLENEAGLESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PGA CENTENARY COURSE

2 1st, Bracken Brae Par 4, 426 yards The nervy opening hole requires a drive down the left side of the fairway to avoid the bunker on the right, leaving a good angle for the approach shot. The green, slightly raised above the fairway, is bunkered at the front and back, and lies at an angle.

4 1

2nd, Wester Greenwells Par 5, 516 yards The first of four par fives sets up an early eagle chance. A good drive will favour the right centre of the fairway, leaving big hitters with a chance to reach the green. The safe play is to lay up to around 100 yards, avoiding the water short left and bunkers on the right side. There is a pot bunker hidden at the back of the green to catch anything hit long. 3rd, Schiehallion Par 4, 431 yards The drive up the centre left, to avoid the cluster of bunkers on the right, opens up the green for an early birdie chance. However, an uphill approach shot makes it impossible to see the bottom of the flag, while a very narrow entrance to the sloping green will ensure players have to be very accurate with their second shots. 4th, Gowden Beastie Par 3, 239 yards The first of the four short holes is also the longest, playing anything from a 5-iron to a 3-wood from the back tee. The green is slightly raised, so the tee shot needs to be hit high and long enough to carry onto the three-tiered putting surface. Anything short will hit a bank and roll back onto the fairway, leaving a very tricky up and down, while anything hit short left will find a large bunker. 5th, Crookit Cratur Par 4, 461 yards Rated the hardest hole on the course, the bold shot is to drive to the left-centre of the fairway to give a good line into the green, although the safer line is to the right, as trees encroach on the left-hand side of the fairway, catching anything going slightly left. The green is well protected at the front and sides. Expect to see plenty of players going long, especially with the marsh short and right of the green.

6th, Mickle Skelp Par 3, 201 yards Tee shots hit slightly right should kick in off a bank onto the green on this picturesque par three, but anything left will find a bunker or drop down into heavy rough, leaving a difficult up and down. The narrow green has a pronounced ridge running through the middle and a tee shot landing on the opposite side of this ridge from the pin leaves a very challenging putt. 7th, Larch Gait Par 4, 468 yards A left-to-right dogleg, the perfect drive is down the right side, just avoiding the bunker, although the safer play is to go down the left centre, which leaves a much longer approach shot. The uphill approach is blind to a plateau green, and anything left short will kick down to the left, leaving a difficult shot to the putting surface.

September 2014 / Issue 236

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8th, Sidlin’ Brows Par 4, 419 yards Another excellent matchplay hole, with strategy required to avoid the cross-diagonal fairway bunkers. The safest line is towards the furthest fairway bunker on the right. The tee shot should kick left, down through the saddle to the middle of the fairway. Big hitters can carry the fairway bunkers, leaving a very short pitch to a heavily-contoured green.

SKY DEDICATES CHANNEL TO RYDER CUP

9th, Crook o’ Moss Par 5, 618 yards The front nine finishes with the course’s 11th, Laich Burn longest hole, although it will still be reachable Par 4, 350 yards in two by the longest hitters. The drive should Most players will be hitting an iron off the tee to be aimed down the centre avoid the ditch at the 280-yard between the fairway bunkers. mark and to give a full wedge into PGA CENTENARY The carry to the green is long the long, angled green, which is COURSE, and dangerous, so those laying protected by bunkers on both GLENEAGLES up will need to aim left to leave sides and offers no obvious bailout a straightforward pitch up the areas. Any approach coming up Hole Par Yards length of the narrow green, short runs the risk of rolling back 1 4 426 which falls away to the left. into the burn. 2 5 516 10th, Sleekit Howe Par 3, 208 yards Played from an elevated tee, this hole requires anything from a mid-iron to a hybrid depending on the wind direction. The green has a ridge running through it – making distance control even more essential – and is protected by bunkers on either side, with an area of rough extending below and beyond the bunker on the left.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 431 3 239 4 461 3 201 4 468 4 419 5 618 36 3779

10 3 208 11 4 350 12 4 445 13 4 481 14 4 320 15 4 463 16 5 543 17 3 194 18 5 513 36 3779 Total 72

7,296 yards

12th, Carn Mairg Par 4, 445 yards A good drive will hug the left side avoiding the two fairway bunkers, leaving only a short iron into a green protected by bunkers front left and back right. The putting surface has a pronounced ridge running across it, making club selection vital to leave a level putt for birdie. 13th, Wimplin’ Wyne Par 4, 481 yards A challenging par four as the matches get into the business end. The best line from the tee is to skirt the bunker on the right side for the best possible angle on the approach. Even after a good drive, it is still a long iron or hybrid into a raised, undulating green that is guarded by a hidden bunker short right and a small bunker on the left. 14th, Nebit Knowe Par 4, 320 yards A classic Ryder Cup hole, with a chance to go for

the green and lay down the gauntlet to your opponents. Big hitters will be tempted to take the risk and go for the left side of the green, but four small bunkers surrounding the putting surface making it a tough target to find with a driver or 3-wood, let alone a wedge from the fairway. Missing the green short right leaves a tough up and down. 15th, Ochil Sicht Par 4, 463 yards Arguably the toughest hole on the back nine, this challenging par four requires a draw from the tee to set up an approach to a very narrow, long green guarded by two bunkers on the right, while the left-hand side falls away sharply to deep rough.

16th, Lochan Loup Par 5, 543 yards This reachable par five offers another chance to open up some daylight at the business end of the road. If the tee shot finds the fairway, strategic players will lay-up short of the water - not too far back - and then play the approach onto the narrow green, while longer hitter will fancy their chances of reaching a putting surface which is heavily contoured and has a slight step in the back left corner. 17th Ca’ Canny Par 3, 194 yards A mid-iron is usually the right choice of club on this lengthy short hole. There is a ridge running up the green making long putting difficult, while two deep greenside bunkers on the left encourage player to aim for the right half of the green. A tee shot that drifts too far right will find yet another well placed bunker. The penalty is a very difficult up and down to a green that slopes away from the player.

Sky Sports is giving over an entire channel to this month’s Ryder Cup, offering two weeks’ exclusive live television coverage of the biggest event in the sport. For the first time in the broadcaster’s history, Sky Sports 4 will become ‘Sky Sports Ryder Cup’ and will show over 330 hours of golfing action across 14 days, including 36 hours of live coverage from Gleneagles. The channel goes live at 6am on Thursday, September 18 and continues until 6am on Thursday, October 2. Sky Sports Ryder Cup will include preview shows from Sunday to Thursday of Ryder Cup week, the official opening and closing ceremonies, exclusive interview specials with Paul McGinley and Ian Poulter, and a special preview show on 21 September with guest appearances from former Ryder Cup captains Sam Torrance and Tony Jacklin. The channel will also show the official films from previous Ryder Cups including the ‘Miracle of Medinah,’ a highlights show every evening between 7pm and 10pm and ‘How The Ryder Cup Was Won’ from the following Monday. As for its coverage of the Tours, regular presenter David Livingstone will be joined in the studio by former winning European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, coach to US Ryder Cup stars Butch Harmon, while on Sunday, Jack Nicklaus will also be in the studio. Ewen Murray and Bruce Critchley will be the anchor commentators, alongside Rob Lee and Mark Roe. The BBC will be showing highlights of the three tournament days on BBC2, while BBC Radio 5 Live will offer live coverage throughout.

18th Dun Roamin’ Par 5, 513 yards This stunning par-five closing hole offers a good birdie chance. The ideal line is left centre, avoiding the bunker at the corner of the dogleg. A lay-up short of the green would leave a simple pitch to a well-protected green. Bigger hitters can go for it in two, but missing the target can leave a challenging up and down. From the left, the approach is blind due to the mound behind the bunker.

RYDER CUP TICKET HOLDERS TREATED TO HIGH-TECH EXPERIENCE Ticket holders for this year’s Ryder Cup will be required to wear an electronic wristband enabling several ground-breaking innovations never previously seen at a sporting event. Spectators at Gleneagles will be given a radio frequency identification wristband which houses a tiny microchip. First allowoing them access to the site, the band will then allow them to interact in a number of activities around the course and enable their experiences to be shared easily on social media. Rather than having to

carry cash around or wait for card machines to connect, spectators will be able to use the wristband as a cashless payment system in certain areas. Visitors who get detached from a group will be able to locate stragglers using the wristband, as well as send credits to friends at the bar to ensure that they can get the drinks in. The chip located in the wristband is similar to that in a debit card, and will contain information about the wearer, which is then uploaded to the tournament website. Ryder Cup Europe has also been working with the Scottish Government to get 4G wireless connection at Gleneagles.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

LOCAL HERO It was a script straight out of Hollywood. With one event to go in Europe’s qualifying race for the Ryder Cup, it was Stephen Gallacher, a man who lives less than 40 miles from Gleneagles, who had a one last throw of the dice to gain automatic qualification and avoid giving European captain Paul McGinley the mother of all headaches. Gallacher needed to finish in the top two in the Italian Open to leapfrog Graeme McDowell and join Rory McIlroy et al as one of the nine qualifiers for this month’s contest in Perthshire. Anything less and the last of those coveted spots would go to McDowell, leaving the 39-year-old Scotsman having to rely on a wild card in his bid to play in his first Ryder Cup – a special event for his family and home club Bathgate due to past exploits, both as players and captains, by Stephen’s uncle Bernard and Eric Brown. Gallacher’s fate remained in his own hands, and boy did he grab it. Reaching the halfway point in the tournament 15 shots adrift of the runaway leader, Hennie Otto, and 12 shots behind the secondplaced man, his hopes looked remote to say the least. But rounds of 69 and 65 over the weekend saw him propel himself like a Ryder Cup-seeking rocket up the leaderboard to finish third – just one shot behind runner-up David Howell. Despite missing out on automatic qualification by the slimmest of margins, it was the sheer guts and fighting spirit that Gallacher showed on that fateful final day in Turin that made the difference in his selection over the likes of Luke Donald, Francesco Molinari and Joost Luiten, all of whom had strong cases for inclusion on past and current performances. The call from McGinley eventually came through at 8.30pm on September 1, following a day of ruminations by the captain and his advisors, and an anxious day of waiting for the phone to ring at the Gallacher household in East Lothian. “It was long, long day,” says the man who picked up the receiver to hear his fate. “I didn’t do much – I was in a bit of daze, to be honest. We went for a bit of dinner with the family,

and then the call came at 8.30pm. My first words to Paul were, “That’s fantastic wee man’, but I don’t remember much of the rest. He told me to go and have a few drinks and celebrate with the family, which is pretty much what we did. It’s 40 years since Scotland has had the Ryder Cup, and my generation probably won’t see it again back here, so I knew this was my only chance. I’m proud that I’ve managed to take it, whether it was a wildcard or not, and I feel like I deserve my place in the team.” An astute judge of character, McGinley recognised Gallacher’s passion and determination, both of which are essential when it comes to the heat of match play competition. Based purely on experience, it would have been easy for the captain to have looked elsewhere to make up the numbers. But it’s safe to say that other factors were at work, including Gallacher’s fine record over Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course, which amounts to seven top 10s in events over it since 2001 and a play-off defeat against Tommy Fleetwood just 12 months ago, after closing with rounds of 64 and 67. And let’s not forget his nationality. While McGinley said it played no part in his decision-making process, it would have been almost unthinkable, in this year of all years, for a Scotsman to have been left out of the party at Gleneagles. No-one could be more proud of Gallacher’s selection than his uncle, Bernard Gallacher, the former Ryder Cup captain who could be seen strutting around Wentworth like a proud peacock after the official announcement was made on September 2, while cousin Kirsty, the Sky Sports presenter, was the first to hit the social media channels to boast about her relation’s achievement. And it was Uncle Bernard that first provided the inspiration for him to embark on this journey into professional golf that has ultimately led him to this point. “I can remember watching my uncle at the Ryder Cup in Palm Beach in 1983, when Europe defied the odds to run them so close,” says Gallacher. “I was transfixed

“It’s 40 years since Scotland has had the Ryder Cup, and my generation probably won’t see it again back here, so I knew this was my only chance”

