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Issue 213 | August 2012

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FULL STORY P20-21

GLORY RORY! MCILROY WINS SECOND MAJOR WITH USPGA ROMP

WHEN IT COMES TO GROOVES, EVERY TEN-THOUSANDTH OF AN INCH COUNTS. The decision to start milling the Gorge™ Groove on our new Tour wedges in-house was easy. It was the only way our engineers and machinists could ensure the precision you need for higher spinning, more consistent wedge shots. Then we added three sole designs to help match your swing and playing conditions. For more spin and control in your wedge game, find Tour wedges at your golf shop or ping.com. ©2012 PING 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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Issue 213 | August 2012

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Golf News, The Studio, 14 Deanway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6DG. Tel: 01273 556377. email: info@golfnews.co.uk. Website: www.golfnews.co.uk Managing Director Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk

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FULL STORY P20-21

GLORY RORY! MCILROY WINS SECOND MAJOR WITH USPGA ROMP

WHEN IT COMES TO GROOVES, EVERY TEN-THOUSANDTH OF AN INCH COUNTS. The decision to start milling the Gorge™ Groove on our new Tour wedges in-house was easy. It was the only way our engineers and machinists could ensure the precision you need for higher spinning, more consistent wedge shots. Then we added three sole designs to help match your swing and playing conditions. For more spin and control in your wedge game, find Tour wedges at your golf shop or ping.com. ©2012 PING 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071

Milled to perfection by PING® machinists in Phoenix, Arizona.

Three sole widths (WS, SS, TS) in multiple lofts fit your swing and playing conditions.

ANTHONY WALL P8 | WOBURN COMP P9 | EWEN MURRAY P23 | ERNIE ELS P25 | PRO SHOP P30-31 | ME AND MY TRAVELS P39

© Copyright Golf News 2012. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

Editor’sview view email: editor@golfnews.co.uk

Sweep away the brooms I think most amateur golfers know that we play a different game from Tour professionals.

Pros not only take far fewer shots to get the ball in the hole than us mortals, but they achieve it with far more style and grace, rarely skulling greenside chips, four-putting from 20-feet, or ‘blobbing’ when they take part in an occasional Stableford event.

Yet despite all our differences, golf prides itself on allowing us hackers to share the same stage – although thankfully not the same tees – and use the same equipment as those at the top of the game. It is this commonality that allows us to appreciate how difficult golf is, and how good they are.

However, while I will never

be able to hit a 350-yard drive, watch a 190-yard 9-iron spin back towards the cup, or get out of a pot bunker with my dignity intact, I can still, occasionally, hole a 20-foot birdie putt with a standard-length putter. Which is not something that can be said for the current crop of players who are using all manner of ugly contraptions to prop up their nervy putting strokes.

Watching Bradley, Simpson and Els bagging three out of the last five majors with either a broom or belly model has stuck in my craw ever so slightly, and I am now a fully paid-up member of the ‘Ban the Broom’ campaign that is now beginning to build up a head of steam among both the rule makers and the players

themselves. With a scarily-high number of young players reported to be using longhandled putters on the college circuit in America, the time has come to act quickly, before we create a generation of golfers who know nothing of what it is to rely on a steady hand to swing a club.

After using a belly putter during his Open victory, Els said he felt like it was cheating. Well, my only answer to that is that if it feels like cheating, then it generally is cheating. And I’d advise him, and everyone else wielding one of these ungainly tools, to get practising with a standardlength model before they, along with their putters, are consigned to the scrap heap.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

ajor

championship wins 18 : MASTERS • 17 : US OPEN 5 : THE OPEN • 19 : USPGA

, the stunning new game-improvement iron from MacGregor, matches looks with performance and feel. The ‘hot’ thin face maximises distance, and the optimised CG location makes the most forgiving MacGregor iron ever. MacGregor’s acclaimed wing-back technology and a deep undercut cavity generate maximum clubhead stability at impact, with the feel-enhancing medallion providing the ultimate responsive feedback. All this technology is presented alongside a refined face-profile and slim top-line, and encased in a durable rich black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) finish. , another modern classic from MacGregor.

Centurion Club aims for ‘wow’ factor Golfers in Hertfordshire are eagerly awaiting the opening of the newest high-end golf club in the county since The Grove, with the development of the Centurion Club, on target for its official opening next summer.

Despite fears over the recession, and concerns over golfers cutting back on club memberships, the owners of The Centurion Club, which is located in between St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, are convinced that they have got the right product for the market.

“Some of our friends questioned our wisdom to launch an upmarket club in the middle of a recession, but it is also a time of opportunity and we are convinced the finished product will attract a huge amount of interest,” said chairman, Graham Wildish, who will own and operate Centurion Club in partnership with managing director Scott Evans and two Dutch partners, Bert Pronk and André Hendriks.

“We believe the site has huge potential due to its location on the outskirts of north London,” he added. “We’ve also got a gem of a golf course, and it will be there for all to see when we open our sales office on the site this summer.

He added: “We’ve got one chance to get this right and that has certainly focussed our minds. Our plan is to create a club that rivals the very best for its quality, while offering flexibility for each member’s needs. Our

The Centurion Club opens next year and is currently accepting membership enquiries

aim is to focus on providing the very best facilities for our members, and let the reputation and standing among the golfing fraternity 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.”

There have been plans to develop the site as a golf course for a number of years, but it was only when Wildish, Evans, Pronk and Henriks came on board that they started to come to fruition.

Fifteen holes have already been constructed and the final three (which are the first three holes of the course) will be completed shortly, carving their way through an attractive area of pine woodland on the western edge of the site. A number of ancillary buildings (one

The course is designed by Simon Gidman

Evans banned from defending Dunhill title

Evans has been banned from the Dunhill following questions over his handicap allowance

www.macgregor-golf.co.uk Available at selected golf shops and authorised online retailers

Radio DJ – and talented amateur golfer – Chris Evans has been barred for life from golf’s most glamorous celebrity tournament, after

of which will serve as the clubhouse in the short term) are already under construction, and work on a permanent clubhouse behind the 18th green will commence as soon as the club is up and running.

Wildish, Pronk and Hendriks all have extensive business backgrounds working in the pharmaceutical, construction, and manufacturing industries and their business acumen is reinforced by Evans, who 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, where he worked on numerous European projects. Troon will be managing the agronomy side of the golf operations the club.

apparently giving himself too generous a handicap to help him win last year’s tournament.

The 46-year-old broadcaster,

who lives near Ascot, won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last October with professional playing partner Nick Dougherty, but their 40-under par performance over four rounds raised eyebrows.

And now, three months before he was due to defend the title he won last year, it has emerged that he will not be allowed to take part in the event, which traditionally draws in celebrities from the world of screen, stage, sport and business.

The event organisers have refused to fully explain why he has been banned, but it has emerged that it may be the result of his handicap.

Last year, he played off 10, but went round the St Andrews’ Old Course in level par, for what amounted to a net 62 during the 72-hole tournament, which also takes

August 2012 / Issue 213

The directors’ knowledge is evident in many of the decisions that have already been made, including the appointment of local firm Simon Gidman Architects to design the course. Gidman’s previous creations include the new course at Burhill in Surrey and the Blue course at Frilford Heath near Oxford. “Simon has been a pleasure to work with, and he has embraced our thoughts and vision for the site,“ said Wildish.

Gidman has created a picturesque layout, which meanders over rolling terrain and features over 80 bunkers, four major water hazards, and undulating bent grass greens. The course measures 7,200 yards from the back tees, with multiple teeing options making it playable for all skills levels. Among the highlights will be a fine array of short holes, while the course closes with a stunning par five, whose green will sit below the clubhouse, protected by a large lake to the right.

The holes have all been given Latin names, such as Alma Mater, Pro Forma and Hydro, which reflects the Roman history of the local area.

A wide range of membership categories are being offered, including a limited number of ‘Founder’ or ‘Centurion’ memberships, which will be the only way to access the course seven days per week, plus there will be midweek openings in corporate and business categories.

“The different membership categories will offer greater flexibility to suit each member’s lifestyle,” said Wildish. “It is our intention to create a club that is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and outstanding standard of service. We want to create a distinct ‘wow’ factor, which will ensure that once you’ve visited the club, you’ll never forget it.”

in rounds at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

After the win, Evans said he was given the impression that organisers believed that his handicap was not a fair reflection of his ability.

Evans’ only reaction to the situation came via his twitter site, where he reported: “Sadly, I will not be defending my title this year. Why? It transpires I’ve been barred for life. I could go into why, but frankly it’s all a bit of a bore. Suffice to say, if we were kids in the playground, the boy who owns the ball just took it home in a huff because his team didn’t win.”

Evans is understood to hold his golf handicap at Pinerios Altos Golf Club in Portugal, where he owns a villa which he visits regularly for family holidays. His cousin, Brian Evans, is the Director of Golf at the club.

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Jim carries the flame for Kent golf!

Olympic Dream: Birthday boy Jim Pocknell proudly ran through the streets of Deal

Kent Golf Union stalwart Jim Pocknell enjoyed five minutes of fame with the flame last month, when he was invited to carry the Olympic torch through the streets of Deal.

The 56-year-old from nearby Chatham ran his leg of the 3,000-mile procession in front of packed crowds, and was able to enjoy a double celebration, as it was also his birthday.

“It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic,” said Pocknell, who is chairman of the Kent Golf Partnership. “For me, on my birthday, it was like winning a major in golf, or the jackpot on the National Lottery. When your torch is lit, and you start your run, you are the only person in the world at that point carrying the Olympic Flame. What a responsibility!”

The crowds were packing the pavements six or seven deep and, from the moment he arrived at his position, Pocknell was in demand. “There were crowds of people coming up and asking if they could touch the torch and if they could have a photo.

I don’t think I’ve ever had my picture taken so many times! The people of Deal really made it special for us, it was great.”

Pocknell, who is a member at Royal Blackheath, Bearsted and Gillingham golf clubs, was nominated by Sport England after his name was put forward by the England Golf Partnership. He has made an extraordinary contribution to golf at all levels for 30 years, within his clubs, with the Kent County Union and, for the last six years, with the Kent Golf Partnership, which works to grow the game in the county.

Pocknell now aims to share the torch-bearing experience with as many people as possible, and he has already visited a community group, had lunch with the Mayor of Medway, and taken the torch to a schools’ miniOlympics where the Kent Golf Partnership organised Tri-Golf competitions for 150 children.

Harry turns on the style at Stoke Park One Direction’s Harry Styles won the day at Stoke Park

Stoke Park Golf Club’s reputation as a celebrity golfing haunt was taken up a notch last month when the famous Buckinghamshire venue hosted its own ‘Battle of the Boy Bands’.

A testosterone-fuelled golf match saw chart-topping heartthrobs One Direction take on JLS in a closelyfought encounter. Reports have it that youth prevailed over experience, with One D’s Harry Styles leading his team to victory. A post-match dinner held at the club was attended by X Factor finalist Olly Murs, before a group of the players travelled up to London for some off-course antics.

Stoke Park also hosted the Russian tennis team during the Olympics, with the squad using the club’s grass courts to get in some practice before the matches at Wimbledon. One of the practice sessions was watched by tennis-loving Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who also snuck in a round on the Harry Colt-designed golf course following his disappointing showing at the Open Championship.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

News in Brief

Wallis lands St George’s Hill to Tylney treble renovate Green Nine

RECORDS TUMBLE AT REDBOURN

Current Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit champion Richard Wallis toughed it out to win the Tylney Park Classic. The Walmer & Kingsdown professional added a second round 70 to his first round of 69 to card a total of 139, taking the victor’s crown for the third year in a row, and the lead in the PGA South’s Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit.

Wallis finished two shots in front of the chasing pack, comprising Michael Ahluwalia (Birchwood Park), David Callaway (Milford) and Paul Nessling (Cooden Beach), who all tied on three-under-par.

Wallis was absolutely delighted to defend his Tylney Park crown for the third year on the trot, and to overtake East Berkshire’s Guy Woodman in the Order of Merit. “I had a bit of a struggle today,” he confessed. “But while there were no fireworks, I putted beautifully and felt really good on the greens. I nearly lost a ball on the 10th with my second shot, but luckily PGA Tournament Director Mark Spratt found it, and I managed to get away with a bogey.”

Wallis continued: “This one rounds off a really nice patch, with three wins in a row at Stoneham, the Pro-Am here, and now the main event. I’ve back in the groove I’ve been looking for.”

Nicola Bennett chalked up a new ladies’ course record on her way to victory in Redbourn Golf Club’s Girls’ Open last month.

The two-handicapper from Porter’s Park fired a gross oneunder par 72 to beat her nearest rivals, Elena Tizzard and Megan Daniels, by the massive margin of 17 shots.

LEVERMORE SHINES AT SUNDRIDGE Clacton-based Challenge Tour player Jason Levermore sealed his first win on the TP Tour after beating Hertfordshire’s Sean Whiffin at the third hole of a sudden death play-off at Sundridge Park in Kent. The two leaders fired four-under par rounds of 67 around the Bromley-based club’s East Course.

Treble top: Wallis is looking odds-on to defend his OoM title

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New greens please: St George’s Hill is modernise its Green Course

The historic St George’s Hill club in Weybridge, Surrey has appointed local design firm Thomson, Perrett & Lobb to conduct a strategic review of its Green nine, with a view to commencing a long-term renovation programme.

The club’s goal is to strengthen the Green nine to bring it closer in style to that of the Red and Blue nines, Colt’s famous 1913 creation. While the layout of

the Green nine has changed over the years, some elements of Colt’s work remain, and TPL’s Tim Lobb says his aim is to retain them, and put original features back wherever possible.

“You’d have to be pretty arrogant to believe you were a better golf architect than Harry Colt, so we are making great efforts to identify what of his course remains, or could be restored,” he said.

“But there are elements of the course that do need improvement, and we have a variety of ideas that could make it better.”

Lobb added: “St George’s Hill is one of England’s greatest golf clubs, designed by its greatest architect, and it’s a privilege to be able to work here. We shall propose a range of options to the club and then sit down to decide the best approach.

My objective is to help keep any work as faithful as possible to Colt’s original work, while ensuring the course remains the best possible experience for both members and visitors.”

Club secretary Barry Hill said: “We interviewed a number of architects before deciding to appoint TPL. They have the experience and the reputation and they are local. We are not in a hurry, but we do want to formulate our plans and build these into our overall strategic objectives.”

St George’s Hill was ranked 63rd in Golf World’s recentlypublished Top 100 UK rankings, slipping 13 places down from its 50th position in 2010.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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Tree receives Ryder Cup call-up Boys’ international Toby Tree from Sussex has been selected to play in the European team for the Junior Ryder Cup. The 17-year-old from Southwater will be playing alongside teammates in the two-day competition that takes place at Olympia Fields in Illinois, from September 24-25 – one day before the main event gets under way at Medinah.

The two teams comprise six girls and six boys, all of

Rory rips it up at ESN

Rory McIlroy with ESN pro Jack Budgen

The members at East Sussex National are quite used to seeing top golf professionals at their club, which has hosted several European and Challenge Tour events in its time, but few were prepared for last month’s visit from the current World No.1, Rory McIlroy, who dropped in for a spot of practice while his girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki, played tennis in Eastbourne.

whom must be under 18 on January 1, 2012. Previous competitors have included Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, Matteo Manassero, Suzann Pettersen and Hunter Mahan.

The European team is being captained by 34-yearold former Walker Cup player Stuart Wilson from Scotland, who will be assisted by Norwegian international Kristin Gunhildrud.

The Junior Ryder Cup was launched in 1997, and has been played seven times, with the current team scores standing at 3.5-3.5. The USA clinched the trophy in 2010, winning 13½-10½ at Gleneagles.

The young Irishman, who won the US PGA Championship earlier this month, enjoyed the club’s practice facilities during his visit, and the dual Major winner even had his ball sponsor, Titleist, send the club a shipment of his favoured Pro V1s so that he could get the most from his session on the range.

