Golf News June 2016

ISSUE 255 | JUNE 2016

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BY

NICK BAYLY

HAS THE FOUR-ROUND FORMAT HAD ITS DAY? I

was at the launch of a new format of the game earlier this month – see page 8 for the full explanation of the concept – where amateur golfers were challenged to play six holes under the clock, with those who took more than 30 seconds to play a shot first being issued with a yellow card, and then a red card for a second offence, which resulted in a point being taken off their score.

While it was fun to whizz around with a four ball in the time it normally takes to play four holes, the entire experience reminded me a) never to play with anyone who takes more than 30 seconds to play a shot (look at your watch now, and just see how very long that feels), and b) that it’s not generally the time spent taking shots that makes 18 holes seem like a lifetime, but other factors, such as slow ambles between shots; insisting on holing out when you can’t score, and our obsession with playing four ball golf.

The noble people behind SPRINT6GOLF are starting off with small steps by introducing the concept at club level, but its ultimate hope is that the format is taken up at a professional level. I wish them every success, because the battle to get pros to get a shift on still feels like it’s being lost.

Professional golf, with its never-ceasing passion fourday stroke play events, needs a serious shake up if it is not to go the way of test cricket, which increasingly looks like a pedestrian sideshow when compared to its shortened alternatives.

They say that the Masters only comes alive on the back nine on Sunday at Augusta, but that’s because the previous three-and-a-half days are a rather tedious shuffling of the pack in order to get to the point where any of it actually matters. And it’s the same for almost every other professional tournament that takes place every week of the year all over the world.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that all the Majors should be 9-hole shoot-outs under floodlights – although it would create some very large and exciting play-offs – but we are surely getting close to a point where the four-day format is beginning to outstay its welcome.

For starters, from a TV point of view, who on earth is watching golf in the middle of the day on a Thursday or Friday? I would love to know Sky’s viewing figures for the first round of last month’s Mauritius Open – they can’t have been be too far into four figures at best, and that’s mainly bored club pros tuning in from the pro shop between driver fittings and group lessons.

So come on European Tour, let’s shake things up a little.

Let’s have more ‘par is your friend’ competitions, where only birdies and eagles count towards scores; let’s have 72-hole competitions played over two days (they pretty much did it at this month’s US Open for goodness sake); and why not have three cuts rather than one, with the field whittled down each and every round, so that only the top 20 players or so get to play on Sunday, where a higher percentage of the field might actually have a chance of winning.

And why not have an event where a tournament where the five highest scores after every three holes is hauled off the course in a buggy until the last man is left putting out on his tod? And what about a tournament without caddies, where players have to sort out their own yardages and carry their bananas.

OK, I’ve clearly got some work to do on the finer details, but the point is that golf needs to make itself more relevant to the modern age, and while formats like SPRINT6GOLF are to be applauded, the move towards faster and more exciting golf needs to come from the top down, and not the other way around, if golf is not to find itself consigned to history as a funny old game for funny old people.

PROFESSIONAL GOLF NEEDS A SERIOUS SHAKE UP IF IT IS NOT TO GO THE WAY OF TEST CRICKET, WHICH INCREASINGLY LOOKS LIKE A PEDESTRIAN SIDESHOW WHEN COMPARED TO ITS SHORTENED ALTERNATIVES

Maple House, The Spinney, Hove, BN3 6QT TEL: 01273 381794 EMAIL: info@golfnews.co.uk WEBSITE: www.golfnews.co.uk FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @golfnewsmag MANAGING DIRECTOR Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk EDITOR Nick Bayly editor@golfnews.co.uk ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Richard Maunder richard@golfnews.co.uk ART DIRECTOR Darren Kirk darren-kirk@btconnect.com PRODUCTION Kath Perry ads@golfnews.co.uk

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JUNE 2016 | FEATURE

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TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN AND YOUR SHORT GAME HOME GOLF DESIGN’S artificial putting and chipping greens are an affordable addition to every serious golfer’s back garden

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hanks to the UK’s shockingly inconsistent weather, keeping a lawn looking tidy at any time of the year is a tough job, but even when it does resemble the Centre Court at Wimbledon, grass is just, well, grass at the end of the day, and good for very little except looking at, interspersed with the tiresome jobs of weeding and cutting.

Which is why more and more people are choosing to give up the national obsession with firing up the Flymo every Sunday afternoon in favour of pulling out the putter for a spot of practice on the latest generation of artificial greens.

While a high percentage of Tour players have converted their enormous estates into full-scale replicas of the greens at Augusta, there are also plenty of regular golfers that are choosing to dig up their smaller domestic lawns and replace them with something altogether more interesting to look at and fun to play on.

Thanks to massive leaps in technology, the current ‘crop’ of artificial golf greens are far removed from the stuff you used to see behind the fruit and veg in your local greengrocers, and more akin to the carpet-like putting surfaces you’ll find on a championship golf course.

And while a tour-standard setup can be expensive, a more simple design, featuring a few carefully constructed holes, can an affordable, yet equally effective option, for the amateur golfer.

This is the type of customer that Home Golf Designs is currently working with to fulfill their domestic dream layouts. Set up ten years ago by experienced greenkeeper Andy Brown, who

enjoyed spells at Nizels and Croham Hurst, Kentbased Home Golf Greens aims to meet the needs of the keen golfer looking to sharpen up their short game skills in the comfort of their own home.

Rather than driving to their local club every time they want to put in a bit of work on their lag putting or greenside chipping, owners of a Home Golf Design green can simply open the back door and, hey presto, they’re on the first hole and sinking putts for fun.

One of Home Golf Design’s earliest customers was three-time European Tour winner Andy Sullivan, who had a three-hole course built in his back garden in the Midlands. While the company can’t take full responsibility for Sullivan’s impressive performances on tour, having somewhere to practice his putting stroke at home clearly hasn’t harmed his form on the greens as he builds towards a potential Ryder Cup debut this autumn.

“While it’s nice to work with tour players, and those will sizeable budgets, most of our projects are on a much smaller scale, where customers are looking for a few straightforward holes to practice on,” says Brown. “But no matter how big or small the project is, our attention to detail is exactly the same. We work closely with the client through every step of the process to make sure they get exactly what they want, and work within their budgets to achieve their ambitions.”

The son of a golf professional, and with his experience as a greenkeeper, Brown prides himself on knowing the demands golfers have when it comes to replicating greens, as well

HOME GOLF DESIGN CLIENT TESTIMONIALS “I LOVE PRACTISING ON MY HOME GOLF DESIGN GREEN, THANKS SO MUCH” ANDY SULLIVAN, EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER

■ BEFORE

as what is required to landscape holes into a domestic setting, where greens are often competing with the other requirements of a traditional garden.

“Home owners don’t want a green just to be simply plonked down in the back garden,” says Brown. “So we work closely with the client to make sure it blends in with what is already there, and, if required, carry out sympathetic landscaping to ensure that it doesn’t dominate the setting.”

Often taking less than a week to install, and requiring next to no maintenance, other than brushing off the leaves in autumn, a Home Golf Design green is a great addition to any golfer’s garden. And with chipping-length surfaces and custom-designed bunkers available to surround the putting green, as well as full-size practice driving nets, golfers can work on all aspects of their game at any time of year..

So whether you’re looking to win next year’s club championship, set your children on the road to Open glory, smarten up your golf club, or simply want to have somewhere to challenge your mates to a few holes over a drink, a Home Golf Design putting green should be your very next step.

For more details on Home Golf Design's range of artificial greens, or to book a site visit, call freephone 0800 7837188 or visit www.homegolfdesigns.co.uk.

■ AFTER

To follow the latest projects follow Home Golf Designs on Twitter @homegolfdesigns

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NEWS | JUNE 2016

GUTSY GREGORY WINS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

DODD DELIVERS FIRST PGA WIN

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ampshire’s Scott Gregory won the 121st Amateur Championship after coming out on top in a closely fought final against Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre at Royal Porthcawl.

The 21-year-old from Corhampton held off a strong challenge from MacIntyre to seal a 2&1 victory in the 36-hole match.

Gregory, an England A international, can now look forward to teeing it up in the Open at Royal Troon next month, as well as next year’s US Open and Masters Tournament.

Gregory got off to a strong start in the 36-hole final, and led for most of the morning round, moving to 3up by the 12th. McIntyre, the 2015 Scottish Amateur Champion, showed his resolve to win the 15th with an excellent chip from thick rough left of the green and then holed a 30-foot putt on the 16th to reduce the deficit to one.

The 19-year-old from Glencruitten missed a 4-footer at the next, which would have won him the hole, and Gregory bounced back with a delicate chip from a down slope by the 18th green to secure a half and retain a one-hole lead going into the afternoon.

The momentum shifted to MacIntyre in the early stages of the second round, and the Scot moved ahead for the first time in the match when he won the 20th and 21st holes with pars, after Gregory found the rough with his approaches to both holes.

The evenly matched pair traded holes over the next six holes, with the lefthanded MacIntyre losing the 22nd after finding a greenside bunker. Gregory showed his mastery of bunker play with a fine escape from 60 yards short of the green at the next and holed from 8 feet to move back in front.

MacIntyre birdied the 24th to move back to all square, and Gregory replied with a birdie at the 118-yard par three 25th, when his tee shot finished a foot from the hole to edge in front. The Scot fought back once again, holing a 6-foot par putt to win the 27th, but Gregory, who was runner-up in this year’s Spanish Amateur Championship, enjoyed some good fortune on the 28th when he over-hit his chip from the side of the green and it struck the flag and dropped to a foot from the hole to earn him a half.

Gregory holed an 8ft putt from the back of the 30th to claim the hole and when MacIntyre found a greenside bunker at the 31st, the Englishman was 2up with five to play. When the 35th was halved in four, the players shook hands, with Gregory the relieved champion.

BEAVERBROOK COURSE SET FOR JULY OPENING

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he controversial new course at Cherkley Court in Leatherhead is to officially open next month, bringing an end to years of speculation and debate over the transformation of the former estate of Lord Beaverbrook into a hotel and golf resort.

Although the five-star hotel is not due to open until next year, the 18-hole golf course, which has been co-designed by eight-time major champion Tom Watson and renowned course architect David McLay Kidd, opens for play in July.

The club’s founder members, which had to pay a reported £135,000 for the privilege, played over

[7]

the first five holes to be completed at the end of last year, with the remaining 13 holes opened for limited play in recent months. Boasting USGA greens and tees, the 7,100-yard course is expected to raise the bar for playing conditions in the region, with the very latest drainage and irrigation systems and top quality putting surfaces.

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five, the 540-yard fifth, while the shortest is the 145-yard second. Watson’s favourite is the eighth, a 490-yard, downhill par four. “It is a really testing hole, but it is also visually beautiful, framed by two copses of trees,” he said during a recent visit to the 400-acre site.

Casey Krahenbuhl, senior design associate at DMK Golf Design and site manager at Beaverbrook, said: “Beaverbrook’s owners wanted nothing less than the highest standard of greens in the country, or even in Europe. The final product is fabulous – really consistent and exactly what we were after.”

Planning permission for further development on the estate, to include amendments to the Grade II-listed main building and spa complex, which will now include a Padel tennis court, are currently being sought.

Burstead Golf Club trainee Marc Dodd returned to The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club to secure his first PGA in England (East) pro-am victory. Dodd, a former scratch team player at The Hertfordshire, shot a two-under-par 68 to finished a stroke ahead of James Jankowski, James Taverner and Chris Cutchie. Ben Kerr led the winning team on a score of 121 points – three clear of the quartet skippered by Dodd.

WATERHALL CHARITY GALA RAISES RECORD SUM Waterhall Golf Club’s annual charity gala took place last month, with 45 teams involved three days of men’s, ladies’ and junior competitions. Fundraising activities over the long weekend helped raise over £4,600 for the Menkes Foundation and Sussex Heart. A presentation event was held on the Sunday afternoon at the Brightonbased club, where men’s captain John Smith presented the prizes to the winners. Event organiser Simon Binns said: “This year we have had more teams and raised more money than ever, and we so grateful for everyone’s support.”

PRIOR RECAPTURES CRICTCHLEY SALVER Lizzie Prior made a successful defence of her title at the Critchley Salver at Sunningdale. The 18-year-old English international from Burhill carded scores of 72 over both the club’s Old and New courses to finish two shots ahead of Royal MidSurrey’s lnci Mehmet and Wrotham Heath’s Sharna Outrieux on 5-under-par 144.

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JUNE 2016 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SPRINT6GOLF PUTS GOLFERS ON THE CLOCK MUCHMORE LEADS THE WAY AT LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT Ashford’s Tom Muchmore notched up his first victory of the season when winning the Lee-on-the-Solent Pro-Am with a fourunder-par 65. Out early, Muchmore had to wait until late in the day to find out that his 65 was good enough for him to claim the win. A stroke behind with 66s were West Berkshire’s Paul Simpson and Hayling’s Mark Treleaven.

ENRIQUE DOUBLES UP AT CUDDINGTON Surrey U15 squad member Enrique Dimayuga became only the fourth player to win Cuddington Golf Club’s men’s and junior championships in the same year after shooting gross rounds of 71 and 73. The youngster carried on his good form at the South of England Schools Championships at Canterbury Golf Club, where he won with rounds of 78 and 76.

WICKS LEADS THE WAY AT HAM MANOR David Wicks led the way in a clean sweep for Sedlescombe at the Sussex Amateur Championship held at Ham Manor. Wicks beat Jack Floydd (Haywards Heath) 2&1 in the final to take the men’s title, with Tom Bailey (Chartham Park) and Charlie Strickland (Ham Manor) the losing semifinalists. Floydd set a new course record of 65 en route to being the leading qualifier for the matchplay stages. Sedlescombe won the team event, with Wicks combining with Chris Cotton and Michael Anthony for a winning score of 424. They will represent the club at the English Club Champions event at Stoke by Nayland in September.

SWEETWOODS TO HOST LADIES’ TASTER DAYS Sweetwoods Park Golf Club in Kent is hosting two free golf taster sessions for women on July 14-15, where visitors will be able to have a free golf lesson from Director of Golf Matt Tyler, take a tour of the facilities, and enjoy a glass of Pimms and light refreshments. The sessions are from 5-8pm on July 14 and 12-3pm on July 15, with all guests receiving a complimentary two-ball green fee voucher and discounts off future lesson packages. To register, call 01342 850 729 or email vicky.fearn@ sweetwoodspark.com.

■ RED CARD: GARETH BALE IS A SUPPORTER OF SPRINT6GOLF'S FASTER FORMAT

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quicker, shorter format of the game was launched at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club last month, with several key golf governing bodies supporting the exciting new concept, along with Paul McGinley, Eddie Jordan and Gareth Bale.

Called SPRINT6GOLF, the new format is played over just six holes and utilises a free mobile app with a 30-second shot clock to ensure a flowing and continuous pace of play.

The compact format, which takes around an hour to play, is the brainchild of Tom Critchley, the son of Sky Sports commentator and ex-Walker Cup player, Bruce Critchley, who said at the launch: “For a couple of years now golfers and the golfing media have been calling for a shorter, quicker form of the game. No-one else was coming forward with the answer, so it was a logical step to create SPRINT6GOLF." He added: “it addresses many of the current issues with golf by shortening the time required

to play and making it more accessible, thus bringing a whole new generation of fans into the sport and enabling existing golfers to play more often.”

Critchley added: “We are starting at grassroots level to give anyone the opportunity to enjoy SPRINT6GOLF, but our vision is to show how exciting and dynamic it can be when the best players in the world start competing in pro tournaments.”

While SPRINT6GOLF can be played on any golf course at any time thanks to the interactive app, 32 clubs around the country will be invited to host qualifying events, each of which will put forward one amateur to compete in the 2016 Amateur Challenge National Final at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club on August 30. Clubs can get involved by registering at www.sprint6golf.com. Golfers can download the free SPRINT6GOLF app, by visiting the Apple Store or Android Marketplace and searching for ‘SPRINT6GOLF’.

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the sporting world, including Ossie Ardiles, Mike Bushell, Ray Clemence, Liam Brady, Dave Beasant, Gladstone Small, Chris Sheasby, Ricky Villa, John Lacy and Graham Roberts.

Braving the wet conditions, the 14 teams played in fourballs, with the best three scores counting.

The winners on the day were Team Chalmers, represented by former Scottish rugby international Craig Chalmers and ably assisted by Mike Kyd, Phil Pain and Mark Pain.

Gladstone Small won the celebrity prize, winning a bespoke fitting experience with bespoke outfitters Q’aja – one of many official supporters of the day, along with Callaway Golf and Arsenal FC.

WATERS BAGS THIRD SENIOR SURREY TITLE Keith Waters claimed his third successive Surrey Seniors Championship after shooting rounds of 79 and 73 for an eight-over-par total of 152 at Woodcote Park. Waters, who is chief operating officer of the European Tour, finished one stroke clear of Hugh Maurice (The Berkshire), with Martin Hayes (Walton Heath) a further three shots back in third. Woodcote Park member Pat Horkan played within one stroke of his age in the afternoon to take the over-70 prize, while Ian Booker (Cuddington) took the over-65 prize and Peter Oliver-Minos (Guildford) won the over-60.

■ CRAIG CHALMERS'' TEAM LED THE WAY AT THE JIM HARDING GOLF DAY

Windlesham’s Aiden Millan braved decidedly damp conditions at Milford Golf Club to win Surrey’s U12 Championship for the Paul Casey Trophy. The 12-handicapper shot a gross 79 to win by four shots from Kalyan Reddy (Wimbledon Park), with Hashim Banday (Royal Mid Surrey) a shot further back in third.

S

urrey tour pro Gary King sealed a maiden victory on the Challenge Tour after getting up and down from a greenside bunker on the final hole to win the Montecchia Open in Italy.

The 25 year old from Tyrells Wood needed a birdie on the final hole to secure a longed-for win, but pushed his approach into the sand, short-siding himself in the process, and having to hole a 15-foot putt for birdie.

He confidently rolled it in, much to the delight of the crowds at Golf della Montecchia in Padua, to deny Moritz Lampert and Matthieu Pavon the chance of a play-off after they had set the clubhouse target at 16 under par.

Only a year ago, King – who birdied three of the final five holes – was winning on the EuroPro Tour and he was delighted by how quickly he had achieved success in the higher ranks this season.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “I was pretty calm on the 18th. I pride myself on being calm in situations like that, and thankfully all the hours I put in practising my bunker play paid off right there, and then to hole that putt was incredible.”

In a week where rain reduced the tournament to 54 holes, the threat of thunderstorms resulted in an hour delay midway through the afternoon, though this seemed to work in King’s favour.

Having dropped two shots before the turn, coming off the course allowed him to refocus, and he duly made four birdies coming home to seal a one-shot victory with a closing round of 69.

“The rain delay really helped,” he said. “I was struggling out there, and wasn’t feeling very good with my game, so it came at a really good time for me – I geed myself up a bit and made some great birdies coming in. The next goal is to move on from this and try and win again. The aim is top 15 and, with this being the biggest prize fund we’ve had yet, it’s a big step in the right direction in the rankings.

I’ve just got to push on and keep getting better.”

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HOSTS JIM HARDING GOLF DAY riends and relatives of the late Jim Harding gathered at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club in Denham last month to take part in the Jim Harding Memorial Golf Day. Harding, who was a well respected figure in the hospitality industry, and a keen golfer, died from pancreatic cancer in February last year, and his family organised the event to raise awareness of the disease, with all proceeds from the day, which amounted to over £15,000, being donated to Pancreatic Cancer UK. The tournament, which was hosted by Sky Sports presenter Arron Armstrong, was attended by a wide range of famous names from

MILLAN ON TARGET AT MILFORD

KING RISES TO THE ITALIAN CHALLENGE

CHART HILLS UP FOR SALE

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letter has been sent to members of Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent informing them that the Leaderboard Group is placing the club up for sale.

The letter, which is signed by the club’s owners, Paul and Jennifer Gibbons, states: ‘Over the past 18 years the Leaderboard Group has grown and evolved from a company with just one hotel into a business that now has three successful resorts. Our long term strategy for the group is to focus on our resort business, and this has meant that after long consideration we have reluctantly decided to put Chart Hills Golf Club up for sale.

"Chart Hills Golf Club is a fantastic golf course, and in my view the best in the group, but it falls out of our strategic plans for the future. We want to take this opportunity to assure you of our continued commitment to Chart Hills until a suitable purchaser is found. We will continue with the planned bunker refurbishment programme, planned capital investments and will ensure the Brabazon Trophy takes place at the club in 2017.”

Chart Hills boasts the only 18-hole course in the UK designed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo, which was voted the best new course in England when it first opened in 1993. Playing 7,119 yards off the back tees, it hosted the Ladies English Open during the mid-noughties, and local qualifying for The Open.

The Leaderboard Group also own Dale Hill, The Oxfordshire, Sandford Springs and Leaderboard Golf Centre, which is located in Reading.

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[10] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

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BROWN CLAIMS KENT AMATEUR Dan Brown won the Kent Amateur Championship after beating Marcus Sewell 6&4 at West Kent Golf Club. The 21 year old from Chart Hills, who plays off plus two, finished fourth in the stroke play qualifying rounds with a one-over-par 143 – 10 shots behind runaway winner Liam Burns from Sundridge Park, who fired a 69 and a 64 to be nine-under-par for 36 holes. Brown beat Taron Donvan (5&4), Shaun Macklin (3&1) and Nick Panting (20th) en route to the final.

HEWITT IN CHARGE AT HUNTERCOMBE Damien Hewitt (Sonning) won the rainshortened BB&O U25 Colts Championship after shooting 71 at Huntercombe. He finished two shots ahead of Rymer Smith (Buckinghamshire), Kye Machin (Reading) and Jack Nutall (Ellesborough). Harry Morris (East Berkshire) won the Handicap Busby Bowl with a 68 on count back from James Evans (Frilford Heath) and Jack Nutall.

AGE NO BARRIER FOR BUTTIVANT Craig Buttivant bagged his fourth BB&O Mid Age title after shooting rounds of 72 and 75 gross at The Oxfordshire. Playing in testing conditions, the one-handicapper from Gerrrard Cross finished three shots clear of runner up Dan Caton (Burnham Beeches), with Iain Henderson (The Berkshire) in third.

PLUMB SEALS ESSEX TITLE

he re-opened first nine holes of the historic Colt course at Stoke Park Country Club have been heralded by members as “brilliant', 'fantastic and 'the best feature of the club'.

Stoke Park members had exclusive early access to the nine holes, which have undergone major bunker renovation during the winter months under the supervision of director of golf Stuart Collier and estate director Alex Millar.

Although the shapes and sizes of the bunkers have changed, the renowned strategic positioning remains.

And members have hailed the effect this has had, not just to the challenge of the course, but also its playability.

Club captain John Sweeney said: “I think the changes on the course are magnificent. The bunkers will play a lot harder, but when the work on 10 to 18 is carried out next winter, it will take the whole course to a new level.”