Following a dramatic season that has seen him rise to the top of the game, Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher is set for a hero’s welcome when he tees it up at Gleneagles for his first taste of Ryder Cup action

from that moment, and it was my goal to play in it one day. Later on, it was Kiawah Island in 1991 that was the big one for me. I was watching at Bathgate Golf Club, and feeling terrible for my uncle, who was captain for the first time, when it came down to Bernhard Langer’s last putt and he missed. The Ryder Cup is in our blood, and it’s been my lifelong ambition to play my part in it. You go to my golf club and there are pictures everywhere, not just of Bernard, but also of Eric Brown, who played four times in the fifties and won all his singles. I always wanted to join them.” Gallacher Snr, for his part, has no doubt that his nephew belongs in this exalted company. “Stephen is good enough to play in a Ryder Cup, there is no question,” he said, following the announcement. “He has been playing his socks off this year, and if I was a captain I’d give him a really good look. He’s now in his late 30s, and I think he is reaching a more consistent level, and feels more confident. I think he now thinks he belongs playing among these elite fields, and that counts for an awful lot.” At two months shy of his 40th birthday, Gallacher will be Europe’s oldest debutant since England’s Brian Waites in that agonising, yet so promising defeat in 1983, when he tees it up at Gleneagles. It has been a long road in a career, which, for years, threatened not to deliver on his brilliant amateur potential. After playing in the victorious Walker Cup team in 1995, the 20-year-old Gallacher turned professional the following year amid great expectation. After four years toiling in the lower reaches of the European Tour’s order of merit, he finally broke into the top 100 in 2000, placing 56th. But he had to wait another four long years before achieving a breakthrough win, with victory coming at the cash-cow that is the Dunhill Links Championship in 2004. But rather than that being the catalyst for further success, he had to wait another decade – and the smaller matter of 201 events – before he managed to get his head in front again, and that came at last year’s Dubai Desert Classic, one of the tour’s showpiece events. He then proved that win was no flash in the pan by repeating the feat in March this year, which kick-started his chase for Ryder Cup points. Forays to America as a result of his rising world ranking have proved less successful this season, with six missed cuts from nine events, although a sixth place in the WGC Cadillac Championship in March did his Ryder Cup points tally no harm thanks to the €180,00 prize money. His major record, such that it is, has resulted in nine missed cuts from 16 appearances, and a best-placed finish of 15th in this year’s Open Championship. But all that will count for nothing when he steps onto the first tee at Gleneagles later this month, and hears the roar of the local crowds ringing in his ears. Then, and only then, will he have the chance to become the local hero he dreamed of being all those years ago.

September 2014 / Issue 236

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Storybehindthepic Bernhard Langer September 29, 1991. Ryder Cup, Kiawah Island, Florida

t’s one of the most famous putts in golf. Bernhard Langer stands over a sixfooter on the 18th hole of Kiawah’s Ocean Course at the 1991 Ryder Cup in his Sunday singles match against Hale Irwin. The home team had gained a one-point lead by the time the final pairing came up the 18th fairway all-square. Langer needed to win the hole for a 14-14 tie that would see Europe retain the cup after their win at the Belfry two years earlier. The Cup was in Langer’s hands. The German’s approach had ended up 30 feet from the hole, while Irwin missed the green with his second shot, then hit a poor chip 20 feet short of the pin. Langer’s bold first putt ran

six feet past, while Irwin’s came up two feet short. Langer conceded the putt, setting the stage for his Cup-deciding putt. With the surrounding dunes packed to capacity, Langer – who had battled the putting yips more than any top player in the history of the game – addressed the slippery left-to-right putt with his left-hand-low grip. He made a good stroke, but the ball slid agonisingly over the right edge of the hole and failed to drop, thus handing victory to the United States. Before the ugly scenes at Brookline in 1999, the 1991 Ryder Cup, which became known as ‘The War on the Shore’, and saw Dave Stockton’s team wearing camouflaged combat-style outfits on the opening day,

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was widely reviewed as the most antagonistic contest ever in the biennial series. The hostile nature became immediately apparent in the very first foursome on day one, when longtime adversaries Seve Ballesteros and Paul Azinger traded accusations of cheating and bad sportsmanship. It went downhill from there. Langer, thankfully, recovered quickly from his devastating miss – he won the German Masters the following week – and went on to play in four more Ryder Cups, and captain the winning European team in 2002. He has used a broomhandle putter to devastating effect since 1995, and only last month broke the record for the largest ever margin of victory in a major when

winning the Senior British Open by 13 shots. One of the upsides to Langer’s miss was that 21 years later, when another German, Martin Kaymer, stood over a six-foot putt to win the Ryder Cup at Medinah, the memories of Langer’s lapse hung over him so vividly that the young Kaymer later admitted that he could think about little else as he prepared to take the putt to pull off one of the most dramatic turnarounds in sporting history. Not wishing to add to the folklore of German misfortune, Kaymer sunk the putt with the coolness that became Langer’s trademark, and in doing so at least partially atoned for his fellow countryman’s miss two decades earlier.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

QUEEN OF SCOTS

Catriona Matthew, Scotland’s most successful woman golfer in the modern era, reveals her favourite things about her homeland and discusses her determination to play in at least one more Solheim Cup and, quite possibly, the 2016 Olympics What is your favourite place in Scotland and why? My favourite place is North Berwick. It’s home, and I feel very lucky to live in such a great place. I was born in Edinburgh, so I haven’t strayed too far in the last 40-odd years.

Then I will start out next year at Royal Melbourne in February. Next year is a Solheim Cup year. How important is it to be on the European team in Germany after the win in 2013? Obviously I want to be part of the team that wins three in a row.

What is the best thing about Scotland? The fact that wherever you go in the world, everyone knows where Scotland is, and has either visited there or it is top of their list of places to go. I think that is pretty special. Where would recommend to visit? Edinburgh for the culture, East Lothian for golf, and a quick trip to St Andrews to discover where it all started. You really need a good couple of weeks just to scratch the surface of Scotland. Even though I’ve lived here all my life, there are loads of famous places I have never been to. When you are not on tour, how do you spend a typical weekend? A typical weekend at home is up at 7 – the girls never sleep in – usually followed by a trip to the swimming pool, and a walk or play on the beach. How do you rate the next generation of Scottish player coming through on Tour? It has been great to see Kylie Walker start to break through. She is beginning to believe in herself a lot more, and be more patient on the course. Sally Watson has done well too, and has been consistent. She has been smart in that she has a good degree behind her from Stanford. How is women’s golf in Scotland? Women’s golf in Scotland, like Britain in general, is not as popular among the young. I think there is almost a missing generation of women between the ages of 30 and 45 in most golf clubs in Britain. Something needs to be done about that. Maybe more nine-hole competitions is the answer, so it doesn’t take so long. The pros should show an example too and play quicker. Who are your Scottish sporting heroes? I think Colin Montgomerie’s consistency over the years on the European tour, when he won seven in a row is incredible, and something that will be hard to ever repeat. Andy Murray is obviously the most high profile sportsman from Scotland, and has been unfortunate not to have won more grand slam events. Liz McColgan is my favourite sports woman because of her drive and never give up attitude. What do you miss from home when you travel? My kids, Katie and Sophie. What is your favourite Scottish saying?

Do you see yourself as a future captain? Absolutely. I would love to be captain in the not too distant future.

‘You’re a long time deid’. It means that you should enjoy life to the full and take advantage of all the opportunities you have, because we’re not around forever! How do you rate your current form? I have been playing steadily this season, and I believe I am very close to showing some good results. The Ladies European Tour has got a much deeper pool of talent these past few years. It’s also great to see the older players still hanging on in the there. Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson and Trish Johnson have all been playing much better this season, so there is hope for us oldies yet! How much time do you spend in Scotland? I spend more time in Scotland now and my schedule is limited to about 24 events a year, of which about 15 are in the US and the others are all over the world. Both the LPGA and LET are now global tours. How do you manage your time with two young daughters, competitions, practice and fitness? It’s tough to balance and luckily I have my husband Graeme at home to help. They have not been travelling with me much this past year and a half. My practice schedule on a non-tournament day is usually some kind of workout for about 45 minutes. I will then practice maybe for about 30 minutes, then go play nine holes, then do another hour or so practice after playing. Then I putt and chip for maybe an hour. I believe in quality practice, rather than length. Do what you need to do then get out of there! I see far too many people being at the course all day chattering on their phones thinking they are practising. What are your goals for the rest of this season? After the Evian, I have another six events: four in Asia, one in Mexico, and one in the US, so I would like to finish off the year strongly and snag a win.

What importance do you place on representing Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games? It is definitely something I want to be part of. It has kept me going these past few years and is a good goal to aim for. It is really the only event I have not competed in and I want to be part of it in 2016.

September 2014 / Issue 236

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September 2014 / Issue 236

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MEET THE PRO

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

Tim Cowley lifts the lid on life as the head professional at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in East Sussex How long have you been a PGA professional? Six years, after being made head professional when I was 25. I am pretty confident that I am the youngest head professional of any of the 34 Royal courses in the UK and Ireland – but I could be wrong! What is your day-to-day role at the club? As head professional, I have to combine a large number of skills, including teaching, running the shop, providing the very best customer service, as well as being a confidant to those members who are struggling with their games. One week their drives could be off, the next their drives are fantastic, but they are shanking their short irons. It is never dull! What’s the best thing about your job? Working in an environment where the people around you are there out of choice, as it creates a lovely environment to work in. Also interacting with people of widely differing ages form all walks of life. And the worst? Having to deal with difficult customer issues head on. Especially if it is the same customer! What can you tell us about the playing experience? We have two 18-hole courses, both of which are rated very highly. The Old Course is an extremely tough track on natural heathland. There is not a weak hole on either course, but the par threes on the Old are all sensational, ranging from 125 yards to 249 yards. They are all different and all a challenge. If you par every one of these, it is almost inevitable you will have a really good round. In a tough economic climate, what have you done to keep existing members and attract new ones? As well as improving the golfing experience, my philosophy is to always give quality of service, as I feel people will want to support you if you have their best interest at heart. I think I have a keen eye for noticing the finer details that go a long way to satisfying customers so that they will return, while always trying to keep service as high as possible. This is something that I work with my staff to ensure it is always achieved. What is the club doing to attract juniors? We have initiatives that see us integrating with many of the local schools and headmasters. It allows us to target local

juniors for the golf club. How much time do you spend teaching? Working 11-hour days, six days a week in the summer can be a tiring prospect, but I love teaching and am happy to offer any of my time to members or visitors for lessons. About a third of my time is taken up with teaching, with the rest spent catching up with other duties or things that involve running the business. I have one other member of staff, who happens to be my brother, who also teaches here. I do not like to spend all my time teaching on the range, as I feel my time behind the till and mucking in with shop life is just as important. What’s selling well in the pro shop at the moment? Motocaddy power trolleys, as we are hilly; Callaway clubs; Peter Millar clothing, and our handmade Royal Ashdown dog collars. I had them made to the club colours with dog tags included, as you cannot be a member at Ashdown without owning at least one dog! What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received? Never let your right shoulder stop moving when you’re hitting a pitch shot. What are your favourite course in the UK and the world? In the UK it would be Notts Golf Club in Hollinwell, while Valderrama in Spain takes the world title. Who is your golfing hero and why? Angel Cabrera. He’s pure class and feel when he is on form. He’s also a charismatic character, too. Who inspired you to take up golf? No one – I just had a go at it when I was younger, along with every other sport, and just seemed to enjoy it.

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Which three other people would be in your dream fourball? Angel Cabrera, Paula Creamer and Charley Hull. What would you have done if you hadn’t have been a pro? Dreamt that I was one!

To book a round at Royal Ashdown visit royalashdown.co.uk or call 01342 822018.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

TOM LEWIS TIPS FROM THE TOUR

PERFECT YOUR PRACTICE!

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.

European Tour professional Tom Lewis reveals how to get the best out of your time spent on the range

1. ALWAYS HAVE A TARGET IN MIND My dad is the head professional at the Gosling Driving Range in Welwyn Garden City, and I have lost count of the number of times I have been there and seen amateurs hit shot after shot without first selecting a target. That is pointless, because unless you take aim at a target, you will lose out on the feedback you get from knowing you are consistently hitting the ball 20 yards left or right of where you want to go. All ranges have targets, so pick one and be careful to line up to it. In this instance, my target is the flag on the green, and I will make sure I am lined up on every shot I hit.

2. PRACTISE WITH A PURPOSE

3. PRACTISE WITH A FRIEND

I have a clear goal or a number of clear goals in mind every time I go out to practise, and to help me to achieve those goals I often divide my practice balls into groups of five. That’s always a good idea, because it helps me to focus on what I’m working on in my swing. There are a few things I work at on a regular basis. One of those is keeping my feet quiet during the swing, and when I am working on that I will organise my balls into groups of five, and then concentrate on that while I hit the first group of five before stepping back and assessing what I have just done. If I am happy with the results, I might focus my thoughts on something else for the next group of five; but if I have any doubts at all I will repeat the exercise until my feet are as quiet as I want them to be. This is a good way to practise, because it keeps you fresh mentally, and ensures you remain totally focussed on what you are trying to do.