ESN’s club pro Jack Budgen looked after McIlroy during his visit, and was delighted to see such a superstar at the club. “It was slightly surreal experience to have Rory here, and it created quite a stir at the club,” he said.

“He was very generous with his time, and was happy to stand for photographs and sign autographs. I’d also like to think that his time here helped him get his game on track for the PGA Championship!”

McIlroy, who stayed at the Cavendish Hotel in Eastbourne during his stay in Sussex, initially looked at practising at Royal Eastbourne, but was advised that the driving range would be too short to accommodate his 350-yard tee shots.

Handicap system costs clubs dear The implementation of the new active handicap system has resulted in many hundreds of golf club members choosing not to renew their memberships this year, according to a new survey.

Approximately one in 10 golf club managers have said they have lost members solely as a result of the introduction of ‘inactive’ handicaps. The poll for The Golf Club Secretary asked about the system, in which golfers that fail to return three qualifying scores in the same calendar year are given an ‘inactive handicap’ status for the following year, preventing them from entering events that require an active handicap to participate until they submit the three cards.

About 10 per cent of respondents stated that they had lost members entirely because of the changes, which were brought in at the start of 2010, while 80 per cent of managers said they did not lose members because of it.

The survey also found that the ‘complications of Council of National Golf Unions’, which maintains the handicapping system, have resulted in members at more than 15 per cent of golf clubs canceling their memberships.

“I wish they had never introduced inactive handicaps,” said one respondent. “We are considering pulling out of England Golf. The changes regarding lapsed handicaps seem unnecessary and confusing,” said another.

“I doubt the majority of members will ever completely understand the CONGU system.”

“Inactive status is causing dissatisfaction among club golfers, as they do not understand the handicapping system,” stated another manager. “It detracts from the enjoyment of the game, and we see more golfers playing outside of competitions to enjoy themselves, and selfregulating their handicaps with each other.”

News in Brief HURST WINS KENT SENIORS Pedham Place’s Christ Hurst prevailed in the Kent Senior Open Championship by four shots after firing rounds of 70 and 77 at Bearsted Golf Club for a one-under par 36-hole total. Defending champion Dave Jessup from Wrotham Heath finished second, with Derek Pettet (Rochester & Cobham) in third.

TREBLE TOP AT THORNEY Buckinghamshire golfer Chris Johns is celebrating after bagging three holes-in-one on the same hole during a monthlong period this summer. The 66-year-old, who suffers from spinal stenosis and has to play using a buggy, scored the unlikely trio of aces at Thorney Park Golf Club near Iver on June 19, July 1 and July 22, with the latter being achieved during one of the club’s most prestigious events, the Thorney Park Trophy.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

Golf News catches up with Sunningdale-based Tour Pro Anthony Wall following his runner-up finish in the Irish Open

OFF THE

WALL Rumour has it you stayed in a caravan at the Irish Open. Still living the dream, eh?

It was a caravan park, but it was a very nice caravan park. The caravan had running water, gas and all mod cons. I stayed with another player, Andrew Marshall, as well as some of the caddies, and we all had a good laugh.

Why didn’t you want to stay in one of the players’ hotels?

I didn’t want to stay in town, because I knew it was going to be quite boisterous, so I wanted to stay away from it. I tried a B&B, but it didn’t look the greatest, so I opted to give it a go in a caravan. I knew we would have a bit of a laugh, watching the football on the telly with a few mates. I also managed to bag the big bedroom, which was a bonus!

You had a great chance to win in Ireland.

How disappointed were you not to get the job done?

After the first three rounds, I was probably going as well as anyone, so it was disappointing not to finish it off. I went out believing I was going to win, but it just didn’t happen.

Did you lose heart after that triple-bogey on the second hole?

I don’t know what happened at the second.

I hit three terrible tee shots, found the second one, and then it was always going to be difficult, because on such a demanding course you’re always trying to find your swing. But I was proud of the way I kept going, though. I picked up six shots after that, and holed some great putts, so I’ve got to take away the positives from it. It was a great week, but second is always a tough place to finish.

With the trials and tribulations you’ve had, and the back problems, it bodes well for the future, doesn’t it?

It does. Knowing that my putting is now a strength is a huge boost, because it’s been a weakness throughout my career – not holing out enough. I’ve always been good on the little ones and the long ones, but I don’t hole enough mid-range putts. If those start going in, it makes me feel that I can compete, because my long game is normally pretty good.

Does your third round 66 at Portrush rank among your best ever rounds?

It was probably close to the best. My first round 67 at Hoylake, in the Open Championship in 2006, was a great round given the circumstances. But yes, my 66 at Portrush was probably the best I’ve ever played, now that I’ve had time to think about it.

Links courses seem to bring out the best in you. Would you like to see more links venues on the schedule?

Absolutely, I’ll jump at any chance to play links golf, so hopefully the Tour can put us on a few more of the older, more traditional courses, rather than keep playing all of these courses in fields and trying to make an atmosphere from nothing. At Portrush, it was electric.

How would you rate your career so far?

It’s a difficult thing, because the time has flown by. It’s incredible to think how 12 years have gone so quickly. After I won the Alfred Dunhill in 2000, I definitely lost my direction for three or four years. The whole thing went to pot, and I didn’t really have any real help.

That’s the one thing that these young kids have now, they have so much good advice, and it keeps them on the right track. I just got on with it, and didn’t really know what Happy days: Wall celebrates his Dunhill victory in 2001 with his father

Wall has only one win to his name, but is one of the Tour’s most consistent performers

I was doing. I do feel I’ve been a late starter in a number of things over the years. I’m 37, but I still feel that my game is as good as it’s ever been. I’d like to think that I’ve still got a long time left playing, because I do enjoy it. But I regret a little bit not having as much direction in the middle years as I probably should have done.

You’ve always managed to make plenty of money. Is that another reason perhaps that you haven’t kicked on as much as you could have done?

No, I’ve never thought I’ve had enough money! Of course, I’ve made money, being out here for 15 years. Any job you’re ok at, you’re going to make money, but I still think I could have done a bit better.

Why have you been able to stick at it for so long, while others of your era have fallen by the wayside?

It’s probably down to hard work and determination. My dad always instilled that into me; that if you’re not prepared to work, there will be somebody who will, so I always just get on with it and work hard.

I try and not complicate things. It might not necessarily be the right things I work at, but if you complicate the best things, they are probably not going to work anyway. So I just keep my focus and try to improve what I know I can improve on, rather than looking for something that might never happen.

Thankfully, I’ve also managed to stay quite fit for most of my career. Other guys have niggles here and there, and it does stop their progress, so I’ve been pretty lucky really.

What piece of advice do you wish you’d been given in the early days?

No-one prepared me for the pressures of playing week-in, week-out. When you’re an amateur, you play once every few weeks and prepare for each one. Now the top players have to go out and play 25 to 30 weeks a year, and you just have to keep going with what you’ve got. And no one prepares you for the weeks you’re not playing well. It can drag you down further; you can find bad habits, and before you know it you’re well away from where you should be. Where if you play once every two

or three weeks or whatever, you can get back to where you should be. I think a little bit of that happened to me. I was always playing, wanting to keep my card, wanting to stay on Tour and all that stuff. It is difficult, but you’ve just got to stick at it.

You used to watch Nick Faldo practise when you were a boy. What did you learn from him?

Yeah, I often used to watch him hit balls, when I was about 13 or 14. It was great to sit and watch him. His dedication was probably the big thing I picked up from him most.

He played in a different era, and without his sort of his knowledge that you could watch on television, I don’t think English golf would be quite where it is today. He made one comment years ago, after he had won at St Andrews, that he had a different plan for all four winds, and I took that on board, and like to think that I have always been a pretty good wind player.

Have you ever had a time where you thought about giving it all up?

No. I think everyone involved in the European Tour has got to consider themselves lucky, because we are all still working, and a third of the country isn’t. I play golf because I enjoy it – it’s all lovely and stuff, but you go home after six missed cuts in a row, and it’s not about the money.

It’s about how you failed six weeks in a row and that’s how it feels. Most weeks, 85 guys will fail and none of them will feel great about that. You just have to get out and keep coming back.

ANTONY WALL FACT FILE Age: 37 Lives: Camberley, Surrey Turned Pro: 1995 Career Wins: Alfred Dunhill Championship 2001 Career earnings: €6,944,528 Best Major finish: 11th, Open Championship 2006 Highest Money List Place: 13th (2006) Current Race to Dubai ranking: 36th Team Events: Seve Trophy 2009, Royal Trophy 2007

August 2012 / Issue 213

/9

COMPETITION

WIN

A FOUR-BALL AT WOBURN AND TICKETS TO THE TRAVIS PERKINS SENIOR MASTERS!

GEAR UP FOR WINTER with Stuburt’s Multi-Layer Concept

Golf News has teamed up with Woburn Golf Club, Travis Perkins plc and the European Seniors Tour, to offer a special prize of a four-ball on the Duke’s Course at Woburn Golf Club. We also have 10 pairs of clubhouse season tickets to the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters to give away to the runners-up.

WOBURN SET FOR SENIOR STARS With the European Senior Tour season now in full swing, Woburn Golf Club is getting ready to host another edition of the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters from August 31-September 2.

One of the longest running events on the Senior Tour schedule, the £300,000 tournament has become a firm favourite with golf fans over the past 12 years, attracting more than 20,000 people over the three tournament days.

Just four weeks before Europe takes on the United States in The Ryder Cup at Medinah in Chicago, you can watch some of the Ryder Cup stars of yesteryear in action, including former European captains Mark James, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam.

Last year saw Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit crowned champion over the Duke’s Course, after he held off the challenge of former Ryder Cup players Gordon Brand Jnr and Barry Lane and Roger Chapman, the reigning US Senior PGA Champion, who all tied for second place.

Recent winners of the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters include the Senior Tour’s most successful player Carl

Mason, champion in 2006 and 2007, Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone (2009) and former Ryder Cup players Gordon J Brand (2008) and Des Smyth (2010).

Tickets for the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters are £10 daily or £20 season, with 50 per cent off if bought before August 24. Under 16s get in for free, and car parking is also free.

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TO ENTER: For a chance of winning either prize, answer the question below and email your details (name, telephone number and address) to info@golfnews. co.uk, marking the subject line ‘Woburn Competition’. Entries close on August 27, 2012. Tickets will be posted to the winners.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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Report by Nick Bayly and Adam Lawrence After months of acrimonious courtroom battles between the owners of Cherkley Court in Surrey and the National Trust, local planners have finally given the green light to turn the former home of press magnate Lord Beaverbrook into one of England’s most exclusive private golf club and hotel resorts.

The planned golf course at Cherkley Court, which is located near Leatherhead, will be a co-design between five-time Open champion Tom Watson and David McLay Kidd, whose most prestigious recent projects include The Castle Course at St Andrews and the ultra-exclusive Queenwood in Surrey.

The Cherkley Court development, which won planning consent from Mole Valley District Council earlier this year after a bitter battle with the National Trust and local environmental groups, received a boost on July 20, when Secretary of State for Communities Eric Pickles announced that he would not be calling in the planning decision for further scrutiny. Developers Longshot says it hopes to start construction of the course next January. Longshot is run by partners Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors, and is involved in a range of hospitality and leisure ventures, including owning London’s famous Groucho Club.

At Cherkley, the firm plans to convert the house – built in the French chateau style in the 1890s – into an upmarket hotel and spa. But hotel guests will

have no right of access to the golf course, which is planned to be an exclusive private retreat on the American model, in a similar fashion to the nearby Queenwood course, built by architect Kidd ten years ago. Joining fees for the golf club are estimated to be in the region of £100,000 for founder members, with membership numbers capped at 500.

Cherkley was famously the former residence of newspaper baron and wartime cabinet minister Lord Beaverbrook. Beaverbrook, who founded Express Newspapers, bought the house in 1911 for £30,000. After his death, it was bought by the Beaverbrook Foundation, and was for a time open to the public, but falling visitor numbers led to it being put on sale in 2010, when it was bought by Cadbury and Vigors. The asking price at the time was £20 million.

Watson, who became a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects this year, has his own design firm based in Kansas. The firm’s work includes the Cassique course on Kiawah Island in South Carolina, and the Independence course at the Reunion Club in Orlando, but Watson is believed to be excited at the prospect of building a traditional-style golf course on a piece of land naturally suited to the game. “All too often, I play courses that have been artificially formed. Here, all the designers have to do is to add the final strokes of the brush to finish what will be a natural masterpiece,” he said during a site visit last year.

Kidd, the designer of Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Machrihanish Dunes in his native Scotland, claimed the project would require less changes to the existing topography than any he has built to date, and predicted it would become one of the UK’s greatest courses.

“Top courses need a landscape that provides variety, without having to be sculpted into something unnatural.

We have too many manicured, vast open courses. These are great for the beginner, but real golf needs to be a challenge,” he said.

Cherkley Court stands in a 380-acre estate in Leatherhead, with 120 acres of woodland. The conversion of house and grounds to incorporate a hotel, two restaurants, a spa, a herb kitchen, and a cooking school is expected to cost £60 million, and employ 200 people.

Longshot has sought to smooth over the negative reactions of local residents, many of whom are concerned about the impact on the environment, by hosting a series of public presentations, where plans for the site were openly discussed. The company even published a fake newspaper, The Cherkley Express, which was sent to over 9,000 local residents extolling the benefits of the development, which contained supportive backing from the like of Colin Montgomerie and Tom Watson. “We didn’t need their permission,” said Vigors.

“We already had the consent of the Beaverbrook Foundation. But we wanted to know there was local support.”

Among the most vocal of the critics of the development is Jonathan Kenworthy, a renowned sculptor and artist, who has access rights to his house through the estate. At the presentation, Kenworthy said he and his wife didn’t want a golf course obscuring their view. Supermodel

An overhead view of the plans for the course being designed by Tom Watson

August 2012 / Issue 213

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ETS GREEN EW EXCLUSIVE URREY

n to design an Jodie Kidd, a keen golfer who is a descendant of Lord Beaverbrook, also initially opposed the plans, but has since retracted her objections, and is reported to be happy with the development.

Among the main objectors were Mole Valley District Council, the National Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Their concern was that part of the court’s grounds lie inside the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the whole area is within the green belt. “Do we need another golf course in Surrey?” asked Tim Harrold, vicepresident of the Surrey CPRE. “We already have 140 in the county.”

Now that Longshot has won planning consent, Cadbury is keen to stress the positive aspects that opening a new resort will have on the area.

“The most important point has been the overwhelming support of the local community. It’s a mystery why this small, but vocal group should feel so negative about a plan to restore the house to its former glory, to reinvigorate the estate, and to create employment in the community.”

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August 2012 / Issue 213

Spectators quids in at Disabled British Open

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Last year’s winners will be back for more at East Sussex National

Golf fans who want to see some of the world’s finest disabled golfers in action should head to East Sussex National, where the fourth renewal of the Disabled British Open takes place from August 24-26.

The three-day tournament, which is this year being sponsored by yourgolftravel. com, was massively over-subscribed, with a full field of competitors due to take on the challenge of the club’s championship East Course, which was designed by Robert Cupp.

The defending champion in the adult event is three-handicapper Duncan Hamilton-Martin from Surrey, while the junior event, which was launched in 2011, will see 13-year-old Frankie Jones from Wales coming back to defend his title.

As an added incentive for spectators to attend, every person who visits the tournament will receive a £50 voucher to put towards a golf holiday with yourgolftravel. com. Entry to watch the tournament is free.

Jimmy’s going down Mexico way!

Farnham Park’s Nigel Whitton and Jimmy Govere booked their place to Mexico with a stunning 65

A Slough amateur whose only experience of playing golf was restricted to computer games up until five years ago, has clinched a trip to Mexico after winning the Virgin Atlantic PGA National Pro-Am Championship qualifier at Frilford Heath.