He added: “It’s not just an aesthetic thing; that’s good, but it’s the quality – and depth – of the bunkering that makes the real difference. These are a different class – if you’re in a bunker now, you’re

■ THE NEW-LOOK BUNKERS ON THE 12TH (ABOVE) AND 8TH HOLES OF THE COLT COURSE penalised; and that’s the way golf should be played. It’s made a massive difference to the sixth and eighth holes. Visually, the sixth is brilliant and on eight, it’s changed the hole completely. It’s a more strategic course now. You have to really think about how you’re going to play each hole and each shot.”

Club member Vince Murphy concurred, adding: “I think the changes are absolutely fantastic. The eighth hole is stunning. You can’t see the green for the second shot, so you have to do it all by yardage, which is brilliant. The way it’s all finished off, with the

grass on top of the bunkers is excellent. It certainly enhances the overall look of the course.”

The work on the opening nine Colt holes was part of a seven-figure facelift of Stoke Park’s 27 holes, which were created by legendary architect Harry Colt in 1908. The first loop includes the seventh hole, which was the inspiration for the original 16th at Augusta, before the latter was amended in the 1940s. Augusta designer Alister MacKenzie was part of Colt’s original Stoke Park design team and a partner in the practice of Colt, MacKenzie & Alison.

The new layouts first big test comes at the end of this month, when it plays host to the PGA South Region’s JDRF Stoke Park Pro-Am on June 29.

COPSEY CLAIMS MID KENT GLORY

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oult Wood’s David Copsey won his first Pro-Am title of 2016, with a fine five-under-par 65 to take the Mid Kent Pro-Am. Runners up David Callaway (Foxhills) and Adam Clough (PGolfCoaching@ Pedham) pushed Copsey hard all the way, each shooting 66s

Copsey started by dropping a shot on the tough opening hole, and despite repairing the damage at the third with a birdie, another bogey on the fifth left him with a lot to do. He then charged through the next three holes, making birdies at each to reach the turn in two-under 33. Two more

birdies followed at the 11th and 12th, and then two more at the 15th and 17th to finish on five under.

“Mid Kent was in fantastic condition and as usual the pins were set up to make the day even more interesting,” said the winner. “My game’s not really been consistent enough this year, but winning here has been a terrific boost to my confidence.”

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Chelmsford’s Alasdair Plumb shot an impressive level par score of 280 over four rounds to win the Essex Amateur Championship at Colne Valley. Rounds of 67, 65, 76 and 72 saw him finish three shots clear of the chasing pack, which was led by Mitchel Sarling (Boyce Hill) and Taylor Carter (Rochford Hundred).

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ACE GOES TO PLAN FOR CREAMER

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he drinks were on Foxhills’ director of golf Paul Creamer, after he aced the third hole at Woodcote Park Golf Club during the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship qualifier held on May 24.

And the good news for Creamer was that his perfectly flighted 7-iron on the 155-yard hole didn’t dent his pocket, as he was covered by Golfplan Insurance.

Creamer left £250 behind the bar safe in the knowledge that the bill for the 71-strong field would be covered by Golfplan, which is a PGA partner.

The Foxhills pro has had seven aces in his career, and revealed it had been an expensive bar bill from his last one in the Surrey PGA Championship seven years ago that had prompted him to take out insurance with Golfplan.

“I remember at Sutton Green thinking ‘Oh dear, that’s going to be expensive!’ It’s why I decided to take out insurance with Golfplan, and it’s nice to know if you do have a holein-one, you are not going to suffer financially.”

While delighted that his drinks' bill was covered, Creamer admitted he didn't actually see his shot go in the hole. "I didn't actually see it go in – I was up at the green looking for it – and one of my playing partners said 'it's in the hole', which was a nice surprise to be two under after three," he added.

Woodcote Park was hosting the second of two south regional qualifiers for the Titleist & FootJoy event, with the leading 17 finishers going through to compete in the £78,000 championship final at The Oxfordshire in July. Sadly, the rest of Creamer’s round wasn’t quite as impressive, and his eight-over-par score was not good enough to progress.

NEWS | JUNE 2016

[11]

THE SHIRE PREPARES TO HOST ‘NELSON’S NIGHTCLUB’

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olfers at The Shire in north London will once again be rocking to the sounds of award-winning DJ Trevor Nelson next month, after the renowned broadcaster agreed to host his third annual Trevor Nelson Swing tournament at the Potter Bar-based club.

The golf event – named Trevor Nelson Swing 3 – takes place on July 1, and will see teams of four amateur golfers competing over 18 holes in a shotgun start from 11am, with all players receiving gift bags from Nelson, who also hosts the prize-giving.

“Some golf days can be stuffy – but not this one,” said the Hackney-born DJ, who hosts the popular daily

CARDY CLAIMS COLTS TITLE AT THORPE HALL

Live Lounge morning show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, and the late-night weekly Soul Show on BBC Radio Two. “The Shire is a tough golf course, so we’re going to make it as fun as possible.

“Everything about my golf event is laid-back, so feel free to come along dressed to impress,” said the fourtime MOBO Best DJ award-winner, who has a home just ten minutes away from The Shire London. “Other than golf shoes and a collared shirt, you’re free to wear what you like, including jeans.”

Over 200 golfers have enjoyed Nelson’s ‘nightclub on a golf course’ concept in the event’s first two years.

Tunes from Nelson’s latest albums are pumped out across the fairways, with an on-course BBQ to replenish hungry golfers, and Jägermeister and Heineken tents for the thirsty ones.

Last year’s event attracted over 130 golfers. “We smashed it in 2015,” said Nelson, “and we will have to go some to top it. I think we can, though. There’s always a great vibe at this golf day, and it meant a lot when many people described last year’s event as the best they had ever played in.

“We are going all-out to make this the ultimate golf day,” said event organiser and director of The Shire London, Ceri Menai-Davis. “Trevor is always a brilliant host, and it’s an annual chance for London’s golfers to let their hair down a little."

Entry fees are £429 per fourball (£399 for Shire members). The price includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf, and a two-course buffet meal. All the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Golf Trust, a charity set up in 2012 by Menai Davis, which offers golf experiences and coaching to inner-city communities.

For bookings, email golf@theshirelondon.com or call 020 84417649.

Josh Cardy won the Essex Colts Championship for the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy after shooting two rounds of 74 at Thorpe Hall for a six-over-par total. The Channels player finished one shot ahead of Alex Woodward (Boyce Hill), who recovered from an opening 82 by closing with a best-of-the-day 67 to beat Ben Wyatt on countback for the runners-up spot.

DYER RESULT AT ABRIDGE Jack Dyer won Essex Golf’s Keating Trophy after beating George Leversuch 2&1 in the final held at Abridge Golf Club. Dyer beat Josh Cardy 5&4 in the quarter-final and Billy Johnson 3&1 in the semis.

RED-HOT RUEBOTHAM STRIKES AGAIN James Ruebotham (Welwyn Garden City) won his second successive PGA East Region event with a stellar display in the St Neots Pro-Am. Just a week after securing success in the Bishop’s Stortford Pro-Am, Ruebotham shot a five-under 65 to beat Jason Levermore (Channels) by two shots, with James Webber (Three Rivers) a further shot back.

ELLIS SHOOTS 60 AT CROWLANDS HEATH Great Yarmouth & Caister pro Ian Ellis claimed the Crowlands Heath Invitational Pro-Am title by shooting a six-under-par 60. Ellis bagged his second East region success of the year, thanks to a round that included seven birdies. He finished three shots clear of Mark Talbott (Thorpe Hall), while James Webber, Ashley Lucas, and Stuart Brown were all a further stroke back.

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[12] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

SPOILS SHARED AT SAND MARTINS James Ablett and David Callaway shared victory in the Sand Martins Pro-Am, after both shot rounds of 66 at the Berkshire club. Despite a 90-minute delay for thunderstorms mid-way through the round, both players maintained their concentration, with Callaway reeling in his rival with four birdies in the last four holes. “The greenkeepers did a brilliant job of getting the course playable again after all the rain, and it was terrific fun to find those four finishing birdies to tie with James,” Callaway said.

MULLINS CANTERS HOME AT ROYAL ASCOT Langley Park’s George Mullins romped home to his second win on the Jamega Pro Tour after shooting rounds of 63 and 68 at Royal Ascot Golf Club in Berkshire.

The Buckinghamshire-based pro finished three shots clear of nearest rival Craig Adams, with Alasdair Dalgliesh (Haywards Heath) a further two shots back in third.

Mullins’ opening seven-under-par round took him four shots clear of the field, and despite a bogey at the 17th, he was able to canter home to add to his earlier win at Essendon.

MID SUSSEX RAISES £11K FOR CANCER CHARITY The fifth Macmillan Golf Day at Mid Sussex Golf Club helped raise over £11,000 for the cancer charity after 20 teams turned out to take part in the annual event.

The tournament at the Ditchling-based club was won by CCI Finance with an impressive Stableford score of 101 points.

The golf day has raised almost £60,000 for the Macmillan Horizon centre in Brighton over the last five years.

HENRY PLAYS IT SMART AT LUTON HOO Surrey pro Henry Smart bagged his first win on the Jamega Tour after leading from start to finish at Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire. The Banstead Downs player shot rounds of 66 and 70 for a 10-under par total over the bunker-free layout and a one-shot victory over Mark Laskey (Brocket Hall).

IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY AT US KIDS CHAMPIONSHIPS Stoke Park junior Jake Valentine won the US Kids Golf European Championship’s Under 8’s title after shooting a threeunder par 27-hole total of 105 at Longniddry Golf Club in Edinburgh. Jake, who finished sixth in his age group at last year’s US Kids World Championships beat off the challenge of 54 other boys to take the title to win by one shot from Australian Aarav Shah.

BASILDON OPENS NEW PUTTING GREEN A new putting green at Basildon Golf Course opened for play last month. The putting green, which was built in-house by head greenkeeper Stephen Swanson and his team, will play host to the first British Open Putting Championships in September. The green features a 9-hole courses which is fully irrigated and comprehensively drained, It was seeded in September last year and has had the perfect winter to grow in.

There are already a number of social bookings for the new green, with weekly competitions starting this month.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

AGE PROVES NO HANDICAP FOR GOLF’S LONGESTSERVING MEMBER

SINGING HILLS TO UNVEIL NEW RANGE

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orfolk golfer Geoffrey Crosskill has just set a new Guinness World Record as the longest serving golf club member.

The 94 year old from Norwich joined Eaton Golf Club in 1934, when he was 12, and had been a member continuously for 82 years and 18 days when his record was certified.

Enrolled by his father, Alec, who was a club captain, Mr Crosskill’s first annual subscription was a guinea, which is equivalent to just over £1 in new money.

He played off a nine handicap at the height of his golfing powers, and now plays three times a week off a very respectable 16, despite being well into his tenth decade.

“I love Eaton,” he said. “It’s very friendly and I really have enjoyed my time there. It’s helped me a lot health-wise. Without it I don’t think I would be here, Golf has kept me very fit.”

Crosskill has bagged five aces during his prolific golfing career, and won a number of top club competitions.

Eaton’s club manager, Peter Johns, also paid tribute to his longest-serving member. “We are very proud to have Geoffrey as a member; he is a perfect

gentleman who regularly pops into the office to let me know how his round went and to find out what’s going on at the club. He and his regular golfing companion, Donald Ray, are usually finishing their nine holes at about 8.45am!"

Despite his record-breaking achievement, Mr Crosskill isn’t even the oldest regular golfer at Eaton. That honour goes to Harry Moorhouse, who will be 99 on the July 7 – but who has been a member for only 44 years.

KENT JOINS MY GOLF ACADEMY

new floodlit driving range at Singing Hills Golf Club in East Sussex is due to be officially re-opened on July 1.

The brand new facility at the Albourne-based club will offer 14 covered practice bays and one teaching bay and feature a fully floodlit range.

Built to a high specification the range is fully carpeted throughout and will offer golfers Srixon two-piece range balls and Airflex mats.

The range also features an equipment customfitting room, which will feature a GC2-HMT launch monitor and Foresight FSX software. All custom fittings will be free using Nike PD soft golf balls To mark the opening of the new facility, the club is hold an open weekend on July 16-17, where free junior group lessons, ladies group lessons and individual lessons for those who have not had one at the club before.

Singing Hills boasts a 27-hole layout divided into three distinct nine-hole loops – River, Valley and Lakes. Green fees are £30 for 18 holes on weekdays and £37 at weekends. For tee bookings up to six days in advance call 01273 835353.

MANNINGS HEATH CHANGES HANDS

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xperienced golf professional David Kent has joined the MY Golf Academy team, with the aim of further developing junior membership programmes across its five centres in Sussex and Surrey.

Kent and the MY Golf Academy team will be encouraging more young people to make the move from dabbling with golf to becoming fully-fledged junior members.

It’s a role that Kent said he is relishing: “There’s a lot more to golf than a bucket of range balls and a range mat, but, sadly, playing on the range is as far as many young people get when it comes to golf. It’s our job to inspire a junior member by showing them that being a talented and enthusiastic golfer is well within their reach. And, of course, that they are on the cusp of what will be an enjoyable, and hopefully life long journey with this incredible sport. When a junior joins one of our parent clubs as a member, they will benefit from our expertise with ongoing coaching and guidance.”

Mike Yorke, founder of MY Golf Academy, which has centres at Horne Park, Horsham, Slinfold, Foxbridge and Rookwood, said: “David is a perfect

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fit for our brand. It has been a long held ambition of mine to encourage more young people to enjoy the game of golf. Golf equips young people with a myriad of personal and social skills, building confidence, self-esteem, and shaping them into honest, articulate and accomplished adults. I am delighted that David will be flying the flag for our junior membership programme across the region.”

annings Heath Golf Club in West Sussex has been sold to a new private owner for an undisclosed sum.

Exclusive Hotels, which currently includes Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, The Manor House in the Cotswolds In its portfolio, decided to sell the club in order to concentrate on its core hotel business.

Mannings Heath boasts two 18-hole courses, the championship Waterfall Course and the Kingfisher Course. The Horsham-based club was on the market for a guide price of £6m, and has been bought by South African-based businesswomen Penny Streeter, who owns the A24 Group, a healthcare temporary staff recruitment company which operates in both the UK and South Africa, with its UK headquarters based in Sutton.

ENTRIES OPEN FOR NEW TEAM EVENT AT ASHDOWN WEST

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oyal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in East Sussex is hosting a special team fourball tournament on July 11 to celebrate the relaunch of its West Course.

The Forest Row-based club has rebranded the 6,000-yard course as Ashdown West, and will be marketing separate memberships to the course. Originally designed as a ladies’ 9-hole course when it first opened in 1889, it was extended in 1932 by Stafford Hotckin, and it now provides a fine 18-hole challenge in the superb setting of the Ashdown Forest.

The Ashdown West Inaugural Fourball Team event costs £50 per person to enter, to include 18 holes of golf; £15,000 worth of prizes for the top five teams and nearest-the-pins on five holes; a goody bag; on course refreshments provided by Fullers Brewery; post-match BBQ and hog roast; Callaway Golf demo day, and outdoor live evening entertainment.

Memberships at Ashdown West are available from July 1, with monthly subscriptions rates set at £20 for juniors, £40 for seniors; and five and seven-day rate at £46.50 and £65 respectively.

For competition bookings and membership enquiries, call 01342 822018 or email office@royalashdown.co.uk

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[14] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

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HITTING NEW HEIGHTS

BMW PGA champion CHRIS WOOD explains what it means to win one of the European Tour’s top events HOW DO YOU FEEL TO BE THE BMW PGA CHAMPION? Pretty tired. I think I proved how hard it is to win a golf tournament, and particularly one of this stature. The West Course is so demanding, the final six holes or so, when they play into the wind, it seems like you've got to hit good shot after good shot just to try and make pars. That's how it feels when you're leading. So mentally, it was very draining, and you can't really enjoy it, even though obviously I played really nicely. But now is the time where I can sort of take a deep breath and enjoy everything.

WOOD STANDS TALL TO CLAIM PGA TITLE

WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT THE START OF THE WEEK?

Bristol’s CHRIS WOOD stands head and shoulders above his rivals to claim the biggest win of his career at Wentworth

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hris Wood enjoyed the biggest win of his seven-year professional career when capturing the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth by one shot.

The 28 year old from Bristol stormed into the lead on Sunday afternoon by matching Danny Willett’s tournament-record frontnine 29 from Friday, and at that stage led by four from clubhouse leader Rikard Karlberg, who had burst through the field with a 65 to reach eight under par.

A wayward tee shot on the tenth saw Wood drop his first shot of the day, and although he bounced back with a birdie on the 11th, he was loose off the tee again at the 12th, and registered three bogeys in four holes from the 14th.

That left him just one ahead of Swede Karlberg on the 18th tee, but Wood completed a par five with ease to card a closing 69 and nine-under-par total.

Speaking after his securing his third European Tour title, a relieved Wood said: "It's hard to win, as I've proved. I did not look at a leaderboard all day, but when you are making lots of birdies on a tricky day you know you are there or thereabouts.

On the 18th, I had 196 yards to the front and I immediately thought six iron, but my caddie said, 'Do you want to know the situation?'

"I said, 'I'll put it in your hands' and he said ‘I'd like you to lay up’. It seems silly hitting sand wedge, sand wedge into 18, but as soon as he told me to lay up, I knew probably five was enough."

Karlberg finished second after an exceptional round that featured an ace on the second, while Masters' champion Willett, who had been 12 under for the week through 27 holes, shot a closing 71 to finish third on seven under.

In testing conditions, plenty of players found themselves contesting the title, only to fall away over the closing holes. Third

round leader Scott Hend double-bogeyed the opening hole and went to the turn in 41; Martin Kaymer eagled the fourth to get into contention, only to slip out of the frame after a double bogey two holes later; while Tyrrell Hatton, who was just one behind and playing with Hend in the final group, dropped three shots in as many holes around the turn.

Victory for Wood was redemption for his final round collapse in the same event in 2010, when he led by two shots with 18 holes to play, only to shoot a 77. ““I’m a better golfer now; I’ve developed,” Wood said. “To finally win this tournament just feels amazing.”

Victory catapulted Wood into the world’s top 25, and has also moved him a long way up the points table for Ryder Cup qualification. “To play the way I did today is really encouraging,” Wood added. “I knew events like this were key to making the Ryder Cup team. It’s a huge step towards that.”

Despite the absence of Rory McIlroy and the injured Justin Rose, the tournament still attracted over 100,000 fans over the course of the week, with over 5,000 people staying behind after play on Saturday to watch a concert given by Mike and the Mechanics,

They were reasonably high. I've done well here before, so I always feel comfortable playing here. I can get in my own car. I can drive to the course; my fiancée's here, my family are here.

It's just an hour and a half to Bristol down the road. I have plenty of support and I feel really comfortable. I like the golf course. I never really set expectations, but I always felt like I can compete at Wentworth.

HOW MUCH PRESSURE DID YOU FEEL UNDER ON THE BACK NINE?

and over 20,000 spectators attending the Pro-Am event on Wednesday.

Speaking after close of play, European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley insisted that Wentworth ‘would host this event for a long period of time’, although there remains the possibility that BMW will opt not to extend its sponsorship of the championship when the existing deal expires in 2018.

Pelley also hinted that the Irish Open might be moved to a later date to create a ‘links swing’ of tournaments in Ireland and Scotland in the run up to the Open Championship.

2016 BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL LEADERBOARD Pos Name Rd1 Rd2 Rd3 Rd4 Total Par 1 CHRIS WOOD 72 70 68 69 279 -9 2 RIKARD KARLBERG 69 74 72 65 280 -8 3 DANNY WILLETT 66 68 76 71 281 -7 4 THOMAS AIKEN 71 69 70 72 282 -6 4 JULIEN QUESNE 69 74 67 72 282 -6 4 ROMAIN WATTEL 69 73 70 70 282 -6 7 TYRELL HATTON 72 70 66 75 283 -5 7 ANDREW JOHNSTON 76 69 71 67 283 -5 7 MARTIN KAYMER 70 70 70 73 283 -5 7 JACO VAN ZYL 67 68 75 73 283 -5 7 FABRZIO ZANOTTI 72 70 72 69 283 -5

I didn't really know, because I didn't look at a leaderboard all day. That's one of my things; I'm not a leaderboard watcher at all. It doesn't help me. At the last hole, I hit a perfect tee shot and my caddy told me to lay up. I fancied it – it was only a 6-iron to the green, but instead we hit a sand wedge. And when he told me the position we were in, I knew that par would probably be good enough. So I left it in my caddy’s hands.

YOU WON A NICE SPORTS CAR LAST YEAR, AND £600,000-PLUS THIS YEAR; IS THIS YOUR FAVOURITE EVENT? Yeah, I've always wanted to win a BMW event.

They look after the players so well and put on such brilliantly organised tournaments. This is obviously the pinnacle for us. I came to watch this event with my dad when I was 12 or 13, and I remember following players down the 18th hole and knew then that one day I wanted to play in the tournament. I just wanted to be on that stage and to come down the last with the lead.

So 15 years later or so, to manage to win this tournament is quite a surreal moment for me.

WINNING THE PGA GIVES YOU A BIG STEP UP TOWARDS RYDER CUP QUALIFICATION. IS THAT ON YOUR MIND? Obviously, being a Ryder Cup year, this is a good one to win. That's obviously the biggest thing I'll take from this. Just giving myself a chance to try and qualify, and this has done it. Obviously there's three or four months of golf left to play where other players can win other big events to knock me out, so I've got to keep pushing. I was lucky enough to play in the EurAsia Cup at the start of the year, where Darren [Clarke] was captain. The videos he played in our team room before the matches gave me goosebumps, and things like that really work for me. So yeah, to have a chance to qualify would just be amazing.

[16] JUNE 2016 | FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS AT SANDOWN SWING STUDIO If you’re looking to sharpen up your swing this season, then THE DOMINIC TOMS GOLF PERFORMANCE STUDIO at Sandown Park Golf Centre is the place to do it

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lthough some visitors to Sandown Park Golf Centre might be a tad disappointed to find that the resident teaching professional is not the winner of the 2001 US PGA Championship, those who regularly beat a path to this popular Surrey venue are delighted to put their trust in another D Toms – Dominic – when it comes to fixing their golf swings.

Toms has dedicated over 25 years of his life to improving the swings of amateur golfers – the last 11 of which have been at Sandown Park – during which time he reckons he has given over 40,000 hours of lessons.

Needless to say, Toms has seen it all when it comes to swing mechanics, or lack of them. Having worked in Germany for over a decade, where golfers are obsessed with the fundamentals of the game to the extent that some refuse to venture out onto a course until they’ve mastered them, Toms has an expert eye that has succeeded in transforming the fortunes of thousands of players.

Although he has worked across the complete spectrum of skill levels, from absolute beginners to wannabe Tour pros, Toms’s new state-of-the-art studio at Sandown Park, which officially opened on May 1, is focusing on offering his services to experienced golfers of all ages who are serious about taking their game to the next level and beyond.