I’m fortunate because I normally have my coach or my caddie with me when I’m practising, and he will be to able to check the fundamentals are correct in my swing. That’s why I recommend that amateurs should practise with a friend whenever possible. He or she can check the basic things like your grip, alignment, stance and posture, and can also be useful when you are working towards a specific goal. In the past, I have had a tendency to move my head back as I reach impact, and then flick at the ball with my hands. To counteract that sometimes I ask a friend to stand holding a club against the right hand side of my head, so that I know when I have done it. You can do something similar if you have a tendency to move your head up or down during the swing. In that case you could get a friend to stand with a club on top of your head, so that you get instant feedback as soon as your head starts to move.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

TOUR NEWS

News in Brief SEVEN NATIONS BID TO HOST 2022 RYDER CUP

Donaldson earns Ryder Cup debut with Czech win Welshman Jamie Donaldson secured his first appearance in the Ryder Cup after winning the Czech Masters in Prague. The 38 year old had needed a top-seven finish to seal a debut spot in the Europe team for this month’s contest against the USA at Gleneagles. And he gained his third European Tour win when beating compatriot and overnight leader Bradley Dredge by two shots after

a final-round 68 to finish 14 under par. “It’s been an amazing week,” said Donaldson. “I needed to play well either this week or next to guarantee my place in the Ryder Cup team, so there was a lot on the line. Winning is everything: wins shoot you up world rankings, Race To Dubai, all sorts.” Donaldson opened the final day with three successive birdies to take the lead, though he lost it to Denmark’s Soren

Kjeldsen with a bogey at the fourth. The lead continued to change hands until Donaldson made the most of two Kjeldsen bogeys to open up a twoshot lead with a birdie at the 10th. He stayed in front after that and could even afford to bogey the 17th on his way to victory. It was the first Welsh one-two on the European circuit, with Dredge still without a success since the last of his two Tour victories in 2006.

Woods sacks swing coach Foley After another season without a major victory to his name, Tiger Woods has sacked his swing coach, Sean Foley. Woods, who is taking three months off from the game in order to recover from a back injury, revealed on his website at the end of August that he will no longer be working with Foley, the 39-year-old Canadian whom he hired when his game was at its low point following the upheaval with his marriage. ‘’I’d like to thank Sean for his help as my coach and for his friendship,’’ Woods said. ‘’Sean is one of the outstanding coaches in golf today, and I know he will continue to be successful with the players working with him.’’ With his scheduled return to competition

penciled in for December, Woods said it was the right time to look for another coach. Foley, who also looks after Justin Rose and Hunter Mahan, was dignified in response to his dismissal, saying: ‘’My time spent with Tiger is one of the highlights of my career so far, and I am appreciative of the many experiences we shared together. It was a lifelong ambition of mine to teach the best player of all time in our sport. I am both grateful for the things we had the opportunity to learn from one another, as well as the enduring friendship we have built. I have nothing but admiration for him.’’ Foley was the third coach Woods hired during his professional career, following on from Hank Haney and Butch Harmon.

Kingsbarns to host Women’s British Open Kingsbarns Golf Links is to host its first major championship in three years’ time, after it was announced as the venue for the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2017. Host to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship since 2001, the 2010 Open Final Qualifying and the 2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open Final Qualifying, the Kyle Philllip-designed links has been widely acclaimed since opening 14 years ago, and is currently ranked 18th in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Best Courses Outside of the United States. Art Dunkley, director of Kingsbarns Golf Links said: “People have said many flattering things about our course and facilities since we opened in 2000, but being selected to host our first major championship is the greatest accolade of all.”

Otto foils Gallacher’s Italian job Stephen Gallacher fell just short in his bid to automatically qualify for the Ryder Cup, as he finished third behind South Africa’s Hennie Otto at the Italian Open in Turin, although thankfully his gutsy performance earned him a captain’s pick just two days later. The Scotsman needed to win or finish joint second with just one other player to dislodge Graeme McDowell from the ninth place in the European team for Gleneagles. In the end he was one shot away from achieving the feat, with a final round 65 seeing him finish behind winner Otto and David Howell to miss out by the narrowest of margins. “It was a tall order to finish first or second – I’ve only had a couple of them in a year. But I’m proud of myself and the way I played,” said Gallacher, who was announced as one of Paul McGinley’s three wild card picks just 48 hours later. “It comes down to someone else’s opinion. I wanted to qualify myself to take that away.” Starting the final round in sixth place, four shots back of overnight leader Otto, Gallacher needed just 30 shots to cover the front nine. His blistering start took him up to second place at 16 under par for the tournament, raising the real possibility he could clinch an automatic place in McGinley’s side in style by winning the title. However Howell threw a spanner in the works by moving past him on the leaderboard with a final round 63. The pair were locked together on 17 under until Howell sunk a long-range birdie putt at the 15th, moving him one clear with both men having three holes left to play. Gallacher proved unable to close the gap as his round ended with six straight pars. Otto fired a final round 68 to complete his third European Tour win, the first of which came at the same event in 2008.

Kirk beaming after Boston tee party! Chris Kirk fired a final round 66 to win the Deutsche Bank Championship and put himself in the hunt to win the $10m FedEx Cup. The American played the final 36 holes alongside Rory McIlroy and outplayed the world number one, who signed for a 70 to finish four shots behind. Kirk’s 15-under total in Boston saw him win by two shots from Billy Horschel, Russell Henley and Geoff Ogilvy. After posting an opening round 73, Kirk shot 66, 64 and 66 over the next three days, finishing with a bogey-free last 18 holes. “It’s my biggest ever win,” said Kirk. “I may be a little bit more calm, but I was still freaking out a bit inside.” Kirk failed to win a Ryder Cup wildcard with his performance, but the win saw him move into first place in the FedEx Cup standings, just ahead of McIlroy. The Open champion had four bogeys by the 12th hole of his final round, leaving himself too much to do over the closing holes.

Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey have all expressed an interest in bidding to host the Ryder Cup in 2022. After receiving the official bids, Ryder Cup officials will undertake meetings and inspection visits before the end of the year, with the winning bid being announced next autumn.

HORSCHEL HOLDS OFF GARCIA IN ATLANTA American Billy Horschel won the BMW Championship by two shots as Sergio Garcia’s challenge collapsed. Horschel led by three going into the final round in Denver and sealed victory with a one-under-par 69. Garcia was within two shots of the lead with two holes to play, but the Spaniard carded a triple-bogey eight at the 17th as Bubba Watson took second place. Rory McIlroy fired a finalround 66 to finish in a tie for eighth, but needed to win the Tour Championship in Atlanta in order to stand a chance of winning the FedEx Cup.

LIPSKY DEFIES STORM IN SWITZERLAND American David Lipsky survived a play-off against Graeme Storm to win the European Masters in Switzerland. The 26-year-old recovered from finding a bunker and the rough on the replayed 18th hole for a par four, after overnight leader Storm’s disastrous drive resulted in a bogey. Both players have now secured their European Tour cards for next year.

MICKELSON QUITS FEDEX TO FOCUS ON RYDER CUP Phil Mickelson withdrew from the BMW Championship after the second round citing that he wanted to focus on practicing for the Ryder Cup. The 44-yearold was 14 shots off the lead and tied for 63rd after a six-over 76, and needed a top-four finish to have a chance of qualifying for the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

EQUIPMENT NEWS

THE GEAR EFFECT WINNERS’ BAGS ON TOUR HUNTER MAHAN  The Barclays DRIVER: Ping G25 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 913 F.d (15)  HYBRID: Ping i25 (17) IRONS: Ping S55 (3-PW) WEDGES: Ping i25 (54, 59) PUTTER: Ping  TR Anser 2 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x  JAMIE DONALDSON D+D REAL Czech Masters DRIVER: TaylorMade SLDR (9.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade RBZ Tour (15), Callaway Big Bertha SteelHead III (19) IRONS: Ping i15 (3-9) WEDGES: Titleist C-C (48, 54, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa Sabertooth BALL: Titleist Pro V1x CAMILO VILLEGAS  Wyndham Championship DRIVER: TaylorMade JetSpeed (13) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade SLDR (17) HYBRID: TaylorMade SLDR (21) IRONS: TaylorMade TP CB (5-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP ATV Grind (52, 58, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Select Newport Squareback BALL: TaylorMade TP

FootJoy unveils latest wet weather gear FootJoy’s new Autumn/Winter 2014 Performance Apparel Collection offers a balance of comfort, style and performance, with the diverse range of winter layering garments staying true to the company’s mantra of ‘Making Every Day Playable’. The high-tech waterproof rainwear garments, DryJoys Tour XP and HydroLite maintain their flagship status within the 2014 range, and have been re-styled in fresh new colours to reflect fashion trends. Other categories include the innovative new FJ Hybrid jacket. Designed to be worn on and off-course, these pieces feature

strategically-placed insulation panels in key areas and a durable woven shell outer layer for added warmth performance. The collection is comprised of base layer, fashion pullover, essential shirts and performance trouser categories. FJ’s tour-proven DryJoys Tour XP technology delivers 100 per cent

MARC WARREN Made in Denmark

BERNHARD LANGER Dick’s Sporting Goods Open

INBEE PARK Wegmans LPGA Championship DRIVER: Srixon XXIO7 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade RBZ Tour (14.5, 18) HYBRID: TaylorMade RBZ Tour (21) IRONS: Srixon XXIO (5-PW)  WEDGES: Cleveland TA 588 TZG (47, 51, 57) PUTTER: Odyssey Sabertooth BALL: Srixon Z-Star HENNIE OTTO Italian Open DRIVER: TaylorMade JetSpeed (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Tour (14.5) HYBRID: Adams Idea Super DHy (21.5) IRONS: TaylorMade TP MC (3-5), TaylorMade TP MB (6-9) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX (48, 54, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Select Fastback+ BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV CHRIS KIRK Deutsche Bank Championship DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha V-Series (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway X2 Hot Pro (15) HYBRID: Ping Anser (17) IRONS: Callaway RAZR X Muscleback (3-9) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (47, 54, 58) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa Metal-X Milled #9 HT BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

LYNX GOLF has taken action to stop the sale of counterfeit products by a UK-based golf distributor. Fake Lynx products were discovered for sale on online auction website ebay, and after Lynx’s legal team tracked down the distributor an out of court settlement was agreed. Lynx’s chief financial officer Stephanie Zinser said: “Fake golf products are a scourge of our industry and it’s an issue which we take very seriously. As we grow as a brand we do expect this to become more of an issue, sadly, as there are plenty of unscrupulous people in and around the industry who are looking to make a fast buck out of other people’s success.

But we won’t tolerate it and rest assured that anyone who tries to distribute and sell counterfeit Lynx product will be dealt with.” She added: “It’s not just our own brand that is damaged by fakers – the whole golf industry itself suffers if any sub-standard counterfeit products go unchecked. We all have a responsibility to take action.” Lynx agreed an offer of damages after the distributor acted quickly to shut down its supply chain and gave assurances not to repeat the fraud.

Bunker Mentality offers ‘best of British’

DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha V Series (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway Big Bertha Pro (16) UTILITY IRONS: Callaway X Utility Prototype (18, 21) IRONS: Callaway X Forged (4-9) WEDGES: Callaway X Forged (48, 54, 58) PUTTER: Odyssey ProType iX BALL: Callaway Speed Regime 3

DRIVER: Adams SpeedLine Fast 12 LS (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Adams Tight Lies (12.5) HYBRIDS: Adams Idea Pro (18, 22) IRONS: Ben Hogan Apex (4-5), Adams Idea Pro Black MB (6-PW) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX (56), Titleist Vokey Design SM5 (60) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball BALL: Titleist Pro V1

waterproof protection, while a four-way stretch shell allows golfers to swing in complete freedom.

LYNX cracks down on counterfeiters

Golf retailer supports injured servicemen Equipment retailer American Golf has announced its support of the country’s only services golf charity, The On Course Foundation. The OCF supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through the medium of golf. As well as training and teaching golf skills, OCF strives to create work experience and employment opportunities within the golf industry, and will be working alongside American Golf to identify opportunities across its 105 stores in the UK and Ireland. Speaking at one of the OCF’s nationwide three-day training events held at Portal Golf & Country Club, Diane Greenland, human resources director at American Golf, said: “OCF is such a unique and inspiring organisation. It offers tangible benefits to its members, as so many of the people we met at the event explained. They play a valuable role in reshaping people’s lives and we are really proud to be able to help them achieve their goals.” John Dodds, fundraising manager at the On Course Foundation: “With many of our members lacking self-belief, it’s been our aim to help them realise their potential within the golf industry and set them on a fulfilling career path. American Golf is a great partner for us, as they have a range of full- and part-time positions covering the whole country.” One injured servicemen to have already benefitted from the association is Rick Webb (pictured) who was injured in Afghanistan in 2012. As a keen golfer and active member of OCF, he wanted to explore retail and event opportunities within the golf industry. He undertook a part-time work experience placement at American Golf in Basingstoke and also attended two ‘look-at-life’ experiences, where he met with an area sales manager from Titleist and assisted with the event management of the Golf Club Managers Association national competition at Royal Blackheath Golf Club.