Jimmy Govere of Farnham Park in Stoke Poges, partnered PGA professional Nigel Whitton for the event at the Oxfordshire venue.

And the duo recovered from a shaky start to win by just one shot after carding a seven-under-par round of 65.

Now they will play in the SkyCaddie and BMWsupported £30,000 final, which will be held at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort at Cancun, Mexico in December.

Moon Palace is home to a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course where 16 PGA professional and amateur teams will contest the event. And 36-year-old Govere, who works as a dialysis nurse in

Windsor, admits he might never have tried golf for real had it not been for one of his patients.

Govere explained: “I used to play computer golf, and hadn’t even thought about joining a club. Then one of the patients said I was quite good and should try the real thing. And five years later I’m going to Mexico. I can’t quite believe it – it’s a very cool prize!”

Govere, who plays off 10, admitted that Whitton had to calm him down to make sure they stayed in contention for the top spot.

He explained: “Nigel was great. I wanted to go for it with a shot from the bunker at the 17th, but he told me to be more cautious and he was right. That’s why he’s the professional!”

The Farnham Park pairing edged out Ian Roper and David Richards, of Hampshire’s Corhampton Golf Club, Anthony Killik and Scott Ashton from Peacehaven in East Sussex, and Alistair White and James Johnson from Royal Ascot.

Shamiso shines at Woburn Fifteen-year-old Shamiso Hatchard won the ladies’ championship at Woburn Golf Club last month, capping off a season that has seen dramatic improvement by the Milton Keynes-based schoolgirl.

She won the 36-hole tournament playing off a handicap of eight, with her round including her first ever hole-in-one on the Duke’s Course’s third hole.

A member of Woburn for the past three years, Hatchard has enjoyed a successful season, winning the Spring Salver at the Bucks Junior Girls spring meeting, before capturing Berks, Bucks and Oxon County Junior Championship at Denham with a nett 65.

Hatchard is currently a student at The Webber School, to which she won a sports scholarship in 2010, and plans to play on the British Junior Golf Tour later this season.

Girl power: Hatchard looks to have a promising future

August 2012 / Issue 213

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Belfry back in De Vere’s hands 

The De Vere Group has announced that it has secured the contract to operate the UK’s most popular golf resort, The Belfry.

Previously owned by De Vere prior to its sale in 2005, The Belfry is set in 550 acres of Warwickshire countryside and currently comprises a 324-bedroom resort and two championship golf courses, The PGA National and The Brabazon – host course of The Ryder Cup four times between 1985 and 2002. The Belfry is also home to the PGA National Golf Academy and a further 18-hole course, The Derby.

The management contract

follows the acquisition of The Belfry by an American investment firm, KSL Capital Partners, which has a long history of investing in golf resorts and golf businesses, including ClubCorp, one of the world’s largest private golf and business clubs.

The resort is to undergo a comprehensive renovation under its new owner, including all public areas, guest rooms, restaurants and meeting spaces, in order to enhance the overall experience and reposition the resort as one of Europe’s leading hotel, conference, golf and spa destinations.

“The Belfry has a proud heritage and is widely

known as the ‘spiritual home of The Ryder Cup,’ and we are honoured to be the next stewards of this great property,” said Richard Weissmann, one of KSL’s partners.

“Given KSL’s experience of owning and operating large scale golf and spa resorts across the United States, The Belfry is the perfect opportunity for our first resort investment in Europe. We believe De Vere’s familiarity with today’s European travellers, combined with our planned renovations, will provide guests of The Belfry with a new level of luxury, service and amenities.”

Bearwood wins eco award Recognised as one of the finest inland courses to be built in Britain in the past 20 years, Bearwood Lakes has achieved another important accolade recently being awarded GEO Certified, golf’s international ecolabel, certifying comprehensive commitment and achievement around sustainability.

The 18-hole course in Berkshire meanders through a backdrop of mature pines, beech and cedar trees, and three lakes that were originally part of Windsor Great Park and the royal hunting grounds since the 11th century.

The original design by Guy Hockley, under the direction of Martin Hawtree, retained much of the original landscape, using tree coverage and the nature of the area as a unique

backdrop to the course that rolls around the Bearwood estate. This outlook has become even more deeprooted at Bearwood Lakes.

Speaking about the award, Bearwood’s managing director, Carl Rutherford, said: “We have integrated sustainability into our decision-making, from every-day items like irrigation and pest-control, to purchasing decisions in the clubhouse and on the course, and certainly around the renovation work undertaken recently. The natural lakes and forested terrain on historicallysignificant land perhaps add to the responsibility we all feel, but environmental stewardship also helps set our course apart from others, and makes good business sense.”

Course manager Daniel

Lightfoot, who has implemented the work on the course, added: “As part of a rolling five-year ecology and landscape management plan, we have been doing good sustainability work for years. The GEO On-Course programme gave us an easy way to record and report this work, and the GEO Certified ecolabel is something we can confidently and proudly show to members, guests, and the wider golfing world.

I’ve been looking forward to getting this distinction for a long time. However, with the ink not long dry on the award, we are already focused ahead on new ideas we have, including a new irrigation storage reservoir, and continuing to improve our fleet, which now includes three new electric ride-on mowers that lower our fuel costs and emissions.”

      

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   

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      

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August 2012 / Issue 213

Marathon Men: Conor Cull, John Rashbrook and Colin Harding completed 108 holes before the sun went down at West Byfleet

Redfern rule roost at Rich

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A Surrey schoolboy has spearheaded a major fundraising drive for a sixround charity golf marathon in memory of his best friend who died two years ago, the day before his 13th birthday.

Starting at 5am, Conor Cull and two other players completed the marathon on August 1 – involving almost 30 miles of walking and raising over £2,500 for the captains’ charities at West Byfleet Golf Club.

One of the key beneficiaries was the Matthew Hackney Foundation, which was set up in memory of Matt, who was 13 years old when he died from anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction – in 2010. His family set up the foundation to support local young people’s organisations, plus fund research and raise awareness

of asthma and allergies.

Conor, now aged 15, was joined for the 108 holes by fellow members John Rashbrook and Colin Harding, and they completed each of the first four rounds in two hours. Conor, who plays off a five, said: “It was a very special day. Matt and I were very close friends and went through primary and secondary school together and played for a local football team. We shared a lot in common, including our love of all sport, and our families remain close friends.”

The six-round marathon was part of a 30-year celebration of the annual charity day at West Byfleet, which started in 1982, with the first one raising £400 for multiple sclerosis, while last year’s total topped £30,000.

Redfern enjoyed his debut at Richmond

Former Surrey PGA Open champion Nick Redfern celebrated the PGA’s first event at Richmond Golf Club by seeing off reigning Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit champion Richard Wallis.

Redfern fired a flawless three-under-par 67 to win Pro-Am at the Surrey venue by one stroke from Wallis.

Holding the winner’s cheque for £850, Redfern expressed his delight at playing on the Richmond course for the first time.

“This was my first visit and it’s a stunning course, right

in the middle of suburbia,” he said. “Its presentation really inspired me to play good golf, and having never seen it before, I treated the course with respect and managed my way round to good effect.”

Redfern notched a smooth run of six pars before birdieing the par-five seventh and then par-three eighth, a feat which was to pay handsome dividends at the end of the day.

“I didn’t try to overpower the course, but stayed focused on hitting as many

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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es the hmond fairways and greens in regulation as possible, and giving myself as many birdie opportunities as I could,” added Redfern. “These greens were the best putting surfaces I’ve played on this year, and although I didn’t hole lots of putts, they were a joy to play on.”

Two-under-par at the turn, Redfern produced one more birdie at the par-five 11th, before carding a flawless run of pars for a 67.

Strategy was key, as Redfern explained: “I was delighted to win on this hidden gem of a course. The win was down to course management. I’d had a chat with Jamie Harris beforehand, and we both agreed the rough everywhere is now so thick, distance control is impossible unless you’re on the fairway. So I played the percentage shots and kept out of trouble.”

Redfern’s birdie at the eighth also won him a share of the prize for the twos competition. “The twos comp was open to just the pros, so it was my lucky day that only two others had birdies, so we split a very handsome pot accordingly!” said Redfern.

It’s a family affair at Belton Woods!

Ryan Evans with the SE Amateur Trophy

South of England title heads north Northampton’s Ryan Evans celebrated his call-up to the England squad this month when he won the prestigious South of England Amateur title with a seven under par total of 281 after four rounds over both Old and New courses at Walton Heath in Surrey.

Evans was lying third with one round to go, two strokes off the pace, but a closing 70 saw him overtake leader and England international Paul Lockwood. The Yorkshireman shot a disappointing last round 74 to slip to third behind Evans and Lancashire rival Steven McGlynn. Walton Heath’s Tim Richardson finished tied fourth.

The trophy for the tournament was specially commissioned

by Walton Heath and incorporates an Eisenhower Trophy Gold Medal won by the late Michael Lunt as a member of the winning Great Britain and Ireland team in 1964. Lunt was captain of Walton Heath in 2005, and captain of the Royal & Ancient in 2007 until his untimely death, and was a former British and English Amateur champion.

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Event winners Graham & James Ruth and Paul & John O’Dea

There was a serious amount of male bonding going on at DeVere Belton Woods earlier this month, when the popular Lincolnshire resort played host to the 2012 British Father and Son Championships from August 3-4.

After two thrilling days of two-ball better ball Stableford golf, John and Paul O’Dea won the handicap title, while Graham and James Ruth claimed the scratch event.

The O’Deas, who play their golf at Bowood and Rickmansworth golf clubs respectively, won the 36-hole tournament by three shots over Paul and Carl Derbyshire from the Warren & Wallasey GC, with an impressive 15-under par total.

The win was the perfect tonic for John O’Dea, who has been coping with for cancer

for the past seven years. “I want to be an example to others of my age, of what you can achieve and not to give up,” said John. “To win this event with my son is very special, and it’s a memory we will never forget. Paul, echoed his sentiments, saying: “This is such a fantastic event – every father and son should come and play. To be able to win with my pops is just fantastic, I played the round of my life!”

Meanwhile, in the scratch event, the Devonshire pairing of Graham Ruth and his son James, who plays on the Challenge Tour, snatched the title in dramatic fashion, following a sudden death play-off over Kevin and Reece Hinton.

It was a bitter blow to the Hintons, who fought an epic battle with former Ryder Cup

golfer Paul Broadhurst and son Sam, who were all tied standing on the 18th tee, with the Ruths safely in the clubhouse. The Broadhursts failed to score on the last hole, while Kevin Hinton was on the green in two, and needing only two putts from 40 feet to secure the title, but found it wasn’t to be.

Ruth Snr, who is a three-time Devon County Champion, and works as golf director for Brittany Ferries, said: “James and I have had a really enjoyable time. We don’t get the chance to spend much time together and play golf, so to win was a real bonus!

I think this is a super event, and I can only see it growing in stature.”

Ruth has been sponsoring his son James since he lost his European Tour card and began playing Challenge and Europro Tour events. James said: “I’m going back to tour school in a couple of months, and it’s great to win this event with dad – we just came here to spend time together and have some fun, and we came away with a win.”

Both pairs received an invitation to the Grand European Final in October at Lumine Golf Resort in Spain.

They also won sets of clothing outfits from Glenmuir.

Fathers and sons came from all over the country, with two teams even travelling from Germany and Switzerland to compete for the title.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

DJ calls the tune at Par 3 Championship DJ Russell returned to his roots to take the honours at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship with back-to-back rounds of 50 for a record eight-under par total at Nailcote Hall near Solihull.

A regular on the Seniors Tour, and a two-time winner on the European Tour, Russell used his vast experience to pull clear of the chasing pack that included Gary Boyd, overnight leader Simon Lilly, and former Amateur Champion Gary Wolstenholme – picking up a cheque for £15,000 in the process.

Russell, who grew up in Birmingham, was three shots behind Lilly at the start of the final round, but after dropping shots early on, he finished in style with birdies at the 14th, 15th and 17th.

“The first round was a little easier, as you are not having to win the event on the opening day,” Russell said. “But the final round was a little more nerve-racking, as every hole is a potential disaster. But I was very pleased how I handled the situation. I

Paul Barrington’s trick shot show entertained the guests

Foxbridge welcomes Pudsey and pals!

Foxbridge Golf Club in West Sussex once again played the genial host for the golfing element of this year’s BBC’s Children In Need ‘Dine & Disco’ weekend.

The weekend’s festivities included a round of golf on the recently re-designed nine-hole layout at Foxbridge, followed by a dinner at Chris Evans’ nearby pub, The Mulberry Inn. The guests for this exclusive event all had to bid for their places during the

auction leading up to BBC’s Children In Need event last November, and their bids raised over a million pounds for the charity in the process.

With Pudsey Bear in attendance, golfers took part in a 9-hole competition for The Mulberry Cup, which was won by Leighton Griffiths, as well as a range of other competitions, including a ‘nearest-thepork-pie’ competition on the 9th hole, which was won by Gareth Wood.

knew that no-one had ever broken 100 for the tournament, so I knew that if I could have a half decent round then everyone else would have to play extremely well. It was only in the last three or four holes that winning became an issue – I didn’t want to go in the water and I didn’t want to hit a branch.”

And he admitted he called on an old friend to help him to the title. “I was aware of the other scores, because Mark Mouland and I go back a long way, and he was giving me updates,” he added. “I knew that with about five holes to go the others were having trouble, and it was mine to throw away. It meant I had to concentrate on what I was doing.

He added: “To win any professional tournament means you have to get over the finish line. This event is different though, as there is danger at every hole – there have been so many double-bogeys out there today. There were some quality golfers out there, and to put them all a few shots behind me is After the golf, trick shot specialist Paul Barrington performed his amazing show and a team of PGA Professionals looked after some of the non-golfers with clinics to introduce them to the game.

Guests were also treated to a baking master class from Great British Bake-Off judge Paul Hollywood, with the resulting scones being served up for tea.

Radio 2 sports presenter Vassos Alexander finished things off with his trademark general knowledge quiz, before guests departed to The Mulberry for the evening’s entertainment, which included a five-course dinner cooked by top chef Giorgio Locatelli, and a special performance by Sir Tom Jones.

Elaine Purton, who manages Foxbridge, said: “We are proud to be a part of this fun-filled weekend, and we look forward to hosting Chris and his team again next year!”

Foxbridge has recently made some significant changes to its nine-hole layout, with new tees on each hole, and two flags on each green, creating two very different nines for golfers to enjoy.

Barrow Boy: DJ Russell was delighted with his Par 3 prize haul

excellent. I’m absolutely delighted.”

Lilly finished as runner up on five-under, with Mark Murphy and Wolstenholme sharing third place on three-under.

Murphy surged through the field during the final round with a scintillating 49.

The prize for the super senior – the highest-placed competitor over the age of 60 – went to Ryder Cup legend Brian Barnes, who was playing in his first professional tournament since 2000, following a long injury lay-off.

Online reviews put swingers in the picture

Virgin Atlantic’s unique online golf league, Flying Club Swingers, provides a fantastic database of course reviews from around the world.

Since the facility was launched, members have posted over 1,000 reviews of over 800 courses from all four corners of the earth.

It’s a fantastic tool for planning golfing trips overseas or for deciding if it’s worth making the time for 18 holes while on a business trip or holiday.

The course review section allows golfers to upload any course worldwide and then submit their comments before giving the

course a star rating of 1-5. Users can even upload any pictures they have taken when visiting the course.

Meanwhile, for those searching for somewhere to play, each course review provides a satellite image of the course and a direct link to the official website. And what’s even better is that users can view all the Swingers that play at that course, read their profiles and contact them to meet up.

So if there’s a course you’ve always wanted to play, it’s definitely worth checking out the Flying Club Swingers website and making contact with a Swinger or two!