Annexing two of the driving range’s pre-existing bays, Toms has built a high-tech private studio that is kitted out with all the very latest swing analysis systems, including the most up-to-date versions of Trackman and GASP. The studio itself is the very essence of minimalist chic, with stylish black and white images of Seve framed on the white walls, a single black leather chair in one corner, and a console in the other, from which Toms controls the vast array of technology at his disposal. Miniature high definition cameras are all

focused in the direction of the Huxley artificial surface in the centre of the room from which golfers hit their shots, while a bank of wall-mounted flat screen monitors provides the vital visual feedback from the vast amounts of data that the cameras capture.

Despite the room being packed with gadgetry, it is a very calm and uncluttered space in which to clear your head of all negative thoughts and concentrate on the task in hand. The double-width bay, which is protected by shutters, looks out over the driving range, where numerous targets are provided to add structure and focus to any practice session.

“Player development is going through a period of tremendous change, and technology is a central component in this transformation,” says Toms, who has built up a large and loyal following of pupils over the years he has been teaching at the centre.

“Technology empowers coaches to monitor swing changes over time and allows the effective development of technique.“ Toms is not in the business of offering quick fixes, and prefers to develop longstanding relationships with his pupils, no matter how often he sees them. “I see some of my pupils once or twice a month, others maybe only two or three times a year, but they keep coming back because they know I understand what makes them tick. They see the improvements that they are making.”

As well as making them better golfers, Toms also

teaches his pupils the art of effective practice, and is adamant that those who come to him for lessons should see them as just a part – albeit an important one – of their self-improvement. “It’s no use coming to lessons once a month and expecting to get instant results, you’ve got to have the self-discipline to build effective practice into your overall game. Working with each player’s circumstances, I help develop the correct practice routines, so they can go away and work on specific drills in their own time, whether that be on the range, in the back garden, or even in the office.”

As mentioned, Toms has invested heavily in the very best swing analysis systems, which help him extract the data from which tweaks to set up and swing mechanics can be made. One of the key systems is TrackMan, whose latest model, TrackMan 4, is widely regarded as one of the most effective coaching tools in the business. It takes the ball flight monitoring radar technology of its predecessor and adds a second ultra-high frequency radar focused exclusively on the clubhead. The second radar provides enhanced data on parameters such as clubhead speed, face angle, attack angle and dynamic loft. The dual radar system enables more detailed data to be gathered at the moment of impact, and provides the perfect foundation for analysis and diagnosis, with conclusive data delivered in an easyto-understand format. It can be connected to as many as six external cameras and has an accuracy of plus/minus 1.5 feet at 160 yards.

Where your weight is at any given point in the swing, and the ability to efficiently transfer it from one foot to the other, is also a vital element to all good golf swings, and this is where the SAM force/balance plate comes into its own. The plate, which is fitted under the artificial turf, has over 2,500 sensors, which measure data across both feet, as well as the centre of gravity and the downward pressure exerted on the floor. The force plate is also integrated into the GASP Lab 4 camera system, where you can view the data from the force plate along with the video data, at high speed or normal frame rates with other statistical information like launch and tracking data.

Says Toms: “Many mistakes in the swing are created by having a poor weight position at the start of the swing, or ineffective weight transfer during it. The balance plate gives an accurate and easy to understand assessment of where your weight is at any given point, and when viewed in relation to all the other performance data, can give a clear indication of how incorrect weight transfer can impact on power and ball flight.”

Toms operates purely on a one-to-one basis, so golfers can be guaranteed his undivided attention – and with rates starting from just £40 for a half-hour session for adults, and £35 for juniors, it’s also an affordable option for golfers who are serious about improving their game. For the price of a round of golf, or a dozen premium golf balls, you could iron out your swing faults for good. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.

To book a swing assessment with Dominic Toms, call 07795 664509, email dominictomsgolfatsandown@mail. com or visit www.dominictomsgolf.com.

You can also find him on twitter @TomsDominic

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | JUNE 2016

[17]

EDGINTON EDGES HOME AT BURHILL

R KHAN PROVES HE STILL CAN AT LONDON OPEN

F

ormer BMW PGA Champion Simon Khan got back to winning ways after coming out on top in a play-off at the inaugural London Open held at West Essex Golf Club.

The 44-year-old European Tour star fired rounds of 70 and 68 to finish at two-under par alongside Chase Davis (Sprowston Manor), who recorded back-to-back scores of 69. That meant extra time, and the pair set off down the par-four 17th, where Davis drew a difficult lie for his approach. But Khan was able to deliver a smooth eight-iron and ended up needing two putts to triumph.

Khan said: “It’s nice. Any win at any level – whether it’s this or a European Tour event – it’s the same feelings. It doesn’t change. I probably felt as much pressure in that play-off as I did winning at Wentworth or winning the Wales Open in a play-off with Paul Casey. It’s a good thing to have to learn how to handle your nerves. You’ve got to learn how to deal with it. Playing well and winning at any level is tough.”

It felt like a home win for Khan, who did his PGA training at nearby Theydon Bois, and only lives 10 minutes from West Essex in nearby Epping. He said: “I grew up playing at Chingford, literally down the road. I used to caddie up here – the Southern Pros – and used to come up and play whenever I could. I know it well from then. This is my area, really. It was nice to have a few people walking round and seeing some old faces.”

Fellow Essex professional Rob Coles (Maylands) finished tied third for the second successive Order of Merit, with James Scade (Ingrebourne Links) the only other player to break par.

STOCKWOOD CALLS TIME ON SENIOR DISCOUNTS

S

tockwood Park Golf Club in Bedfordshire has ended its practice of offering reduced memberahip rates to its elderly members.

Five-day memberships for senior players at the Luton-based have been abolished, meaning that senior citizens have to purchase a standard five-day adult membership if they want to continue their weekday participation at the club.

This costs £450, a £50 increase on last year’s costs to over 65s, many of whom have raised their concerns over the hike to Active Luton, which runs the club.

Long-standing member Tony Gentle, 70, said: “It is a significant an increase for some of us. Most other golf clubs do offer senior rates, it made quite a bit of difference. Why is Active Luton picking on pensioners?”

A spokesperson for the sport and leisure trust said: “Active Luton is committed to providing accessible and affordable sports, health and wellbeing services for all of Luton’s population. We ensure that our prices compare very favourably to similar facilities or services in our area, and believe that we provide excellent value for money for everyone.”

oyal Wimbledon pro Richard Edginton shot a final-round 69 to win the IFX International Championship by two shots at Burhill Golf Club for his first HotelPlanner.com EuroPro Tour title.

Edginton began the final day at the Surrey club two shots behind the leader, but four birdies in his first eight holes saw him wrestle control from Greg Payne (Chobham) on the New Course. He turned home with a two-stroke lead, but that was dashed when he bogeyed the 10th.

Some nervy putts followed on the back nine, but Edginton’s cushion was extended when Payne bogeyed the 14th and the pre-tournament outsider held out for eight pars to sign for a tournament winning 69 and 11 under par for his three rounds.

“It was a lot of hard work and a very stressful round,” said Edginton, who won £10,000, as well as a brand new Motocaddy S1 trolley, Bushnell Tour X Range Finder, Bollé sunglasses and £500 to spend at HotelPlanner.com.

“I didn’t play great, but it is amazing

to get the win. It was a tough day – it was breezy and the greens were firm. I knew pars would probably be enough and they just about were. I could feel Greg breathing down my neck, but I held it together with a couple of good scrambles.”

He added: “I will probably play the full schedule of Europro events this year, and try and get another win for that top five. Just to get the win is an amazing feeling, and if this is all that happens for me this year, it will definitely be enough.”

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[18] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PRIZE FUND BOOST ADDS STAR APPEAL TO

ELLIS CRUISES TO LAGONDA TITLE

PAR 3 CHAMPS T

H

ampshire’s Harry Ellis gave a reminder of the talent that won him the English Amateur in 2012 when winning the Lagonda Trophy at Gog Magog by six shots.

The 20 year old from Meon Valley, who is currently studying at university in America, carded rounds of 69, 65, 69 and 67 to finish six shots ahead of Mitchel Sarling (Boyce Hill) on 10 under par and bring to an end a demoralising run stretching back four years when, at 16, he became the youngest winner of the English title.

Ellis showed he was getting back to form when he finished second behind Noah Hessey at the recent Brabazon Trophy South Qualifier at Hadley Wood, and at Gog Magog he was seldom troubled, despite Sarling finishing with a 65 and a 67 on the second day.

Ellis was five shots clear going into the final round and ended up winning the by six to join a list of previous winners that include Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

Ellis put his victory down to what he has

he winner of this year’s Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, which returns to Nailcote Hall in Warwickhire this August, will walk away with a cheque for £50,000.

The impressive figure represents a 20 per cent increase on the previous winner’s prize, and is part of an overall prize fund of £150,000 for the popular short course tournament.

The bumper fund has already attracted a strong field, with some of the finest up-and-

learned while attending Florida State University.

"The American way is to focus on getting your score on the scorecard rather than being pretty all the time,” he said. “I think that experience from the last two years has resulted in this win.”

He added: “I don’t like to think of my win as me being back – more I am moving forward and just getting better. I have struggled with my game since going to America, but I have been working hard using the fantastic facilities we have at FSU. It is incredibly hard just to get picked to play each week, but I am benefiting so much from being over there and now it is starting to pay dividends.”

CHELSEA CLAIMS SUSSEX COUNTY TITLE

H

ighwoods Golf Club’s Chelsea Masters showed a clean pair of heels to her rivals in the Sussex Women’s County Championships held at West Sussex Golf Club.

After firing the joint lowest score of the stroke play round – a two-under-par 71 – Masters eased through three rounds of match play to face 17-year-

coming golfers in the country attending, as well as a host of current European Tour and Senior Tour stars, including 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell.

The professional element of the tournament takes place over two days, rather than the traditional four days, making it quick return for time-pressed tour players.

The 2016 edition of the Championship, which takes place from July 26-29, will be

■ CHELSEA MASTERS (RIGHT) AND PENNY BROWN

old Penny Brown from Worthing in the final.

Both players put on a fine display of long, straight hitting and accurate approach play, and it quickly became a battle over whose putter was hottest. Following several holes halved with birdies, Masters bagged five of her own to close out the match on the 17th hole.

Brown endured more than her fair share of lip outs, but could take consolation from winning the Sussex Ladies Order of Merit after an extremely consistent season.

A record total of 62 players took part in the

qualifying round, with 16 making it through to the knockout stage. Seven of the quarter-finalists, and all of the semi-finalists, were under 25.

Other trophy winners at the event were Aileen Greenfield (Pyecombe), who won the plate event; Elodie Yates (Ham Manor) was plate runner up and winner of the Jackson Trophy; Aileen Greenfield (Pyecombe) won the Langridge Salver (best scratch score aged 50+); Lizzie Price (Nevill) won the Stobart Cup (best scratch score) and Grant-White Cup (best handicap score). Worthing won the Sussex Club Scratch Trophy.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | JUNE 2016

[19]

POULT WOOD POLISHES UP BUNKERS

■ LAST YEAR'S PAR 3 CHAMPION BARRY LANE hosted for the ninth successive year by dual Major winner Tony Jacklin, who said: "I've had a long association with the championship, and it's been a pleasure to see it grow in size and stature.

When I first started hosting the event, the first prize was £5,000, and now it’s ten times that figure, which just shows you the progress that has been made in such a short space of time."

Among the leading tour players to have taken part in the past include Paul Lawrie,Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance, Eddie Pepperell, Tommy Fleetwood, Marc Warren, Charley Hull, and reigning Masters' champion Danny Willett.

This year’s renewal will also welcome back Ryder Cup player and 2015 British Par 3 Championship winner Barry Lane to defend his title.

The event also plays host to two Celeb-Am days, graced by some of the nation's best-loved TV and sports personalities, with former F1 champion Nigel Mansell being among the latest additions to a roll call of household names.

Previous attendees include Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Schmeichel and Dwight Yorke, Damon Hill, Len Goodman, Peter Shilton, Matthew Hoggard, Jonny Bairstow, Keith Duffy, Brian McFadden, and Jasper Carrott.

Rick Cressman, owner of host venue Nailcote Hall, said: "The increase in prize fund is another step forward for this special event, and we are delighted to host the championship, which continues to develop and expand year after year."

Spectators are free to attend any or all days of the championship, which is being televised by Sky Sports. To register for free tickets, visit www.britishpar3.com.

A

£40,000 project to improve Poult Wood Golf Course in Kent got under way last month.

The refurbishment project at the Tonbridgebased venue includes the reshaping of bunkers across the club’s nine- and 18-hole courses to create more modern-style bunkers that present fresh challenges for players.

A test bunker that was trailed last year at the club was very well received by players,

prompting the decision to roll out the project across the entire course. The work will also include improvements to pathways.

This is the latest investment from Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust, which operates Poult Wood on behalf of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. It follows improvements to the pathways and bunkers on the 18th hole carried out in 2015.

Chief executive of the trust, Martin Guyton, said:

“These enhancements are part of our ongoing commitment to make year on year improvements to Poult Wood in line with the wishes of players and the course professional to ensure it retains its reputation for being one of the finest quality public courses in the South of England.”

There will be minimal disruption to play during the course of the works, which are expected to last three weeks.

WOOTTON TAKES PGA KENT CROWN AT PRINCE’S

O

xford Golf Centre’s Adam Wootton led a charge into Kent to open his account in the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit, winning the CK Group PGA Kent Open Championship at Prince’s with a fantastic 36-hole total of 11-under-par 133.

Taking the winner’s cheque for £2,100, Wootton was delighted to have put a good second round of 69 together, after shooting a blistering eight-under par 64 in the first round to lead by one.

In second spot was Scott Marshall (Lambourne), who added a 68 to his first round of 67 to card a nine-under-par total of 135. One shot behind was the duo of Ben O’Dell (Best4Balls Ltd) and Martin Woodbridge (Bearwood Lakes) on eight-under-par. Having shot a 65 along with Chris Gane (Silvermere) in the first round, O’Dell managed a 71 for a total of 136, while Woodbridge carded a 69 and a 67.

Wootton said: “I’ve been working hard on my putting, and it really paid off.

I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season, and having a crack at the Order of Merit title.”

[20] JUNE 2016 | FEATURE

IT'S ALL ABOUT

THE BEEF

After winning the Challenge Tour Order of Merit two years ago, Londoner ANDREW JOHNSTON has wasted no time in making a name for himself on the world stage, thanks to his brilliant play and refreshing attitude to the game WORDS BY NICK BAYLY PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

A

lthough professional golf is often, and quite justifiably, criticised for being short on characters and personalities, Andrew Johnston breaks the mould on so many levels.

For starters there’s the nickname – Beef – and the Twitter account – @BeefGolf – and then there’s the look – a little excess weight around the girth and a straggly beard that gives the 27-year-old from Finchley the appearance of a ZZ Top roadie, rather than a conservative tour pro.

And there’s the attitude. He smiles, he makes jokes, and, above all, he understands that hitting a small white ball around a big field is not a matter of life or death.

And finally, there’s the lifestyle. After winning last month’s Spanish Open at Valderamma, he went back to his home club at North Middlesex, where, according to his own description, he ‘got hammered’ with his mates, and then he woke up with a hangover and went for a full English. A day or two later he was getting fitted for a new suit to wear to a private box at the Emirates Stadium to watch his beloved Arsenal play a Premier League fixture.

That’s not to say Johnston’s not a serious competitor. While in between shots he might like to chat to his caddy, and acknowledge his growing legions of fans, when the white heat of competition is on, Johnston is proving an increasingly hard man to beat.

He showed that on the Challenge Tour in 2014, when won twice and bagged seven other top-10 finishes en route to claiming the order of merit after playing just 16 events – half a dozen fewer than most of his challengers.

Johnston was no stranger to the European Tour when he played on the top tier circuit in 2015, having secured a similar promotion in 2011. That time ended in failure following a loss of form and fitness which saw him tumble straight back down in 2012. Three seasons later, and he was determined to make the promotion stick, and after finishing third in his first event of the 2015 season – the Alfred Dunhill in South Africa – Johnston went on to make 14 cuts and a solid 70th in the Race to Dubai rankings, banking €480,000 in prize money.

This season has seen Johnston’s rise up the ranks take on slightly more meteoric proportions, with a gutsy victory at the Spanish Open in April seeing him surge up to 16th in the Race to Dubai money list, and close in on a top 100 spot in the world rankings.

The win in Spain sparked off scenes of wild celebrations at North Middlesex Golf Cub, which Johnston joined when he was just nine years old, and where he is a regular and popular figure among the membership, many of whom he grew up playing with.

“Being a member of North Middlesex is a massive part of my life,” says Johnston, who first picked up a club when he was four. “I’ve been a member there since I was a kid, so to see the video of them all celebrating my win was very emotional. It produced a few tears.

It’s such a good place. It’s like my second home. I live two minutes away, and I play there on Saturday mornings whenever I’m between tour events. It’s just a great golf club, with a great bunch of people.”

A former British Boys international, Johnston started playing for Middlesex when he was 14, and got down to scratch within two years. He played for England at under 16 and under 18 leves, and was a member of the England squad that won the Jacques Leglise Trophy in 2007.

“I loved the matchplay format of those events and being part of a team was really good fun,” he says. “I wasn’t good enough to play

JUNE 2016

[21]

ANDREW JOHNSTON STATS (2016) STROKE AVERAGE: 71.5 (53rd) DRIVING DISTANCE: 293 yards (64th) FAIRWAYS HIT: 66% (25th) GREENS IN REG: 74% (13th) PUTTS PER ROUND: 31 (216th)

ANDREW JOHNSTON STATS (2016) Driver: Titleist 915D3 (10.5) Fairway: Titleist 915F (15) Irons: Titleist MB 716 (3-9) Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM6 (46, 50, 54, 58) Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

A LONG STRAIGHT HITTER AND AN ACCURATE IRON PLAYER, AMONG JOHNSTON’S OTHER QUALITIES IS A KNACK OF BAGGING ACES WHEN THERE ARE PRIZES TO BE WON

men's level back then, but I knew I wanted to make my career in golf, so I started working really hard to improve and I eventually got my handicap down to plus 3 when I was 19. I then turned pro in 2009.”

Starting out in the paid ranks on the Jamega Tour, he won the very first tournament he played in at The Warwickshire, before moving up to the Europro Tour, and then the Challenge Tour in 2010 and 2011. Playing just 11 Challenge Tour events in 2011, Johnston finished third in the end-of-season championship in Austria to earn the 15th card for the European Tour’s 2012 season.

“Each tour is like a stepping stone, and I learned to take my game to the next level throughout the 2010 season,” Johnston says. “Each tour provided vital experience in preparing myself for what lay ahead on the European Tour – even little things like getting used to playing in front of TV cameras.”

Now one of the rising English talents on tour, alongside contemporaries such as James Morrison, Matt Southgate, and Tommy Fleetwood, Johnston found his career taking another giant leap forward last month, when he earned a spot in the US Open at Oakmont, after finishing fourth in a qualifying tournament held at Walton Heath. Rounds of 68 and 72 around the New and Old Courses, following a seventh place finish at the BMW PGA Championship, reveal a player who is growing increasingly comfortable seeing his name at the top of leaderboards.

Playing in what was his first event in America, let alone his first US Open, Johnston acquitted himself admirably on what is widely regarded as the toughest course in the US, firing rounds of 75, 69, 75 and 74 at Oakmont to finish in a tie for 54th place. Word had clearly reached the BBQ-obsessed Pittsburgh golf fans about his meatrelated nickname. “The reception from the crowds was mad,” said Johnston. “I thought I might get a little bit of attention, but everyone was just shouting ‘Beeeeeeef!’ at every tee. It was crazy. I just waved back and tried to have fun with it.”

A long straight hitter and an accurate iron player, among Johnston’s other qualities is a knack of bagging aces when there are prizes to be won. He gained some headlines at the Scottish Open in 2012 when he won 168 bottles of Champagne, and picked up a car at the BMW PGA Championship in 2014 after acing the second hole. And at last year’s Scottish Open he holed his second shot to the 18th, which earned him no prize, but was voted the shot of the month by the European Tour – perhaps on the back of his celebration, which involved throwing his wedge and his hat about 30 feet up into the air.

Not prone to over-analysis, or seemingly, nerves, Johnston is refreshingly honest about what makes him tick. “I try to be happy out there. We're lucky people, so we shouldn't complain, and should be happy when we're playing.”

And that is Andrew Johnston in a nutshell. Happy – and gloriously good at golf.

[22] JUNE 2016 | COLUMN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

In a break from his regular tour diary, Ross meets up with his swing coach, Mat Parker, for a training session at Walton Heath

I FIRST MET MAT about two and a half years ago out in Dubai. He had just joined the European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf as the senior teaching professional, and I heard about the place and went along to see what it was like, as I often spend the winters practising in Dubai.

Mat showed me around the facilities, and we ended up hitting some shots. After a few more visits, and lots of improvement, we began working together on a more formal basis. At the time, I was outside the top 900 in the world rankings, but since we’ve been working together I’ve clocked up two wins, improved my world ranking by nearly 650 spots, and regained my playing rights on the European Tour, so it has been a very positive partnership.

After six years out in Dubai, Mat relocated back to the UK in April, and is now looking to set up his own golf performance centre in the London area, so we have been able to see a lot more of each other.

Working with Mat has been great. We discuss any changes long before they happen, which I like, as once we agree on the improvement we need to make, it’s a change that we are both fully committed to.

We often meet up at Walton Heath Golf

Club, which is near to my home, and they kindly let us use the range, which is tucked away behind near the first tee of the New Course. It’s not got anything in the way of targets or yardage markers, but we’re more focused on the process, and Mat’s Trackman analyses all the ball flight data, so it’s not quite so important where the ball goes.

Here’s a brief overview of the key moves in my swing, with comments from Mat on where ne thinks I’m going right (and wrong).

has most control when he has loft on the club at this point.

3. TOP OF THE BACKSWING From this view you can really see that Ross has made most of his shoulder turn before the club passes his hips.

This improves general sequencing, but also keeps the swing compact and powerful.

This position is very important to the rest of Ross’s swing. I am a big advocate that the body should make as much of rotation as it can before any arm or wrist hinge takes place. This is something that Ross actually does very well naturally.

Ross’s arms are fully extended at impact, and there’s a nice gap between the hands and the body. It shows here how well Ross moves his body throughout the swing and during impact. Ross has a very neutral ball flight in terms of curve, which means with just a small set up adjustment, he can hit a controlled draw or fade, or hit it high or low.

6. FOLLOW THROUGH

4. DOWNSWING

1. SET UP

5. AT IMPACT

If the shoulders are working correctly with the spine, maintaining its angle at this point in the downswing, the left arms should be near vertical and under the chin. The right arm is still flexed, ready to extend and already in front of the body.

The follow through is not something that we work on especially, my only point to note being that the swing should start the same and finish the same to offer the best chance of consistency.

You can see that Ross rotates on his heel a lot – this is mainly due to a limited range of movement in his ankle. It's something where we go for function over form.