Golf fashion brand Bunker Mentality has unveiled its spring-summer 2015 collection – the first in several years that will be fully available in the UK. The company says the collection can be summed up as a reflection of modern British golf. Alongside the ClubHouse lifestyle collection is the on-course collection, Branded Fundamentals and, for golfers that like technical clothing, there is CMax. All of the designs showcase confident, dynamic colours with eye-catching details. Robert Hart, creative director, said: “We create and design all our collections in our office in Nottinghamshire. Design always leads everything we do, and attention to detail in product development creates special points of interest on each garment. For us style is important, playing golf in style is a form of self-expression, so we work hard to create clothing that express our mentality.” To check out the latest range of apparel, including jackets, polos, knitwear and accessories, visit bunkermentality.com.

FootJoy launches online glove guide Market-leading glove brand FootJoy has launched a new website dedicated to teaching golfers how a properly-fitting glove can enhance performance. Golfgloveguide.com incorporates instructional and experiential content, outlining the five most important aspects pertaining to a glove’s performance: equipment, grip, fit, durability and care. According to FootJoy ambassador and world no2 Adam Scott, finding the best golf glove for you is crucial. He said: “All of the feel in your golf game comes through your hands. It is so important that I have good feel through my glove, as my hands are connected to the club, which is doing all of the work.” FootJoy currently offers 10 different models of glove, from the tour-level Pure Touch and StaSof designs, to the StaCool for humid conditions and the GTXtreme, WeatherSof and WinterSof models that are ideal for playing in wet and cold weather.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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September 2014 / Issue 236

WAKE-UP GET READY TO THE NEW FOR THE SRIXON SERIES

NEW FACE OF SPIN

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-inďŹ&#x201A;uenced 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

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September 2014 / Issue 236

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Cleveland Golf’s new 588 RTX 2.0 family of wedges offers yet more choice and more spin for a wider range of golfers Cleveland Golf’s all new 588 RTX 2.0 range builds on the success of the original 588 RTX, first released in 2013. The 588 RTX wedge literally changed the face of spin on its release, and was backed up by a trade-in promotion that saw over 30,000 wedges traded in across the UK since March 2013. The 588 RTX 2.0 range is set to further enhance Cleveland Golf’s reputation as a pioneer, innovator and leader in the wedge market. Hundreds of hours of testing and feedback generated by the world’s top players have gone into the production process, and creation of, the 588 RTX 2.0. Innovation in the wedge market is crucial to golfers around the world as the game is continuously evolving. Cleveland Golf’s own research has shown that 65 per cent of all shots are played from within 125 yards. As a result, golfers need to carry a greater number of wedges to hit accurate shots from close to the green. To address the needs of the modern golfer, Cleveland Golf looked at what factors lead to success or failure in the scoring zone. This research led to one common answer: versatility. From that research, Cleveland Golf has developed three distinct wedge grinds for the new 588 RTX 2.0 range, in two different head designs that are proven to optimise the short game for players of all abilities. For the improving wedge player, there is a more forgiving cavity back design, while for the better player, there is a traditional muscle-back head shape. This combination of grind options and head designs makes the 588 RTX 2.0 the most versatile wedge family Cleveland Golf has ever produced.

ROTEX FACE 2.0 Cleveland Golf has made three key advancements in the technology behind the Rotex face. Fourth-generation Tour Zip grooves now combine 15% sharper grooves and a deeper micro-milling to provide increased spin from the rough. Further to this, an advanced, two-pass micro-milling pattern provides a strategically-designed roughness, which is close to the USGA’s specified legal limit. This leads to increased friction and more spin, especially from inconsistent lies. A final layer of laser milling then fine-tunes the micro-roughness for more consistency and texture across the club face.

SOLE DESIGN 2.0 By creating three distinct grind options for the 588 RTX 2.0 wedge, Cleveland Golf has designed a comprehensive range that makes it easier than ever for any golfer to build a wedge set that maximises their performance based on turf conditions, playing preference and skill level. By progressively varying the wedge’s sole design according to bounce, Cleveland Golf has created an unmatched array of scoring tools, each with its own characteristics and features. The low bounce grind is easily identified by way of a dot on the sole, and is likely to suit golfers who play in firmer conditions. The low bounce grind keeps the leading edge of the sole close to the ground to enable aggressive lob shots and provide stability on square-faced full shots. Standard bounce (two dots) offers all-around playability and versatility, allowing golfers to execute a variety of shots from most conditions or lies. Cleveland Golf’s final grind option is the full sole, identified by three dots, which offers a constant sole width for higher effective bounce suited to softer conditions or players with a steeper angle of attack on the ball. The full sole allows golfers to use the sole of the club to their advantage around the greens. Players can benefit from the stability on full shots this sole grind offers, while the sole’s curvature still allows players to open up the clubface.

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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

LOFT OPTIONS & FINISHES Along with the choice of bounce, grind and head styles, there is a wide range of lofts for each model, with the men’s standard bounce grind blade available in ten lofts from 46 to 64 degrees. There is also a choice of tour satin or black satin finish to suit personal preference. For more information on Cleveland Golf 588 RTX 2.0 wedges and to view the full range of bounce, grind and loft options, please visit www.clevelandgolf. com from October 1.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

FootJoy Tour Compression Sock

Ryder Cup Polo Shirt

RRP: £12 Contact: footjoy.co.uk

RRP: £40 Contact: euroshop.rydercup.com

Few stones are left unturned when it comes to seeking an advantage in the professional game these days, so it should perhaps come as little surprise that the humble sock has been given a makeover in order to enhance its golfing performance. And who better to do that than FootJoy, the leading bringer of joy to all things footrelated in golf. Worn by the likes of Adam Scott and Lee Westwood, these souped-up socks offer support where it is needed most – the arch and ankle areas – to aid stability, while the shock-absorbing material, includes mesh ventilation zones to assist circulation and reduce foot fatigue. Each sock is also shaped to fit the left and right foot, and is marked as such to avoid confusion. They are available in Hi-Crew (long) and Sport (short) models, priced at £13 and £12.

Cheer on the boys in blue and yellow at this month’s Ryder Cup with a polo shirt replicating the European Union Flag. There are plenty of other official shirts to choose from in slightly more toned-down designs, all with the 2014 Ryder Cup logo, so that you can pretend to your friends that you actually went to Gleneagles, even if like most people, you stayed at home and watched it on the telly.

ECCO BIOM Zero RRP: £160 Contact: ecco.com Ecco has expanded its popular BIOM Zero range of golf shoes, which are designed to be used both on and off the course. The Danish brand’s lightest-ever shoe – weighing in at just 270g – is now offered in two distinct patterns in an array of different colour options. The BIOM Zero features two performance systems – Natural Motion and Ecco Dynamic Traction – which facilitate its lightweight and ground-hugging characteristics. The upper sits on an E-DTS outsole with approximately 100 traction bars and 800 traction angles, which is constructed from a highly durable material for tour-quality grip. It also boasts full-length foot support, a full-leather second skin lining and Hydromax tanned-in treatment for weather resistance.

SHOP

Callaway Apex MB irons RRP: £799 (3-PW) Contact: callawaygolf.com Designing a club that looks and performs better than the RAZR X muscleback irons took a lot of time and effort, but Callaway believes it has achieved just that with the launch of the new Apex MB irons. Combining all of the feel and performance expected from a blade, but with some built-in playability, the Apex MB is a classic muscleback blade with a thin topline and a look at address designed to provide players the confidence that they can hit any shot required. Forged from soft carbon steel that maximises feel, the Apex MB has a tour-inspired shape that makes it a true muscleback iron. Subtle tweaks have been made to the sole camber to improve turf interaction from a variety of lies, giving players more playability than they would typically expect from clubs of this type. It also borrows technologies found in a number of existing Callaway irons, including the groove structure and pattern that Callaway first developed for the Apex Pro irons. These high-performance grooves are widely spaced across the face to offer consistency of spin from all types of lies and across different playing conditions. To ensure they offer the trajectory control demanded by better players, the height of the centre of gravity is progressively changed by shifting the weight on the back of the head through the set. This means that the long irons launch more easil, while the short irons don’t balloon up in the air. The seven-club set is 4-PW, although 2- and 3-irons are available to order. The KBS Tour-V is the standard steel shaft, and a wide choice of custom options are available.

Mizuno MP-H5 irons RRP: £115 Contact: mizunoeurope.com The MP-H5 is a direct replacement of the MP Fli-Hi irons, and borrows elements of the latter, as well as the H4, to create a club that offers forgiveness and workability, while at the same time appealing to low handicappers. The topline and sole width is thinner than the H4, but they are easier to launch, courtesy of a progressive head design, which moves from a half-hollow construction in the more lofted models, to a full-hollow design in the lower lofts. The hollow construction drives weight low and deep in the head to improve launch conditions, particularly in the long irons.

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Ping Typhoon RRP: £129.99 Contact: pingcollection.co.uk When someone says there’s a typhoon going on in their trousers, it generally refers to something rather unpleasant – but that’s far from the case with Ping’s new golf-specific trousers of the same name, which, while stopping short of being designed for play during a tropical storm, are able to withstand a light downpour, thanks totheir built-in waterproof properties. Part of Ping Collection’s new Autumn/ Winter range, the Typhoon has been designed to look, feel and fit like a high-quality chino, but offers the performance of a pair of waterproof trousers. The material is laminated with a high-performance film which beads water away from the surface to keep your legs dry, yet unencumbered by heavy layers. A straight leg fit creates the silhouette of a classic chino, while a soft, stretchable lining, and an internal selfsizer waistband makes them even more comfortable to wear. They are available in 30-40 inch waist sizes, and 29-, 31- and 33-inch leg lengths, in grey or black.

Champ Grips RRP: £5.45-£19.90, Contact: champgrips.com Producer of the most popular spikes on tour, Champ has ventured into the grip market with five bold new designs. This includes the top-of-the -range C8 (£10.90), a premium offering infused with Kevlar an industry first - for the ultimate in hard-wearing resistance. Beyond its enhanced durability, the C8 incorporates an anti-shock wrap to absorb unwanted vibrations and a tacky compound to help in all weather conditions. Other styles include the C6 (£9.90), a two-tone rubber grip available in non-cord, half-cord and full-cord options, designed with extra support to dampen vibration and provide repeatable performance in all weather conditions. The C4 (£6.99), an all-rubber grip with a curve design that delivers optimal control and feel, while a convenient hand position guide makes it an allaround winner for players of all skill levels. And for those looking for a specialist putter grip, the C1 comes in three sizes – small (£13.90), medium (£18.90) and large (£19.90) – and is made from a soft, lightweight polyurethane material which incorporates a flat-front design for greater accuracy and control.

Srixon Soft Feel RRP: £30 Contact: srixon.co.uk The latest generation of Srixon’s two-piece Soft Feel ball combines a low compression Energetic Gradient Growth core with a Rabalon HR+ and Pana-Tetra dual blended soft ionomer cover to enhance feel and increase ball speed. Throw in a new 344 speed dimple pattern and you have a ball which launches high with low spin, comfortably making it Srixon’s longest Soft Feel ball to date. A new alignment marking helps players line the ball up for putting. It is available in men’s and women’s versions, both of which are available in Pure White and Tour Yellow for improved visibility.

TRIED &

TESTED GolfBuddy PT4 Rating: RRP: £299 Contact: golfbuddy.com The next generation of GolfBuddy’s Platinum device, the PT4, has received a significant upgrade from its predecessor and now features the slimmest design (16mm), highest resolution, and largest screen (four inches) than any other product in the handheld golf GPS market. Boasting a touch screen that works on movement rather than finger pressure, the PT4 offers Golfbuddy’s proprietary dynamic green view technology to provide precise distances to the front, middle and back of the green directly from the player’s angle of approach. Comprehensive target and hazard information is also included, as well as the opportunity to manually highlight fixed lay-up points, which makes it easier to get back on track, as well as play new courses. The pin on the green can also be dragged to its exact location to help zero-in on precise yardages. The PT4 will always pick up any hole you’re playing in ‘automatic’ mode, but it can also be switched to ‘manual’ so that the user can select each hole as they play it – ideal for shotgun rounds or when starting off on the back nine. The PT4 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. And, as with all GolfBuddy products, there are no expensive annual membership fees and no hidden costs to download courses or access premium features. The rechargeable lithium battery lasts for eight hours continuous play, and takes around 3-4 hours to fully recharge when drained of power. Once connected to your computer the download of recent rounds played is quick and the statistics given show you where the practice is needed. The swivel clip that comes with it works well enough, but a specific holder for fitting to a trolley would make it easier to read on the move. While many golfers are quite happy using a watch-based GPS for the most basic elements of course management, those who play a lot of different courses, and want to be fully armed with the facts, will appreciated the extra features offered by the PT4. It’s accurate yardages, easy-to-use interface – no fiddly button toggling required – coupled with its slim design, makes it the handheld GPS of choice for the iPhone generation.