Anyone can view the course review section at www.flyingclubgolfleague. com, but to submit your own reviews or see the Swingers available to play at each club, golfers must first register as a Flying Club Swinger. Be sure to enter the code ‘GolfLive12’ when registering to be in with a chance of winning a Stewart Golf bag signed by the stars of Golf Live.

As media partner, Golf News will be featuring monthly updates on Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Swingers. For more information on Flying Club Swingers visit www.flyingclubgolfleague.com.

Ablett stands tall at Sittingbourne

Straight after a win on his home course, Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett shot another three-underpar round, this time on the Kent coast, to win the Sittingbourne Pro-Am for the second year running. With only one other player breaking par around a very windy Sittingbourne & Milton Regis course, Ablett made six birdies in his round of 68. His nearest rival was Larry Batchelor (Hilden Park) who dropped the one shot for a tidy one-under-par 70. Ablett has found a rich vein of form following some work on his posture at the PGA Surrey Open a month ago. In the last month alone, he has won the pro-ams at Camberley Heath, London Scottish and Lee-on-the-Solent.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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August 2012 / Issue 213

NickBayly Bayly Call me a boring old fart – which I am, almost daily – but I’ve never been a big fan of holes that are designed to look like things other than golf holes. The Mickey Mouse-shaped bunker at Disney World’s Magnolia Course is just that – mickey mouse, while the bunker/fairway design at a course in France that is designed to look like a man’s private parts fails to leave me in stitches. And don’t get me started on holes that are supposed to look like other famous holes. If I had a pound for every course that has an ‘homage’ to 17th at TPC Sawgrass, or the 12th at Augusta, well, I’d have at least a tenner by now.

But I have to admit that my cynical curmudgeonly soul had to raise a wry, internal smile when I first saw the artist’s impressions of a new course that is being created at Mission Hills in China.

American architects Schmidt-Curley have been commissioned to design a family-friendly fantasy golf course at the resort, whose centrepiece is to be a par-three hole featuring an island green dunked inside an 80-metre wide noodle bowl, complete with 75-metre chopsticks. Other iconic elements to this fun-fuelled layout include a 400-yard tee-to-green version of the country’s Great Wall,

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

Would you like a 9-iron or a spoon to play this hole, Sir?

Noodle bowl takes the biscuit a par three playing over a dip that contains terracotta warriors, and a par five through Mayan ruins.

The new design is intended to introduce a sense of family fun to the game when it opens in 2014.

Designer Brian Curley said: “Unlike mini-golf on artificial grass, the fantasy course is played at full-scale with standard equipment on real turf.

Other regulation courses frame holes with trees, bunkers and lakes. This course will incorporate many unique visuals, while still requiring players to execute full shots and hole putts.”

Mission Hills’ chairman Dr Ken Chu said: “Golf is typically a very conservative, tradition-filled game, yet there are many calls to make it more fun. We are taking this desire for change to the extreme, feeling many golfers will seek out this new adventure, and while here, play our other wonderful courses.”

What next? A quarter-scale model of the Blackpool Tower for golfers to putt through on the first green at Lytham, or maybe a chocolate fountain in front of the 18th hole on the Old Course at St Andrews?

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Carry on Carlos - no, give up!

First there was Eddie the Eagle, then there was Eric the Eel, and now we have ‘Carlos the Caddie’ joining the list of heroic sporting failures.

The Carlos in question was Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, who was offered the surprise role of carrying fellow Argentinian Andres Romero’s bag during the final round of last month’s Open Championship.

Starting early after playing himself out of contention with a 77 on Saturday, Romero appeared on the first tee with Tevez on his bag.

Dressed in his caddie’s bib and a blue baseball hat carrying the number 32 his Man City squad number - English football’s most famous renegade seemed to be having the time of his life as his friend carved his way to last place of the weekend finishers with a final round 82.

Romero’s golf was so bad he must have been tempted to ask his friend to have a go himself. Tevez – a steady 13-handicapper – would surely have done better than the air shot Romero contributed as he hacked out of the rough on the 16th.

Heaven knows what playing partner Chad Campbell made of it. It wasn’t even clear that the former Ryder Cup player knew who Tevez was, although

he could certainly hear him, as he chatted away with friends at the side of the fairway, while Campbell was attempting to line up a shot.

“It was my first time at The Open and I enjoyed it, but my shoulder is killing me,” said Tevez, who was later seen badgering Rickie Fowler for an autograph on the driving range.

“It’s much easier playing football than carrying that big bag around,” he added.

“He did well,” said Romero, of his friend’s caddying efforts. “I would advise him not to give up football, though.”

Man Utd fans will be hoping that piece of advice falls on deaf ears.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

MAJOR GLORY.

/ 19

When you play the game with complete confidence in yourself and your equipment, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. For Titleist Brand Ambassador Rory McIlroy it meant raising his game to yet another level, with his historic victory at the PGA Championship.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

Rory McIlroy blew away his US PGA Championship rivals at a windswept Kiawah Island to claim the second major of his breathtaking career

RORS

ON THE

SHORE E Words by Nick Bayly

The last time a golf tournament of note was played at Kiawah Island, the roars from the gallery were reserved for America’s 1991 Ryder Cup team, as they beat Europe in a stirring, if somewhat ill-tempered, encounter that would later earn the nickname of ‘The War on the Shore’.

Some 30 years later, the cast list of players and spectators may have changed, but the cheers were ringing out just as loudly for a single player – Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy – as he waged a one-man war against the course and his rivals to claim an eightshot victory in the season’s final major.

The record books will show that the young Irishman shot rounds of 67, 75, 67 and 66 to win the title with a 13-under par total around a brutal Ocean Course that made fools of some of the world’s best players. In winning his second major before his 24th birthday, McIlroy equalled a record held by none other than Seve Balleteros.

While McIlroy himself had insisted that the last few months had been but a temporary blip in his meteoric rise to the top, others who had remained unconvinced were left to eat their words, or at least re-write them, as the 23-yearold etched his name into golfing folklore with four days of ruthless brilliance. His thrilling performance has shifted the conversation from 16 different winners of 16 different majors to how many one man

can win in the years to come. And all foolish discussions as to whether his high-profile girlfriend – tennis player Caroline Wozniacki – had proved too much of a distraction has also quickly were firmly condemned to the dustbin marked ‘trash talk’.

Over the past two seasons, McIlroy has had to deal with throwing away the Masters in heartbreaking fashion, and facing the media that comes with the territory of being young and talented, and yet he’s still finished up being the youngest winner of the US Open for 90 years, and the youngest winner of the US PGA since it became a strokeplay event in 1958. The mind boggles about how dominant he may become now that talent has been joined by the twin powers of experience and maturity.

He spoke of his relief at winning his second major so quickly after the first, and his determination to press on in the years ahead and fulfil his destiny.

“It’s been great to win my first major last year and to back that up with another one this year; I can’t ask for any more,” he said. “I just want to keep working hard, keep practising, and hopefully there will be a few more of these in my closet when my career finishes.”

Holding 36- and 54-hole leads used to hold no fear for Tiger Woods, but now that particular baton seems to have been passed onto McIlroy, who combined an icy calm with a ready smile throughout the final two days, which were interrupted by heavy rain, and during which he dismantled one of America’s toughest courses with a consummate display of long and accurate driving, precision iron play, and putting that bordered on sizzling.

At times, it was as if he had his Pro V1 on a string, with drives cutting corners, skirting bunkers, and finding fairways with alarming ease, while his arrowstraight approach play had his rivals standing back in admiration.

His second round 75, which must be measured up against others shooting in the 80s and 90s, was equally, if not

more impressive than the other three rounds, with the youngster showing a grim determination not to let the conditions get the better of him, as they had done at Royal St George’s last year. “I definitely feel like I’m getting better at handling conditions like that, and being able to just know when a 75 is a decent score. I can move on and know that the next day should be a bit better,” he said.

him in the days leading up to the tournament to try and recapture the boy within, and remember what it was like to play for fun. Well, he’s got plenty of reasons to smile now.

When you win two majors in successive years by eight shots, it’s only natural for people to think of Woods and, of course, Jack Nicklaus. Like Tiger at the same age, Rory has already focused his sights on the majors –

“It’s is nice to have the luxury of knowing that you’re going to win with a few holes to go” However, it was his general demeanour on the course that gave the surest indication that this was a Rory McIlroy in his pomp, rather than the head-scratching, cap-tilting, cloud-searching Rory McIlroy that is sometimes in evidence when things aren’t quite going to plan. Dave Stockton, his coach, apparently told

everything else is just noise. And when asked about beating Nicklaus’s PGA record-winning margin of seven shots, which was set in 1980, the smile turned into a full-on grin. “That’s a nice record to have, the sort you’re really proud to own,” he said. “Of course, it is nice to be able to have the luxury of knowing that you’re going to win with

August 2012 / Issue 213

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Rory McIlroy silenced his doubters in spectacular fashion by winning his second major in 15 months

Many of the world’s best players were left trailing in McIlroy’s wake

a few holes to go, but I don’t really care if I win by one or if I win by eight.”

When McIlroy arrived at Kiawah at the beginning of the week, he said he felt things were clicking into place. He played the course, looked around the clubhouse, took in the atmosphere, and told his entourage he thought it time to prove a few people wrong. He said: “I just had a good feeling about the week. Earlier in the summer, I was frustrated with how I was playing, but a few people pushed panic buttons for no reason, and it did motivate me.

I don’t think I could have answered the criticism in a better way.”

The day before the tournament began he gave himself a ‘B’ for his season’s work, but with this victory, which has seen him recapture the world No.1 spot from Luke Donald, he should perhaps consider elevating that mark to an A plus with merit and a gold star.

Having played himself into such form it seems a shame that he will have to wait eight long months before he gets to attempt to win his first green jacket at Augusta, but the one thing that golf has taught McIlroy so far, is that patience, albeit the patience of a 23-year-old in a big hurry, offers its own rewards. “It’s a 25-year career, so I’m not going to get too wound up just over a few weeks,” he said last month, when pressed on his recent poor run of form.

Defending PGA champion Keegan Bradley finished tied for third

For now, however, let’s do what Rory did after sinking his 20-foot birdie putt on the final green to complete his memorable victory. For a few seconds he closed his eyes and savoured the moment, before rushing over to embrace his father. All week he had gone back to his rented house, turned on the TV, and taken in the inspiring scenes from the Olympics. Now he has made his own contribution to the sporting euphoria that was sweeping the country.

Indeed, if golf was in the Olympics, as it will be in 2016, Team GB would have won gold, silver, and two bronzes at Kiawah Island, as the performances of surprise runner-up David Lynn, and third-placed finishers Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, ensured that the final major of the year ended on a high note for GBR golf. Picking the team for Rio will come with its own headaches, but for now let’s just celebrate our own golden boy – Rory McIlroy.

Adam Scott bounced back from his Open disappointment

Midlander David Lynn surprised everyone with his runner-up finish

A chip too far: Tiger Woods was out with his yardages all week

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD (Top 10) KIAWAH ISLAND, August 9-12 Pos 1 2 T3 T3 T3 T3 T7 T7 T7 T7

Player Rory McIlroy David Lynn Justin Rose Keegan Bradley Ian Poulter Carl Pettersson Blake Adams Jamie Donaldson Peter Hanson Steve Stricker

Par -13 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4 -3 -3 -3 -3

1 67 73 69 68 70 66 71 69 69 74

2 75 74 79 77 71 74 72 73 75 73

3 67 68 70 71 74 72 75 73 70 67

4 66 68 66 68 69 72 67 70 71 71

Total 275 283 284 284 284 284 285 285 285 285

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August 2012 / Issue 213

Storybehindthepic Tower Bridge, London July 25, 2012

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J

ust three days after missing the cut at the Open Championship at Lytham, Sergio Garcia set his sights a little lower by attempting to hit a floating green from a floating tee anchored in the River Thames next to London Bridge.

Trying to hit a fairway is hard enough for Sergio these days, even when the horizon isn’t moving, but he found his sea legs just in time to hit the green three out of five times from just over 75 yards.

Fellow TaylorMade staff player Dustin Johnson, who finished a creditable ninth in The Open, had slightly less luck finding the putting surface, with numerous shots bouncing off the green and dropping into the murky depths of the Thames.

Golf is set to be included at the Olympics for the first time in more than 100 years at the

Garcia missed the Olympic rings but found the floating green

2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, and the pair took advantage of the rising excitement in London to highlight this fact.

While no-one really believes that winning a golfing gold medal will come close to

matching the honour of bagging a major, but golfers are competitive types, even when it comes to hitting a ball onto a floating green, so the cream of world golf is sure to be there in Rio in four year’s

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with the remaining 45 places taken up by players further down the list, with no country being allowed to field more than two players from this section.

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The format will be a 72-hole strokeplay event, with 60 men and 60 women taking part.

The first 15 players will be decided on world rankings,

Olympic course in Rio has been put into the unexpected, but capable hands of American architect Gils Hanse – who won the vote over heavy hitters such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Gary Player – the Brazilian Olympic Committee’s knowledge of the finer points of the game seem to be somewhat lacking, judging by a description of what golf entails on the official Rio 2016 website. “The athletes compete individually on grass fields that have different configurations,” the site reports. “There are varied golf courses leading to holes with orange-size diameter. The goal is to roll the ball into the hole with the fewer number of strikes as possible.”

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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EwenMurray Murray Broom ban gathers momentum

Long arms and the law: Major wins with long-handled putters have forced the authorities to consider a future ban

A

hot topic over the next few weeks will be whether the long-handled putter has a future. Three of the last five major winners have used one, and Fred Couples used one to take his second Senior major last month at Turnberry. We all, no doubt, have an opinion on this, and talking to several players in Scotland, they certainly have too.

Bernhard Langer uses the broomhandle putter and has done so for many successful seasons. The same applies to Tom Kite, yet they have very different ideas of what the future should hold. Let’s take Tom first.

“The belly putter and broomhandle putter are legal and both are wonderful ways to putt, but I don’t think they are good for golf. I don’t look at this selfishly. The game has been good to me. If they tell me I can’t use the long putter any more, I’m fine with that. I’ll figure out another way. I only use a long putter because I hole more putts with it. It’s all about getting better. That’s why I was the first player to use a 60-degree wedge – I wanted to be better. That’s why I train and work out, and that’s why I had laser surgery on my eyes.”

Langer’s take is the complete opposite. “I have used a long putter for two decades and I have had good and bad days on the greens.

Everybody seems to want them banned, yet if they were that easy to use, why isn’t everyone using them?

Kite’s answer to that is, “The long putters have evolved to the point where they no longer represent a

desperation move by the players. They are using them because they are a better or easier way to putt. I know that, because I’m one of them.”

Tom is not alone in saying the long putters should not be part of golf. He is backed

by Tom Watson, Freddie Couples and Gary Player, in fact the majority of players want them banned.

For the record, the youngsters in the American collegiate system agree. Over 50% of would-be graduates are using some form of the long putter, and should this trend continue, the next generation will be introduced to the game and begin their careers with long putters.

While no-one was winning majors with one, nobody took much notice, least of all the R&A and its American counterpart, the USGA. Now that Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els own three of the last four majors, a hornets nest has been disturbed. The powers that be will look at this topic next month.

Kite is only warming up and should he hang up the clubs, he should involve himself in the administration of the game. He harbours grave doubts about the way the game has been run over the past 25 years or so. “The ball should be looked at first, then the modern drivers, the putter is way down the list,” he says. “We need to get to the point where the longer hitters don’t gain the most.

We need to create a situation where Dustin Johnson and Mr or Mrs Average gain, say, 10 yards with their best shots. The size of the driver head needs to be reduced

drastically. I’d take it back down to 300cc. That would take care of the length of the club. With a smaller head, no one is going to have a long shaft, and the sweet spot would be smaller too.

The art of driving, which has been lost, would return to the game. When it comes to equipment, the R&A and USGA have been neglectful.”

Such a contention is all but impossible to argue with. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine how much money during this period has been wasted worldwide.