2. TAKE AWAY What we work on mostly for maintenance is avoiding his tendency for the clubface to become closed at this point. Ross feels that he

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NEWS | JUNE 2016

[23]

OPEN HOUSE AT EPSOM

LEASON WINS FOUNDATION AWARD

E

T

psom Golf Club is hosting three open competitions in September, which are open to all local golfers with active club handicaps. A Seniors' Open is being held at the Surrey venue on September 15, a Men’s Pairs Open on September 16, and a Mixed Open Pairs on September 17.

The seniors event costs £35 to enter, including coffee and bacon role, 18 holes, a two-course carvery and prizes; while the pairs events cost £65 per pair. There is a £5 discount for guests playing with an Epsom member.

Boasting 125 years of history, Epsom’s 18-hole parkland course enjoys a stunning position on the top of the downs.

Renowned for its undulating greens, as well as its superb views over London, the course is full of character and challenges golfers to use a full repertoire of shots, while the chalky subsoil ensure that

it remains open for play when other courses are closed.

To enter any of these events, call the pro shop on 01372 741867 or email stuartwalker@epsomgolfclub.co.uk.

he Alan Leason, the junior organiser at Sand Martins Golf Club in Bekrshire has won the Golf Foundation's Mackenzie Award ifor his efforts at promoting golf to young people.

Leason used an HSBC Golf Roots grant to tackle vandalism to the golf club by welcoming the young people involved into the club and making them ‘ambassadors’ for the venue.

Leason set up a Feel Inspired project, linking Sand Martins to a local Special Educational Needs school. As a result,

the club now offers a free scholarship to children with SEN. The Feel Inspired programme has now been expanded to include nine golf clubs across three counties, all with links to local SEN schools. Alan coordinates taster sessions at each club and contacts parents to invite them to bring their children along. In addition, he has raised £25,000 to support the overall project.

Leason said: “It is wonderful to be recognised in this way, a great honour for doing something I enjoy.”

DIDLICK BACK TO WINNING WAYS AT WOODCOTE

H

ankey Common’s Jonathan Didlick is hoping to finally make his mark in the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship final after winning the South B qualifying event at Woodcote Park Golf Club in Surrey.

The 39-year-old Welshman sneaked home by one shot ahead of Essex professional Mark Talbott (Thorpe Hall), carding a two under par 70 at the Surrey venue to top the leaderboard.

Didlick, along with 16 other qualifiers from the south, now heads for the £78,000 showpiece final at The Oxfordshire, which is being held between July 26-29. And he hopes a winning performance in the qualifying event will be enough to improve on his recent visits to the final.

“I’ve got there twice before and missed the cut once, so it’s been a bit of an on

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■ JONATHAN DIDLICK

and off event for me in the past, as it’s often come along at a busy time for me,” said Didlick, who works alongside head professional Peter Stow, a former European Tour player, at Hankley Common. “But this year I made a commitment to play in the qualifying event, and my game has been more consistent, so I’m hoping I can take better form into the final than I have in previous years. I’ve played The Oxfordshire a few times, so I know it well. And I was also familiar with Woodcote Park. So I hope a bit of knowledge counts in terms of the venue.”

Foxhills’ head professional Paul Creamer made a hole-in-one at the third hole en route to qualifying, while the host club professional Ben St John will also be heading to the final after shooting a levelpar 72 to take third.

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10mins with Sir Steve Redgrave

The five-time rowing gold medal winner reveals his thoughts on golf joining the Olympics and how much he enjoys taking money off Sir Matthew Pinsent on the golf course What’s your handicap these days?

Fourteen. The best I’ve ever been is 13. I’m not one for practising, so it’s hard to get it down.

Where do you play?

I’m a member at Harleyford, and also at Henley. I recently played a round at Harleyford and scored 32 points – not bad considering how little I’ve played. I really want to get my handicap down this year.

Do you have your own charity golf day?

Yes, I have one with Matthew Pinsent at Harleyford for the Sparks charity, it’s a fantastic cause and it’s always the highlight of my year. This year’s is on October 4 – so book your tickets now!

How competitive are you on the course?

Very – and especially so when I play against Matthew. Sometimes it just gets ridiculously competitive. He’s a great windup merchant on the course and is extremely lucky most of the time.

The trouble with playing with Matthew is that he never has any money on him, so when it comes to calling in bets, you’re wasting your time!

and I remember it making a big impression on me at the time.

like a leaf while waiting to tee off at the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews some years ago. I remember thinking that every golfing great in the game had stood on this tee: Hogan, Jones, Nicklaus, Palmer, Woods, Faldo, Seve, the list goes on. The first fairway is the widest fairway you could wish for, but to me it looked like a bowling alley. Anthony Wall was my professional, and he helped calm my nerves, and I managed to steer a 3-wood about 210 yards down the left-hand side.

Who was your sporting hero growing up?

Olympic-wise it would have to be Mark Spitz (below). I was 10 when he won his seven gold medals

Who are your friends in the professional game?

Andrew Coltart is now a good friend, since playing with him in the Dunhill. We often text each other.

What equipment do you play with?

TaylorMade clubs and Adidas clothing. I always have since the Atlanta Games in 1996.

Who would make up your ideal four-ball?

That would have to be Andrew Coltart, Barry Lane and Ian Wright. We all played together once and had such a scream. I remember thinking that was the best round of my life. I don’t think I played very well, but I would love to do that again some day.

You recently undergone laser surgery on your eyes. How much has it helped your game?

Lots – especially in rain and overcast weather. I was forever getting my little hankie out and cleaning my glasses. It also makes a big difference to the number of balls you loose, and judging distances to the flag. I had my surgery, and within a couple of days I was playing golf again, with what seemed like a new pair of eyes. I would recommend it to anyone.

What’s your feeling about golf becoming an Olympic sport?

It doesn’t worry me, but I wish it was for amateur golfers only, not the professionals. To win a gold medal should be the pinnacle in your sport, and if you ask any major winner if they would trade that title for an Olympic gold, I bet none of them would. It’s the same as tennis. Nobody remembers who won that gold medal.

Would you swap one of your gold medals to win The Open?

Most definitely. To walk down the 18th hole with thousands of fans applauding you must be one of the best feelings in sport.

Of course, I would want to do it in style and knock it on the green in one and hole a monster putt for eagle.

The Redgrave & Pinsent Celebrity Classic is being held at Harleyford Golf Club on October 4. For tickets to play, email sparks@golf.org.uk or call 020 70917750.

What’s been your greatest moment on a golf course?

I remember it well. I was shaking

WILLETT A TO HEADLINE STELLAR FIELD AT GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL

n all-star field has been announced for the Berenberg Gary Player Invitational, which is being held at Wentworth on July 18, including 15 Major winners and current Masters champion Danny Willett.

Black Knight International and title sponsor Berenberg will bring together stars from the men’s and women’s game, following The Open at Royal Troon, under the banner of a Union of Golf and Giving. The Player Foundation, which supports children’s charities and impoverished communities throughout the world, will use the day to raise much-needed funds for the chosen beneficiaries.

Competitors from the men’s game include tournament host Gary Player, Tom Watson, Danny Willett, Branden Grace, Martin Kaymer, Colin Montgomerie, Jason Dufner, Tom Lehman, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington, Charl Schwartzel, Marc Leishman, Paul McGinley, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, Rich Beem and David Howell.

From the women’s game, Juli Inkster, Carly Booth, Suzann Pettersen, Georgia Hall, Joanna Klatten, Emma Cabrera-Bello, Victoria Lovelady, Danielle Montgomery, Caroline Martens, Anna Rawson, Courtney Harter, Alex

Peters, Lauren Taylor and Sarah Jane Boyd will take part in the event at Wentworth’s Edinburgh Course, which Player himself helped design.

Each team will comprise two amateur guests, a pro and a celebrity, competing in a team medal competition where the two best scores on each hole count. Among the celebrities taking part are singer Ronan Keating and England rugby international Johnathan Joseph.

“To be able to bring together a group of friends and fellow professionals that have collectively won 42 Majors is something very special,” said Player. “I am confident our union of golf and giving will positively affect the lives of many vulnerable young people.”

The tournament forms part of the Gary Player Invitational series, which has helped the Player Foundation raise more than $62 million for charities worldwide.

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[26] JUNE 2016 | COMPETITION

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW | JUNE 2016

[27]

■ THE PAR-THREE 13TH IS THE ADDINGTON’S SIGNATURE HOLE

POLISHING A GEM G

iven the small amount you can do to improve a golf course on a year-to-year basis, it’s not surprising that the ‘Top 100’ rankings published in several golf publications remain fairly static, bar the odd newcomer that occasionally barges its way into proceedings without so much as a ‘mind out’ or ‘excuse me’.

So it is perhaps something of a coup that a club such as The Addington – which has been quietly going about its business in the backwoods of Croydon for a just over a century – has seen its ranking rise from 88th in the 2012 edition of Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, to an impressive 70th in the current rankings. It is also currently rated the 30th best course in England by the same publication, providing further evidence of the tremendous amount of improvement that has been made at the club in recent years.

Having been under the same one-woman stewardship for almost 40 years, it is only since 2006 that The Addington has been managed on a more commercial, and let’s face it, professional, basis, following its purchase by The Altonwood Group.

The company’s charismatic and hugely driven owner, the late Ron Noades, had a real passion for the club, and invested plenty of his time and money in transforming what was generally regarded as a rough diamond into the polished gem that is on offer today.

After decades of muddling through, it took three or four years for the new owners just to get the course back to somewhere close to acceptable playing conditions, and it is only now, after almost a decade under Altonwood’s careful stewardship and significant investment, that has The Addington come close to realising its full potential.

And the club’s desire for continuous improvement shows no sign of slowing down, as the latest plans for renovations clearly show. They have just completed the installation of no fewer than nine new tees, with old, uneven, small tees making way for larger, flatter and more uniform surfaces from which to launch tee shots. Elsewhere, four greens have already had new drainage systems installed in order to improve the year-round playability, with two more planned to follow later this summer.

The club have been working closely with

Ten years after it was acquired by the Altonwood Group, The Addington Golf Club has firmly established itself as one of Surrey’s finest heathland courses, and is now embarking on a new and exciting phase in its glorious history

■ LARGER TEEING AREAS HAVE BEEN BUILT AS PART OF THE CURRENT RENOVATION PROGRAMME

consultant agronomist Cameron MacMillan for the past couple of years, in an endeavour to improve all of the playing surfaces further. A long term programme of top dressing the fairways has seen a significant improvement in this area, whilst the continued tree clearance programme has enhanced the aesthetics considerably as the prominent pine trees have been exposed.

While the 6,300-yard layout is short by modern standards, its tight design, which places an emphasis on strategy and careful course management, ensures that it remains a real test for golfers of all standards.

First opened in 1913, the course was designed by JF Abercromby, who not only built the course, but was its founding member and club president for many years. Although he only ever built four courses in his life – among them Worplesdon, Knowle Park, and The Old Course at what is now Bovey Castle – it is at The Addington that ‘Aber’, as he was affectionately known, produced his finest work.

Abercromby had a fondness for short holes and there are six par threes here, beginning with the uphill opening hole, whose front bunker always catches out any stiff swings resulting from it being the first shot of the day. The heart of the course begins on the par-4 sixth, where a downhill drive to the right side of the fairway leaves you a testing short-iron over a yawning pit, which can be crossed by one of the course’s trademark wooden bridges.

The seventh is another superb short hole, while the dogleg ninth requires both the tee shot and the approach to clear plunging, gorse-filled ravines, which are both traversed by bridges. The 12th is a strong par five – one of three on the card – which will leave a mark on your memory and your card if you're not careful.

Although not long, its difficulty comes out of the fact

■ LOOKING BACK BEHIND THE GREEN ON THE PAR-FIVE 12TH

that a drive of around 250 yards could well see your ball end up in the gorse bushes that cling to the side of a steep slope. The safe shot is a 3-wood to around 220, leaving you on a plateau, but with a second shot of over 250 yards to the green, which sits on top of a hill.

The next hole, the par 230-yard 13th, is the feature hole, due in most part to its difficulty, although it’s also a beauty. Henry Longhurst once described it as ‘with the exception of the 5th hole at Pine Valley, the greatest one-shot hole in inland golf.’ It’s hard to argue with that description, but with heather all around, bunkers on both sides, and trees behind the green, it is perhaps one of the few holes in golf where the player who comes up short actually breathes a sigh of relief.

There’s no let up in the quality from here on in, from the difficult 515-yard 16th, with its narrow fairway and plunging hollows, to the lengthy par-3 17th, whose tee shot fires over the 16th green. The closing hole is a fearsome uphill two-shotter, with a bunker jutting into the fairway at the ideal landing spot, and an avenue of tall firs to contend with.

It’s taken years of hard work to restore this masterpiece to its former glory, and although the job is by no means finished yet, the fruits of the greenstaff’s labours can be seen everywhere, from the improved conditions of the fairways, to the complete renovation of the bunkers – which have been not only re-laid, but re-shaped – and a huge amount of tidying up, from clearing undergrowth, managing the heather, and improving the cosmetics of the course, to creating new pathways, and stairs to tees and greens.

So whether you play this course as a member, a visiting green fee player, or part of a society or corporate day, the message to all golfers is loud and clear – The Addington is going up in the world.

For further details on a limited number of special offer memberships, or to book a preview round at a special rate of just £40 (Mon-Fri) and £50 at weekends (after 10.30am), call 020 8777 1055. For more information, visit www.addingtongolf.com.

[28] JUNE 2016 | INTERVIEW

‘MAYBE THREE WAS MY LIMIT’ After winning two Opens and the US PGA in quick succession, PADRAIG HARRINGTON, who has slipped to below 150th in the world rankings, reveals his struggle to stay motivated to compete at the highest level WORDS NICK BAYLEY

INTERVIEW | JUNE 2016 [29]

I

t’s one of the great mysteries of the golfing world how Padraig Harrington went from winning thee majors in the space of just two years, to being ranked among the also-rans on tour.

But history shows that winning one major, let alone three, can have a hugely negative influence on your desire to get up early in the morning and go and practise your putting.

And so it proved with Harrington. After working all his life towards reaching the pinnacle of the game, he won the Open Championship in 2007, retained the title in 2008, and then captured the US PGA Championship for good measure a month later. And while he drew plenty of plaudits and lots of money for his 12-month winning spree, it killed his competitive hunger stone dead.

Now aged 44, Harrington still has the odd flicker of form, as he showed when winning his first PGA Tour title in seven years at the Honda Classic in March last year, but the Ryder Cup veteran is now down to world no.152 and says the buzz has gone out of his game.

“The fear isn’t there anymore,” he admits. “There’s no fear factor – and the fear does really help. A lot of players will say the same thing – once you’ve peaked in your career, maybe got to the goals you wanted, everything afterwards, well, it’s very hard to get up and get going for it.

Butterflies in the stomach, nerves, adrenaline – you need to have that intensity. I remember Jack Nicklaus saying the same thing when he was asked him about his career. He more or less retired when there were no butterflies in his stomach on Thursday morning. That’s kind of how I feel.”

He adds: "We all know how many guys have won one major and never been the same afterwards. It’s because they’ve achieved their goal in life. It’s something that gets inside your head. You’d be amazed how many players end up where they think they belong. Whether it’s being a journeyman pro or winning a couple of times on Tour, making a Ryder Cup, winning a major – you kind of set your stall out and you end up there.”

Harrington was the hottest player on the planet when he won those three Majors over an extraordinary 12-month period, but the Dubliner has not really competed in a Major since, missing the cut in three of the last seven Opens, and the last three PGA Championships, although he

WE ALL KNOW HOW MANY GUYS HAVE WON ONE MAJOR AND NEVER BEEN THE SAME AFTERWARDS. IT’S BECAUSE THEY’VE ACHIEVED THEIR GOAL IN LIFE. IT’S SOMETHING THAT GETS INSIDE YOUR HEAD. YOU’D BE AMAZED HOW MANY PLAYERS END UP WHERE THEY THINK THEY BELONG

did finish eighth at the Masters in 2012, and fourth in the US Open that same season.

“Maybe three was my limit,” he says ruefully. “It obviously wasn’t Tiger’s limit. I suppose we end up where we think we belong a lot of the time. It’s amazing what the subconscious does. Whatever’s deep down inside us, we believe that’s our status. Just go look at any of the players who’ve won majors, or one major. It just seems that we have this preconception that this is what we’re meant to do. Thankfully, I didn’t stop at one."

With Harrington spending most of his time on the PGA Tour, results this season reveal a continuing downward trend for the Irishman, with four missed cuts and a best placed finish of tied 22nd at the Texas Open, while back in Europe he has played just three tournaments, missing the cut at the Indian Open in April, and again in front of his home fans at the Irish Open at the K Club, scene of one of his career highlights at the 2006 Ryder Cup. After being hit with an attack of the yips with his putting stroke several years ago, Harrington’s confidence with the flatstick has returned a little in recent months, but not enough to inspire confidence in the return to form that would be required for him to add to his Major or Ryder Cup CV. Last month he took part in a US Open qualifying tournament at Walton Heath, and was all set to take one of the top 13 places, before a three-putt on the last green robbed him of a trip to Oakmont. After playing well tee to green, it was a familiar story of might-havebeens and what-ifs when it came to getting the ball in the hole.

“I don't think you ever fully come back once you’ve had them [the yips],” he says. “But I certainly feel a lot better on the greens; a lot less stress knocking in those two- and threefooters. It has not quite cleared up, but I'm pretty positive about it all, and I see some good signs going ahead. There’s a lot less work involved on the greens for me at the moment.”

And while Harrington’s days of winning Majors maybe over, his name has long been talked about as a future Ryder Cup captain. Recently named as one of Darren Clarke’s five vice-captains for Hazeltine in September, having fulfilled the same role for Paul McGinley at Gleneagles in 2014, it can only be a matter of time before the Ryder Cup committee comes knocking at his door to take on the lead role – although he will have stiff competition whichever year he considers.

Harrington is not one to get caught up in any sort of lobbying or PR campaign for the captaincy, and that might be his undoing in what has become a very commercially sensitive job. The next home tie in Paris would seem like the obvious choice for him to take the reins, given Lee Westwood’s stated intention of leading the troops at Whistling Straits in 2020, but there will be pressure to pick a continental captain, such as Thomas Bjorn, rather choosing an Irishman for three matches running.

Harrington will be 47 in 2018, and his career on tour will, one imagine, be all but over, thus clearing the way to concentrate on what these days is almost a full-time job. A charming and chatty man at the best and worst of times, Harrington is steeped in Ryder Cup history – played six, won three – and has all the credentials to make a good captain. Selfeffacing and diplomatic, he’d be the People’s Captain.

Yet for all that he has going for him in the captaincy stakes, Harrington may suffer the same fate as Sandy Lyle, and just find himself in the wrong stage of his career when the cards fall. And maybe, as mirrored in a professional career which has so far yielded an astonishing 47 secondplaced finishes, Padraig Harrington might be destined to be a multiple best man, but never the groom.

It would be a shame if one of the most successful golfers of a generation was overlooked for the role, but like all the other reverses he has suffered in his otherwise hugely successful career, should that fate befall him, Harrington will no doubt take it on the chin, shrug his shoulders, and carry on. After all, nice guys don’t always come first.

[30] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TOPGOLF HUNTS FOR MORE UK SITES

WOODMAN CUTS DOWN WEST SURREY RIVALS

F

T

opgolf, the popular driving rangebased golf facility, is on the lookout for new locations in the UK as part of its plans for global development.

First launched in Watford in 2000, the company currently operates 26 venues worldwide, including three in the UK. The company is seeking between 10 and 15 additional locations in the UK, with the minimum requirement being eight to 12 acres of land, to accommodate a 60,000-square foot building, 250-metre driving range and car parking. One of the other essential stipulations for a new site is that it be close to towns or cities with more than 500,000 people within a 20-minute drive.

At Topgolf centres players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance, while awarding points for

hitting targets on the outfield. Each venue offers a bar and restaurant, music, games and climate-controlled hitting bays. The company recently acquired ProTracer, the technology used in its bays to track ball flight.

“Our venues in Watford, Surrey and Chigwell have seen remarkable growth for the past several years,” said Topgolf International president Neil Allen. “Our innovative concept offers an alternative to traditional leisure activities such as bowling, darts or snooker. We are excited to grow our presence and the game of golf in the

UK, plus offer residents another option for entertainment.”

Topgolf has instructed Savills Leisure Division to advise on its UK expansion. Savills spokesman Ian Simpson said: “Topgolf has refined its product over the last 20 years in the United States, and is now focusing on further expansion in the UK. This is well timed, as we are seeing continued growth in leisure spend and expect this concept to be well received by property developers as an alternative to more commonly available leisure activities.”

resh from taking part in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Guy Woodman shot a bogey-free 67 to win the 40th Anniversary West Surrey Pro-Am. Timing his final birdie to perfection at the last hole to win by one shot, Woodman snatched the £1,000 winner’s cheque away from runner up James Johnson (Bramley). Tied for third place with 69s were Andy Raitt, Michael Lowe, David Callaway and Matt Rice Woodman’s experience at Wentworth seemed to bear fruit as he swept through West Surrey’s tight and challenging course without dropping a shot. Arriving at the 16th on two-under-par, he birdied the 16th, parred the 17th, and made one more birdie down the last to claim victory.

“I managed my way round the course, keeping my ball in business and setting myself up with as many opportunities as possible,” said the winner. “The putter wasn’t that hot, but it all came together well enough down the last, where I knew I needed a four to win.”

Raitt was left to rue a last-hole bogey, but he managed to recoup some of his losses by winning the post-tournament 7-man Lanson Champagne Shootout, where his shot from 180 yards was closest to the pin and earned him a methuselah, equivalent to eight standard bottles, of Lanson’s White Label Champagne.

ee Fr to in jo

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H

anbury Manor is gearing itself up to host its first European Tour event since 1999, when the Seniors roll into the Hertfordshire venue later this summer for the Willow Senior Classic, which takes place from August 26-28.

A completely new tournament on the over-50s circuit, the Willow Senior Classic offers a unique format, with amateur golfers being able to play alongside professionals along the same lines as the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.

And unlike other pro-am tournaments on the Tour, applications are open to all club golfers, and all teams will be drawn at random, meaning those who play are in with the chance of teeing-up alongside some of the best players on the European Senior Tour, including Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance.

Entries for the main tournament costs £4,000 per team, and there will also be the chance to play in two proam days preceding the tournament at £1,250 per team.

All proceeds from event will go to Willow, a special days charity that

enables seriously ill young adults to fulfil lifelong dreams, and create treasured memories with their loved ones. Commenting on the event, founder of Willow, former Arsenal and England goalkeeper Bob Wilson, said: “We are very pleased that our Senior Golf Classic is joining this year’s Senior Tour. Individuals and teams can expect a great day’s golf at Hanbury Manor.

Megs and I are very grateful for this wonderful support for Willow.”