Nike Golf Vapor irons RRP: £TBA Contact: nikegolfeurope.com NIike Golf has unveiled three new irons for launch in early 2015 – the Vapor Pro, Vapor Pro Combo, and Vapor Speed. All three boast a design feature Nike is calling Modern Muscle, which is essentially a modification of a standard muscle-back head that moves the iron’s centre of gravity to the centre of the clubface, for more efficient ball striking. Nike Golf’s design director, Andrew Oldknow, said: “Our goal was to create a visual look on the exterior of the club that defines what’s happening on the inside. Shifting weight away from the heel of the club for a more precise centre of gravity is what defines Modern Muscle, and that is distinctly visible across the three iron designs.” Rory McIlroy put a prototype of the Vapor Pro Combo 2-iron into his bag during his victory at Hoylake in July, and both the fourtime major winner and his Nike stablemate Tiger Woods have been involved in the process of bringing the clubs to market. With a modernised take on the classic blade, the Vapor Pro is Nike’s most precise iron to date. Moving up the handicap spectrum, the Vapor Pro Combo has the clean lines and workability of a blade with the power of a distance iron – resulting in the ultimate blend of precision and power, while the Vapor Speed delivers pure power for the golfer who wants maximum distance and forgiveness throughout the set.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Once the preserve of hackers, a driving iron is the must-have club for today’s better player

UTILITY ABILITY Mizuno MP-H4

Callaway APEX UT

RRP: £120 Contact: golf.mizunoeurope.com Mizuno’s MP-H4s have been specifically designed for those who struggle with both hybrids and traditionally-styled long irons. They feature a hollow construction head, which allows greater weight to be placed low and deep within the clubhead. The deeper weight position encourages a high launch angle and softer landing path, for control with longer approach shots. A grain flow forged face, neck and sole create additional face flex to produce higher ball speeds and a noticeable step up in distance. Thanks to Mizuno’s proprietary technologies like Grain Flow Forging and Harmonic Impact Technology, players can expect the MP-H4 to feel every bit as good as other Mizuno irons. They are available from 2-5 and can be custom fitted to mix with any MP iron set.

Titleist 712U RRP: £160 Contact: titleist.co.uk Available in three lofts – 18°, 21° and 24° – which are direct replacements for the 2-, 3- and 4-iron, the 712U features a hollow construction head made from forged high-grade steel that offers a deep centre of gravity for high-launching shots with high ball speeds off the face. A wide, cambered sole promotes clean turf interaction and makes it effective from a variety of attack angles, while a tapered-tip shaft also offers additional trajectory control. It is available for custom orders only – so don’t expect to find them in your pro shop.

RRP: £169 Contact: callawaygolf.com Unlike Callaway’s X Utility, which had a similar sole shape to the standard hybrid with an iron-like topline, the design brief behind Apex UT was to come up with a club that had the forgiveness of a hybrid in the body of an iron. Thus the UT features a taller version of Callaway’s steel cup face, which provides better consistency of ball speeds from impacts all over the face. A tungsten screw has also been added to the sole of the club to keep the weight low in the head, giving the driving iron a higher launch angle. Although the club has a hollow body design to boost forgiveness, an emphasis was placed on decreasing the blade length compared to X Utility in order to improve workability. It is available in 18°, 21° and 24° lofts and comes standard with KBS’s Tour-V steel shaft, or UST’s Recoil 680 F4 graphite shaft.

TaylorMade TP Ultimate Driving Iron

Ping Rapture Driving Iron

RRP: £149 Contact: taylormadegolf.eu

RRP: TBA Contact: ping.com

Used by Justin Rose during his victory at the Scottish Open, TaylorMade’s UDI is designed to keep ball flight down off the tee when the fairways are fast and hard. Outwardly, the UDI looks very similar to the company’s MC long irons, which feature a small cavity behind the face. However, the UDI has a hollow body and is available only in 1-iron (16°), 2-iron (18°), and 3-iron (20°) versions. All three clubs feature an internal dampener within the top of the face that works to improve sound and feel, while a slot cut into the sole allows the face to flex at impact – especially on shots hit low on the hitting area, which increases ball speeds and launch.

Stamped as a 2-iron and described as a ‘driving iron’, the Rapture features a thin steel face welded to a stainless steel body. By slimming down the face, more mass has been moved to the low, rear part of the clubhead. Heavy tungsten weights in the heel and toe – plus a tungsten-polymer plug in the sole – result in a club with a very low centre of gravity, making it more forgiving than a standard iron, but more playable than a hybrid. Despite all that low weight, it produces a workable, flat trajectory, making it ideal for playing in windy conditions, or when looking to play a low, running shot. It is currently only available with 17 ° of loft.

TRAVEL and

BREAKS

RENT OUT RORY’S PAD Stay and play at the world no.1’s former home p54

LIBERTY NATIONAL Sarah Stirk visits New York’s most exclusive club p55

CANARIES CALL Your guide to teeing it up in Tenerife p56-57

HOME & AWAY Golfbreaks.com’s tempting deals on the Kent Coast and Myrtle Beach p62

ME & MY TRAVELS Mark Bright reveals his favourite destinations p63

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September 2014 / Issue 236

News in Brief VOLVO MATCH PLAY TICKET OFFER The European Tour has announced a partnership between Golfbreaks. com and the Volvo World Match Play Championship which will give more than 500,000 golfers across the UK the chance to buy discounted tickets for the 50th anniversary of the tournament, held at London Golf Club from 15-19 October. Golfbreaks.com customers are entitled to a £10 discount on the season ticket price, and £5 on any oneday tickets. Full details are available at golfbreaks.com/volvo-worldmatchplay-championship.

PLAY WITH MONTY AT SLALEY HALL De Vere golf ambassador Colin Montgomerie is to host a VIP golf day at Slaley Hall in Northumberland on September 30. The exclusive event will give golfers the chance to play alongside two-time Senior Major champion, as well as enjoy superb off-course hospitality. Guests will also be able to hear the Ryder Cup star’s thoughts on all the action at Gleneagles, which finishes just two days earlier. To book a place, which costs £75pp, visit deveregolf.co.uk/ montyslaleyhall.

BREAKS

Have a ball at Heythrop With two on-site hotels and an 18-hole championship course, Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire provides the perfect short-break destination 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 18-hole course, health club and spa, together with state-of-the-art conference facilities. Located 30 minutes west of Oxford, 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 acres of majestic woodland providing a stunning canvas on which MacKenzie has worked wonders. Although the opening four holes are slightly pedestrian, as you move away from the house 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 203yard par-three 13th. Lakes, streams, huge rises and drops in elevation, and a clever use of the topography has 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 that are available to guest. The

Heythrop’s signature sixth hole

314-yard 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 less dramatic, but no less demanding, with the par-four 18th, with its gun-barrel straight fairway bordered by trees on either side, 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 fade or slice. A single storey clubhouse, built a few hundred yards away from the main building, keeps golfers out of sight from weddings and conference goers, while providing a luxurious haven for spa and pool users, and a relaxing place to have a drink and a meal before or after a round. Despite its impressive proportions, the main Grade II-listed house offers just 17 bedrooms, but they are definitely worth booking if you’re staying with a partner or want to

CORNISH CREAM

push the boat out for a special occasion. Alternatively, the four-star Crown Plaza Hotel has 197 en-suite rooms, while De Vere Venues Heythrop Park, located on either side of the mansion house, offers a choice of rooms in the Shrewsbury and Archer wings. The latter was refurbished in November last year and has 61 stylish bedrooms that have been finished to a very high standard. A variety of dining experiences awaits at Heythrop Park. Tempting afternoon teas on the sunlit terrace overlooking the south lawns, or elegant dining in the contemporary and stylish black and white Brassey restaurant. Golf breaks start from just £99pp for the Sunday Driver package, which includes overnight accommodation in the Crowne Plaza Hotel or the Archer bedrooms; a three-course meal in the Brassey restaurant; full English breakfast and two rounds of golf. For bookings call 01608 673488 or go to heythropparkresort.com.

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

September 2014 / Issue 236

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BREAKS

It pays to stay at Prince’s Awarded 5 Star Gold Award by British Tourist Board

www.dorsetgolfresort.com THE DORSET GOLF HOTEL AND LUXURY LOG HOMES FOR RENT

A suite in The Lodge at Prince’s

RYDER CUP SOCIETY OFFER OFFER 1: Coffee & Bacon Baguettes on arrival • 18 Holes of Golf

ONLY £27.50pp

OFFER 2: Coffee & Bacon Baguettes on arrival • 18 Holes of Golf • One Course Lunch

ONLY £31.50pp

Available dates: 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th September (min 4) Truly a superb time for a Round of Golf, Summer Golf at Winter Prices!

AUTUMN SOCIETY STAY & PLAY OFFER: Bring your society away for a One Night Stay & Play! AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED, SO DON’T WAIT TOO LONG

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Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

Ashbury 6th 410 yards, Par 4

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A bedroom at Titchwell Manor

exodus from London. One such venue is Titchwell Manor, a three-rosette small hotel located just a few miles from the incomparable links at Royal West Norfolk. This outstanding 27-bedroom country retreat offers a variety of accommodation options within the main manor house and in the stylish cottages immediately behind it, all of which enjoy uninterrupted views across open marshes to the North Sea. All rooms include White Company toiletries, flat screen digital TV with DVD player, complimentary wf-fi, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can also enjoy wonderful homecooked food created by head chef and co-owner Eric Snaith and his talented team, in either the Conservatory restaurant or the Eating Rooms, for a more informal dining experience. Room prices start from £95 per double/twin room, per night B&B. For further details visit titchwellmanor.com or call 01485 210221.

Itinerary: l Coffee & Bacon Baguette on morning of arrival l 18 Holes l 3 Course Meal in our ‘Fairways Restaurant’ l ‘The Dorset’ Buffet Breakfast l 18 Holes l Finish

Additional Facilities FREE to residents of our hotels Family Racket Sports Leisure Bowls Funhouse Swimming Tennis Table Tennis Badminton Spa & Sauna Gamezone 5-A-Side Waterslides Snooker Squash Basketball Short Tennis Play Area Ten-Pin Sports

Ranges Archery Air Pistols Air Rifles Lasers

yd FR ro EE Sp a

Norfolk provides the ideal destination for a winter golf break, with its stunning collection of seaside courses enjoying superb playing conditions when the nights start to draw in. From the links Royal West Norfolk, Sheringham, Hunstanton and Royal Cromer, to the superb inland layout at Kings Lynn, Norfolk is a veritable golfer’s paradise at any time of year, but particularly when other parts of the UK are beginning to feel a bit damp under foot. There is no shortage of delightful places to stay, either, with Norfolk’s picturesque villages home to many comfortable manor houses, country inns and boutique hotels, many of which are kept busy during the high season looking after the weekend

27 holes of fantastic golf

The luxury golf lodge at Prince’s Golf Club are proving a huge hit with golfers looking to play some of Kent’s finest links courses, including Prince’s itself, neighbouring Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, and many others along the coast. Capable of hosting up to 48 guests, The Lodge, which fully opened in May last year, is located by the fifth green at Prince’s and enjoys fantastic views over the 27-hole facility, St George’s, and Pegwell Bay to the white cliffs at Ramsgate. It is separated into 12 individual apartments, with each featuring two twin bedrooms, plus en-suite bathroom facilities and a shared lounge. The Lodge also boasts its own on-site lounge, bar and restaurant, the stunning Brasserie on the Bay, where head chef Michael Fowler is winning plaudits for his wonderful choice of locally-sourced and expertly-cooked seasonal menus. Prices are £95 for a single room, £120 for a double/twin, and £240 for a two-bedroom apartment, with full English breakfast in the clubhouse included in the package. For reservations and golf package details, visit www.princesgolfclub.co.uk or call 01304 611118.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

BREAKS

Rent Rory’s house for the ultimate golf break

McIlroy’s former house boasts its own golf course and a short game practice facilty