We have been through an era of lengthening courses far beyond the intention of the original designers and because of that, the time it now takes to play a round is close on unacceptable. Add in the speed of evolution in equipment, and the game is too costly both in cash and time. Little wonder the number of golfers is dwindling across the globe.

Kite is not alone in feeling that these changes need to be made. I remember my dear friend Seve saying exactly the same thing at the end of the ‘80s – a view which was also supported by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

My own opinion is that Kite is totally correct in his assessment, and returning to a traditional way of golf would, in fact, be a huge step forward. The length the ball is travelling is making many of our finest courses obsolete.

Adding length to courses has added an hour to a round and, at this point in time, the average golfer has never been so far apart from the top professional. It’s time to listen – and act – before it’s too late.

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

Grounded Rory reaches new heights With the previous three majors of 2012 all having gone America’s way, there was a strong chance of Europe being shut out of the big four this year, when the world’s elite descended on Kiawah Island for the US PGA Championship.

But all our fears subsided on the glorious 12th at Kiawah Island, when Rory McIlroy dominated the year’s final major virtually from start to finish.

A 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole brought an eightshot victory for the young Irishman, which matched his winning margin in last year’s US Open. Rory’s second major took him back into the world No.1 position, and halfway to a major career grand slam.

All very impressive at the age of 23, yet it was his total domination of the tournament that caught my eye. Much as I admired the exquisite play, it was his demeanour and mental calmness that impressed me most. The picture that will stick in my mind was the one of Rory and his father at the side of the Ocean Course’s 18th green. As they embraced, there were tears born out of the emotion of

Go my son: Rory McIlroy is repaying the faith invested in him by his father

the moment, and tears of sheer joy. I thought of the times Gerry McIlroy and his wife took on extra work so that their son could have a golfing education. The sacrifices they made gave Rory the best possible chance, and their son has more than paid back the faith his parents had in him.

Gerry is a dad who stays in the background, the opposite of many so-called

‘pushy parents’ who guide their offspring down the road to ruination. With parents like Rory’s, it’s hardly surprising he is the well-grounded youngster, who is a perfect role model for the next generation of aspiring golfers. His return to world number one was completed in exhilarating style, and I suspect that this time he’s here to stay for the foreseeable future.

Back to basics for wounded Tiger Tiger’s angle of attack seems off the mark

All American eyes were, as usual, on Tiger Woods at the US PGA Championship. The nation thought that the former world number one’s rehabilitation would be completed with a major win to end a four-year drought. But just as at The Open last month, Woods failed to deliver.

We expect so much of him, simply because of the brilliance he has produced since turning professional in 1996. But there are

now strong concerns that we have seen the best of him. With a half-way share of the lead, the real Tiger would have closed the deal with consummate ease. Today’s Tiger is not the one who thrilled us for over a decade. I wouldn’t go so far as to say its the end of an era, but if you look at Arnold Palmer’s career, the record books show that he won all his majors in the space of seven years. Watson won his during an eight-year period.

I’m certain Tiger will win another major, but only if he addresses the swing problems he has. The best coach in the game is the ball.

Tiger should look at his wedge play, and it will tell him the shaft is too steep and the clubface is too strong. All week at Kiawah Island, and indeed all year, he struggled to get the ball pin high from 150 yards and in. Two wedges from around 100 yards at the short par-four third at Kiawah flew fully 30 yards too far. He is reluctant to get the driver out. Steep swings and good driving are rarely found together, but I’m sure he’ll work out what he needs to do with his coach, Sean Foley. It’s eight months before the 2013 US Masters. Playing second fiddle has never been part of his world. He will be back.

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News in Brief

August 2012 / Issue 213

Westwood goes west in search of Majors

INBEE PARK WINS EVIAN South Korea’s Inbee Park closed with three straight birdies for a final round of 66 to win the 2012 Evian Masters at the Evian Royal Resort in France. The 24-year-old closed on 17 under par for a twostroke victory over Karrie Webb and Stacy Lewis, earning a first prize of €397,000 – the largest winner’s purse on the LET

LANGER BACK IN BUSINESS Bernhard Langer put some of the disappointment of throwing away the Senior Open Championship title behind him by winning the 3M Championship on the US Champions Tour the very next week. The 56-year-old German shot a final round 62 at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota to notch his 15th victory of his senior career following a 17-month winless run.

After yet another disappointing season in the majors, Lee Westwood has announced his decision to leave England for America, in an attempt to break his major duck and reclaim his World No.1 crown.

Westwood, who has always resisted the lure of moving permanently across the Atlantic, unlike compatriots Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, believes he’s now fully accustomed

to playing all over the world, and has become comfortable teeing it up on the PGA Tour.

“It’s fair to say I’ve grown to love playing in America,” said Westwood, despite only winning two of his 39 professional titles on the PGA Tour.

“The support from the fans at the US Open was amazing. On every hole they were chanting ‘Go Westy’ or ‘Come on, Lee’.

I used to be ambivalent about playing over there, but you change, you learn to know what you want.”

The good old British weather also had a major part to play in the move West. “It’s so hard to practice when you want to in the UK, with the weather being so unreliable,” Westwood said. “I’m a glass half-full type of person. Not just at majors, but at golf and life in general, not beating myself up about it when I don’t win. It’s tough to win, but all I’m trying to do is play as well

Keegan scores at Bridgestone

VICE-CAPTAINS APPOINTED Ryder Cup captains Jose Maria Olzabal and Davis Love have named some of their vicecaptains for September’s matches in Chicago. Love has chosen Fred Couples and Mike Hulbert as two of his four vicecaptains, while Olazabal has selected Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, with one more yet to be annnounced.

Couples has led the US to victory in the last two Presidents Cup contests, while 54-year-old Hubert was Curtis Strange’s vicecaptain in the 2002 Ryder Cup. McGinley, who holed the winning putt on his Ryder Cup debut in 2002, said: “I am thrilled to be part of Team Europe again.”

BROBERG’S FAST FINISH Sweden’s Kristoffer Broberg announced his arrival on the Challenge Tour with an emphatic victory in the Finnish Challenge. In just his second Tour appearance, the 26-yearold from Stockholm blew away the field at Kytäjä Golf with a final round 68, giving him a sixshot victory from Wil Besseling.

as I can.”

But the move isn’t all about golf, as the 39-yearold was quick to explain.

“The rest of the family is really excited about the move,” he said. “My kids are outdoor types, and I want them to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. They’re also the right age in school terms. It’s a big decision, but I don’t have that much time left at the top, and I want to give myself the best chance of staying there as long as I can. I can see us spending the next five to ten years in America.”

Westwood is so committed to the move that he is not even keeping a base in the UK, and has put the family home in Worksop up for sale. They will be moving to the West Palm Beach area of Florida - a popular enclave with top golfers.

Rory McIlroy rented a home there for three months earlier in the year, and Donald has a base there as well.

Former US PGA Champion Keegan Bradley came back from six shots behind with 13 holes to play to beat Jim Furyk to the WGC Bridgestone Invitational title in Ohio.

Furyk was one shot in front with one to play, but stunned the crowd by double-bogeying the 18th. Bradley then

bunkered his approach shot to the 18th green, but bravely made the 15-foot putt for par and a final round of 64 to take the title.

Bradley, whose win should be enough to earn him a Ryder Cup debut next month, finished on 13 under par, while Furyk – round in 69 – fell into a tie for second with Steve Stricker, whose four birdies in the last five holes meant he also shot 64.

“There’s no way I should have made worse than five,” Furyk said afterwards.

I’ve no-one to blame but myself – when things go wrong it’s an empty pit. I’m disappointed – at worst I should have been in a play-off. For my fifth shot I hit the worst putt of the week.” Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy were the best-placed Britons, finishing tied fifth on eight under par.

Fred turns on the style at Turnberry

Fred Couples birdied Turnberry’s closing two holes to seal victory in The Senior Open, finishing two shots clear of American compatriot Gary Hallberg following a dramatic final round at the Ayrshire venue.

Couples, who was making his debut in the event, had trailed overnight leader Bernhard Langer by one shot going into the final round, but took advantage of the German’s slip on the back nine to capture the title with a closing round of 67.

The pair had traded blows before the turn, and were tied for the lead when Couples birdied the 11th hole, before the vital swing which came at the next hole, when Langer found trouble from the tee.

He hit a second shot into a bunker and was unable to advance, before then two putting from 25ft to card a double bogey six. Meanwhile Couples birdied the same hole after a glorious five-iron approach to six feet to seize the outright lead.

Although he dropped a shot on the next hole, Couples produced a stunning finish to pull clear of Hallberg, who had birdied the 17th to set the clubhouse target of seven under par following a 66.

Taking a one shot lead on to the final hole, Couples knew he needed to avoid dropping a shot to clinch the title, and the 1992 Masters champion

showed his class, sinking a majestic 20-foot birdie putt to clinch the title with a winning total of nine under par.

“It was a fun day,” said Couples. “I felt like I was hitting the ball very solid and I was really lucky that it didn’t rain, because I’m not very good in the rain! I had two all-weather gloves in bag, and I was scared to death to ever put those on. I’m very happy and excited to have won this.”

Couples, who finished in the top ten at The Open Championship on nine occasions, said that the victory more than compensated for those near-misses. “It’s the next best thing for all of us,” he said.

“Obviously I never won The Open. I came close. This is my biggest Senior Tour win, by far, and winning on a truly great golf course makes it extra special.

The English pair of Barry Lane and Carl Mason finished alongside American Dick Mast in a share of third. Mason played alongside Tom Watson, who closed with a 69 for a share of tenth on one under par – in a re-run of their battle in The 2003 Senior Open, which the American won in a play-off. England’s Roger Chapman, who was bidding to win his third Senior Major of the season, was forced to retire after the first round at Turnberry, following a neck injury.

thought she was in The Solheim Cup again!”

On her love affair with Killeen Castle, where she played a key role in Europe’s Solheim Cup victory in September, the World No.27 added: “I think it was always going to be difficult coming back here in a way, with so many good memories. It could have worked either

way, but maybe I was a little bit inspired by some of my play from last year.”

Davies also made a final round charge with a 68 that contained seven birdies, but three bogeys cost her dearly.

England’s Curtis Cup winner Charley Hull ended in a share of 18th place, taking home the Philomena Garvey trophy as the leading amateur.

Cat’s the Queen of Killeen!

Scotland’s Solheim Cup star Catriona Matthew continued her love affair with Killeen Castle as she recorded a one stroke victory in the Ladies Irish Open supported by Fáilte Ireland.

Matthew could afford a bogey five on the final hole to seal the win with a 54-hole total of seven under par, after a second successive 71.

Her European Solheim Cup teammate Suzann Pettersen ended a stroke back, after her second straight round of 69, with another Solheim Cup star, Laura Davies, three shots further behind in third.

The finishing holes provided drama in the Solheim Cup,

and it again proved the case as Pettersen pushed Matthew all the way on a sunny afternoon in County Meath.

The 2011 champion, Pettersen, began the final round three shots behind Matthew, but was tied for the lead after 15, where she found the bunker left of the green with her second shot, but made a crucial birdie putt from 20 feet. After Matthew birdied the same hole, Pettersen made a birdie on the par-three 16th to stay level with Matthew, but she then dropped a shot on 17 after hitting her second shot into the bunker and missed a 20-foot putt. There was a two-

shot swing when Matthew, playing in the last group behind Pettersen, holed a five-footer to reach eight under with a hole to play.

Pettersen missed her downhill birdie putt on 18 and although Matthew dropped a shot, finding the bunker right, behind the green, two putts were enough to seal the win and the €52,500 first prize.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Matthew, claiming her fifth victory on the Ladies European Tour. “It’s always difficult going out in the lead.

I was just kind of trotting along there at seven under and saw Suzann making some birdies. I think she

August 2012 / Issue 213

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OLDER & WISER

Words by Nick Bayly

Ernie Els says it was his experience that helped him keep his head to win the Open Championship at Lytham while all about him were losing theirs

“I said at the start of the tournament that I felt like something special might happen and it doesn’t get more special than this” Anyone who thought that Ernie Els was making up the numbers at last month’s Open at Lytham was forced to think again when the South African claimed his second Claret Jug – and the fourth major of his career – in the most extraordinary of fashions.

Having grown used to seeing the winner of the oldest major come from the final group, or perhaps the penultimate pairing, in recent years, it came as quite a shock – even to the eventual winner himself – that it should

have been won by someone who had finished 45 minutes earlier.

“The whole thing happened so fast,” says Els, who looked more shell-shocked than the unfortunate Adam Scott at the prize-giving ceremony following his final round 68. “I obviously didn’t see what Scotty did in live play, but I heard the crowd, and then I switched my phone on and had friends telling to me what was going on. At the time, I was obviously just praying to get in a play-off, so for me to win it was incredible. The way it finished, I still feel for Scotty, but this one came my way for once.”

Els was as gracious in victory as Scott was stoic in defeat, and his genuine anguish for his fellow professional came from having gone through the mill himself in more majors than most. He was runner-up in three consecutive majors in 2000, two of them to Woods by a combined 23 shots, and had chances to win them all in 2004.

“Sport is really tough sometimes,” says Els. “I have been on the other end more times than I have been on the winning end, so I knew what Adam was going through.

He’s got all the talent in the world, though. I love seeing him play well and I believe he’ll win a major some day.”

For many observers it will always feel like Scott lost the tournament, rather than Els won it, but the 42-year-old veteran of 20 previous Opens, who started the final round six shots behind the leader, could do no more than post one of the best rounds of the day and hopefully wait for the leaders to come back to him.

And come back to him they did, with Scott, Graeme McDowell, Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Thorbjorn Olsesen all failing to build on their earlier good work. It was collective golfing suicide on a grand scale, and one not been seen since Paul Lawrie’s victory at Carnoustie in 1999, when the Scot came from 10 shots back.

“It has really taken a while for this win to sink in, but obviously it’s one of the greatest weeks of my career,” says Els. “I said at the start of the

tournament that I felt like something special might happen and it doesn’t get more special than this. I played well all week and saved my best till the end. Playing Lytham’s tough back nine in four-under par was one of the best rounds of my career. It was an amazing feeling.”

Besides his position on the final morning’s leaderboard, another statistic going against an Els’ victory was his age, as despite Darren Clarke bagging one for the plus-forty brigade at St George’s last year, recent majors have been very much in the hands of the younger generation.

“The stats are against you at my age,” admits Els. “But I think the 40-somethings have proven themselves over the years. You can go back to Darren, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh, Ray Floyd and Hale Irwin, hell, you can go back to Ben Hogan if you like. You’re talking about quite a few guys in their 40s who have won Majors.

It just shows you’ve got to keep going. You never know. This game can throw you some bones. You get lucky every now and again, and I definitely got lucky at Lytham.”

Whether it was luck or judgment, Els was the only player not to shoot over par for all four rounds, and his final 18 holes was a masterclass in when to play aggressively and when to defend. Although his putter has been cold for much of the season, it was never hotter than when he stroked in the 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which ultimately made the difference between winning and losing.

“I did play some good golf,’’ said Els. “I didn’t make any mistakes. But Scotty’s lipout on 16, that thing should have been in. That 17th hole, there’s no way you can hit it left. And the tee shot on 18. I was very fortunate.”

What transpired over the final hour at Lytham will change the way Els is remembered forever.

Prior to his win, many thought his days at the top level were numbered. He dropped to 68th in the world rankings earlier in the year – a slide that saw him miss out on competing in the Masters for the first time since 1999.

Not being invited to Augusta angered the man who had been almost a permanent fixture at the event ever since he made his debut there in 1994. It led him to reapply himself to the game, giving up his beloved beer, and getting down to some hard practice in order to get himself in better physical and mental shape.

He also sought the services of a psychologist, Sherylle Calder, who among other things, appears to have completely rejuvenated his short game with his belly putter – despite Els’ insistence that he wants to return to the shorter version at some point.