The tournament, which offers a prize fund of £350,000, has been backed by businessman Duncan Sinclair, who is a long-term supporter of golf, and the Senior Tour in particular, as well as numerous charities. "Golf brings so much pleasure to so many people, so this tournament is a great fit in terms of the charity's aim of raising funds to help provide special days," Sinclair said.

Entries for the main tournament and the pro-am days can be made online, but numbers are limited, so prompt booking is advised.

To book a place, contact events@willowfoundation.org.uk.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MORE BALLS THAN MOST

FEATURE | JUNE 2016

stirring journey through no fewer than three stages of the European Tour’s qualifying school. The first leg took him to Collingtree Park in Northamptonshire, where he finished fourth; second stage saw him tee it up at Panoramica Golf Resort in Spain, where he finished seventh; and then finally it was on to PGA Catalunya, where he claimed the sixth Tour card on offer with a 14-under par total over 72 holes.

“It meant the world after such a difficult year for my family to be going home with a tour card,” Southgate says.

“Just to be back playing again felt fantastic. I think a lot of golfers would understand that your health and your family, and all those important things in your life, are just like the game itself in many ways.

“Things don’t always go your way all the time, and that sometimes you do have to chip out sideways. That’s really where I feel like I’m at with my little life — I feel like I’ve had to hack out sideways and start again. I’ve managed to get back on track, and I feel incredibly lucky for that.”

Southgate, whose home club is Thorpe Hall in Southend, has not had the easiest of times on the professional circuit.

Inspired to take up the game after going to watch The Open at Carnoustie in 1999, the young Southgate enjoyed an impressive amateur career, the highlight of which was victory at the 2010 St Andrews Links Trophy. He turned professional shortly after an aborted attempt to further

[31]

his golfing education at college in America. Suffering from homesickness, he returned to Europe to try his luck on the Challenge Tour in 2011, and after making a good impression on the second tier, made it through Qualifying School that year.

He has failed to keep his card every season since, and before his fourth placed finish in Ireland last month had only ever had one top-10 finish on the European Tour in five years, with a previous best pay day of €28,000 and less than €100,000 in career earnings.

Ranked 794th in the world before his heroics in Dublin, where he arrived as the first reserve, he’s now up to the giddy heights of 356th – but more importantly, he has shot up from 148th to 51st in the Race to Dubai, with €250,000 in prize money banked, and his card for next year all but secure. He also has a solid chance of making it into the European Tour’s lucrative Final Series if he can keep his recent run of form going and stay inside the allimportant top 60 until October.

Talk of keeping cards and Dubai is all a far cry from the beginning of the season, when a run of five consecutive missed cuts from the JoBurg Open in January to the Spanish Open in April looked like heralding yet another fruitless year on tour. However, Southgate broke that spell by finishing 19th in the Volvo China Open in late

After battling testicular cancer, Essex tour pro MATT SOUTHGATE is on the road to recovery on and off the golf course

W

hile the cheers were ringing out all around the 18th green at the K Club, as Rory McIlroy nailed his 3-wood to three feet to capture last month’s Irish Open, there were celebrations of an equally significant, and just as jubilant, kind going on just behind the grandstands for the man who finished fourth that week, Matthew Southgate.

Although the 28 year old from Essex finished four shots behind Rory’s winning score, his appearance on the golf course, added to his impressive performance, was enough to set off some emotional scenes on the 18th hole, with an eight-foot birdie putt sealing a €200,000 pay day, and a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of one of the nicest guys on tour.

All those who knew about Southgate’s battle with testicular cancer – which he was diagnosed with last July, and successfully treated soon after – could understand what it meant for him simply to be playing golf, let alone competing for titles on the European Tour.

There were similarly emotional scenes around the 18th green at PGA Catalyuna last November, when he won back his card for the current season at the European Tour’s gruelling Final Qualifying School in Spain. With tears flowing freely on both occasions, Southgate is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Having only resumed playing again in September, following an operation in July, Southgate’s performances in Spain and Ireland were packed with guts and determination, two personality traits that he has had to draw heavily on during the many ups and downs of his five-year professional career, and, latterly, his personal life.

Southgate’s life was turned upside down in the middle of last summer, when he returned home from a Challenge Tour event in Germany to some test results that showed he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. With quick treatment the key to nipping this life-threatening illness in the bud, he had an operation just a week later.

"It was all very quick. I just went to the doctor's with a complaint. They sent me for a scan and the result didn't come back the way we wanted it to," he says. "They didn't hesitate, got me straight into hospital, and removed the right testicle.

I had to try my hardest to just recover as quickly as I possibly could to get to tour school, because I shouldn't have been out of bed."

Taking six weeks off to recuperate, and be given the all clear by doctors, it was early autumn before he was able to play again. Picking up where he had left off, he made the cut in three Challenge Tour events, while beginning a

■ SOUTHGATE PLAYED ALONGSIDE RORY MCILROY IN THE THIRD ROUND OF THE IRISH OPEN

CANCER OPENED MY EYES TO HOW MUCH I REALLY WANTED TO DO THIS, AND THAT'S WHY I GOT EMOTIONAL WHEN I FINISHED. ALL THAT HARD WORK PAYING OFF IS THE BEST

April, and followed that up by making cuts in Morocco and Mauritius, before he turned up the heat in Ireland.

Opening rounds of 70 and 69 at the K Club saw him paired with the tournament host, Rory McIlroy, in the third round. Far from being overawed, he did well to shoot 73 in a day delayed by storms, and then closed out with a stunning 68, where he once again overcame stop-start conditions.

After holing out at the final hole, he clenched his first and punched the air repeatedly to show how much it meant to him, and to all those who had supported him during those difficult times on and off the golf course.

Fighting back the tears, he hugged his caddy, and acknowledged the appreciative gallery.

"Playing in front of a crowd and hitting great shots, I just live for that," he says. "Cancer opened my eyes to how much I really wanted to do this. I definitely find it easier to smile on a golf course. I still get very angry with myself if I hit poor shots or things don't go my way, but that's what the game is all about – it can be frustrating and emotional."

"The cancer helped me back myself to achieve things in my mind, whereas before I might have been a little bit less confident. It puts golf into perspective, but it doesn't mean you take your foot off the pedal in the sense of 'life's in perspective and golf doesn't matter'."

Being an armchair viewer during last year's Open illustrated to Southgate just how desperate he wants to make it in the game – and how much he still loves it. He adds: "I was heartbroken watching The Open last year when I couldn't play with my feet up in the air feeling sorry for myself. That proves how much it does mean, this game really matters to me, I love it with all my heart."

[32] JUNE 2016 | TUITION BREAK

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

for over 20 years, the last 10 of which I’ve focused on the short game, specifically wedge and chip shots from 100 yards and in, which I believe are the key to good scoring.

This is where most shots are played, and a good short game will save your scores and make the difference between winning and losing. This trip will give golfers the chance to learn all these skills and put them into practice at one of Spain’s finest golfing resorts.”

Author of ‘Seven Steps to Heavenly Chipping’, Smith’s expertise is such that he has recently been made a short game ambassador for Mizuno, and he regularly tours the country demonstrating his skills to the brand’s customers.

COSTA BALLENA OCEAN: 27 HOLES OF SUPERB SEASIDE GOLF

SHARPEN UP YOUR SHORT GAME IN SUNNY SPAIN! Golf News has teamed up with the Stuart Smith Golf Academy to offer readers a week of world-class tuition and top quality hospitality at the stunning Spanish resort of Costa Ballena in Andalusia this October

G

olfers looking to improve their chipping and putting under warm Spanish skies should make a date to join leading short game coach Stuart Smith, who will be passing on his expertise at an exclusive week-long coaching holiday being held at the superb Costa Ballena Resort in Andalusia this autumn.

This unmissable trip, which takes place from October 12-19, will teach you how to think like a professional to improve your short game and lower your scores.

The trip will feature morning tuition sessions with Smith, followed by five rounds on Costa Ballena’s 18-hole Ocean Course, a regular venue for the European Tour’s

Qualifying School, and five rounds on the resort’s excellent nine-hole par-three course.

The week-long coaching course will cover all aspects of the short game, from putting and chipping, to bunker play and pitching, while all students will receive a short game booklet explaining the drills, how to practise, and giving advice on developing pre-shot routines when they return home.

There will be free access to all of the resort’s world-class practice facilities, and unlimited range balls for the duration of your stay.

The Costa Ballena Ocean Resort is ideally located close to the centre of Spain’s sherry producing region in Jerez, with tours of the

■ GUESTS WILL STAY IN COMFORT AT THE 4-STAR ELBA COSTA BALLENA BEACH RESORT

Designed by dual Masters' champion José Maria Olazabal, the championship course is played over the Olivos and Palmeras nines of the 27-hole layout, which combine to produce a testing par-72 course measuring just over 6,900 yards from the back tees.

Generally flat and with generous fairways, the design encourages golfers to open their shoulders on the longer holes; although there are plenty of bunkers and water hazards for those that stray off the straight and narrow. The feature holes are the par-five 12th and par-four 13th, as they lie closest to the coastline.

The Ficus nine has a par of 34 and overall length of 2,850 yards, making it the ideal venue to test out all aspects of your short game.

ITINERARY – OCTOBER 12-19, 2016

bodegas and other local sights on offer to all guests, while Costa Ballena Ocean offers a superb range of leisure and sporting activities, including swimming, horse riding, windsurfing and tennis.

STUART SMITH: THE SHORT GAME MASTER PGA-trained Smith currently runs two successful golf academies at Heydon Grange in Hertfordshire and Thetford Golf Club in Norfolk, and he and his experienced team will be joining golfers for all seven days of the trip, which will combine intensive coaching with plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation at one of Europe’s finest golf resorts.

Smith, whose fresh and innovative approach to the often troublesome areas of pitching, chipping and putting has helped hundreds of amateur golfers transform their short game and dramatically improve their scores, said: “I have been coaching

■ 7 nights’ half-board accommodation at the 4-star Elba Costa Ballena Beach & Thalasso Resort, in Costa de La Luz, Andalusia ■ 5 rounds at Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club ■ 5 rounds on Costa Ballena’s 9-hole, par 3 course ■ Use of the driving range with unlimited balls and free use of the Tour-standard practice facilities ■ 3 visits to the Elba Thalasso Spa and the full use of the gym ■ All tuition provided by Stuart Smith ■ Return flights on British Airways from Gatwick to Seville, plus all transfers in Spain. One cabin bag, plus one golf bag (up to 23kg). A hold bag costs an extra £60.

■ The total cost for the trip is £805pp for two people sharing a twin room, and £925 for a single room.

BOOK NOW! Spaces are limited for this great value tuition break, so for bookings and all other enquiries, visit www. stuartsmithgolfacademy.com, email stuart@stuartsmithgolfacademy.com or call 07799 088786.

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[34] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

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GLENDALE ‘GETS READY’ TO BEAT SLOW PLAY

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lendale Golf, operator of seven public golf centres across the UK, has put three new initiatives to combat slow play into place, with the launch of its new ‘Get Ready Golf’ programme at the heart of the campaign.

Widespread signage featuring the ‘Get Ready Golf’ slogan is now being displayed at all Glendale Golf centres, giving golfers six tips on time-efficient play. Posters, banners and notices are prominent in clubhouses and pro shops, at reception desks, and on all first tees.

The group, which operates Richmond Park, Tilgate Forest, Portsmouth, Edwalton, Castle Point and Duxbury Park, is also emailing more than 50,000 golfers, encouraging them to spread the word and to take personal steps to respond to the request. The campaign will also appear on all of its websites, plus

across its social media platforms.

Glendale Golf has also modified its tee-time booking system to allow for more 9-hole slots on weekdays, while a new 9-Hole Summer League has been launched at all of its venues. The competitions require no official handicaps or membership, and offers newcomers an informallycompetitive stepping stone into the sport – as well as something fun to play in for more regular golfers. The overall winner from each venue will win a year’s free membership.

“People come to our golf centres to have fun, so I promise that we’re not getting too heavyhanded about this,” said Tom Brooke, managing director of Glendale Golf. “However, we’re making ‘Get Ready Golf’ part of our culture. It’s a long-term commitment, and we want everyone to buy into it.

“Since we run public golf

centres, part of our responsibility is to help introduce newcomers to the sport – that’s what keeps it alive. We also need to encourage existing golfers to play more often. In our annual survey last year, our customers told us loud and clear that slow play is both a barrier to entry for newcomers, and a reason for traditional golfers to play less frequently.

People just have insufficient leisure time, these days, for fivehour rounds. We’d all prefer it if a round of golf took an hour less – so at Glendale Golf we are all now geared up to attack this target.”

Glendale Golf’s last participation drive – a summer 2015 festival designed to attract a minimum 100 complete newcomers to each of its venues – proved highly successful, with the 700-golfer target reached within a month, and over 2,000 first-time visitors by the end of the campaign.

MUIRFIELD STRUCK OFF OPEN ROTA AFTER ‘NO VOTE’ FOR WOMEN MEMBERS M uirfield Golf Club in Scotland has been taken off the list of clubs that host the Open Championship after a third of its membership rejected women being allowed to join the club.

The 125-year old club, which has hosted the Open 16 times, has been removed the list of venues currently on the Open rota after 36% of its membership voted to continue its ban on women joining the club in a postal ballot – with the ‘yes’ vote falling just 3% short of the number required for the club to alter its constitution.

Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of the Royal and Ancient, which organises The Open, said that the championship would not be held at a venue that did not admit female members.

In a statement published just hours after the result of the vote was announced, Slumbers said: “The R&A has considered today’s decision with respect to the Open Championship. The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and going forward we will not stage the championship at a venue that does not admit women as members.”

He added: “Given the schedule for staging the Open, it would be some years before Muirfield would have been considered to host the championship again. If the policy at the club should change, we would reconsider it as a venue for the Open in future.”

Announcing the results on the steps of the clubhouse, the Muirfield captain, Henry

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NEWS | JUNE 2016

FOSTER PUTS BEST FOOT FORWARD TO CLAIM SENIOR STROKE PLAY

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Fairweather, emphasised that the policy complied ‘fully with equality legislation’, and insisted that women remained welcome as guests.

Revealing the depth of hostility felt by some Muirfield traditionalists towards the admission of women, it emerged that a group of about 30 members had written anonymously to fellow golfers before the ballot, urging them to reject the change.

The letter argued that ‘a traditional resistance to change is one of the foundations of our unique position in golf and our reputation’, and stated that “’he introduction of lady members is bound to create difficulties’, suggesting that women’s presence would ‘endanger foursomes and speedy play’.

It went on: “Our special nature – ‘a gentleman’s club where golf is played’ – is quite unique with its fraternity built inter alia on foursomes play with a round taking only the same time as lunch, and leaving enough time for a further round after lunch, even in mid-winter.”

ertfordshire’s Jackie Foster overcame a trip to accident and emergency and a four-shot final round deficit to win the English senior women’s stroke play championship at Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire.

The Bishop Stortford player, who reached the semi-finals of the English senior women’s amateur in May, looked like playing for minor places when she ended her second round four shots behind leader Sue Spencer.

And earlier in the week, Foster’s chances of competing in the tournament, let alone winning it, had seemed extremely unlikely when she punctured her foot after standing on a ring file just the day before the tournament started.

Thankfully, the hospital doctor was able patch up the wound, and she was able to play the 54hole event without too much discomfort.

With the final round played in heavy rain, conditions soon got the better of most of the field, with both Spencer and Yorkshire’s Karen Jobling soon relinquishing their places at the top of the leaderboard. This let in Foster, who played her way into contention with a steady closing 77, to go with rounds of 79 and 73 for a 10-over-par total of 229. The runner-up spot went to Aileen Greenfield from Pyecombe in East Sussex, who closed with a joint best of the day 76.

After making her senior debut only last year, Foster’s first senior win marks her rapid progress to the top. “I didn’t expect to win against such a good quality field,” she admitted. “I just came with the idea of playing the best I could and doing myself justice. I found it difficult to tell how wet the greens were and to get the pace right. There were maybe a couple of putts I could have made, but I’m really happy with the way I’ve played.“

[35]

BIG INVESTMENT PAYS OFF AT LITTLEHAMPTON

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olfers can expect even better playing conditions at Littlehampton Golf Club this summer following the purchase of a brand new fleet of Jacobsen mowers by the popular West Sussex-based club.

The new fleet, which was bought from local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, Ernest Doe & Sons, comprises a five-unit contour mower, three greens mowers, a tees and surrounds mower, and a seven-unit wide-area fairway mower.

The new equipment will prove a boon to course manager Michael Mead and his team of four greenkeeping staff as the golfing season hits top gear. Mead has been at the club since 2008, but was only promoted to head greenkeeper in January, after serving as first assistant for several years.

The club’s 18-hole is predominantly links in style, especially those holes that abut the coast, with other holes taking on more parkland characteristics. With wide, open fairways a feature of the course, productivity is important and that was the prime driver behind the purchase of the Jacobsen Fairway 405 mower.

“The Fairway 405 is an excellent, highly productive mower; it really gets us around the course ahead of the members,” Mead said. “We’ve also purchased three Jacobsen GP400 triplex machines; one fitted with tees units and the other two with 11-blade greens cylinders, both with rear roller brushes. We tried other machines, but none matched the manoeuvrability of the GP400 on our tees and some of the smaller greens. The swingout centre unit is a real bonus, especially when checking height of cut and carrying out routine maintenance.“ The club is experiencing a renaissance following a period when membership fell to 400.

The appointment of a new secretary, Graham Gain, two years ago has re-energised the club and seen numbers rise to more than 500 today.

“I have an excellent relationship with Graham, and he has supported the greenkeeping team from the day he was appointed,” added Mead.

“The investment in new equipment is testament to the club’s vision. We are receiving great feedback from the members and that generates good positivity within the team.”

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[36] JUNE 2016 | FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

DISTINCTIVE TIMEPIECES FOR GOLFERS

E T I Q U S . C O . U K

A LOOK BACK IN TIME ARTHUR HAVERS • 58TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP • TROON GOLF CLUB, SCOTLAND • JUNE 15, 1923

AS ROYAL TROON prepares to host its ninth Open Championship, it is both fitting and timely that we should pay homage to the only Englishman ever to win the Claret Jug at the famous Ayrshire links.

Perhaps one of the least known of our home-grown Major champions, Arthur Havers waved the flag for Great Britain in a era largely dominated by the all-conquering American players of the inter-war years.

Born in Norwich in 1898, Havers was the son of the steward at Royal Norwich Golf Club and was first introduced to the game at the age of just four. A natural ball striker, he held the course record of 64 by the time he was 15, and just a year later qualified for The Open at Prestwick in 1914. After qualifying at nearby Troon, the young Havers went on to finish 69th behind Harry Vardon, beginning an enduring love affair with the tournament that was to last for the next 35 years.

With no Open held between 1915-19, Havers, who served in the Royal Air Force for three years, had to wait until 1920 before he could resume his quest for the Claret Jug. By this time he had moved from West Lancashire Golf Club, where he served head professional, to take on the same role at Coombe Hill in Surrey, where he succeeded the club’s first ever pro, Sandy Herd, who was also an Open champion. In between giving lessons to the members, Havers competed in regional and national tournaments, and enjoyed a particularly good run in The Open, finishing seventh in 1920, fourth in 1921, and 12th in 1922.

Consequently, Havers, still only 25, arrived at Royal Troon in 1923 as one of the leading home fancies, although Walter Hagen was very much the hot favourite to retain the title following his victory the at Royal St George’s the previous year.

It was Troon’s first staging of The Open, and the 6,415-yard course was altered significantly to ramp up the challenge for the game’s leading professionals, including the introduction of 60 new banked-up bunkers.

In the first round, Havers shot a level par 73 to sit three shots

off the lead held by fellow Englishman Charles Whitcombe, with Hagen some way off the pace with an opening 76. But as Whitcombe beat a hasty retreat, Havers added two further 73s to take the 54-hole lead, while Hagen regained lost ground with a 71 and a 74 to sit just two shots behind Havers with 18 holes to play.

Hagen harried Havers throughout the final round, and when the Englishman found a bunker with his approach to the 18th green, it appeared as if the door was open for the American to retain the Claret Jug. Havers, however, had other ideas, and, much to the 20,000-strong crowd’s delight, chipped in from the sand for a birdie and a closing 76, leaving Hagen, who was marooned in the same bunker, needing to hole out to force a 36-hole playoff. Thankfully, for Havers, Hagen’s attempt came up

just short, and the Claret Jug was wrestled from his grasp.

After picking up £75 prize money for his efforts, Havers cashed in on his new-found celebrity and embarked on a tour of America, where he defeated both Bobby Jones and Gene Sarazen in a series of exhibition matches held across the country.

Havers was by no means a textbook golfer, with an ungainly lunging swing and a four-knuckle left hand grip that wasn’t to be found in any coaching manual – but what he lacked in technical brilliance was more than offset by his powerful hitting and assured touch around the greens.

On the back of his Open victory, Havers was selected for the first Ryder Cup matches held in 1927, and he earned his place in the GB&I team again in 1931 and 1933, chalking up a personal total of three points from six matches, including two vital points for the home side in the 6.5-5.5 victory at Southport & Ainsdale in 1933.

Havers never seriously challenged for honours at The Open following his triumph at Troon, with a distant third behind Gene Sarazen at Prince’s in 1932 being his best finish. And after another six-year hiatus for the Second World War, he played his 21st and final Open in 1949, when, aged 51, he missed the cut at Royal St George’s.

Eleven top-20 finishes marks Havers out as one of The Open’s most consistent performers, and were it not for missing 11 renewals due to the two world wars, when he was arguably at the height of his powers, he may well have won a few more.

Following spells as head pro at Sandy Lodge and Moor Park in Hertfordshire during the 1930s and 40s, Havers saw out his club pro days at Frinton in Essex, where he served from 1956 to his retirement in 1964. He died in Haslemere in 1980, aged 82, soon after which Frinton launched a junior bursary scheme in his name, which continues to sponsor young golfers to this day. The club also changed the name of its main course to the Havers Course in 2007 – a permanent and fitting tribute to one of England’s least celebrated, but most successful, golfers.

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NEWS | JUNE 2016

[37]

RUTH BOOKS PLACE IN GALVIN GREEN FINAL

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ames Ruth will be looking to improve on last year’s top four final spot after finishing joint top of the leaderboard at the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship West qualifier.

Ruth, of Plymouth’s China Fleet Golf & Country Club, carded a three-under-par 66 to be part of a three-way tie with Tom Hanson (Tiverton) and Welshman Toby Hunt (St Mellons). They join 14 other qualifiers from the event held at Exeter Golf & Country Club, who will play in the £32,000 grand final to be held

at Little Aston Golf Club near Birmingham from August 3-5.

Ruth finished fourth in last year’s Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship held at Coventry Golf Club. “I played well, but just fell short and didn’t have quite enough in the final round,” said the 31 year old. “It’ll be good to go back there and try to improve on that this time.

I’m looking forward to playing Little Aston, it’s not a venue I know, but I hadn't played Coventry last year either.”