If you fancy staying at Rory McIlroy’s former home in Northern Ireland and playing on the purpose-built course that helped the world number one hone his skills, then all you need to do is pick up the phone and have £12,500 to spare. That’s the price for a week’s exclusive access to the four-time major champion’s former house in the aptly-named district of Moneyreagh in County Down. Or if that’s too pricey, you can practise your swing for two hours for just £95 per adult and £45 per child, at the 14-acre gated plush pad. Property developer Gary McCausland – the new owner of the multi-million pound house, which boasts its own private lake, floodlit tennis court and private cinema – is opening up his home to golf fans in what has to be Northern Ireland’s most unique tourist attraction. Robinhall House, McIlroy’s home in for four years until 2013, is set to rival the Giant’s Causeway for US and European tourists’ interest. It’s understood that some film stars have already styaed there, and even McIlroy’s great rival, Tiger Woods, is known to have been in awe of the nine holes that were designed to replicate virtually every shot required to win each of the four majors. While the home McIlroy and his former fiancée Caroline Wozniacki once enjoyed was on the market for £2m, the new owner is thought to have got it for slightly less than that when he bought it last October. Mr McCausland said: “When I bought Robinhall House, it was originally as a private retreat for myself and my family, but I’ve literally had hundreds of enquiries from all over the world from people wanting to come and use the facility. So, on the back of this huge demand, I’ve decided to make it exclusively available. By allowing people to come here and

play, it will generate income that I can use to keep the course and practice areas at the world class standards that Rory originally created.” Golf professional Robin Daly, son of Fred Daly, the four-time Ryder Cup player and the first Northern Irish golfer to win a major championship, will be the resident golf pro at the house. “This is probably the best facility that I have ever come across,” said Daly. “You will not see better than this.” The course includes holes named after major venues such as Augusta, Pebble Beach, St Andrews and Congressional, while putting surfaces have been sewn with grass to replicated the playing experiences at those venues, as have the bunkers and fairways. There is also a full-length driving range and a short game practice area, where the greens can play up to 13 on the stimpmeter to mirror the speed of those found at Augusta during the Masters. Included in the £12,500 fee for a week’s stay is exclusive access to Rory’s bespoke course; lessons from resident professional Robin Daly; helicopter transfers and chauffeur service; a private fly-fishing lake stocked with 1,200 brown trout; outdoor hot tub with Champagne on tap; cinema room with seating for 18, equipped with surround sound, Blu-ray and video games; and finally – a resident chef to cook all your meals. For bookings, visit www.robinhallhouse.com or call 028 9042 9977.

Discover the delights of Dartmoor As well as being home to one of the UK’s most scenic National Parks, Dartmoor is the venue for a handful of stunning moorland golf courses, each of which enjoys its own unique and stunning setting. Exclusive Golf Breaks has put together a great value two-night, three-round package that gives golfers the chance to choose from the delightful layouts to be found at Yelverton, Tavistock, St Mellion and Bovey Castle. The Jack Nicklaus-designed St Mellion needs little introduction to the golfing public, having hosted numerous tour events over the years; while the magnificent Bovey Castle, located in Moretonhampstead, is fast gaining a reputation as a challenging tournament venue, having hosted the EuroPro Tour in recent years. Designed to rival its sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry, the JF Abercombie-designed course at Bovey meanders through the undulating estate, with winding streams and large Dartmoor rocks adding to the challenge at every turn. Tavistock and nearby Yelverton are both classic moorland tracks, with golfers required to share the generous fairways with herds of grazing sheep and native Dartmoor ponies, while enjoying fine views over the stunning Devon landscape. Yelverton staged the Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2006, and presents a serious test of golf, although it remains playable for all skill levels, providing you don’t mind chipping out from the gorse bushes and bracken from time to time. The

you find yourself standing in Robert the Bruce’s back yard.

fast-draining Dartmoor soil not only provides tight, links-style lies, and quick putting surfaces, but it also ensures year-round play. There is a choice of accommodation options, including the comfortable Bedford Hotel in the historic market town of Tavistock, which has earned a reputation as a foodie’s paradise, with its annual Food & Drink Festival, weekly markets, and its superb range of restaurants and gastro pubs. The Apple Tree Bed & Breakfast, a Grade II Victorian house also located in Tavistock, is also a recommended venue for travelling golfers. Packages start from £225 per person, for two nights’ B&B and three rounds of golf. For bookings, visit www.exclusivegolfbreaks.com or call 01822 618181.

Join the Q for great value breaks The four-star QHotels Group has grown to incorporate five golf resorts within its hotel portfolio. Hellidon Lakes (pictured), Forest Pines, The Westerwood, Telford Golf and Spa Hotel and Aldwark Manor are all built around their own golf courses. The majority of QHotels venues also boast first class Reflections Spa & Leisure Clubs, offering treatments that include massage,

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manicure, pedicure, aromatherapy, detoxifying wrap and reflexology. The Leisure Clubs incorporate state-of-theart fitness equipment for aerobic workouts, as well as indoor heated swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms. Many also feature thermal suites, incorporating aroma steam rooms, ice fountain and experience showers. All the hotels offer deluxe rooms, junior suites and large suites for those in search of absolute luxury. Each of these rooms is individually designed, with options such as spa baths or walk-in double showers. One-night breaks to Helldon Lakes in Northamptonshire start from £79 per person, including dinner, bed and breakfast, two rounds of golf, and full use of the leisure facilities. Two-night packages, with three rounds, start from £175pp. For more details visit www.qhotels.co.uk or call 01327 262550.

The moment has come. In 2014, The Ryder Cup will return to Scotland, the Home of Golf, for the first time in over four decades. Amongst Scotland’s golfing regions, Dumfries & Galloway is famed for its selection of courses on the great value Gateway to Golf Pass and three golf trails for visitors looking to find Scotland’s best kept golfing secrets. So whether you’re relaxing in the clubhouse at Thornhill or even exploring the 200 mile long coastline, you’ll find plenty of moments to treasure forever.

To find out more, go to visitscotland.com/dumfriesgalloway-golf Aston Hotel, Dumfries

Lochmaben, Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway. A place of brilliant moments.

visitscotland.com/brilliant #brilliantmoments

September 2014 / Issue 236

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SarahStirk

It may have been built on toxic foundations, but Liberty National has grown into a world-renowned venue for New York’s elite – and PGA Tour professionals – to play under the watchful gaze of Lady Liberty herself, says Sarah Stirk

I don’t often write about private golf courses, but I’m going to make an exception this month because Liberty National Golf Club is simply breathtaking. It helps that it’s located in Jersey City, with spectacular fairy tale views of the Manhattan skyline, but the course itself is superb, and the story behind it engaging. I visited for the launch of Nike Golf’s new Vapor irons with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, so it was a real razzmatazz affair with a similarly starry backdrop. We arrived by boat along from Chelsea Pier with plenty of time for ‘statue selfies’ as we sailed past Lady Liberty and moored right in front of the clubhouse. Of course, you could always arrive via the aerial route, with the helipad located adjacent to the first tee. Or, heaven forbid, you could always just drive to the course, sandwiched between Liberty State Park and the waterfront community of Port Liberté. The advantage of the latter, albeit the more mundane option: you will get a complimentary car wash while you’re out walking the fairways! The origins of the site couldn’t be further removed from the classy surroundings now on show. Formerly used as a toxic landfill, the space was an eyesore, housing nothing but derelict buildings, corroded oil tanks and abandoned cars. However, the former

Tiger Woods was comlimentary about the recent changes made to Liberty National

OH, LIBERTY! The course commands stunning views

chairman of Reebok, Paul Fireman, spotted its undoubted potential. “It had a major attitude about it. The location was iconic. How could you not want to do something with this property?” he said. At the time of the purchase, Fireman admitted he saw the project as a kind of escape from the corporate rat race and, with his son Dan, a way of giving back to the game they both loved. They wanted to leave a legacy, and if they could ultimately break even, it was a job well done. It’s probably a good job they weren’t in it to line their pockets, as what they didn’t realise was how expensive it would be to make Liberty National viable. Remediating the land, which took half a decade, required capping the waste, trucking in masses of soil, and clearing endless regulatory and environmental hurdles. By the time the course opened in 2006, it had cost $250 million, making it one of the world’s most expensive layouts. Of course, in return, membership fees aren’t cheap, hovering at around the $250,000 mark. The membership, initially limited to 175, includes former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. As a small perk for stumping up the huge joining fee, each member received a custom-built set of clubs, which are kept at the clubhouse. In a nutshell, that’s how Liberty National originated, but aside from the glamorous setting, as a test of golf, how does it stack up? Well, the 7,346-yard, par-71 course was designed by former US Open champion Tom Kite and architect Bob Cupp, and is fast gaining a considerable reputation as an elite professional

The all-glass clubhouse is hard to miss

“The original architects The New York skyline provides the backdrop were rehired to make extensive alterations, including completely rebuilding five greens and altering 13 fairways. The results speak for themselves”

venue. It first hosted The Barclays, the first of the four Fed Ex Cup events on the PGA Tour, just three years after opening, but following some unflattering comments, Fireman effectively had to get his cheque book out again to remodel the course. The Tour advised Liberty that if it wanted to continue as one of the four rotating sites for The Barclays beyond 2013, when its contract ended, it needed to make some changes. The original architects were rehired to make extensive alterations, including completely rebuilding five of the greens and altering 13 fairways. The results speak for themselves, and the pros’ reactions last year spoke volumes. “They made some really nice improvements,” said Tiger, one of the main critics in 2009. “I think it’s one of the best venues we play on Tour,” enthused Rory. Perhaps the greatest accolade to date, Liberty National will play host to the Presidents Cup in 2017, putting it firmly on the golfing map, if it wasn’t already. Elsewhere, the all-glass clubhouse is an impressive structure, inspired by the Sydney Opera House. And befitting a top private club, there’s an elegant library, where I assume many a high-powered business deal has been secured. There’s also a top spec gym and spa, with one of my all-time favourite quotations etched on the wall: ‘It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed’ - Teddy Roosevelt. The energy and excitement you feel in Manhattan is evident at this wonderful setting on the shores of the Hudson River. New York remains my favourite city in the world, and Liberty National is certainly one of my favourite ‘new courses’. It’s certainly a treat for those lucky few able to afford membership, and what a lucky few they are.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

HIT THE TEE IN

TENERIFE

Blessed with a permanent spring-ilke climate, and a stunning choice of courses and resorts, Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, makes an ideal destination for a golfing getaway at any time of year Words and photos by Charles Briscoe-Knight

Tenerife has been at the forefront of the package holiday industry from its inception, and almost in parallel, at the forefront of the golf holiday boom. Located less than 200 miles off the coast of Morocco, the climate between November and March in this part of the world settles around a balmy 24 degrees, while even the summer is fine for an afternoon round with a light breeze off the ocean, making it ideal for golfers from the UK searching for quality courses to play in ideal conditions. Tenerife is divided into the northern and southern regions by the snow-capped extinct volcano Mount Teide (the highest point in all of Spain at over 12,000 feet). The southern half of the island offers the greatest concentration of golf, with four championship layouts within a few miles of each other strung out along the Atlantic Coast. The bulk of the dozen courses are located in and around Los Cristianos, with Las Americas and the Costa Adeje both situated right in the downtown area, among lovely homes and apartments. They play very differently, however, with Las Americas, as the name suggests, being an American-style course in both its design and condition. Adeje, on the other hand, has elements of Pebble Beach and a classy parkland venue like Stoke Park about its look – if such a combination is imaginable. Playing Las Americas is a wonderful experience in itself, but staying in the Las Madrigueras Golf Resort and Spa – the sister property – heightens the experience. Apart from the stunning décor

and accommodation, it has an amazingly efficient underground buggy park, with private access via bluetooth and two gates to the course and clubhouse. All very Bond. Out on the golf course, you can expect a layout similar to those found in holiday resorts all over America. Penal water hazards abound, and are encountered as early as the first hole, making a decision to go for it in two on this short par-five hole quite daunting. Fairways are not overly generous, and accuracy is much more critical than length, with short game skills reaping more reward than expertise with a driver. That said, good luck with the killer fourth hole – it’s 200

Las Americas

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BOOK YOUR TENERIFE EXPERIENCE

Abama Resort

GETTING THERE Monarch operates flights to Tenerife from Gatwick and Luton with fares, including taxes, starting from £148.95 return. For further information visit monarch.co.uk.

WHERE TO STAY Abama Golf and Spa Resort (abamahotelresort.com), Sandos San Blas Resort (sandos.com), Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa (hotellasmadrigueras.com/en).