“I’ve known Sherylle for over ten years,” says Els. “But back then I didn’t really think I needed anybody’s help. It’s funny how times change. I saw Sherylle this January in Fancourt, and I was pretty desperate on the greens and we started working together. I felt just things that she was doing took me right back into my heyday on the greens in the late ‘90s, with exactly the things that I would do without even thinking about.

It just shows you how far I went off the beaten track. She really brought me back, and then we started working on things that she’s really experienced at.”

Providing Ms Calder can keep working her magic on Els’s short game, there’s no telling what he can go on to achieve. A fifth, or even a sixth major certainly isn’t out of the question.

And with the golfing gods seemingly on his side at this moment in time, few are betting against another Big One going the way of the Big Easy.

WHAT’S IN ERNIE’S BAG Callaway RAZR Fit Driver, 8.5° Callaway X-TOUR ’08 (15°) Callaway RAZR X Muscleback Irons (5-9, PW) Callaway X Utility Prototype (18°, 21°, 24°) Callaway JAWS Wedges (52°, 60°) Odyssey White Hot XG #1 Belly Putter Callaway HEX Black Tour Ball

26 /

August 2012 / Issue 213

Cleveland/Srixon Short Game Amba to ditch those long irons and replace t I am often amazed at the make-up of a handicap golfer’s set of clubs. If tour players opt for fairway woods and hybrid clubs because they are easier to hit, only the elite golfer should even think of going near a 3- or 4-iron.

The new Mashie irons from Cleveland Golf start from pitching wedge and go up to a 6-iron. This allows golfers with a slower swing speed to benefit from replacing their long irons with a hybrid. The key to using a hybrid successfully is to treat the club as an iron, not a wood.

2-PIECE GOLF BALL

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THE UK’S BEST SELLING JUST GOT BETTER

SMAS A MAS

Cleveland Golf has introduced Gliderail Technology to its Mashie range, which produces excellent interaction with the turf through impact with the golf ball.

This makes it my regular club of choice from a wide selection of poor lies out on the course.

Another great advancement in the Mashie hybrid is that the overall weight of the club has been reduced by as much as 20g, due to Ultralite Technology in the shaft and grip combination. This is guaranteed to help increase your swing speed for effortless distance on the golf course.

HOW TO HIT A HYBRID PHOTO 1: This picture demonstrates the correct ball position when hitting a hybrid.

The ball is positioned between the left heel and the centre of the stance, helping to promote a descending blow into the ball, and producing piercing approach shots, coupled with a penetrating ball flight.

When swinging a hybrid, I like to think of brushing the turf on impact with the ball, and letting the club technology take care of the rest.

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1 Always hit your hybrids with a descending blow

7482-Srixon-GolfNewsAD333AdvertArt.indd 1

10/02/2012 09:51

August 2012 / Issue 213

/ 27

assador Ben Clayton says it’s time them with a couple of hybrids

SH IT WITH SHIE!

IT’S BACK. AND IT’S BETTER THAN EVER.

Hybrids are a far more forgiving alternative to long irons Moving the ball too far forward in your stance will lead to tops and thins

PHOTO 2: This picture shows the typical ball position at setup when using a fairway wood.

Here, my ball is on the inside of my left heel. This is an incorrect ball position for using a hybrid, as I am too far behind the ball. From this position, my shoulders are also set left of the line of my feet, promoting an out-to-in swing path, encouraging a sweeping action in the golf swing, and a more ascending blow on impact with the ball.

“The Cleveland 588s were always the best wedges ever made.

And with this next generation, they still are!”

Graeme McDowell

Setting up in this manner with a hybrid will cause you to hit thin and topped shots.

When using your hybrid, always remember that it is closer in length to your longest iron than your driver.

2 Check your ball position before every shot to ensure a consistent strike

3

Next time you pull your hybrid, or start to strike the ball inconsistently, your ball position is the first thing you should check. This simple tip is sure to help you on the course, and could be the key to getting round in lower scores.

Ben Clayton is a PGA Advanced Professional based at Hindhead Golf Club and is the Cleveland Golf and Srixon Short Game Ambassador. To book a lesson with Ben, contact Hindhead Golf Club on 01428 604458.

For more information on the Cleveland Mashie range, visit www.clevelandgolf.com.

Experience the legend, re-born at your Cleveland golf retail stockist.

www.clevelandgolf.com

28 /

August 2012 / Issue 213

PING HAS ALL THE

ANSERS! 1

Exclusive Product Launch

Nick Bayly reports on the launch of Ping Golf’s new Anser range, which features clubs to suit all golfers thanks to its clever use of micro-adjustability and high performance shafts In 1959, Karsten Solheim created the first Ping club, the 1-A putter. It was the first putter to feature perimeter weighting and changed the face of golf forever. Eight years later, and with much tinkering with the science of heel-toe weighting, Solheim patented the Anser putter – which, to date, is Ping’s most successful ever putter design, and which has been copied by almost every other putter brand in some shape or form over the decades.

As a company steeped in heritage and tradition, it should perhaps comes as no surprise that Ping has decided to roll out the iconic Anser name across an entire range of clubs.

Following on from the Anser irons launched last year, next month sees the arrival of a driver, fairway woods, hybrids and forged irons, all bearing the name. So let’s take a look at each club, and find out what they can do for your game.

1. Ping Anser Driver

2. Ping Anser Fairway Woods

RRP: £355

RRP: £220

The 460cc titanium Anser aims to enable golfers to fine-tune their trajectory through a combination of loft adjustment and shaft selection. Rather than the plus or minus two degrees offered by some adjustable drivers, the Anser can only be tweaked by half a degree in either direction. This may sound like a small number, but when you’re hitting it at 120mph, it can make for a significant change of flight and direction.

Adding loft serves to close the face slightly, while taking loft off will open the face slightly, so by working with the four loft options available - 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees – players can find a club that not only offers their preferred trajectory, but also a face angle that is pleasing to the eye at address. Each driver is adjusted using a torque wrench, which loosens the clubhead so that golfers can set the loft to the desired position.

The engine room behind the Anser’s performance is the adjustable hosel, which is exactly the same size as the standard hosel on the i20, thus ensuring a sleek look at address, rather than the hefty hosel found on some adjustable drivers. Weight has been saved by using a titanium screw and an aluminium hosel sleeve, which provides a seamless transition from shaft to head.

The Anser’s appeal is further enhanced by the availability of four standard shafts options – at no extra cost. Golfers can choose from the Ping TFC 800D, Aldila Phenom, Fujikura Blur Red, and the Mitsubishi Diamana ‘ahina. They each vary in weight, stiffness profile, and the trajectory they deliver, so that users can dial in their preferred feel.

With the heads being interchangeable, this makes the Anser driver ideal for custom fitting.

Featuring the same matt black finish found on the i20, with the sole profile and weighting of the more forgiving G20 driver, the Anser sits snugly between the two to offer a driver that provides workability and playability in equal measure. The driver’s rear sole weight positions the centre of gravity back and slightly lower to generate a mid-high launch that adds to distance and forgiveness. A neutral head rotation promotes square impact, and its low-spin design minimises sidespin for improved accuracy.

Featuring the same ‘Trajectory Tuning’ technology found in the Anser driver, the matching stainless steel fairway woods allow players to fine-tune the loft by plus or minus half a degree.

Offered in 3-wood (14.5), 4-wood (16.5), and 5-wood (18.5) models, the adjustable design is lightweight and small, so that it doesn’t affect the aerodynamics of the head, while the weight port in the rear of the sole produces a mid to high-launch and low levels of spin.

As with the driver, adding loft to each club will slightly close the face, and reducing loft will open it. On the design front, observers will notice a slight difference from the i20 fairway woods at address, with the back of the sole slightly tapered to encourage cleaner contact, while there is more surface area low on the face, which offers improved turf interaction from tight lies and semi-rough. It also features a straight leading edge at address to aid alignment, while the matt black finish avoids distracting glares.

Each model comes with a Ping TFC 800F shaft as standard in Soft R, R, S and X flexes, although other premium shafts are available at extra cost.

We say: Ping says it has held off producing an

adjustable driver because it wasn’t prepared to release a product that compromised either looks, feel or performance. So while the new Anser driver may feel like it has arrived a little late to the party, it arrives having the learnt from the mistakes of what came before, and have come up with an adjustable driver which arguably looks least like an adjustable driver. It sits serenely between the i20 and G20 ranges, offering a genuine alternative for players of both, and delivering performance benefits for those that are looking to fine tune their driving without losing distance.

We say: Adjustability in fairway woods is arguably

just as important as it is in a driver, as the type of shots you hit with a fairway wood vary far more – off the tee, from the fairway, a shallow bunker, or from the rough – and each has its own specific performance demands.

The Anser FWss will help golfers fine-tune their needs accordingly, giving the chance to create, for example, a stronger 3-wood, or a more lofted 5-wood, to suit the prevailing conditions or individual trajectory preferences. They aren’t quite as workable as the i20s, but the adjustability will affect ball flight automatically for players who don’t quite have the skill to do it themselves.

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3. Ping Anser Hybrids

4. Ping Anser Forged Irons

5. Ping Tour Wedges

RRP: £180

RRP: £160 per club (3-PW)

RRP: £135/£113 (gr/st)

Available in 17°, 20°, 23° and 27° lofts, the Anser hybrids bear a strong resemblance to the i20 hybrids, but they offer more forgiving performance thanks to a deeper head profile. They dispense with the adjustability found in the woods in favour of offering distinct gapping choices and providing a smooth transition between woods and irons.

Internal and external weighting means that the centre of gravity varies progressively between loft to produce the desired trajectory and distance with each club. The higherlofted hybrids have a more forward centre of gravity, while in the lower lofts, the centre of gravity is slightly lower and back to produce higher launch and optimal spin. Another design change sees the lowest part of the face made slightly wider than the i20s to deliver a cleaner contact and improve forgiveness.

They are available with Ping TFC 800H graphite shafts as standard, in Soft R, R, S and X flexes.

The Anser Forged irons feature a progressive set design that makes it easy to launch the ball higher with the long irons and lower with the short irons for precise, consistent shot making. A steel body, which has a satin chrome finish, combines with a dense tungsten weight and a hollow sole to optimise the centre of gravity and elevate MOI. Larger long irons, which have more offset, promote forgiveness and higher launch, with the heads getting progressively smaller in the short irons for more control.

Consistent ball flights are achieved through progressive stabilising bar technology. In the long irons, the bars angle out wider and are thinner, lowering the centre of gravity to launch the ball high. The bars get increasingly vertical and thicker through the shorter irons to bring the ball in lower and more penetrating, with high spin.

They come with Project X shafts (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5) or TFC 800i (Soft R, R, and S).

We say: There was nothing much wrong with the i20

We say: This premium set of forged irons use

Although not part of the Anser range, Ping’s new Tour wedges are a mainstay in the brand’s product line-up, and the latest generation is arguably the best in its history.

The wedges feature an innovation called Gorge Groove Technology, which is designed to maximise spin and control. The grooves are precision-milled at Ping’s own factory, allowing very tight tolerances to top-edge radius, width, depth, spacing, and wall angles, resulting in a groove size and shape that provides maximum spin.

The stainless steel heads are available in three sole widths: thin sole (TS), for tight lies, firm conditions and shallower swings; wide sole (WS), for soft conditions, from bunkers, and steeper angle of attack and the standard sole (SS), for most turf conditions. There are seven SS lofts (47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60), four WS lofts (54, 56, 58 and 60) and two TS lofts (58 and 60).

The traditional head shape, which comes with a dark nickel finish, features a custom tuning port in the cavity that increases MOI and contributes to a solid feel across the clubface.

The standard shaft is the CFS (Soft R, R, S and X) or TFC169i (L, Soft R, R and S).

hybrids, but for players who want a little more help getting the ball airborne, these are just the ticket.

A slightly larger face and head profile than the i20s provides just that extra bit of confidence when playing off tight lies, while the back sole weight will help to get the ball landing softly on long shots to the green. They look smart, and play smart.

premium materials that come at a premium cost, with a set of nine irons coming in at £1,400. They offer the feel, performance and control of a muscleback, with the forgiveness of a cavity back and, as such, are an obvious choice for Ping players not quite up to S56 levels, but who want something less chunky than the i20s – and have plenty of cash to splash!

We say: One of the criticisms leveled at Ping’s Tour

wedges in the past was that they were somewhat limited in loft and bounce options. Ping has reacted by producing a range that offers 13 wedges with a variety of sole widths, making it easy for golfers to mix and match their scoring irons to suit their angle of attack and gapping choices.

All wedge brands are looking to find ways of regaining spin lost following the R&A’s new groove rules, and Ping’s Gorge Grooves perform that job better than most. The dark nickel finish is stunning, too.

For more information about the new Anser range and other products in the Ping range, including video downloads and interviews with Ping’s club design team, visit www.ping.com and follow the links.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

QUAD-Fit Stockists QUAD-Fit Stockists Poult Wood Golf Centre Poult Wood Golf Centre Tonbridge, Kent Tonbridge, Kent 01732 364 039 01732 364 039

OUTLET OUTLETSTORE STORE

TaylorMade RocketBallz wedges RRP: £79.99 Contact: www.taylormadegolf.com RocketBallz wedges, which are available in 50-, 55- and 60-degree loft options, have been designed to be versatile from any lie due to their All Terrain Versatility sole. The bounce angle on the sole changes according to how the head and face are positioned at impact, which allows players to chip, pitch, flop, or play shots from sand, out of the rough, or off a tight lie by manipulating the face. A new Toe-Bar across the back of the head controls flexion for straighter shots, while a vibration and sound control system promotes satisfying feel and sound.

Ecco Biom shoes RRP: £185-£199 Contact: www.ecco.com/golf The next generation of Ecco’s ground-breaking Biom range features a new low-profile platform, which brings wearers closer to the ground, improving stability during all phases of the swing. Launched as the first ‘natural motion’ golf shoe, the lightweight Biom features an anatomical last that was designed using over 2,500 scans of golfers’ feet to gauge the correct fit and ease of movement. One of the new models also uses GoreTex linings, and there is a range of new colour options in the Hydromax leather category, including white/lime punch, white/concrete, black/ concrete, white/mazarine blue and brown/fanta.

Golf Pride Niion grips

SHOP

RRP: £12.99 Contact: www.golfpride.com Golf Pride’s new Niion florescent grips are guaranteed to get you noticed on the golf course this summer.

Available in a choice of white, yellow, pink, green and orange, they are made from a new rubber compound that is tacky, durable and easy to clean, while providing a firm feel. A unique hex pattern on the noncorded grip offers improved feedback and control in all weather conditions.

EZiCaddy power trolleys

Odyssey MetalX 2-Ball RRP: £149 Contact: www.odysseygolf.com Odyssey’s most successful and iconic head shape is quite unlike anything else on the market. Therefore it should come as no surprise that Odyssey has incorporated the 2-Ball shape into its new range of Metal X putters. Where it differs from the original is that the face incorporates Odyssey’s first dual metal insert, designed to blend the benefits of metal face and insert putters into one range. The aluminium layer in the insert also features a textured face to give a more consistent roll, while the entire head has been give glare-resistant midnight black finish.

RRP: £229-£299 Contact: www.ezicaddy.co.uk Tel: 0800 849 1345 The EZiCaddy EZi3 (£229) and the EZi5 (£299) trolleys are made from lightweight aluminium, and feature a quick-release system for easy set up and secure storage.

Treaded wheels slide off with a one-turn action, and handle height can be adjusted. The plug ‘n’ play battery – available in lead acid or lithium (£499) – has a molded handle to allow easy installation. A colour digital display offers automatic distance control, functions for measuring shots, a speedometer, clock, security pin and battery monitor.. They are available with black, white or pink frames. Both trolleys come with battery, charger and free delivery in the price.