HOT-SHOT HILLEARD WINS AWARD

STOKE PARK CLUBHOUSE VOTED ‘MOST ICONIC’ IN UK

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oldfinger owned it. Daniel Craig was shot on its steps. And now, the golf clubhouse at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel in Buckinghamshire, has been named the fifth most iconic clubhouse in world golf.

Golf.com, the online portal of leading US publication Golf Magazine, published its list of the ’18 most iconic clubhouses in golf’, and Stoke Park’s was named number five – and number one in England.

Not surprisingly, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews took top spot, but the next three were all at US-based clubs – Augusta National, Shinnecock Hills and Winged Foot – meaning Stoke Park was the only one in the top five not to have hosted a Major.

Stoke Park’s mansion was commissioned by estate owner John Penn in 1789 and was designed by fashionable Georgian architect James Wyatt, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, author of the 46-volume series of county-by-county guides, The Buildings of England, wrote that Wyatt ‘made Stoke Park the most impressive of all late Georgian houses in Buckinghamshire’.

It remained a home until 1908, when new owner Nick Lane Jackson – who gives his name to the third loop of nine holes at the venue – formed

the Stoke Park Club and took on an initial 50-year lease. Within eight months he had overseen the conversion of the lower floor into a golf clubhouse.

The current director of golf at Stoke Park, Stuart Collier, said: “It is a real honour for us to be recognised in this way as the most iconic clubhouse in England and number five in the world. And it is great testament to the work undertaken on the building by the King family since they took possession in 1993, when it was unrecognisable from its current glory.

“What’s interesting about Stoke Park’s inclusion in the top five is that, unlike the other four, it’s very easy to become a member here or even just to visit for the day as a green-fee visitor. At St Andrews, you have to enter a ballot or book six months in advance to visit; at Winged Foot, membership is by invitation only; and, at Augusta and Shinnecock Hills, one can play only as the guest of an existing member.

“We may have the most iconic clubhouse in England, but we’re certainly inclusive. We have a thriving membership – both men and ladies; an excellent and successful scholarship programme for our top juniors; and visitor green fees from just £85. It’s nice that in England, at least, ‘iconic’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘unattainable’.”

E

ngland international Josh Hilleard has followed in the footsteps of players such as Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan, JB Holmes and Michelle Wie after winning a prestigious American award.

His feat in winning four titles in 22 days has been recognised with the Southern Golf Association’s Amateur of the Month Award for April.

Other nominations included the amateur world number one Jon Rahm of Spain. The award is decided by a ‘Blue Ribbon’ panel of college coaches, sports writers and golf administrators throughout the US. Hilleard, from Farrington Park in Somerset, won the Berkhamsted Trophy, the Faldo Series Wales Championship, the Hampshire Salver, and the West of England Amateur, in a stunning run which has taken him to the top of England Golf’s order of merit.

Buford McCarty, secretary of the Southern Golf Association, said: “Josh’s run comprised an

amazing string of victories; certainly an accomplishment worthy of this award and something he will remember for the rest of his life.”

The 21 year old received the award from England Golf Performance Director Nigel Edwards at the recent England international against France, where he was joint top scorer, helping England to a 10-14 win.

“It’s always nice to be recognised on a wider scale,” said Hilleard. “I had no idea that anyone would know about this in the States, so it’s a real honour.”

Previous English amateurs to win the award include dual European Tour winner Matt Fitzpatrick, and Alice Hewson, who was in this year’s GB&I Curtis Cup team.

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[38] JUNE 2016 | TOUR `NEWS

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TOURNEWS...

SPIETH SILENCES CRITICS WITH TRIUMPH IN TEXAS

RORY STORMS HOMES AT IRISH OPEN

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ordan Spieth shot a final round 65 to win the Colonial National Invitational by three shots. The 22-year-old world No.2 made six birdies at Colonial Country Club in Forth Worth to finish on 17-underpar, ahead of Harris English in second, while Ryan Palmer and Webb Simpson were tied third.

Victory in his home state was Spieth's first since his final day collapse at the Masters in April. "That

FITZ BLITZES RIVALS AT NORDEA MASTERS

M

R

ory McIlroy lived up to his billing as the home favourite when he overcame a stern challenge from Russell Knox to win the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at a rain-lashed K Club in Dublin.

After missing the cut in the previous three renewals, McIlroy came into the final round with a three-shot lead, but was overtaken

by Knox with three holes to play, before two stunning approach shots gave him an birdiepar-eagle finish and a 12-under-par winning total. That handed him a three-shot win over Knox and Bradley Dredge, who had made a final day surge with a six-under-par 66.

McIlroy, who became the first player to win a European Tour event he has hosted, donated his winning prize of €666,660 to his own charity, the Rory Foundation, which funds activities for children with health problems.

“I don't get a chance to play in front my home fans very often, so to play like that, and to finish like that, is something I’ll never

forget,” McIllroy said. “I kept saying I'm close and I felt that I needed a week like this to kick-start something, and there’s no better place than back here in Ireland to do it. Hopefully this is the catapult into another great summer."

Masters' champion Danny Willett lead the tournament after the first round following an opening 65, and was playing in the final group on Sunday, but the Yorkshireman fell away on the back nine, finding the water three times and shooting a five-over par 77 to finish in a tie for 23rd.

atthew Fitzpatrick eased to victory at the Nordea Masters in Sweden to claim his second European Tour title and boost his chances of making his debut appearance in the Ryder Cup, in what will only be his second season as a professional.

The 21 year old from Sheffield had a five-shot lead going into the final round at Bro Hof Slot Golf Club, but dropped a dropped shot at the 10th, which followed an eagle at the ninth by closest challenger Nicolas Colsaerts saw his lead slip to just two with eight holes to play.

But a birdie at the 12th, followed by four dropped shots from the Belgian, saw Fitzpatrick have a four-shot lead going down the last. A conservatively played bogey at the par-four saw him finish with a one-under par 71 – 16 under – three shots ahead of Denmark's Lasse Jensen.

The win sees Fitzpatrick regain third place in the Ryder Cup qualifying race. With the top four in that list qualifying for the competition, which starts on 30 September in Hazeltine, Fitzpatrick overtakes Chris Wood, who won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

At 21 years and 278 days, Fitzpatrick is the youngest winner of the Nordea Masters and the second youngest Englishman to record his first two European Tour victories after Sir Nick Faldo.

Society days in style... by the sea!

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MAJOR CHAMPS SAY NO TO RIO

G

olf’s return to the Olympics at Rio has been thrown into chaos after some of the leading contenders have decided to stay away, while others have expressed serious reservations about taking part.

Major champions Louis Oosthuizen, Adam Scott and Charl Schwartzel have all announced that they will not be competing in the new tournament being held at this summer’s Olympics in Brazil. All three players cited scheduling issues as the reason for their absence, while several other players, including Masters champion Danny Willett cited continuing concern over the outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil as reasons that they might stay away.

Many players have already said that the congested schedule is a factor in their withdrawal, but growing concerns over the containment of the Zika virus has even led some medical experts to suggest that the games be postponed. Rory McIlroy initially suggested that he might reconsider his decision to play, but having spoken to experts said that he is

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Full English Breakfast + Coffee ■ 18■Holes ■ 18 Holes ■ Selection from Society lunch menu ■ Selection from Society lunch menu £31.50 pp (Midweek) £31.00 pp (Midweek) £34.50 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols) £34.00 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols) All society packages can be tailored to meet your own specifipackages cations. Minimum people.

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TOUR NEWS | JUNE 2016 [39]

MEDIATE FOILS MONTY’S BID FOR THIRD SENIOR PGA TITLE

R

is a tough hump to get over," said Spieth. "To win in front of my home fans – what a great week.

I was never going to come out and say it until I was able to get over it – but that was a really tough hurdle for me to get over. I wouldn't want anyone to go through what I went through on that back nine at the Masters, so to win on the third tournament back was great.”

definitely going to Rio to represent Ireland.

He said: "The advice I've been given has put my mind at ease. I’ve been told than even if I do contract Zika, it's not the end of the world. It takes six months to pass through your system and then you're fine."

Former Masters’ winner Scott has told the Australian Olympic Committee that he will not be joining fellow countryman Jason Day in Rio this summer. He said: "My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics, and other commitments, both personal and professional."

The flurry of withdrawals drew an instant reaction from the International Golf Federation, which has pushed hard for golf to be reintroduced to the Olympics. IGF president Peter Dawson said: “We understand the challenges players face in terms of scheduling this summer and it is regrettable to see a few leading players withdraw from this year’s Games.

The Olympics is the world’s greatest celebration of sport, and it is appropriate that golf features in its programme again. Real history will be made at this year’s Olympic competitions, and it is our belief that the unique experience of competing will live forever with athletes that take part.”

occo Mediate denied Colin Montgomerie the chance of a record-breaking third consecutive Senior PGA Championship when beating the Scot by three shots at Harbor Shores in Michigan.

The 53 year old led from start to finish, signing off with a 66 to take his 72-hole total to 19 under par – a record low score for the tournament.

Mediate, who won six times on the PGA Tour, and lost a play-off against Tiger Woods in the 2008 US Open, matched the course and tournament records with an opening 62 and added rounds of 66 and 71 to take a two-stroke lead over Montgomerie into the final round.

"I won with the putter this week. Simple as that," Mediate said. "I made a bunch of par putts that I had to make."

■ CLARKE HAS PICKED A BACK ROOM TEAM BRIMMING WITH RYDER CUP EXPERIENCE

CLARKE NAMES POULTER AMONG FOUR RYDER CUP VICE-CAPTAINS

R

Montgomerie shot a final round 67 – and matched Sam Snead’s record for the second-best total in the tournament’s history. "I did nothing wrong," said Montgomerie, who won the previous two Senior PGA Championships. "I went out and shot 67. All credit to Rocco. But I can hold my head high here and say I put in a great performance – 16-under par isn't all bad. I just got to congratulate Rocco and come back again next year and see if I can win this again."

Bernhard Langer tied for third at 13 under in a failed bid to become the first player to win all five senior majors.

yder Cup captain Darren Clarke has named Ian Poulter, Thomas Bjørn, Padraig Harrington and Paul Lawrie as his first four vice captains for the contest against the United States at Hazeltine in September.

As well as all being current Tour players, the quarter will also bring vital Ryder Cup experience to the team, having competed in 16 Ryder Cups between them.

Poulter was ruled out of taking part as a player following an ankle injury, although his current standing in the points list would have required a wildcard selection for the 40 year old to make a sixth appearance.

In his five Ryder Cup outings Poulter has been on the winning side four times, and even in the defeat at Valhalla in 2008, he still emerged as the top points scorer, with four points out of five. He has 12 wins and two half points from the

18 matches, but it was his performance at Medinah in 2012 – where he again emerged as top points scorer from either side – for which he will perhaps best be remembered.

“The best moments of my career have come when I have been wearing the blue and gold crest of Europe on my chest,” said Poulter.

“Darren shares that same passion and he knows I will be there to assist him and the 12 players who will line up at Hazeltine in any way I can.”

Bjørn has been on the winning side in all three of his Ryder Cup appearances in 1997, 2002 and 2014, Lawrie was part of the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in his second of two appearances in 2012; while Harrington helped Europe lift the trophy on four of his six appearances in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010.

This will be Bjørn’s fourth time as a vice-captain, after

performing that role in 2004, 2010, and 2012, while Harrington was part of Paul McGinley’s backroom team during Europe’s win at Gleneagles in 2014.

Clarke said: “The four vice captains bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and their input will be invaluable to Europe's cause. I could not have asked for anybody better to be standing shoulder to shoulder with me in the bid to bring the Ryder Cup home.”

Clarke confirmed that he will have a total of five vice captains, with the remaining one to be named once the full playing squad has been decided.

US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III is to announce the first three of his four wildcard players on September 12. He will reveal his fourth and final pick on September 25. Clarke will announce all of his captain’s choices on September 30.

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[40] JUNE 2016 | US OPEN PREVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

DJ CALLS THE TUNE

Major joy at last for DUSTIN JOHNSON as Lowry lets US Open slip from grasp WORDS NICK BAYLEY PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES

D

ustin Johnson finally laid to rest his Major demons with a devastating display of driving at the 116th US Open, played over a brutally challenging Oakmont golf course in Pennsylvania.

While Ireland’s Shane Lowry held a fourshot lead going into the final round, it never looked like being a big enough margin for the 29 year old from County Offaly to hold all-comers at bay, especially the big-hitting Johnson, who was able to reduce many of the par fours on the 7, 230-yard layout to a drive and a wedge.

The 31 year old from South Carolina was Lowry’s closest challenger at start of the final day’s play, but he had reeled him in by the turn, after the Irishman bogeyed the 2nd, 5th, 9th and 10th holes and Johnson had bagged birdies at the 2nd and 9th.

But it was far from plane sailing from there on in for Johnson, whose final round

was turned upside on the 12th tee, when a USGA rules official informed him that an incident on the fifth green – where TV cameras appeared to catch the American’s ball moving a few millimetres as he prepared to address a putt – was being reviewed for a potential breach of the rules, which, if upheld, would result in a one-shot penalty.

A rules official who was with Johnson’s group at the time deemed the American not to have caused the ball to move – a statement which was backed up by playing partner Lee Westwood – but rules staff watching the action unfold on television, with the benefit of slow-motion footage, thought otherwise. Farcically, Johnson was told that a ruling on the incident could only take place after his round was finished. This situation led to confusion for players and spectators alike, particularly when Lowry birdied the 12th to get to four under and nobody knew for sure whether he was level with, or one behind Johnson.

Thankfully, Johnson was able to put the incident behind him, and played the next six holes in level par, and stood on the 18th tee with a three-shot lead, after Lowry had dropped away with bogeys at 14, 15 and 16.

And, after birdieing the last, Johnson was able to celebrate, safe in the knowledge that even a one-shot penalty would be enough to deny him a long overdue Major triumph.

"It's definitely sweet to get that major championship," said Johnson, who has endured a run of near misses in the majors stretching back to 2010. "At that point I just thought I'd deal with it when I'm done. I tried to block it out and not let it bother me.

Who cares, it doesn't matter any more."

In a tournament that was interrupted by bad weather from the start – only half of the field started their first rounds on the opening day, and many had to play 27 holes on the third day – the final day farce was a snap shot of a major where nobody quite knew where they stood until it was all over.

■ FATHER’S DAY: JOHNSON CELEBRATES WITH HIS FIANCÉ PAULINA GRETZKY AND SON TATUM

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

US OPEN PREVIEW | JUNE 2016

■ JOHNSON WAS RULED TO HAVE CAUSED HIS BALL TO MOVE ON THE 5TH GREEN

With so many players never managing to complete full rounds, and a two-tee start in operation, the leaderboard never looked at ease with itself until late on Saturday night, when Lowry broke free from the pack with a stunning third round 65.

An imaginative and carefree player, with a stunning wedge game, Lowry did not look out of place at the head of affairs. But Oakmont came back to bite him on Sunday, with a couple of loose shots on the front nine costing him dearly, before he seemed to unravel over the closing holes, when the pressure began to tell, resulting in a six-over par 76.

"I just feel like I let it go. I'm very disappointed,” said Lowry, who was bidding to become the first Irishman to win the US Open. “The more I think about it, the more upset I'm getting. It's going to be a tough few days. I led the US Open by four, and I was tied for the lead with five holes to play. I am definitely good enough to win one of these."

He shared second place on one under par with 46-year-old Jim Furyk, who blazed his way up the leaderboard with a final round 66, and fellow American Scott Piercy, who closed with a 69.

Two of Europe’s nearly men, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, must have harboured hopes of ending their blank run in the Majors when sitting just five off the pace with 18 holes to play. But an error-strewn outward nine of 43 put paid to Westwood’s dreams as he slid back to 32nd place, while Garcia, who played quite brilliantly for large spells, was three under par at the 13th, but was undone by three consecutive bogeys from the 14th in a closing level-par 70, which left him tied fifth.

The battle between ‘The Big Three’ once again failed to materialise. Rory

McIlroy missed the cut after a opening round 77; Jason Day’s first round 76 left him too much work to do, but he rallied gamely into eighth place; while Jordan Spieth’s challenge was derailed by a triple-bogey at the sixth hole in a final round 75, which left him in tied 37th alongside Masters’ champion Danny Willett.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s fearless driving display has seen him leapfrog McIlroy into third in the world rankings and now, with the Major monkey finally off his back, he could well climb higher, and even bag another Major or two, before this season’s out.

KNOW YOUR GAME SHOT SCOPE CAPTURES AND PROVIDES YOU WITH OVER PERFORMANCE STATISTICS.

[41]

US OPEN FINAL LEADERBOARD Pos Name

Rd1

Rd2

Rd3

Rd4

Total

Par

1

Dustin Johnson

-4

67

69

71

69

276

T2

Jim Furyk

-1

71

68

74

66

279

T2

Scott Piercy

-1

68

70

72

69

279

T2

Shane Lowry

-1

68

70

65

76

279

T5

Sergio Garcia

E

68

70

72

70

280

T5

Branden Grace

E

73

70

66

71

280

7

Kevin Na

+1

75

68

69

69

281

T8

Jason Dufner

+2

73

71

68

70

282

T8 Zach Johnson +2 71 69 71 71

282

T8

282

Jason Day

+2

76

69

66

71

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[42] JUNE 2016 | OPEN PREVIEW

BATTLE ROYAL

Will it be Jason, Jordan or Rory, or will a new name come out of the pack to claim the Claret Jug?

ROYAL TROON’S GREAT OPEN MOMENTS As Royal Troon Golf Club prepares to host its ninth Open Championship, we look back on the highlights from the previous eight, from Bobby Locke to Todd Hamilton 1950 – LOCKE DEFENDS OPEN TITLE South African Bobby Locke became the first player to successfully defend the Open since Walter Hagen in 1929, with rounds of 69, 72, 70 and 68. His 72-hole total of 279 was a new record for the championship.

1958 – HAVERS BIRDIES LAST TO BEAT HAGEN Little-known English professional Arthur Havers caused a huge upset when he beat American legend Walter Hagen, who was the defending champion, by a single stroke after holing a bunker shot on the final hole for a winning birdie.

S

INCE 1860, THE OPEN HAS BEEN PLAYED OVER SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST CHERISHED LINKS COURSES AND HAS PRODUCED SOME REMARKABLE CHAMPIONS. FROM THE OLD COURSE AT ST ANDREWS TO ROYAL ST GEORGE’S IN KENT, THE OPEN VISITS SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING COURSES IN THE WORLD, CREATING CHAMPIONS WHOSE NAMES WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED.

1962 – PALMER RETAINS CLARET JUG Following his victory at Royal Birkdale the previous year, Arnold Palmer successfully defended his Open title at Troon with a record-breaking score of 276. He became only the second player since Ben Hogan in 1953 to win the Masters and The Open in the same year.

1973 – WEISKOPF LEADS FROM THE FRONT America’s Tom Weiskopf led for all four days after opening with a 68, and matched Palmer’s 276 total with a peerless display. He never won another Major.

1982 – WATSON WINS FOURTH OPEN Tom Watson became only the third golfer since WWII to win the US Open and Open Championship in the same year when beating Nick Price by a single stroke.

1989 – CALC CRUSHES NORMAN’S DREAM Mark Calcavecchia became the first player since 1975 to win the Open in a play-off, after he beat Wayne Grady and Greg Norman over four extra holes. Norman shot a brilliant final round 64, but it was not enough.

1997 - LEONARD PUTTS TO CLARET JUG GLORY Texan Justin Leonard came from a record-equalling five shots behind at the start of the final rounds to take the title with a closing 65. He finished three shots ahead of Jesper Parvenik and Darren Clarke.

2004 – HAMILTON UPSETS THE ODDS Todd Hamilton became the sixth consecutive American to claim the Claret Jug after he beat Ernie Els in a four-hole play-off. Hamilton never won another tournament, while Els won The Open in 2012.

GUIDE: WHERE THE OPEN WILL BE WON & LOST Royal Troon features numerous holes with round-wrecking potential, while the opportunity for birdies and eagles are few and far between. These are the holes where the destination of the Claret Jug will be decided

3RD HOLE – 379 YARDS, PAR 4 A good chance to get an early birdie on the card, with most players hitting an iron off the tee to leave themselves short of the burn at 285 yards, and then hitting a chip to the green that slopes front to back.

of the most exposed parts of the course, and is vulnerable to hard crosswinds.

Requiring anything from a hybrid to a 5-iron, four big bunkers guard the green, while a steep bank will throw off anything hit too far right.

5TH HOLE – 210 YARDS, PAR 3

6TH HOLE – 601 YARDS, PAR 5

Big grandstands shelter the tee at the first of the short holes, but the green is one

The longest hole on the Open rota plays down breeze and nearly everyone will hit

This year sees the championship return to the Old Course at Royal Troon for the ninth time since 1923. The famous Ayrshire venue has a habit of producing American winners – the last six have all hailed from across the Atlantic – with the most recent being Todd Hamilton, who added his name to an elite roll call of players able to call themselves ‘Champion Golfer’ when he prevailed in 2004.

First opened for play in 1878, Royal Troon, like many classic links layouts, is designed in a traditional out-and-back style, where the coastal wind can be your friend and as much as your enemy – although more often the latter. The club’s motto is ‘Tam Arte Quam Marte’ – a latin phrase that translates ‘As much by skill as by strength’, which is a fitting description of how the course needs to be played.

Requiring pinpoint accuracy and careful course management, Troon tends to favour players who are able to remain patient, rather than those who seek to overpower it with brute force.

And whoever is to win the 145th Open Championship will have to produce those qualities if they are to claim the coveted Claret Jug.

While the Open is always keenly anticipated, this year’s has a little more spice than usual, with a new generation of stars vying for No.1 status, as well as Major honours. Jason Day, Jordan Speith and Rory McIlroy have all tasted success at the highest level over the last two seasons, and their battle for supremacy over Troon’s testing layout will be one of the most compelllng stories of the week.

Day, the current world no.1 took a while to bring all aspects of his phenomenal game together, but did so in devastating fashion to beat Spieth to the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits last autumn. Playing a very limited schedule this season, the big-hitting Australian showed that he is coming into the main events well rested, and with back-to-back wins at the Arnold Palmer and the World Match Play in March and a runaway victory at the Players Championship in May, he looks every inch like the form player. He will, however, need to combine accuracy with his length off the tee if he to score well at Troon.

Eager to recover from uncharacteristic errors in the final round of the Masters – where he threw away a five-shot lead to let in Danny Willett – barring this month's US Open, Speith hasn’t finished lower than second in a major since 2014, and only missed out on a play-off in the Open last year by a shot. A gutsy win at the Colonial at the end of May showed that he’s back in winning mode

always close enough to the flag for a birdie chance, but miss it in one of the bunkers and a cricket score may ensue.

a driver to give themselves a chance of reaching the front in two, which opens up the chance of a birdie. Find any of the deep bunkers off the tee and you’re immediately looking at a bogey or worse. The green is narrow, with out-of-bounds at the back, while the bunker to the left of the green is one of the deepest on the course, and must be avoided.