GREEN FEES Abama €200, Tecina €61, Adeje €57, Golf del Sur €56, Las Americas €57-€75 Tenerife Tourist Board turismodecanarias.com

Costa Adeje offers stunning sea views

Teide National Park

The par-three fifth hole at Costa Adeje

yards over water and well bunkered. To give you an idea of its difficulty, a recent pro-am resulted in just four of the 90-strong field finding the target. Down the road lies Adeje Golf Club, venue for this year’s Ladies Spanish Open. Adeje has some quirky features, including the black volcanic sand that lies around the fringes of the fairways, which obviously help keep maintenance costs down, while providing a spectacular backdrop to any round. The other feature is man-made and comes in the form of raised terraces, which are the hangover from an old banana plantation on which the course was built. The designer has kept these tiered banks on the fairways of some holes, which can make driving a buggy a rather hazardous occupation. Two par-threes spring to mind when talking about Adeje’s signature holes. At the lowest point on the course, the fifth is only a 140-yard flick, but a narrow green front to rear, perched about 30 feet above the tee, scrubland to the right and the prevailing wind off the sea to the right, conjure up echoes of Troon’s Postage Stamp. Two holes further on, the seventh is an equally testing prospect, requiring a 190-yard shot over a barranca of scrub. None of our group managed it – and I lost two balls in the bundhu. Abama raised the stakes for golf in the Canaries

when it first opened in 2005. Host venue for the Tenerife Ladies Open in recent years, the 6,818yard layout, which was designed by the late Dave Thomas, winds its way through thousands of palm trees and cacti and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera. There are 22 lakes, joined by a series of waterfalls, while numerous large bunkers, filled with brilliant white sand, add to the challenge. With frequent dramatic elevation changes, buggies are essential, and while the green fee is double what is charged at many other venues in the region, it is well worth the investment. Thomas’s brief, legend has it, was to give the owners the ‘Augusta in the Atlantic’, and he certainly did this with regard to the speed of the greens, as they initially ran so fast that the women pros playing in the first Tenerife Ladies Open held there were putting off the greens with alarming regularity. Fortunately, the greens have slowed down a bit since then, and they putt smoothly, but still have some very imaginative pin positions. The opening section of holes meanders about on the upper slopes, while the back nine moves onto the lower, with the 700-feet drop between the two making a buggy all but essential. Arguably the most scenic of the many stunning holes, as well as the toughest, is the par-five 10th. Plunging downhill from a high tee near the clubhouse, the ideal shot is a left-to-right slider avoiding a lake on the left, then a mid-iron across the edge of a second stretch of water to set up a pitch to the green. Only the real big hitters can attempt to reach in two. Our next stop involved a fast foil ferry ride from Los Cristianos harbour across a calm Atlantic, full of whales and bottlenose dolphins, to the island of San Sebastian de la Gomera. A further 45-minute drive on one of the great roads of the world, finds you at Tecina Golf Club. Quite how the architect, Donald Steele, pencilled out the course on the land available is a wonder. After checking in at the clubhouse, the first tee requires a drive up the buggy path some 600 feet. Passing all the holes on the way, you see how the use of terracing has enabled a spectacular layout to be sculpted providing testing holes and a view of the ocean from all of them. This might not be the toughest course you’ve ever played, but it sure might be the most scenic. Pebble Beach? Turnberry? Forget it…this beats them both. Back in Tenerife, our final stop was Golf del Sur, located near the airport in Los Cristianos. Boasting three loops of nine - Links, North and South – it was host to several European Tour events in the early 90s, and its signature is not so much a particular hole, more the trademark volcanic black sand that populates both the bunkers and waste areas. When the wind blows – and that is apparently 90 per cent of the time – creative shot making is a necessity in your golfing armoury. Memorable in our round was the second, a par three on the South loop. A long iron or utility will be needed to hit the large green surrounded by deep black volcanic sand. The fourth, a driveable par four, is a brilliant design – uphill, bunkered front and back right, the long straight drivers among you will relish this challenge. Watch out on the home hole of this nine though. Pulling a drive, while making good contact, might just get a few cars hitting their brakes. Just like the writer managed to achieve! With 10 superb courses to choose from in Tenerife, and another half-dozen to be found in neighbouring Gran Canaria, it’s hard to beat the sheer variety of courses to be found within a four-hour flight of the UK, so answer the Canaries’ call and make it your next golf holiday destination.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

TRAVEL

Quinta’s new-look North Course adds sparkle to an Algarve gem European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will bring a busy few months to a memorable end in October when he officially opens his latest golf course design project – the eagerlyawaited redeveloped North Course at Portugal’s prestigious Quinta do Lago resort. McGinley will be on hand to perform the official opening ceremony of the €9.6m new layout on October 7, just a week after leading the European team in the Ryder Cup. The popular Irishman has redesigned the layout in close collaboration with renowned American architect Beau Welling. The course redevelopment is part of a €29m investment programme that has been undertaken by Quinta do Lago since 2009, with a further €21m planned to be spent on improving its facilities in the next three years. As a frequent visitor to Quinta do Lago for more than 20 years, the North Course is the latest major project that McGinley has been

Paul McGinley in action at the golf academy that bears his name

involved in at Europe’s leading family destination, after opening his Paul McGinley Golf Academy in 2011, and launching a new TaylorMade Fitting Centre last year. McGinley said: “This has been a very exciting project to be involved in, and Beau and I are very proud of what we have created. I’ve been coming to Quinta do Lago with my family for many years now, and it keeps getting better and better. The new design will test golfers in many different ways and I believe this is a great addition to Europe’s leading destination.” Quinta do Lago’s North Course has been revamped with the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy. While many modern-day developments tend to focus on length, Welling and McGinley have been keen to design a golfing experience where accuracy and course management are the key factors, and a course that is playable and fun for golfers of all abilities. Among the changes introduced on

The renovated North Course at Quinta do Lago

the par-72, 6,776-yard course, which has been closed since last December, all greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation, drainage systems and cart paths have been rebuilt, with four sets of tees introduced on each hole to accommodate players of all levels. A low-cut Bermuda grass approach has also been introduced around greens to create a myriad of recovery shot options, while the aesthetics of the golf course have also significantly improved through the introduction of a cool season rough grass and the select planting of native grasses and specimen trees to help the environment. Set amongst 2,000 acres of the

picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago is located just 15 minutes from Faro airport. The resort boasts two other 18-hole championship courses – South and Laranjal – as well as extensive leisure facilities, including tennis, cycling and watersports. Quinta do Lago’s stunning location by the beach offers the perfect place to relax and unwind, while the resort’s wide array of restaurants, both formal and informal, take advantage of the fresh Mediterranean produce that the resort has become famous for. For further details call 00 351 289 390 700 or visit quintadolago.com.

Amendoeira offers two stunning courses

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Enjoy unlimited golf at Amendoeira this winter Oceânico Golf, one of Europe’s finest golfing destinations, is prolonging the golf season with the launch of the unlimited golf package at Amendoeira Golf Resort, home to the distinguished Oceânico Faldo and Oceânico O’Connor Jnr courses. From November 1 until February 28, three-, five- and seven-night stay and play packages offer two days’ unlimited golf and three nights’ accommodation from just €240 per person, or up to six days’ golf and seven nights’ from €775. Packages are inclusive of a complimentary buffet breakfast, buggies on the Oceânico Amendoeira courses, use of practise and sports facilities, a shuttle service and 50 per cent off golf shoe rental. Visitors also have the opportunity to discover Oceanico’s further championship courses, with the option to play Vilamoura’s Famous Five. Pre-booked upgrades can be booked free of charge over the awardwinning Oceânico Old course, Portugal

Masters host venue, the Oceânico Victoria course or the Oceânico Pinhal, Oceânico Laguna and Oceânico Millennium courses. Suiting couples and families, accommodation at Amendoeira is based on two or four golfers sharing in luxurious apartments fully equipped with modern amenities, outside terraces or balconies with views over the golf courses and surrounding countryside. The resort’s comprehensive facilities consist of the Amendoeira Golf Academy & Fitting Suite, and the recreational sports facilities at Amendoeira Sports Club, including two five-a-side football pitches, six tennis courts, beach volleyball/football, a gymnasium, shop and bar. Guests can explore a host of local attractions from the Aqualand Water Park to horse riding on the beach. For bookings, email res. amendoeria@oceanicogroup.com or visit oceanicogolf.com.

September 2014 / Issue 236

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TRAVEL

Extend your summer with some Marbella sunshine! Bring down your handicap in sunny Barbados If you’re looking to sharpen up your game over the winter under cloudless blue skies, then there can be few better places to go than the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados. Blessed with a temperate tropical climate, which is ideal for golf at any time of year, Barbados has been a regular haunt for the golfing elite for many years, with its world-class resorts at Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill proving popular venues for stars of sports, stage and screen, thanks to their superb design and luxury private residential estates. The island also boasts a number of other stunning courses, including the friendly Barbados Golf Club, an inland course on the southern side of the island, where Senior Professional Michael Marshall has been offering golf tuition holiday packages to satisfied

customers for many years. Michael will help hone all aspects of your game, including the long game, bunker play and putting, as well course management and the mental side of the game, to help improve all aspects of your game in readiness for the new season. The facilities at Barbados Golf Club have been recently renovated to provide a superb practice environment, as well as a great venue to put your skills into play on the club’s 18hole championship course. The courses run throughout January, February and March, and can be tailored to set your needs, whatever your skill level or golfing ambitions. For more information, or to book your golfing tuition break, email golfingbarbados@gmail. com or call 00 34 638 800 136.

The stunning Kempinski Hotel Bahía in Marbella is inviting golfers to swap the UK’s dull autumnal skies for the sunshine of Spain’s Costa del Sol this autumn, thanks to its new ‘Autumn Golfers’ Dream’ package. The offer includes three nights in a deluxe room, breakfast buffet in the hotel’s El Mirador Restaurante, a welcome drink, two green fees per person at two courses of choice – including transfers – as well as a spa treatment for golfers and a three-course dinner in the Alminar Wine & Steak House restaurant. Located on its own stretch of beach, 2km from Estepona and 10

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miles south of Marbella, the Kempinski is situated within a short drive of more than 50 courses, including Valderrama, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup, and the highly-touted Finca Cortesin, setting for the Volvo Match Play Championship from 2009-2012. Throw in San Roque, Sotogrande and La Quinta, as well as newer venues such as La Reserva and Almenara, and you have a tempting choice of some of the best tracks in Europe right on your doorstep. Golfers can take their pick from this incredible range of courses, all of which can be booked through the hotel’s dedicated golf concierge, while also enjoying all the luxury the hotel has to offer. This includes, for the first time, the hotel’s new signature cocktail, the ‘Golfer’. Created by Kempinski’s chief bartender, the ‘Golfer’ is a delicious blend of spearmint, melon and lemon, and is the perfect post-round refresher. General manager Jean-Marc Poli said: “While the summer might be coming to an end in the UK, here on the Costa del Sol, golfers can continue to play in the sunshine. The Kempinski Hotel Bahía is perfectly situated for golfers to take advantage of all of the magnificent courses in the area, and when they return, the luxury will continue.” Golfers can book their ‘Autumn Golfers Dream’ package directly from the hotel until November 1. For details email reservation. estepona@kempinski.com, or call 34 952 809 500.