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Scotty Cameron GoLo RRP: £278 Contact: www.titleist.co.uk The new Select range of Scotties comprises six different models, all of which are precision milled from stainless steel. The GoLo mallets feature a rounded profile and racy soleplate with Select weighting technology for balance and stability. The slightly asymmetric back profile, contained cavity lines, and pulled-in heel, encourage a flowing stroke along the ideal arc. The deep milled face provides a soft feel and sound, while the black mist finish, combined with the red-dot graphics, create a classic look. The Select range also includes Newport styles, as well as a new Notchback design, and a Big Sur belly model.

Adidas Puremotion shoes RRP: £74.99 Contact: www.taylormadegolf.com

Ping Serene Iron/Hybrid set RRP: £95 per club Contact: www.ping.com Women who like to switch their long irons for hybrids will love the new Serene combination set. The 5- and 6- iron are also offered in hybrid versions, so that golfers can have a choice based on which they prefer and the recommendation of their fitter. The ‘4-iron’ is a hybrid version, while 7-iron to sand wedge are conventional irons. The head shape and design is based on the G20 iron, while the traditionally-shaped hybrids feature large heads, with a low and back centre of gravity to maximise distance in slower swing speeds. The irons are available in 5-PW, SW (52º), and LW (58º), while the hybrids are 4 (22º), 5 (26º) and 6 (30º).

Inspired by barefoot training, adidas’ new range of Puremotion shoes brings the foot into closer contact with the ground, while also providing the traction, support, and waterproof protection needed to play golf. Built on a barefoot last, Puremotion’s web-shaped forefoot allows the toes to naturally spread out during the swing to promote better stability and increased flexibility. There is also a reduced heel lift, which helps to align the spine with the body and improve posture. The shoes also feature a mesh upper, which provides breathability, while an abrasion-resistant outsole provides spikeless traction and off-course versatility. It is offered in medium widths only in a choice of white/silver or black/black/red.

TRIED &

TESTED GolfBuddy Voice GPS Rating: RRP: £159 Contact: www.gpsgolfbuddy.eu If you find all that logging on, downloading, annual subscriptions and general fidgeting that is required to get a yardage from most GPS units a bit of a faff, then GolfBuddy’s Voice, the world’s first multi-lingual talking golf GPS, could be just what you’ve been waiting for.

Speaking accurate distances to the centre, front and middle of the green on more than 33,000 preloaded courses, the unit is as small as a squashed golf ball, yet light enough – it weights just 1oz – to be clipped onto your trousers or hat.

Spoken yardages are given simply by pressing a button on the face, while distances are also shown on-screen, alongside the hole number and par.

As with all GolfBuddy products, it requires no annual subscription or course download charges. It runs on an eight-hour re-chargeable lithium battery and connects to a PC via a USB port for synching when new courses are added to GolfBuddy’s database.

Overall, it’s very simple to use, and is the kind of no-nonsense piece of kit which many die-hard technophobes would get on with. On the downside, I found the battery needed re-charging after each round, which was slightly annoying, while my partners found it a little off-putting when I had it on speaker mode and it let everyone on the tee know they had 440 yards to the green just as someone was beginning their back swing!

Ping Nome 500 Long Putter RRP: £299 Contact: www.ping.com The Nome long putter is a breakthrough piece of equipment in that it answers the age old problem of finding an off-the-shelf putter that fits your swing and preferred putting stroke. It features an adjustable shaft that can be modified from 44.5 inches to 54.5 inches using a wrench. The telescoping shaft consists of a steel lower portion, a graphite grip portion, and a stainless steel locking ring. By unlocking the shaft, golfers can change length to fit their height, stroke type, and posture.

The Nome is face-balanced and is aimed at golfers who have a straight, pendulum-style putting stroke. The clubhead, which features a black alignment bar and white contrasting sightline, is milled from high-grade aluminum and finished with a nickel coating. It comes with the Winn AVS twopiece grip and goes on sale in November.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

1. Callaway Euro Chev

2. TaylorMade Juggernaut

3. Ping Pioneer

RRP: £139

RRP: £179

RRP: £129

Contact: www.callawaygolf.com

Contact: www.taylormadegolf.com

Contact: www.pingeurope.com

9.5-inch graphite-friendly top, with 14-way divider system, including three full-length dividers, and an integrated putter pool. Nine storage pockets, single shoulder strap, grab handles and rain hood. Weighs 3.63kg and is available in charcoal, silver, navy and red.

New 14-way stadium design top with integrated putter well; 11 front accessible pockets; two further shoe pockets; cart strap loop; internal crush-proof construction; soft touch front handles. Weighs 3kg and is available in black/ white, black/white/red, black/navy/charcoal.

14-way reinforced top with 14 full-length dividers and an external putter well; nine pockets, including a velour-lined valuables pocket, water bottle, large apparel and accessory pockets; bag bottom feet; weighs 3.1kg and is available in navy, black/red, green, black/white/charcoal and black.

ROLLING

STOCK LET YOUR CLUBS TRAVEL IN COMFORT WITH THE VERY LATEST CART BAGS

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4. Nike Golf M9

5. Titleist RC09

6. Mizuno Aerolite

RRP: £119

RRP: £110

RRP: £130

Contact: www.nikegolfeurope.com

Contact: www.titleist.co.uk

Contact: www.mizunoeurope.eu

9.5-inch oval top with 14 full-length dividers; anti-slip base and upper and lower bungee cords; nine pockets (seven with zips), including two side pockets and two bottle pockets; holders for sunglasses, tees, pens and a ball marker, and a velcro glove strip. Available in silver/ black topaz, royal blue/silver and black/silver.

9.5-inch top, with 15 dividers, three of which are full length; internal umbrella chute; made from Teflon-coated, foampadded, high denier nylon fabric; padded carry strap, double clothing pockets and insulated cool pockets.

Available in black, black/white/red, white/ketchup/black, and blue/black/white.

9.5-inch oval top with 14-way Kabuki divider; top and bottom Easigrab handles; Velcro glove holder; pockets for clothing and accessories, including tee pouch and a large, front facing pelican pocket; lightweight rain hood; weighs 4lbs and is available in black/white or blue/white.

7. Cobra Golf GT

8. Powakaddy Premium

9. Motocaddy Pro Series

RRP: £149

RRP: £159.99

RRP: £149

Contact: www.cobragolf.co.uk

Contact: www.powakaddy.com

Contact: www.motocaddy.com

9-inch oval top, with 14-way graphite-friendly collar and 14 full-length dividers; integral putter well; pockets including full-length clothes pocket, soft-lined valuables pocket, dual beverage pockets and front slip drop pocket; weighs 3.73kg and is available in black/yellow, grey/orange.

14-way graphite-friendly divider system; ‘E-ZEE’ handle; external putter well; pockets for balls, clothing, gloves and accessories; keylock colour-coordinated base; vinyl and PU materials; single carry strap; weighs 4.7kgs and is available in black, black/white/red, black/white/silver.

14-way full-length divider system; integrated putter well; seven storage pockets, including insulated beverage pocket, velcro glove grip and dry valuables pocket; external umbrella well; detachable rain hood; anti-twist base; available in black/blue, black/red, white/blue, white/red.

August 2012 / Issue 213

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FootJoy’s new weather site makes every day playable Footjoy is looking to underline the old adage ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing’, following the launch of its new weather forecasting website.

The new FJ Weather Expert microsite, which was launched last month, offers accurate prediction of local weather forecasts and then recommends the most appropriate items of clothing from its outerwear, footwear

and glove collections to wear on the golf course.

Designed to fit the brand’s mantra of ‘Making Every Day Playable’, the high-tech site is the result of several years of research, dedicated to ensuring golfers are suitably kitted-out on the course to combat all playing conditions.

Powered by AccuWeather, the world’s leading online weather authority, the site provides live forecast updates for anywhere in

Nike Golf launches European

Twitter feed the country, as well as over two million locations worldwide. Golfers simply input the postcode of their chosen golf course and let the software match the day’s weather conditions with the most suitable garments from FootJoy’s product line,

including the best gloves and shoes for the prevailing conditions.

The application, which can be used on computers, tablet devices and smart phones, can be founded by logging on to www.footjoy.co.uk/ weatherexpert.

Callaway launches cash-back offer on Ernie’s Open-winning driver Last month saw Open Champion Ernie Els demonstrate the power and precision of Callaway’s RAZR Fit Driver over Lytham & St Anne’s challenging fairways, and to celebrate his win, the Chessington-based company is offering all golfers in the UK the opportunity of putting a RAZR Fit to the test with a unique financial incentive.

From now until 30 September, Callaway is offering customers £80 cashback on any RAZR Fit Driver bought from one its participating preferred retail partners.

“We want to make the game as easy as Ernie Els

made it look at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s, and what better way to herald Callaway’s quadruple Major winner than by giving the public this winning opportunity to hit it ‘Easy Long’ like the great man himself,” said Callaway’s EMEA managing director Neil Howie.

“Ernie averaged drives of 298 yards over the four rounds – almost 15 yards further than the average for the field. It’s now time for consumers to also feel the full force behind RAZR Fit with this very special promotion.”

Consumers need to keep their receipt from their purchase and then log on to www.callawaygolf.com/

erniedriver, where they can follow simple steps to claim their £80 cash rebate.

Callaway’s first adjustable driver has been hugely successful on Tour this season, notching up 10 tournament wins worldwide – including three Major victories.

Featuring an OptiFit Hosel that adjusts the face angle in open, square or closed positions to improve accuracy and trajectory, the RAZR Fit

also comes with two OptiFit weights that shift the clubhead’s centre of gravity to promote either draw or neutral ball flights.

Coolshot offers Rock-solid accuracy Laser range finder brand Nikon has signed Robert Rock as the face of its news Coolshot laser rangefinder.

Rock is a two-time winner on the European Tour and is currently ranked 14th in the Race to Dubai. His most recent victory came at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in January, where he defeated Tiger Woods in a final round showdown to register his first win of 2012.

Rock will carry a Nikon branded tour bag and yardage book, while his caddy will wear a Nikon branded cap.

Rock said: “The Coolshot is a fantastic laser.

I really like how easy it is to use, one click and you can get multiple yardages in seconds.

I also like the way it fits in the palm of your hand and its cool white design.”

The Coolshot’s high-speed ranging system, coupled with Nikon’s First Target Priority Mode, enables quick measurement of distances from between 11 and 600 yards, thanks to a unique eight-second continuous scanning function, which is operated at the push of a single button. Other features include automatic light sensitive

Nike Golf has launched a European Twitter feed – @NikeGolfEU – that is dedicated to communicating directly with consumers from across the European Union, and aims to become a one-stop shop for all things Nike Golf throughout Europe.

The global @nikegolf Twitter site has gained almost half-amillion followers since its launch, with fans enjoying behind the scenes insights into Nike’s athletes. The European site will offer similar exclusive news, competitions and footage on European Tour stars such as Paul Casey, Charl Schwartzel, Simon Dyson and Francesco Molinari, as well as the very latest product news and retail launch dates, and sneak previews of new gear.

Sean Jenner, marketing director Nike Golf EMEA, said: “We have been hugely successful with the global @nikegolf on Twitter, but we felt that we could do more to communicate directly with our European consumers and make our news relevant for them, which is why we have launched @NikeGolfEU. We are hoping it will become an important source of information for the Nike Golf fan.”

Consumers who sign up to follow the new Twitter feed will be in with a chance to win limited edition Open Championship Lunar Control shoes and a host of other Nike Golf products over the coming weeks.

Read all about it: Nike’s European Twitter feed will offer exclusive news on its tour staff, including Paul Casey

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August 2012 / Issue 213

Enjoy the VIP treatment at ESN! Golfers looking to experience not one but two championship golf courses and enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in a luxury hotel, should consider booking a break at East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, where the quality of the facilities on and off the golf courses are second to none Set in the heart of the Sussex countryside, near the village of Uckfield, ESN prides itself on being a

welcoming members’ club, as well as offering the services associated with a five-star resort, including a fabulous spa and health complex, and a variety of venues for wining and dining.

For those that prefer to focus on the fairways, ESN has two challenging courses on which to test their skills.

The stadium-style East Course was designed to test the world’s finest golfers – it hosted the European Open

in 1994 and 1997 – and measuring 7,138 yards from the gold tees, represents a formidable challenge. A choice of four different tees allows all handicap levels to enjoy the character of the East, with blue tees measuring 6,760 yards, and the whites a more modest 6,046. The West course, which is arguably the prettier of the two layouts, meanders through ancient oaks, alongside quiet pools and streams. It is tighter from the tee than the East, and a bit more undulating.

Like the golf courses, the hotel benefits from beautiful views of the South Downs, while offering the best in modern facilities. A spacious hotel set over three levels, ESN also offers an exceptional level of service, insuring guests enjoy a relaxing stay. All the rooms feature walk-in showers and wall-mounted TVs, while the dining and leisure facilities further enhance the quality of the resort.

Located within the hotel is The Horsted Spa, a purposebuilt facility offering the best in health and beauty therapy, notably ESPA body treatments, facials and massages. The leisure club

Coworth Park

also features a high-tech gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna and a steam room.

ESN is currently offering variety of weekend and midweek packages, with overnight stays in a double room for two people starting from £139, including a three-course dinner and breakfast, and full use of the leisure facilities. Green fees start from £30 for a twilight round, rising to £60 for weekend rounds. For the very latest offers, visit www. eastsussexnational.co.uk or call 01825 880088.

Tee for two at Coworth Park Golfers looking to spoil themselves this summer should consider rolling out the red carpet with a luxury golf break to Coworth Park, a 70-room luxury country house hotel and spa located on stunning Berkshire estate.

The hotel has collaborated with Wentworth Club to launch an exclusive package that includes an hour’s golf lesson with one the club’s top PGA professionals, followed by afternoon tea in the drawing room at Coworth Park, where guests can enjoy their fill of golf-inspired cakes The Tee-Time Afternoon Tea package is available until September 30, and costs £79 per person for a minimum of two guests. Rooms at the hotel start from £215 per night.

For more information visit www.coworthpark.com.

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August 2012 / Issue 213

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It’s gold again for Dorset’s top resort! situated in a quiet wooded glade opposite the golf courses, that are ideal for families and groups of golfers wanting short break holidays. The luxury lodges, which are made entirely from trees grown in the Nordic forests of Finland, and combine simplicity with luxury. Available to rent from two days to four weeks, each house sleeps up to eight people and features a fullyfitted kitchen, wood-burning stove, sauna, verandah, and golf trolley shed.

For smaller groups and one-night stays, The Dorset Golf Hotel, located opposite the clubhouse, offers 16 twin rooms, all of which have ensuite facilities.

The club also offers two excellent golf courses, with The Lakeland, which was designed by the renowned architect Martin Hawtree, on record as being the longest in Dorset. Improved irrigation, additional pathways, and numerous cosmetic enhancements have taken the courses to a new level this year, and ensured the courses stayed open during the

Situated within striking distance of the popular coastal resorts of Poole and Bournemouth, The Dorset Golf & Country Club offers two quality golf courses and superb on-site accommodation, making it the ideal destination for anybody who fancies a ‘stay and play’ break this summer.

The resort has recently received its third consecutive Visit Britain Gold Award to go with its five-star status – an achievement which the resort’s corporate manager, Marc Windust (pictured above), is justifiably proud.

“To be acknowledged as a five-star holiday destination

is a massive honour, but to achieve the highest marks possible, and receive the Gold Award for the third year is very special,” he said. “With Olympic gold medals being handed out down the coast in Weymouth, we were very happy to receive a gold in our own specialist field. We all feel so proud here, as so much hard work goes in to running the resort, and we are all very dedicated to continue to achieve high standards.”

In addition to the fantastic sport and leisure facilities the star of the show, as far as accommodation is concerned is the dozen Scandinavianstyle log homes, which are

Golfers looking for a great value destination close to the UK can now book a trip to play the nine impressive Isle of Man golf courses through a new partnership between Isle of Man Golf Tours and YourGolfTravel.com.