11TH HOLE – 483 YARDS, PAR 4

8TH HOLE – 123 YARDS, PAR 3 The infamous Postage Stamp may be the shortest hole on the Open rota, but it is an incredibly difficult hole fraught with dangers. Ten yards wide at the back and

13 at the front, with big, deep bunkers all around the green, it looks a very small target off the tee, especially if there’s a stiff crosswind. If you find the green, you're

Without doubt the most frightening tee shot on the course, with out-of-bounds – and a railway line – all down the right, you can't see the narrow fairway off the tee and there are gorse bushes in front and all down the left. One bunker lurks tight to the front left of the green, requiring a very accurate second shot to avoid its sandy clutches. Will almost certainly average nearer five then its par four.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

OPEN PREVIEW | JUNE 2016 [43]

Nick Bayly previews the 145th Open Championship, which tees off at Royal Troon from July 14-17

THREE OFF THE TEE

ADAM SCOTT (AUS), 35,

MAJORS WON: 1 ODDS: 18/1 OPEN RECORD: 25/2/3/5/10 The 2013 Masters champion has enjoyed a strong start to 2016, with back-to-back wins at the Honda Classic and the WGC Cadillac Championship showing that the 35-year-old world No.7 is determined to prove that the post-Tiger era is not going to be dominated by the younger generation. Scott saves his best for the big occasions these days, and has proved that he is just as effective with the shorthandled putter as he was with the broomstick.

again, and despite an obvious lack of course form, there’s little to suggest he won’t be challenging for further major honours come Sunday afternoon.

McIlroy, win of the Open in 2014, is possessed with outrageous talent, but doesn’t win as often as he should do.

And while question marks still linger over his putting prowess, there’s no doubting his brilliance off the tee, or with a fairway wood in his hand, as he showed when winning the Irish Open at the K Club last month, with two stunning fairway woods sealing his first professional win on home soil.

Providing he gets the rub of the green, and a decent draw with the weather, a second Claret Jug is well within his capabilities.

Among the other leading fancies will be Adam Scott, who boasts arguably the strongest Open record – four top 10s in the last four years – while it would be foolish to write off defending Open champion Zach Johnson, whose straight hitting and superb putting touch will suit him well around Troon.

Of the home team, Masters' champion Danny Willett will be a warm order with fans, but fellow Sheffield resident Matt Fitzpatrick, fresh from his second European Tour win, may well pose the strongest threat from the home players.

With Ian Poulter out injured, Justin Rose out of form, and Luke Donald not currently even in the line up, Lee Westwood could do with a strong showing, not only to make up for the one that got away in 2009, but also to boost his credentials for the Ryder Cup. In the meantime, thoughts of Hazeltine will be furthest from the minds of both European and America players as they tee it up at Troon for what promises to be a battle royal.

For tickets to The Open, which takes place at Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire from July 14-17, visit opengolf.com.

stopped his ball and took the momentum out of his round. The fairway is guarded by two bunkers up the left and one on the right that are very much in play if the wind is up. Miss the fairway off the tee and you have virtually no chance of hitting the green in two.

16TH HOLE – 553 YARDS, PAR 5

15TH HOLE – 502 YARDS, PAR 4 A virtually dead straight par four, but one that cost Nick Price the Open in 1982.

The large bank in front of the green

If there's any breeze, only the bravest will try to carry the canal, which runs across the fairway at about 283 yards. Tiger Woods, in his round of 64 in 1997, hit a three-iron and then a driver and holed the putt, but the longer the drive, the narrower

CHRIS WOOD (GB), 35, BEST MAJOR FINISH: 3RD ODDS: 66/1 OPEN RECORD: DNP/DNP/64/23/DNP

ROYAL TROON BY NUMBERS

66

American Frank Stranahan set a new record score for an amateur in the Open with an eight-underpar 66 in the final round in 1958, a mark that stood until 2011. He finished ninth and was also a runner-up twice, in 1947 and 1953.

back and forth from the left-hand bunker to the right-hand bunker en route to a 12-over-par 15 – which, staggeringly, featured just one putt.

71

601

The par-5, 601-yard sixth is the longest hole of all the Open venues.

The 123-yard 8th is the shortest.

Playing in his last Open in 1973, 71-year-old Gene Sarazen, who won the Open at Prince’s in 1932, made a hole-inone at the Postage Stamp 8th. He also birdied it in his second round.

64

1978

Playing in his first Open in 1997, 21-year-old Tiger Woods shot an eight-under-par 64 in the third round.

Unfortunately, he also shot a pair of 74s either side to finish tied 24th.

The year that Troon Golf Club was conferred ‘Royal’ status

by Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate its centenary – thus allowing itself to be called Royal Troon.

15

220

German amateur champion Herman Tissies missed the green at the Postage Stamp 8th hole during the 1950 Open and went

the fairway. Most players will take two irons and then pitch to the narrow green which is heavily bunkered.

17TH HOLE – 218 YARDS, PAR 3 The hardest par three on the course can make or break a champion. If the wind is up, you might see the odd player hitting a wood, but it generally plays a hybrid or long iron. The green is perched up and offers the chance of either hitting a low chaser or flying the ball all the way. Missing the green anywhere means an awkward up and down, and most players will be delighted to walk off with a three.

The cost of a round on the Championship course during THE peak summer months. The winter green fee is £165.

As tall as he his talented, Wood bagged the third and biggest win of his seven-year pro career when capturing the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May, where he held his nerve down the stretch to take the £600,000 first prize. A former top amateur, with a love of links golf, the 27-yearold Bristolian boasts a solid Open record, having finished fifth as an amateur in 2008, and third as a pro in 2009. He was ruled out with injury last season, but arrives at Troon this year back to full fitness and in confident mood.

MATT FITZPATRICK (GB), 21, BEST MAJOR FINISH: 7TH ODDS: 50/1 OPEN RECORD: 44/DNP/DNP Only Nick Faldo has won two tour events at a younger age than the 21 year old from Sheffield, so it’s not beyond the realms of belief that this highly-skilled youngster can match his fellow Englishman when it comes to Major honours. Wins at last autumn’s British Masters and last month’s Nordea Masters speak of a player with a mature head to match his game, which is well suited to tight courses. A brilliant iron player, and an increasingly confident putter, the 2013 Open’s low amateur is well worth an each-way punt at rewarding odds.

OPEN BETTING: 13/2 McIlroy, Day; 15/2 Spieth; 16 D Johnson; 20 Scott, Fowler, Rose; 28 Stenson, Matsuyama; 28 B Watson; 33 Kuchar, Garcia, Grace, Mickelson, Willett, Woods; 40 Reed, Oosthuizen, Casey, Walker; 50 DeChambeau, Furyk, Koepka, Snedeker, Walker; 60 Kaymer; 66 Leishman, Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Z Johnson, McDowell.

For the complete list of odds see www.paddypower.com.

18TH HOLE – 464 YARDS, PAR 4 An extremely demanding finishing hole, with over 230 yards of rough to fly just to find the fairway. The second shot is played into a very deep green – 40 yards – but there are deceptive bunkers 20 yards short of the green, which makes it feel shorter than it actually is. Out-ofbounds lurks immediately in front of the clubhouse, so any shot coming out of the rough runs the risk of getting a flyer and racing through. The flag is often tucked behind the front right bunker on the final day, making it even harder to make a good score.

[44] JUNE 2016 | APPAREL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ FORMER OPEN CHAMPION LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN IS WEARING PING COLLECTION APPAREL THIS SEASON, INCLUDING THE NEW COOLMAX POLO

TRUST PING TO DELIVER

PEAK PERFORMANCE

Look sharp and stay cool on the course this summer with PING COLLECTION’S latest range of performance golf wear

A

fter last year’s hugely successful launch its first range of clothing designed and manufactured ‘inhouse’, Ping Collection’s second generation of apparel builds on those bold first steps with a Spring/Summer wardrobe that is packed full of performance-enhancing materials and manufacturing technologies that will help you look smart and play smarter.

Featuring the new ‘Eye Mark’ logo, which takes its inspiration from the iconic Ping Eye 2 iron, the latest range of Ping Collection clothing focuses on using innovative fabrics to help golfers play their best in all conditions, with clean colours, tailored fittings, and stylish details that will make you stand out from the clubhouse crowd.

“At Ping, we never stop thinking about golf," says Andy Solheim, vice president of brand development. “That allows us to concentrate solely on engineering our products for golfers and only golfers. The 2016 apparel range is aesthetically pure, performance driven, and tailored for the modern game. The resulting performance, combined with a refined visual appearance and cut, has produced a very exciting line.”

To prove its performance capabilities, Ping’s current clothing range is worn by many leading players on Tour, most notably 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, Masters and US Open champion Angel Cabrera, and 2016 South African Open winner ■ PING'S WOMEN'S COLLECTION FEATURES SOFT-TOUCH FABRICS IN A RANGE OF FEMININE COLOURS

Brandon Stone, as well as two recent top-class recruits to the professional game, Rhys Davies and Jimmy Mullen.

Oosthuizen said: “Ping leads the way in golf club innovation and performance and their apparel line is no different. I need my clothing to perform whatever the conditions. The 2016 collection offers great styling and comfort, whether you’re on or off the course, and allows me to concentrate solely on playing my best golf.”

One of the key technologies in the 2016 Spring/ Summer range is the new Coolmax fabric used in polo shirts in the Sensor Cool category, which draws excess perspiration from the skin, keeping the golfer dry for throughout the round, and guaranteeing excellent levels of comfort in all weather conditions.

Each Sensor Cool garment is crease resistant and formed from stretch fabrics designed to complement every golf swing.

As Solheim explained: “At Ping we continually strive to engineer every single product to deliver maximum performance in all conditions. We are particularly excited about the introduction of All Season Coolmax fabric technology into the 2016 apparel range and believe it has enabled us to take garment engineering to the next level, while maintaining exceptional quality and refined visual appearance.”

All Season Coolmax is a dual function fabric assisting the body's natural thermoregulation using channel and hollow fibre technology. The fibres with a channelled surface move heat and moisture away from the body in warm and dry conditions, while the fibres with a hollow core give insulation on cooler days.

Among the key pieces in Ping’s Spring/Summer

PING COLLECTION FOR WOMEN Ping has also unveiled a new range of women’s clothing, with every garment featuring the new Ping ladies' logo, which is also found on the Rhapsody range of clubs, bags and accessories.

The women’s collection features soft-touch fabrics in a range of feminine colours, with materials and designs that deliver on course comfort with a look that remains classy and elegant off the course.

“The women’s collection remains noticeably feminine, making use of superior soft-touch blended fabrics and a carefully considered colour palette,” said Andy Solheim. “The line remains clean and

apparel collection is the new CoolMax polo (£65), while Atlas Heather and Radar Striped polos (£65) combine the quick drying, breathable functionality of All Season fabric, with built-in Lycra delivering bi-directional stretch and long-lasting shape retention. A tailored fit, and design details such as button down collars, complete the stylish look.

Also in the range are the Midas Half Zip (£75) and Sierra sweaters (£70) that combine Coolmax with natural Merino wool to create a high performance technical garment.

The fibre technology works with the natural breathable and odour performance of Merino in a classic knitwear design.

Supplementing the shirts is the slim-leg Dean chino (£70), which combines the cut and feel of a traditional chino with four-way stretch and crease resistant properties. It is available in a choice of six colours to coordinate with other items in the collection, including the Dunbar 100% Merino sweater (£70).

Ping has also stepped up its already impressive men’s accessory range for spring/summer 2016.

Headlining the collection of socks, belts and box sets is the Maximo belt. Elevated by a distinct multi-colour striped buckle, this design is available in either white, ocean blue or black with bespoke buckles designed to suit outfit opportunities and specific garments across the range, such as the Vigo polo shirt.

■ PING COLLECTION'S MIDAS HALF-ZIP JUMPER

The entire collections is available to buy in store or online at www.pingcollection.co.uk.

timeless, but we are delivering performance driven apparel through the continued integration of our technological Sensor platform. The discrete detailing really feminises the look and feel of every garment in the collection.”

Leading the new collection are the Halie and Adora Polo shirts (£55) which use a blended cotton fabric.

This gives a luxurious, soft cotton handtouch feel, while the performance fabric’s permanent moisture movement properties and fast drying abilities deliver superior comfort and performance.

The Alys Cardigan (£60) harnesses the natural

thermal and moisture removing properties of Merino wool in a refined design that accentuates a fully-fashioned neckline and armholes with textured shoulder detail.

Long associated with ladies' golf through the Solheim Cup, last year’s European captain Carin Koch is an ambassador for the brand. “I’m extremely proud to have such a longstanding association with Ping,” said Koch. “Having played Ping equipment from early in my career, I’m excited to now wear the apparel, which delivers excellent on-course performance and comfort but, importantly for the lady golfer, also a great look and style.”

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[46] JUNE 2016 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

GOLFER WITH MS PLAYS 18 HOLES AND 18 COURSES IN A DAY

A

golfer with progressive multiple sclerosis completed a heroic golf challenge last month, playing 18 holes at 18 different golf courses around the South East.

Graeme Robertson, who has primary progressive multiple sclerosis, took up the challenge in order to raise funds for the Disabled Golf Association.

A captain of the DGA’s Team England for the past five years, Robertson teed off at 7am on May 31, with the journey taking him to Sand Martins, Donnington Valley, West Berks, Goring & Streatley, Badgemore Park, Hennerton, Sonning, Castle Royle, Bearwood Lakes, Sunningdale Ladies, , Royal Ascot, Mill Ride, Winter Hills, Stoke Park, South Bucks, Bird Hills, Billingbear, and finally to East Berks.

Robertson chalked up 31 Stableford points during his

makeshift round, with a par at Sonning’s par-3 13th hole being his best gross score of the day, and raised thousands of pounds which will be used to help fund the DGA England teams travel to international events.

Speaking about the challenge, Robertson, who requires a buggy to get around the course, said: "My MS means I'm not as good as I used to be, but I get so much enjoyment from playing golf again. Golf is great for therapy, its gets you out in the fresh air, and stimulates the neural pathways. I cannot walk across a room, but I have the drive and determination to succeed."

To more details about the Drive2Drive campaign, visit www. disabledgolf.org.uk. For donations, visit www.gofundme. com/jrrzq9jg.

KNOWLE MAN WINS SIR HENRY COTTON AWARD

D

avid Owen, the junior organiser at Knowle Golf Club in Kent, was presented with the Golf Foundation’s most prestigious award at a special ceremony held at Wentworth last month.

Owen was given the Sir Henry Cotton Award in recognition of his significant contribution to junior golf over a long period of time.

Owen took on the role of junior organiser of Knowle in 1999, when his daughter joined as a junior member. There are now 23 girls in the junior section, compared to 22 boys, which bucks the trend in golf clubs around the country, while over 40 children under the age of 10 attend a Monday night academy session.

Owen set up a support fund with the help of Knowle members, which ensures that finances are not a barrier to any child playing the game at this club. He said: “I would like to thank the Golf Foundation on behalf of all those children out there who have received support and encouragement from the charity.

As you can imagine, I am totally passionate about encouraging children to take up golf.”

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H

onours ended even at this year’s Hayling Pro-Am, with Sundridge Park’s Bob Cameron, Stoke Park’s Vanslow Phillips and Brokenhurst Manor’s Kevin Saunders shooting winning cards of threeunder-par 68.

The southern trio edged out James Ablett from winning his second event in two days and pocketed winning cheques of £808.

With Hayling’s links in fantastic condition, Cameron’s round was fault-free, with birdies at the second, sixth and 10th putting on a textbook exhibition of how to negotiate one of the toughest links on the south coast.

Phillips’ round produced six birdies, but dropped shots at the fourth, fifth and 16th meant he was left in a tie. Saunders had five birdies and an eagle at the par-four 10th, but bogeys at the third, ninth, 13th and the last left him sharing pole position.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT | JUNE 2016

[47]

SHOT SCOPE:

KNOW YOUR GAME, IMPROVE YOUR GAME Golfers looking for an easy way to track their progress on and off the golf course should take a closer look at SHOT SCOPE, a technology breakthrough that offers professional levels of data tracking for the club golfer

W

hile Scotland is known the world over as the Home of Golf, Edinburgh, its capital, is famed for being at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment, an 18th Century period of learning and innovation; so it should perhaps come as no surprise that the two should come together in perfect symmetry to create one of the latest innovations to grace the game.

Founded by engineering entrepreneur David Hunter, Edinburgh-based company Shot Scope has developed a wristband device that empowers golfers to monitor trends in their game and identify strengths and weaknesses.

Comprised of a smartwatchstyle wristband and a set of 20 unique tags, Shot Scope provides a wearable platform to improve a golfer’s game.

Hunter said: “Golfers have always been obsessed with tracking performance and it is amazing that so many golfers rely on data collected with paper and pen. Shot Scope changes that by automatically collecting over 100 performance indicators – a level of data that was previously only available to top tour professionals – giving an in-depth insight into performance.”

INTUITIVE AND INSIGHTFUL The intuitive Shot Scope system breaks the game into five key performance areas: clubs; tee shots; approaches; short game, and putting. Detailed statistics in each performance area help to provide actionable insights, paving the way for improvement on the course.

The variety of technology used within the system allows for uninterrupted play, working in the background to constantly collect data without the need for stopping play for fiddly manual input.

CLUB SENSE: HANDS-FREE DATA TRACKING Club Sense technology works with the tags, inserted into the top of grips, to detect which club is in use. Each tag weighs only 1.2g and has no impact on swingweight or clubhead speed. Accuracy is ensured with integrated GPS tracking that pinpoints the exact location of each shot. And once you've reached the green, the wristband allows players to record the exact position of the pin to improve the accuracy of approach play, short game and putting statistics.

Once you’ve finished your round, data is then uploaded to a computer or smartphone, via bluetooth or USB connections, where it can be viewed instantly.

It maps all of the shots taken onto an aerial view of the course, which provides a unique vantage point.

Statistics are displayed in meaningful charts, graphs and tables, with details including club choices and their impact; more information of tee shot performance; deeper understanding of approaches; development of in-depth knowledge of the short game; and an insight into scope for improvement within putting performance.

The software also supports an online community that means users can share information and compete with friends, selecting statistics, such as longest drive, and setting a time period to see who comes out on top.

Shot Scope is a user-friendly tool, which will be hugely impactful on the performance and progression of golfers everywhere.

Providing a level of data analysis

that was once only available to the elite, Shot Scope enables golfers of all levels to be masters of the game. Join the Performance Tracking Revolution today and

watch your game improve.

Shot Scope retails for £225. For more details and to order online, visit www.shotscope.com. Follow on Twitter @shotscope.

INSPIRED BY TOUR. AUTHENTIC TO GOLF. FASHIONED FOR YOU.

KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES AND YOUR STRENGTHS Shot Scope has been ruled as conforming to the Rules of Golf and can therefore be used in competitive play. When this is combined with the long battery life and memory storing capabilities, you can safely track all of your games for maximum data collection. The more information you gather, the more accurate your statistics will be, and the greater the possibilities for improvement.

ONCE YOU’VE FINISHED YOUR ROUND, DATA IS THEN UPLOADED TO A COMPUTER OR SMARTPHONE, VIA BLUETOOTH OR USB CONNECTIONS, WHERE IT CAN BE VIEWED INSTANTLY

2016 MASTERS CHAMPION

DANNY WILLETT WEARS CALLAWAY APPAREL WWW.CALLAWAYEUROPEAPPAREL.COM © 2016 Callaway Golf Company. Callaway and the Chevron device are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. Perry Ellis International is an official licensee of Callaway Golf Company.

[48] JUNE 2016 | PRO SHOP

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BIG MAX NAVIGATOR QUAD GYRO £1,099, BIGMAXGOLF.COM

SKECHERS GO GOLF DRIVE II £79, SKECHERS.CO.UK

£6.99 FOR 5ML, HAYMAX.BIZ Hayfever is a blight on many golfer’s lives, causing itchy eyes, runny noses and general discomfort for long periods of the summer, just when the golf season is at its highest. Anti-hystamine pills, injections and nasal sprays all have their benefits, but providing an effective barrier to pollen is one of the most successful ways of fighting its harmful effects, which is where HayMax comes to the rescue. Applied like a lip balm, but around the nostrils, its combination of beeswax and sunflower oil prevents pollen from entering the respiratory system and stops it reaching levels that trigger an allergic reaction. Available in three fragrances (aloe vera, pure and lavender), HayMax is organic and drug free, and should be applied morning and evening, as well as after sneezing or blowing the nose. It comes in a handy pot that can be easily stored in a golf bag and is available from high street chemists and health stores.

PRO SHOP

GEAR

HAYMAX HAYFEVER BALM

GUIDE

The successor to the Go Golf Drive, the Go Golf Drive II is ideal for golfers wanting a summer shoe with both on-course performance and a fashionable off-course street look.

Using the same premium materials as the Go Golf Pro and Go Golf Elite models, the Drive II features a host of comfort features, including a high-rebound cushioning for the foot resulting in maximum comfort as you walk. A 'low drop' in the midsole ensures the foot stays close to the ground, providing excellent feel for performance and stability. The flexible outsole features rubber cleats to give traction, while a 100% waterproof shield protects a smooth leather upper that is complemented by a soft fabric shoe lining, as well as a padded collar and tongue. It is available in black with white trim; navy with white trim, or white with navy trim.

One the minor bug bears of power trolley use is when you set it off in a particular direction and, due to the uneven weight of your bag, or the slope of the fairway, it slowly, but surely veers off to the left or right, often, due to Sod’s Law, heading towards a bunker, or worse, a water hazard.

Big Max has addressed this issue and come up with the Navigator Quad Gyro.

Remote control-operated, the Navigator is fitted with a patented Gyro anti-deviation system that returns the trolley to its intended course regardless of the inclines that it encounters. Stability is enhanced through the five-wheel design, which features two rotating front wheels, to increase manoeuvrability, and a third rear wheel, to stop the bag from tipping backwards on steep hills.

Twin 230w motors combine with a 12v lithium battery as standard to deliver all the power required to tackle the toughest terrain. Other features include a height-adjustable handle, a GPS holder with in-built re-charging cable, and a colour display with variable speed setting and battery level indicator.

MIZUNO JPX PLATINUM £50 FOR 12, MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Mizuno has often limited the launch of its most premium products to the Japanese market, which has an appetite for top-end prices, but it has decided that European golfers are ready for the premium performance of its latest golf ball, the Mizuno JPX Platinum. Aimed at golfers with slower swing speeds – less than 90mph – it features a five-piece construction and is designed to offer the responsiveness and feel of a tour-level ball for golfers who are unable to deliver tour-level clubhead speeds. The ball features three cores – centre, cross and outer – all of which are made from soft butadiene rubber – and two covers.

The inner cover is made from a soft ionomer compound, while the outer is made from a multi-blend polymer featuring 512 dimples and an anti-glare satin finish.