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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September 2014 / Issue 236

TRAVEL

Live la dolce vita at Poggio Verde

We’re the golfing holiday experts. NE

MAURITIUS

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FLORIDA

from £2,195 PP

5* Belle Mare Plage

12 nights New Cristal All Inclusive Package

unlimited golf, incl. flights & transfers

5* Marriott Marco Island

1 week b&b, $200 resort credit per room 4 rounds of golf including buggy

Or 12 nights half board from £1,675 PP

TENERIFE

from £1,575 PP

Incl. flights & 4 evening meals

THAILAND

from £595 PP

from £2,395 PP

5* Las Madrigueras

5* Cape Nidhra, Hua Hin

Excl. flights & transfers

Incl. flights & transfers

5 nights b&b 2 evening meals & unlimited golf

MEXICO

5* Moon Palace Resort

SOUTH AFRICA

from £1,825 PP

DUBAI

to next year’s Italian Open. Villa D’Este, another former Italian Open venue, is also close by, as are the two classy Robert von Hagge courses at Bogogno. The villa’s owners will be happy to organise a golf package to play as many courses as you like, booking tee times and arranging an itinerary to suit all levels of players. For gourmet food lovers, the home is within walking distance of the one-star restaurant Pierino in Viganò, while cooking classes with local chefs can be arranged. For more details visit ilpoggioverde.com or email PoggioVerdeVilla@gmail.com

from £1,895 PP

2 weeks Garden Route & Cape Town

12 nights b&b 6 rounds of golf on 6 courses

Incl. flights & transfers

SEYCHELLES

hosting up to eight people in total comfort. With airconditioning throughout, high-speed wi-fi, spacious dining areas and a beautiful country kitchen, the villa is kitted out with every modern convenience, yet its rural tranquility will have you chilled out in moments. Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool, walk in the stunning gardens or, when the sun goes down, retire inside and enjoy the home cinema. The villa is ideally located to play a choice of nine excellent local golf courses, including Milan Golf Club, one of Italy’s top-ten courses and home

12 nights b&b 6 rounds of golf on 6 courses

2 weeks all inclusive Unlimited golf on 2 courses

MADEIRA

There’s no better place to experience the delights of a golf holiday in northern Italy than in your own private villa, where every creature comfort is provided in the privacy of your luxury retreat. And one of the finest examples of its kind is the Poggio Verde Country Villa, a stunning 18th century property located in the heart of the Montevecchia Park, but just 50 minutes from the bustling city of Milan. The former farmstead has been lovingly converted into a luxury four-bedroom residence capable of

Incl. flights & car hire SPAIN

www.chakatravel.com enquiries@chakatravel.com

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The luxury villa at Poggio Verde is well placed to explore the golf courses in and around Milan

Book the best value hols with Golfbreak’s ‘Early Birdie’ offers Golfbreaks.com has once again launched its popular ‘Early Birdie’ promotion that gives early bookers cash discounts, loyalty Breakpoints worth up to £600, and even new TaylorMade equipment. Now in its 11th year, the Early Birdie promotion rewards groups of four or more who book their 2015 golf trip before September 30 – as well as guaranteeing preferred tee-times and the very best rates. In addition to TaylorMade SLDR S drivers and fairway woods, plus Breakpoints that can be used on future bookings or with sister companies Teeofftimes.co.uk and BookaSpa. com, the promotion also gives golfers extras such as room upgrades, free buggies, range tokens and exclusive drinks offers. Customers will also still be eligible for existing Golfbreaks.com discounts, including free places for group organisers on certain bookings, as well as being allocated their own dedicated sales consultant, who will offer the highest levels of customer service throughout the entire booking process. Keith Mitchell, marketing director of Golfbreaks.com, said: “September has

traditionally been the time when we help many golfers to arrange their group trip for the following year. We’re delighted to once again reward our loyal customers with great offers and a range of high-value extra incentives, as well as offering a ‘best-price promise’ that ensures they will always receive the lowest prices.” With both old favourites and new destinations on offer, there is more choice than ever for 2015, including Scotland from £152pp for one night’s B&B at Gleneagles with one round on the Kings or Queens courses; France from £175 (two nights’ B&B at the Hotel Red Fox in Le Touquet, with rounds at Le Touquet, Wimereux and Belle Dune, including Eurotunnel crossing); and Portugal, where £219 will get you three nights’ B&B at Penha Longa in Lisbon, and two rounds from the three courses. For those looking further afield, a week-long trip to the USA starts from £1,215pp, including seven nights at the PGA National in Florida, with four rounds (Champion, Palmer, Fazio, Squires and Estates courses), return flights, breakfast, buggies and range balls. For full details call 0800 279 7988 or visit www.golfbreaks.com/early-birdie.

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September 2014 / Issue 236

Home&Away Golfbreaks.com has selected two great venues 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 destinations 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

£59

TEE OFF IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND With three historic Open Championship venues and some of the very best new courses in the country, a golf break in Kent is one that will certainly not disappoint.

Prince’s Golf Club

The Lodge at Prince’s

The fantastic 27-hole venue at Prince’s is one of the most popular destinations in the region, thanks to its winning combination of great golf, superb on-site accommodation and friendly welcome. A regular in the UK Top 100, the historic club hosted the Open Championship back in 1932, and is an Open qualifier when the main event takes places at neighbouring Royal St George’s. Each of the three loops of nine offers unique challenges, but the Shore and Dunes combination is

regarded as the best. In particular, look out for the first hole on the Dunes, which is probably the most difficult of all 27 holes, with strategic bunkering, an upturned-saucer green, and a tough wind to negotiate. This is links golf at its very best, and is the perfect place for a weekend break, especially if you stay in the brilliant new lodges overlooking the course. Along with Prince’s, the Royal pair of St George’s and Cinque Ports make up Kent’s holy trinity. St George’s is widely regarded as one of the purest links in the game, with stunning

views over Pegwell Bay and some seriously demanding bunkers – note the legendary ‘Himalaya’ bunker on the fourth hole that rises to a height of almost 40ft! Royal Cinque Ports – a two-time host of the Open – is a magnificent links layout with a fearsome reputation for having one of the toughest back-nines in golf. It might not have the dunes or the views – a sea wall protects the courses from the sea – but it’s unquestionably one of the very best links you’ll ever play. Moving further inland, we find

the excellent London Golf Club. Having already hosted the European Open and Open Championship Regional Qualifying, the world’s leading players will return again next month for the Volvo World Match Play Championship. With two courses designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, the eyes of the world will be on this European Tour Properties Destination in the coming weeks, and it certainly won’t disappoint. Always in immaculate condition, with plenty of sand and water to negotiate – not to mention some magnificent practice

facilities – the London Club is rightly regarded as one of the best in the region. More than 100 golf courses dot the Kentish landscape, but away from the fairways, take some time out to explore this beautiful corner of England. Kent is a truly diverse county, where you’ll find classic rural landscapes and traditional seaside entertainment, along with ancient history and spectacular gardens – all within easy reach. Golfbreaks.com offers • Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent - One night’s B&B at the three-star Prince’s Lodge, and two rounds of golf from £125. • The London Golf Club, Brands Hatch, Kent – Two nights’ B&B at Holiday Inn Maidstrone 3* and three rounds, playing The London Club’s International Course, Chart Hills and Boughton, from £275.

THE MAGIC OF MYRTLE With over 100 courses within an hour’s drive of each other, the only problem with a golf holiday to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is working out where to play next With 60 miles of golf-packed coastline to enjoy, it’s little wonder that Myrtle Beach is such a popular USA golf holiday destination. Incredibly, there are now more than 100 courses strung out along the area of South Carolina they call ‘The Grand Strand’, turning what was originally a beach holiday destination into a golfing hub for players from across the world. As well as the golf, there are plenty of off-course activities to savour, with everything from fishing and watersports, to shopping and theme parks close by. And that’s saying nothing of the amazing nightlife for which Myrtle Beach is famed. Hundreds of bars and restaurants await, ensuring Myrtle Beach is as much about the apres-golf as what happens on the course. One of the leading golfing lights in the area is the brilliant Barefoot Resort, where no less than four

magnificent courses await. Pete Dye, Davis Love, Tom Fazio and Greg Norman have each created a course that has elevated Barefoot to one of the game’s top resorts, with each one offering a very different challenge. And despite his relative inexperience, it is the Davis Love course that is many people’s pick of the bunch, having also earned the accolade of being the best in Myrtle Beach from no less an authority than Golf Digest magazine. TPC Myrtle Beach is another belter, where Fazio and Lanny Wadkins have created a testing layout – set among the pine forest and glorious wetlands - that has previously hosted the Senior Tour Championship. Grande Dunes, meanwhile, will also challenge your game. With lots of elevation changes and spectacular holes, the 7,600-yard Resort course is one of the very best in the region. Located in the Sunset Beach area, the Ocean Ridge Plantation is

another venue with a serious golfing pedigree and four top-notch courses. Leopard’s Chase and Tiger’s Eye are the headline acts, with some amazing holes featuring large, sandy waste areas, plenty of water and glorious pine forests. The Legends Golf & Resort is well worth a mention, too… not least because of its five great courses and superb golf packages that include free breakfast, lunch and two beers on every day you play! As you might expect, there’s no shortage of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts and selfcatering apartments to suit every budget and every group – all within touching distance of great golf. At the top end, you can’t go wrong with the Marina Inn, onsite at Grande Dunes, and overlooking the famous Intracoastal Waterway. The Kingston Plantation is another great option, offering beachside hotel, suites and villa accommodation.

Myrtle Beach National

Golfers on a budget will certainly be impressed with the Fairfield Inn and Myrtlewood, both of which offer superb value. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to play golf in Myrtle Beach, but if you play early in the morning, visiting in summer is not really a problem. With so much choice, and so much to do both on and off the course, it’s little wonder that Myrtle Beach is regularly ranked as one of the very best golf destinations in a country with more than its fair share. Whether it’s the pristine greens, the white sand beaches or the bright lights of the strip, Myrtle Beach is the perfect destination for your next golf break.

Golfbreaks.com offers • S even nights’ self-catering at the 3-star Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach, with four rounds of golf (including buggies and range balls) at Barefoot’s four courses (Love, Norman, Fazio, Dye) and return flights, from £949pp. • S even nights room only at the 4-star Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, with four rounds of golf (including buggies and range balls) at Grande Dunes, Arcadian Shores, Myrtlewood and Farmstead Links, and return flights, from £969pp.

September 2014 / Issue 236

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Me&MyTravels ormer Crystal Palace striker and football pundit Mark Bright never leaves the country F without a golf glove and is planning a trip to Turkey My most recent holiday was to… Barcelona. I loved it, amazing city. The Gaudi, the Dali museum, the park overlooking the city, the beaches and restaurants… just a fabulous place.

My ideal holiday fourball would include… President Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, and Samuel L Jackson. Maybe one day …

I got cut to seven immediately. I was having lessons with Claude Harmon III in Edinburgh at the time – so lessons do pay off! Also memorable was a driving range on top of a skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea, Pelican Hills, California during World Cup 2002. While I was waiting for the BBC to do the night’s edits, I’d go up to the range and hit balls with this amazing view of the city at night. The range is so good, it even issues its own handicaps.

My most memorable ever round was at… The Buckinghamshire Golf Club during a £5 Saturday morning roll-up. I shot a two-over par 74 off a handicap of 10. I went out at 7.45am, so by the time the 11.30am starters got to the pro shop my score was already up. Not many people paid the fiver after that! It ended up costing me money in the bar, afterwards, and

My favourite golf resort is…Pelican Hills in California, no question. It’s a public course, not cheap to play, but what a memory. Cut into the mountains, spectacular views, just beyond the second cut you have rocks and signs saying ‘Beware of Rattlesnakes’. We saw three of them going across the fairway while we played. A truly exceptional place.

My favourite golf course is… Sunningdale. Gary Lineker is a member, so I’ve played the Old and the New courses several times with him. It is class throughout. Kingsbarns in Scotland is also stunning, although very different, of course.

I always travel with… a golf glove, some tees and a marker in my luggage – just in case I get the chance to play. The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… W, Barcelona. Unbelievable – right on the sea front, along the Barceloneta boardwalk. It looks like nothing else on earth.

Samuel L Jackson

W Hotel, Barcelona Sunningdale

My best meal on holiday was… a fish dish in Grand Bahamas, overlooking the harbour. The restaurant overhung the water, and you were basically eating the fish that had been swimming below your feet half an hour before. My favourite city in the world is… London. It has everything – including golf. I met the golf pro

at Addington Court, Paul Oliver, a few years ago in Egypt during the African Cup of Nations, and we’ve been good friends ever since. I’m planning a golf trip to… Turkey. I’ve heard the golf is great and they really look after you. Also I’ll be going back to Royal Mougins in the south of France. If you win the Monaco Grand Prix, they make you a member there. It’s pretty special. My top travel tip would be… travel light. If you can, try and limit yourself to a walk-on wheelie whenever possible – you’ll never lose your luggage, and you’ll be out of the airport much quicker than everyone else! Mark Bright runs ‘Challenge Brighty’ FootGolf events at Addington Court Golf Club in Surrey. To book a game, call 020 8657 0281. Green fees are £25, and up to eight friends can play in each group.

HHHHH

Penina Golf Resort

149 349

3 Nights & 3 Rounds from £ 7 Nights & 7 Rounds from £ 36 Holes of doorstep golf.

The Algarve Golf Holiday Experts

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Pestana Vila Sol

125 245

3 Nights & 2 Rounds from £ 7 Nights & 4 Rounds from £ Choose from 5 courses. HHHHH

Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo

179 399

3 Nights & 3 Rounds from £ 7 Nights & 7 Rounds from £

Stay in Vale do Lobo & play San Lorenzo.

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Vila Gale Ampalius

189 359

3 Nights & 2 Rounds from £ 7 Nights & 5 Rounds from £ Best value 4* hotel in Vilamoura.

Vale do Lobo Ocean 11th hole

sales@amgolfholidays.co.uk www.amgolfholidays.co.uk

Call us on 0208 663

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