YGT sends over 100,000 people on leisure golfing holidays every year and has chosen to feature the short breaks offered by the newly-formed tailor-made Isle of Man organisation, which is run by experienced Island golfers. Set in locations every bit as scenic as their European counterparts, with a backdrop of sweeping mountains and the Irish Sea, there are nine golf courses to play on the Isle of Man, including the renowned Castletown Golf Links. With an Island population of around 80,000, the fairways are seldom crowded on any of the courses and booking a tee time is never a problem.

Make tracks for the Isle of Man The idea behind Isle of Man Golf Tours is to allow ultimate flexibility in the length of golfing breaks and the number of courses to play.

For this reason YourGolfTravel. com is offering seven different packages, with four valid for travel between now and the end of September. These range from one-night, tworound breaks priced at £99 per person, to four-night, five-course breaks from £379 per person, both with B&B accommodation included.

Three of the seven options offer significant savings for golfers who book to travel between October 2012 and 31 March 2013. For example, a two-night break with rounds at Castletown, Mount Murray

and Rowany costs £179 per person, saving £40.

Aside from superb courses, après-golf activities can also be arranged by Isle of Man Golf Tours. These include fishing, target shooting, karting, casino visits, brewery trips and even an escorted tour around the world-famous TT course on a motor trike.

There are many choices of travel routes to the Isle of Man. Regular ferry services operate between Douglas and Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin. Flights operate from most UK airports, with services provided by Aer Arann, British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, Loganair, Blue Islands and Manx2.com.

For more information visit www. yourgolftravel.com.

The stunning Castletown Golf Links

torrential rains experienced earlier this summer.

The Lakeland Course, which measures over 7,000 yards off the championship tees, or more manageable 6,580 yards off the whites, features generous fairways and undulating greens, and is an excellent test of golf. The 9-hole Woodland Course is shorter – being just 5,032 yards long – but is equally demanding. Accuracy off the tee is essential if you want to play anywhere near your handicap, as the fairways are lined with rhododendrons and tall trees.

After golf, guests can enjoy the superb clubhouse, which has a fully air-conditioned restaurant that offers lovely views over the Purbeck Hills and a large patio area for alfresco eating. Visitors can also enjoy the use of three coarse fishing lakes, which offer the perfect way to relax and unwind, while the resort is situated in a wonderful area near to the best attractions that Dorset has to offer, including the towns of Bournemouth, Poole and Swanage, while Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World are also just a few minutes’ drive away.

Awarded 5 Star Gold Award by British Tourist Board

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27 holes of fantastic golf

www.dorsetgolfresort.com THE DORSET GOLF HOTEL AND LUXURY LOG HOMES FOR RENT FREE GOLF Air-conditioned clubhouse facilities l Restaurant offering an extensive menu l On site accommodation in the Dorset Golf Hotel 16 twin rooms l From £64.25 pppn including Dinner, B&B and FREE GOLF l l

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FREE GOLF At The Ashbury Golf Hotel The UK’s Largest Golf Resort

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The Ashbury Golf Hotel is the ideal venue for your golf break.

Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

Ashbury 6th 410 yards, Par 4

7 x 18 hole course options all on one site!

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36 /

August 2012 / Issue 213

Dodge the downpours in the Dolomites!

The views from Castelrotto are quite breaktaking

Korineum Golf Resort

SPECIAL WEEKLY PACKAGES • 7 nights B&B 6pp • 4 rounds of golf £59 • Return flights with in-flight meals • 20 kg checked luggage and 5 kg hand luggage • Local transfers and representative services • No charge for golf bag • Under 100% ATOL protection

Golfers fed up with the shocking British summer should consider booking a four-night break at the luxurious Alpina Dolomites Gardena Health Lodge and Spa in northern Italy’s stunning Dolomites mountains.

Although the hotel doesn’t have its own golf course, it is handily located next to the superb Castelrotto Golf Club, which has teamed up with the hotel to offer a great value short break.

The package, which costs £660 per person, includes four nights’ half-board accommodation, four 18-hole rounds of golf, including a free buggy, as well as a complimentary back massage and a wellness bath.

Castelrotto’s 18-hole course is a joy to play from start to finish. Lush fairways and perfectly-groomed greens meander past impressive gorges, waterfalls and streams, while every hole is enhanced by the breathtaking panoramic scenery. Golfers are spoilt for choice for other venues to play in the South Tyrol region, with seven other delightful courses in the area.

The Alpina Dolomites hotel also offers guests exceptional health and spa facilities, including large indoor and outdoor pools, both of which offer stunning panoramic views across the Alpe di Suisi, Europe’s largest high Alpine plateau. Spa facilities include massage loungers and jetsprays, a variety of saunas,

relaxation areas with water beds, a beauty farm and a fully-equipped gym.

One-week golf tuition courses are also available for all levels of golfer priced at €395 per person. Beginners packages include a five-day course of group lessons, while advanced packages include a three-day course of group lessons and two golf lessons with a PGA Golf Pro at Castelrotto. Both packages also include video filming and analysis, education aids, range fees, golf club rental, balls for the driving range, a back massage and a wellness bath.

All golf packages are all available up until November 4th. For reservations, visit www.alpinadolomites.it or call 00 39 0471 796004.

Golf Escapes is delighted to offer some fantastic packages to Morocco. Great value and superb golf courses greet you in this fascinating, beautiful and magical country...

ABTA

The Travel Association Y2916

Palmeraie Golf

all inclusive in

7 night golf break from £596

Morocco RIU TIKIDA BEACH: 5 Nights – Twin Room, All Inclusive, 4 Rounds at Golf du Soleil, return airport and golf course transfers.

VALID SEPTEMBER 2012

VALID OCTOBER 2012

£345pp £439pp

Golf du Soleil

RIU TIKIDA PALMERAIE: 5 Nights – Twin Room – All Inclusive, 4 Rounds – 1 x Palmeraie, 1 x Amelkis, 1 x Al Maaden, 1 x Royal, return airport and golf course transfers.

VALID SEPTEMBER 2012

VALID OCTOBER 2012

£519pp £529pp

Amelkis

Call our holiday experts on 0203 150 0913 or visit www.CyprusParadise.com/golf

www.KorineumGolf.com

For more information please email: info@golf-escapes.com, call: 01342 811777 or visit: www.golf-escapes.com Different durations, additional rounds of golf, room upgrades and single room supplements available on request – please ask for further details. Prices shown are based on an exchange rate of 13 MAD to the Pound. Flights are not included, please enquire for further details.

Only 3 hrs from London | Excellent year round climate | All inclusive packages

August 2012 / Issue 213

/ 37 Fore left! Vale do Lobo continues to prove a big draw for UK golfers

PINING FOR PORTUGAL much as they had from the 15th Regularly voted one century. of the world’s best golf The fact that life hasn’t remained destinations, Portugal is the same can partially be laid showing no sign of resting on its at the door of Sir Henry Cotton, laurels following 40 years at the legendary three-time Open the top of its game. champion, who fell in love with the It’s almost unbelievable to think region and decided that what was that four decades ago golf barely missing was the opportunity to hit registered on the Portuguese a small white ball into a marginally landscape. The odd course that larger white hole. Cotton recognised did exist was of the ‘sand and oil’ the golfing potential for the Algarve type, a far cry from the manicured early on, and wasted no time in fairways that are so widely available designing the first of the region’s today. The south coast was, for the great courses at Penina in 1966, most part, unimproved, with the supervising its construction while picturesque fishing towns along seated on the donkey that he also the 100-mile long shoreline looking Golf News half page_Layout 1 14/08/2012 17:18 Page 1

employed as his caddie. The success of Cotton’s enterprise encouraged the local authorities to think of the game as a means of aligning environmental concerns with commercial interests, and thus the golf boom began.

By 2000 there were 20 courses, and 12 years on that figure is rapidly closing in on 50. And with every course apparently full to bursting during our winter months, it is clear that our appetite for the Algarve experience shows no signs of abating. If anything, our love affair seems to have turned into a comfortable marriage – with people

choosing to return to the same courses, the same resorts, even the same villas or an annual basis.

If you look at a map of the Algarve, there is barely a centimetre distance between one tee and the next. Roll along the EN125 motorway from Faro and all exits lead to golf. The greatest concentration of courses is less than an hour away from the airport, with upwards of 30 clubs located along this stretch of coastline.

Quinta do Lago launched Portugal’s reputation in the holiday resort stakes. It was created to cater for sporty people; it does just that, with golf as its paramount attraction. The Quinta do Lago and Ria Formosa courses are the focal point of a 2,000-acre leisure complex. Also set in Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo is currently the star. Built in the late ‘80s, it has been rarely been out of the top 10 courses in Europe.

Between Albufeira and Lagos are another half-dozen courses; Pine Cliffs, dramatically set on the cliffs overlooking one of the best beaches, and Penina – the Algarve’s oldest course – which provides a real mix of beautifully-constructed holes, with the par-three 13th a favourite.

Although Portugal has yet to produce a world-class golfer of its own, it has not been shy in developing five-star resorts and hosting top-level competitions.

The country now boasts numerous annual pro tournaments, including the Portuguese Open, Seniors Open of Portugal, Ladies Open and the Madeira Open. The 2005 WGC World Cup was also held here, at the Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura.

The Vilamoura estate spreads

across more than 4,000 acres and provides the conveniences of a yacht basin, a casino, hotels, and of course four golf courses. The best of which is the Frank Penninkdesigned Old Course, which was completed in 1969. The feeling is that of an English park, graceful and calm, with the umbrella pine trees now grown to stately heights. The third course is the one Cotton built in 1968 on the edge of the sea at Vale do Lobo. The adjacent estate has since been enlarged, allowing for the construction of another 18 holes, a myriad of holiday villas and the Le Meridien Dona Filipa. The two golf courses have been formed with combinations of older and newer holes, but those designed by Cotton are still the best – including the magnificent par-three 16th on the Royal course, which requires a 200yard carry across a precipice.

Among the newish kids on the block, the Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria Golf Club, which opened in 2004, is a worthy addition to the already embarrassing number of top class courses already on offer here, while the two championship courses at Amendoeira, designed

by Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor respectively, are also proving a draw.

And with a superb variety of accommodation, a fine selection of restaurant and bars, and the easy accessibility to the UK via Faro airport, it is easy to see why Britain’s love affair with Portugal is set to remain a long and happy marriage.

For details on the latest golf holidays to Portugal visit www. golfbreaks.com.

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38 /

August 2012 / Issue 213

Stay & play brought to you by

For bookings please contact Your Golf Travel.com: Call Free: 0800 193 6612 Email: info@yourgolftravel.com Web: www.yourgolftravel.com

Like it or not, most of us would probably end this article’s headline the same way, with a nod to the cult television show that’s made stars of some frighteningly talentless people. It’s hard to tell if the good residents of Essex are proud or ashamed of their county’s identity being stereotyped on screen, but we’re here to remind you that Essex is not all spray tans, nail salons and waxed chests. In fact, there’s a lot that’s good and decent about the ever-so-proud county, and The Essex Golf & Country Club is just one of them.

Escape London to the east and you’re blessed with an extraordinary array of resorts, courses and golf hotels, and navigating your way cleanly can be as challenging as extricating yourself beyond the M25. Some are much better than others, some more expensive than the next, so what can you expect at The Essex Golf and Country Club? Well, for starters, a fantastic name – of all the golfing venues in the county, this one bears its name.

But that’s not all. Hang a left just short of Colchester towards Earls Colne and you’ll shortly stumble upon The Essex, part of a collection of resorts and leisure venues managed by the Club Company.

This is the group’s flagship golfing property, and with its accompanying hotel and facilities it offers an experience that should merit higher praise and greater attention. Yet it flies under the radar, in the shadow of more illustrious names. Steal a march on the opposition and book your next break at The Essex and it’ll be one against the head, for all the rugby fans out there.

The 27 onsite holes top the bill at The Essex, for this is a real golfer’s venue. Those 27 are comprised of the Garden Executive Course, a nine-holer that serves as a warm-up or the place to settle a tied game, and the Championship layout, a proper examination whose title is no misnomer; nearing 7,000 yards and dashed with water and sand, It serves up quality golf in spades, with the signature holes bookending the scorecard.

The five par-5s are arguably the highlight of the course, which is a great representation of modern

The Only Way Is… parkland golf, making superb use of today’s technology – like state-ofthe-art irrigation systems – for the benefit of the day-to-day golfer.

Computerised control ensures that you’ll drive and putt on surfaces in pristine condition.

The strings to The Essex bow are many, but one of the best is its golf academy, where three full-time pros watch over no less than 20 covered, floodlit bays, a range of individually cut and laser-measured greens and an indoor swing studio. With all this on offer, make sure you take advantage, whether it’s for tuition or just to limber up and work off any lingering day two hangover…

The putting surfaces are always pristine at The Essex

SPECIAL PACKAGES One Night, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Two Rounds of Golf FROM

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Comfort and a laid-back atmosphere are the hallmarks of the lodging onsite at The Essex, whose collection of 42 rooms are just the ticket for the weary golfer. Most have views of the course, and you can expect welcome extras like television and spacious beds. Clubhouse style and equally comforting home-cooked classics are the order of the day at the Sports Brasserie – have a couple of beers, a fantastic dinner and unwind at the Lodge hotel.

Words like flashy and bling may be increasingly associated with this home county, but The Essex appears unswayed by its small screen neighbours, focused solely on providing reliable and rewarding golf breaks for the golfing visitor.

Two Nights, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Three Rounds of Golf FROM

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August 2012 / Issue 213

/ 39

Me&MyTravels Travels with James Jordan - The Strictly Come Dancing star rarely leaves home without his clubs or his wife, although strictly in that order!

The bunker-strewn 9th hole at Chart Hills

I always travel with… my golf clubs, oh, and my wife Ola! But my golf clubs come first.

The best hotel I have ever stayed in is... the Peninsula in Hong Kong.

My favourite golf resort is…

Mission Hills in China. I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world playing golf because of my dancing. I have played many amazing courses, but Mission Hills is hard to beat because of the sheer quantity of quality.

much for me. Too busy, and it has a cold feeling.

Emerald Bay in the Bahamas

My top travel tip is… to make sure you go with fun people, as I always find the best holidays are the ones with people you can have a laugh with.

I am planning a trip to… another wonderful Sandals resort, maybe in Jamaica.

My favourite golf course in the world… is Chart Hills, where I am lucky enough to play on a regular basis as it is in Kent, which is my home county.

My first holiday was... to Messonghi in Greece, with my parents and my sister Kelly – I was only 18 months old, so I don’t remember a great deal about it!

My most recent holiday was... to Emerald Bay Bahamas with Sandals.

They have a Greg Norman golf

course, which was amazing and tough! The holiday was complete perfection. Ola said it was perfect; I said ‘no, that’s living with me!’

My favourite city in the world is...

Hong Kong, where Ola and I lived for four years. It’s a great place to party.

My ideal travelling golf partners are… my three very good friends David, Lol and Doug.

My best round ever was… at Chart Hill this year, when I shot 76.

I even remember my scores – three double bogeys, two bogeys, two birdies, an eagle and 10 pars!

The worst holiday I ever had was in… New York. The city is just too

The Penisula Hotel in Hong Kong

We’re the golfing holiday experts.

MAURITIUS

5* Belle Mare Plage 12 nights half board unlimited golf on 2 championship courses incl. flights, transfers from £1,595 pp

ABU DHABI 4* Crowne Plaza Yas Island 7 nights bb with 5 rounds golf flights from UK airport and ground transfers from only £1,199 pp

MADEIRA

5* Meliã Madeira Mare 7 nights bb with 4 rounds golf incl. transfers from only £535 pp (excl. flights)

MOROCCO

5* Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort 4 nights all inclusive unlimited golf with buggy airport shuttle transfers included from £430 pp (excl. flights)

SOUTH AFRICA Tailor made holidays by the South African golf specialists GolfHolidaysinSouthAfrica.com

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