CALLAWAY APEX BLACK £999/£1,249 (ST/GR), CALLAWAYGOLF.COM Callaway’s new Apex Black irons are essentially the Apex forged irons packaged in a satin black PVD finish, which will appeal to those players who prefer a bold look at address. Thus buyers will find all the same technologies found in the forged Apex irons, including a 360 Face Cup, which provides consistent ball speed across the face, as well as a multi-piece construction, which delivers a combination of distance, feel and control. The clubheads are made from forged mild carbon steel, and feature progressive offset, sole widths, centre of gravity, and notch weighting to provide the right balance of ball flight, playability, forgiveness and control for each iron.

The longer irons (3-7) feature 360 Cup face technology and more offset, while the shorter irons (8-PW) have a more compact shape, with less offset for increased feel and more distance control.

The standard shaft options are True Temper’s XP 95 steel shaft or a UST Recoil ES 760 graphite shaft, both in black, although a wide choice of other premium shafts are available at no extra charge.

They are only available for custom orders, in set configurations of 4-PW, 5-PW, 4-AW, or 5-AW.

OAKLEY FLAK 2.0 XL PRIZM £140, OAKLEY.CO.UK Featuring a standard-size, half-rim frame, Oakley’s XL Prizm’s extended ruby-tinted lenses are curved to block out the sun and wind, and offer 100% UV protection, while PRIZM lens technology fine-tunes vision and maximises contrast for high definition clarity from every angle. The sweat-resistant, interchangeable nose pad and ear socks keep the glasses firmly in place throughout the swing, while the flexible frame is both lightweight and stress-resistant. The glasses come with a soft bag and a zippered protection case.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PRO SHOP | JUNE 2016 [49]

CALLAWAY MACK DADDY 3 WEDGES £109, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM Callaway has widened the range of loft options available in its Mack Daddy 3 milled wedges. Options at both ends of the range has been added, with a new 50° W grind and 52° W grind at the lower end, and new a 64° C grind at the upper end. All are available in either satin chrome or matt black finishes.

The lower lofted additions allow golfers to flight the ball low and make aggressive swings, especially if they have a steep attack angle, while the 64° model enables players to be even more aggressive around the greens, with its C-grind sole allowing the face to be opened out without the leading edge coming up, meaning fuller swings on approach shots.

All MD3 wedges feature a precision-milled three-groove design which optimises spin as the loft increases. The 30V grooves in the pitching and gap wedges are built for shots that require a steep angle into the ball, while the 20V grooves in the sand wedges are designed for full shots and bunker shots.

The wider 5V grooves in the lob wedges offer better control for shots out of the rough and around the green.

Displaying a high toe profile and a semi-straight leading edge, each wedge features weight ports in the rear to reposition weight for better shot-making, especially out of deep rough.

ADIDAS TOUR360 PRIME BOOST £149, ADIDASGOLF.COM Knitting and golf shoes don’t seem like an obvious combo, but that’s precisely what’s on offer in the latest shoe to roll off the Adidas production line. The Prime Boost features a seamless knitted upper – a material used in several of its trainers – which offers four-way stretch and enhanced breathability. Worn by Sergio Garcia during the Masters, and during his recent victory at the Bryon Nelson, it also features a lighter and more flexible 360WRAP saddle and a new S-curve heel shape, which follows the natural contour of the foot. It is available in white/blue and black/red/white.

tried + tested TITLEIST VOKEY DESIGN V GRIND

TOMTOM GOLFER 2

£199.99, TOMTOM.COM

£135, VOKEY.COM The new Vokey Design V Grind is designed for players looking for wedge that has enough bounce when set up square behind the ball, but offers the versatility to be played with an open face from tighter lies.

The unique design provides more bounce forward on the sole, with enhanced relief in the heel, trailing edge and toe, which prevents players with a steep angle of attack from digging too much into the turf on full shots, while the relief in the heel, toe and trailing edge give options around the green when hitting off firm, tight turf. V-Grind wedges all have a bounce of 10 degrees and come in 54, 56, 58 and 60 degree lofts in the option of chrome or oil. They are available for custom orders only via WedgeWorks on Vokey.com or custom orders through Titleist stockists. .

I’VE YET TO COME ACROSS a golf GPS watch that I’d also want to wear for a night out on the town, yet designers are still trying their hardest to give these gadgets dress watch-like styling, with steel bezels, sexy straps and slimmer casements. But despite all these tweaks it doesn’t really change the fact they are essentially GPS systems worn on the wrist, and not fashion statements.

TomTom’s new Golfer 2 is doing its best impression of an Apple Watch, but it’s still not something I’d want to wear anywhere but on a golf course. That’s mainly down to the four-way button below the face, which ioperates all the functions. Having said that, it’s a significant improvement on its first attempt, with a much nicer strap – softer and with a folding clasp – while a less boxy face with steel edgings gives it a much more premium feel.

There’s no touch screen or colour display here, but in both watch mode and golf mode the grey-on-black digits are easy to read in all light conditions.

Pre-loaded with 40,000 courses, it offers automatic course detection – although sadly not auto hole recognition – and offers distances to the front, centre and back of the green, along with an indicator arrow to show you if the hole is straight or a dog-leg, as well as giving detailed information on hazards and lay ups with a simple tap of the function button. Placing your hand over the face offers a magnified view of the hazards, including distances to them.

Much of this information was available in the previous version, but the killer new feature is automatic shot detection. This uses the watch’s on-board gyroscope and motion sensors to detect your swing. There's a feedback buzz at the end of the follow through so you know it's registered and, cleverly, it will only record one shot within a 3m area.

That means you can take as many practice swings

as you like before taking your shot. There's more information awaiting your arrival at the green, with a map showing the green layout and identifying hazards. Putting isn't included automatically in shot detection, so you'll have to input the number manually for scoring purposes.

After your round, the watch can be synched to TomTom’s MySports app, which enables shot data from the round to be viewed on a smartphone or computer.

This will give you a complete breakdown of how you tackled each hole (fairways in reg, driver distance etc) with your shots overlaid onto a map of the course.

Overall, the Golfer 2 is significantly better than its predecessor, with additional features and better styling, and all for the same price.

[50] JUNE 2016 | MALLET PUTTERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

KNOCK ‘EM IN WITH A

MALLET

Bag more birdies with the best mallet putters

ODYSSEY WHITE HOT RX V-LINE FANG

TAYLORMADE SPIDER 2.O MALLET

£219, ODYSSEYGOLF.COM

£179, TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM

The V-Line Fang is a hybrid mallet with perimeterweighted fangs, and dual alignment channels. The Fusion RX melds the brand’s White Hot insert with an ultra-thin stainless steel mesh that reduces skidding and gets the ball rolling more quickly. The balance can be adjusted with 5g, 15g and 30g weights in the head and butt-end of the grip. A White Hot insert combined with a dual layer injected molded insert with a softer core gives a putter that’s the ultimate in speed and feel. There are seven models in the RX range, available with 35 or 38-inch shaft lengths and SuperStroke or standard grips.

The counterbalanced, face-balanced 2.0 mallet features a 360g head and extended 130g grip to encourage a smooth, pendulum-style stroke. Twelve different components in the head position weight in the correct place to offer a soft-yet-solid feel and smooth roll. The head features an enhanced T-bar framed by white corners to create a strong alignment aid. It is offered in either a 35- or 38-inch length shafts with an extended grip. Players who normally use a 35inch putter should opt for the 38-inch shaft leave two or three inches of grip above their hands to create a counterbalanced model.

TITLEIST SCOTTY CAMERON FUTURA X7

BETTINARDI INOVAI 3.0

£279, TITLEIST.CO.UK

A fang-style mallet with extreme MOI, the Inovai features both aluminum and stainless steel in the 358g head. The aluminum, which has a black anodised finish, creates a soft feel, while the polished stainless steel back weight promotes a more stable stroke and larger sweet spot. The balance of the head is set up with a ¼-toe hang, which will appeal to players with a slight arc to their swing, as well as to traditional straightback-and-through players, while contrasting black and white markings on the clubhead aid alignment. It is available with a heel or centre-shafted models and a counterbalance option, which has an extra 50g in the head and the butt end of the grip.

Available in three models – X7, X7M, and a counterbalanced X7M – the former is a wingback mallet that is 10% larger than the Futura X5, and features horizontal and vertical sight lines, while the latter is a unique barback mallet design that offers even more resistance to twisting at impact. The dual balance model features a 15-inch counter-balanced grip that improves stability for those who prefer a non-anchored stroke. All three boast a lightweight aluminium face-sole core surrounded by a stainless steel frame. This multi-material construction delivers improved MOI for stability and forgiveness, while producing a soft sound and feel.

PING CADENCE TR KETSCH MID £199-£224, PING.COM

£249, BETTINARDI.CO.UK

CLEVELAND TFI SFO

The Ketsch Mid mallet is 30% smaller than the original Ketsch, offering increased stability in a more compact look. It comes in two weights, thanks to changeable sole plates that fine-tune feel – the black plate makes it 25g heavier than standard (375g), and is ideal for those with slow tempos, while the blue plate (350g) is for mid-to-fast tempos. Variable-depth grooves are shallower in the heel and toe sections to help misshits travel closer to the hole, while contrasting white sight lines on the black PVD head help achieve more accurate alignment. It is available with adjustable and counter-balanced shaft options.

£149, CLEVELANDGOLF.CO.UK

NIKE METHOD CONVERGE COUNTERFLEX S1-12

BOCCIERI B3-M

£150, NIKEGOLFEUROPE.COM

The B3-M is part of Boccieri’s range of heavyweight putters that feature significantly more mass in the head and a weighted grip for enhanced stability, consistent swing paths, and more precise distance and directional control. Head weights range from 450g to 550g, which instinctively activate the larger, more stable muscles, preventing wrist breakdown and creating greater consistency throughout the stroke, while a 250g weight in the grip end produces a balance point 75% higher than conventional putters. Adjustable tip weights fine tune the balance point to match release characteristics.

Nike’s response to the anchoring ban is CounterFlex technology – a 75g moveable weight inside the grip, which can be adjusted on a 15-inch slide to alter the clubhead’s swing weight and its overall MOI. The mallet-shaped S1-12 boasts a RZN layer between stainless steel body and face, which creates better dispersion, while the RZN groove Insert provides a soft, dampened feel, and produces a muted sound impact.

Alignment is aided by the large T-shape.

The grip is soft and tacky, while the dots on the front allow players to hold the club in the same position every time to aid consistency.

The TFI Smart Square SFO mallet features dual axis alignment in which two parallel lines extend from the centre of the face to frame the ball at address, while two perpendicular lines offer feedback when the putter is misaligned. The result is faster, more reliable alignment on every putt. A new True Feel Innovation face combines a milled copper infused face cap over a copolymer Insert for the ultimate in feel and consistency across the face. The head weighs 370g and the club is available with a single bend heel shaft in lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches.

£85, BOCCIERIGOLF.COM

WHAT PERFORMANCE BENEFITS DOES A MALLET PUTTER OFFER AND WHO SHOULD USE ONE? • •

•

Much like large heads in driver design improve consistency and forgiveness off the tee, a mallet-shaped putter offers the same benefits on the green.

With more size to play with, manufacturers often employ various alignment aids and shapes on the rear of the head to help players line up putts better. The deep design of the head creates a lower and deeper centre of gravity, which reduces spin, as well as increasing the moment of inertia – resistance to twisting – which improves performance on off-centre putts.

Mallet putters are usually face balanced and are more suited to straight, pendulum-style strokes, where the putter face remains square throughout, but some models will still work well with a slight arc.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT NEWS | JUNE 2016

EQUIPMENT

NEWS

SLATTERY FINDS HIS RANGE WITH LEICA TWO-TIME EUROPEAN Tour winner Lee Slattery has signed a deal to become a brand ambassador for Leica Sport Optics, maker of the Pinmaster series of laser rangefinders.

Slattery, 29, who finished tied 57th in this month’s US Open, will be using the brand’s Pinmaster II Pro for practice rounds, and will be capturing some of his activities on tour via social media using the company’s Lieca Q digital camera.

Speaking about the new partnership, Leica golf product manager Julian Burczyk said: “I met Lee last year during the Porsche European Open Pro-Am, and I was impressed by his game, personality, attitude and attention to detail. As a premium brand, these fundamental qualities appeal to us greatly. Leica constantly strives for excellence in design and performance, so the partnership with Lee is the perfect fit for us.”

ACCULOCK ACE PUTTER GOES ON SALE IN UK BIOMECH GOLF, maker of the popular range of AccuLock putters, is to expand its distribution across Europe through a partnership with SnapHook.Golf, a UKbased golf retailer and distributor.

The new partnership is in direct response to high demand from golfers for BioMech’s flagship product, the AccuLock Ace putter. Introduced last year to acclaim from amateur and professionals alike, the Ace is designed

with a forward shaft lean that allows the club grip to rest against the leading forearm during the stroke.

To achieve the optimal forward lean and lie angle, the shaft is attached to the rear of the putter head. The goal behind the design is to stabilize the

THE GEAR EFFECT Inside The Bags Of Winners On Tour Slattery, who has enjoyed two top-five finishes this season and is ranked 60th in the Race to Dubai, said: “I feel extremely privileged to be representing Leica, a brand which is globally recognised as the leader in the field of cameras, lenses and sport optics. I am also looking forward to sharing my life on tour through Leica.”

Leica Sport Optics has also engaged the services of iCONIC Golf Group, led by former European Tour player Gary Evans, which will build a network of Leica Pinmaster stockists throughout the UK and USA. Leica's latest model is the Pinmaster II Pro, which can measure distances up to 725 metres, provides x7 magnification, and compensates for angle differences when calculating yardages.

hands, arms and shoulders during the stroke; it also allows for a stance that provides simultaneous views of the target line and ball at address.

Several Tour players are currently using the ACE, including Japan’s Shingo Katayama, America’s Bo Van Pelt, annd seven-time PGA Tour winner Heath Slocum, who said of the Ace: “The first time I picked it up, I thought it felt pretty good. And once I understood the concept, and how it worked, I was really happy to put it in the bag. I think it's a brilliant concept and it’s really helped me simplify what I'm doing on the greens. It just feels natural and more

DRIVING STATS REVEAL SLOWING INCREASES RESEARCH CARRIED OUT on driving distances achieved across the professional tours has revealed that players have gained an average of two to three yards off the tee over the last decade.

The results of an extensive survey recently published by the R&A and the USGA highlighted that driving distance across seven professional tours, including the PGA Tour and European Tour, has increased by about 1%, or 0.2 yards, per year between 2003 and 2015.

Forty years ago, average driving distances were 255 yards on the PGA Tour, but that average has now risen to 290 yards.

athletic. To me, it’s easy and makes sense.”

Dr Frank Fornari, one of the Ace’s inventors and BioMech’s founder and CEO, said: “At BioMech, we start with the golfer’s biology, then translate that functionality into the design and advanced technology of our products. We are very excited about our partnership with SnapHook. We hope that Europeans will embrace and enjoy the products, make more putts, and have more fun.”

The Ace putter costs £299 and is available to buy online from SnapHook at www.snaphook.golf.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Normally you carry 2, 3, and 4 Apex Utility Irons, but at Augusta you dropped the 2 and replaced it with an XR 16 5-wood. Can you tell us why you made the change and also why you use the utility irons rather than hybrids?

Yes, I decided to add the 5-wood for Augusta because it flies a bit higher and lands softer than the utility 2-iron, and is also easier to draw. A lot of the tee shots at Augusta call for a draw, so I thought it might come in handy and the 5-wood is also more useful for hitting into par 5s. I do like the utility irons quite a bit and they definitely work much better for me

You played Dynamic Gold X100 Superlight

What do you like about the Apex Pro irons?

They have a nice forged feel and a bit of a fade bias. I guess that's a common trait of most of my clubs. The sole has just the right amount of bounce, so they go through the tight turf really well.

US OPEN DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M1 (17) IRONS: TaylorMade TP MB (3-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP EF (52, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Prototype BALL: TaylorMade TP X

WILLIAM MCGIRT MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M2 (13, 17) UTILITY: Srizon Z U45 (2,3) IRONS: Srixon Z 745 (5-9) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (48, 54, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron 009 Prototype BALL: Srixon Z-STAR

MATTHEW FITZPATRICK NORDEA MASTERS DRIVER: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 DD (10.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Ping G25 (15, 21) IRONS: Ping i25 (3-5), Ping S55 (6-9) WEDGES: Ping Tour Gorge (47), Titleist Vokey SM5 (54, 58) PUTTER: Yes! Golf C-Groove Tracy II BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

JORDAN SPIETH DEAN & DELUCA INVITATIONAL DRIVER: Titleist 915D2 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 915F (15) IRONS: Titleist 716 T-MB (3), Titleist AP2 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM6 (46, 52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron 009 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

ROCCO MEDIATE SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: PXG 0811 (9) FAIRWAY WOODS: PXG 0341 (15), PXG 0341 (18) Hybrid: PXG 0317 (22) IRONS: PXG 0311T (4-PW) Wedges: PXG 0311 (51, 56) PUTTER: PXG Drone BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Callaway Great Big Bertha (9) Fairway Wood: Mizuno JPX EZ (15) IRONS: Mizuno MP-25 (3,4), Mizuno MP-5 (5-PW) WEDGES: Mizuno MP T-5 (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #7 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

Following his impressive victory at the Masters, GolfNews talks to Danny Willett about the equipment that helped him do it than hybrids. I'm just not a hybrid player – they don't suit my eye as well as a long iron, and as a player who wants to fade the ball most of the time, they don't suit my game.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

CHRIS WOOD

MASTERS BLASTER You drove the ball particularly well at Augusta – how long have you had your current XR 16 and what do you like about it?

I started playing the XR 16 at the end of last year, and it's been working exceptionally well.

It's not the Pro model, but the standard XR 16. I like the shape of the head and the fact that it's bigger in the back – it just suits my eye better.

I also get a slightly higher ball flight and higher apex. I had it adjusted to sit a little bit open, which I prefer, and which helps promote the fade I like to hit.

[51]

SERGIO GARCIA AT&T BYRON NELSON DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 (9.5) Fairway WOODS: TaylorMade M1 (15, 19) IRONS: TaylorMade PSi Tour (3-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP EF (52, 58) PUTTER: TaylorMade Monte Carlo BALL: TaylorMade TP X

shafts in all your irons at Augusta. They're significantly lighter than the standard X100, which is one of the most common shafts on Tour. Is that a new thing for you?

People have asked me that, and if I changed to add more speed to my swing, but actually I've always played the SL model. I like the feel of a slightly lighter shaft, not only because it's easier to swing fast, but also because I can get a slightly higher apex on my shots if I want.

You made some incredible up-and-downs in the final round. Did you set up your Mack Daddy 2 wedges any differently for Augusta?

No, I didn’t change from the normal set. I have the T grind on mine, which sits a little closer to the ground, and they worked really well at Augusta.

There's a lot of grain there, and obviously the lies

tend to be very tight, and having the clubface very close to the ground helps nip it cleanly. Making sure you have both right amount of bounce and the correct sole design on your wedges is critical for good short game performance.

You’re using a putter that Odyssey doesn't make anymore. What do you most like about it?

It's not in the current line up, but I've had good luck with it, so it won't be going anywhere anytime soon. The contrast of the white/black/ white colour scheme creates perpendicular lines to the line on my golf ball, and it's great for confidence at address and accurate alignment.

Putting well is mandatory if you want to do well at Augusta, and on Tour generally, and this putter was a big key for me.

RORY MCILROY DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH OPEN DRIVER: Nike Vapor Fly Pro (8.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Nike Vapor Speed (15, 19) IRONS: Nike VR Pro (4-9) WEDGES: Nike Engage (47, 52, 56, 59) PUTTER: Nike Method Origin B2-01 BALL: Nike RZN Platinum

JASON DAY PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 460 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M2 HL (16.5) IRONS: TaylorMade RSi 2 (2), TaylorMade RSi TP (4-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP EF (47, 52, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Ghost Spider Red BALL: TaylorMade TP X

[52] JUNE 2016 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ENJOY A ROYAL RETREAT AT

KINGSWOOD T

he Lodge at Kingswood Golf Club is proving a real hit with golfers visiting the popular Tadworth-based club. The attractive facility offers 18 stylish guest rooms, which are ideal for visiting groups and societies, as well as golfers travelling to take part in the numerous high profile events that the club stages on a regular basis.

Featuring en suite facilities, and a chic and contemporary design, the luxury lodge offers four-star equivalent boutique hotel accommodation located in the peaceful surroundings of the Surrey countryside. The twin and double rooms feature

everything you’d expect to find in a top-class hotel, including Sky TV, Wi-Fi, mini bar and espresso machines, as well as 24-hour room service.

After a restful night’s sleep and a full English breakfast in the clubhouse, guests can head to the first tee of the championship golf course.

Built in 1927, and designed by legendary architect James Braid, Kingswood

has benefitted form a major renovation programme that has seen the course updated to maintain its status as being one of the finest courses in the region. The result is a 6,916-yard layout that is now punctuated with exciting risk

west London and the Home Counties, and makes for a wonderful venue whatever the occasion.

Stay and play packages are currently available from as little as £100pp (July 1-August 31), including two

and reward tee shots and daunting approaches, making the course both memorable and challenging.

Located just three miles from junction 8 of the M25, Kingswood is easily accessible from all parts of south and

LIVE LIKE A KING AT

TUDOR PARK G

olfers looking for a royal golfing retreat this summer should take a look at Marriott Tudor Park Hotel and Country Club in Kent.

The Maidstone-based resort nestles in a 200-acre former deer park three miles east of Maidstone, and is a tranquil spot and a great place for golfers of all abilities to while away their leisure hours.

With three on-site bars and restaurants, there is plenty of choice for wining and dining, while the hotel has undergone a £4.5

Southern Counties

HEATHLAND GOLF TOURS

rounds of golf, overnight accommodation and breakfast, based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

For enquiries, visit www. kingswood-golf.co.uk or call 01737 832188.

million renovation to 120 guest rooms, restaurant, conference rooms, and bar, and offers a comfortable place to stay during any golf or leisure break, with other facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, solarium, and a health and beauty spa.

The main attraction is the 18-hole championship layout, which is the handiwork of acclaimed course architect Donald Steel. His skills are much in evidence on the challenging 6,041-yard parkland course, which features tight fairways bordered by mature pines and other woodland areas. The par-70 layout is certainly no pushover, despite its relative lack of length, with the introduction of a number of new bunkers helping to focus the mind off the tees.

Green fees start from just £25, while room rates start from £90pn on weekdays. For details of the latest rates, visit www. marriottgolf.co.uk or call 0800 221222.

To enquire call:

01822 618181 Website:

Email:

schgt.co.uk

info@exclusivegolfbreaks.com

Five of England’s finest heathland courses have joined forces as Southern Counties Heathland Golf Tour Blackmoor, Hankley Common, Hindhead, Liphook and West Sussex Staying at top quality hotels and Inns.

Packages start from just £339 playing three rounds of golf and two nights B&B at a top venue

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

JUNE 2016 | TRAVEL

SAVOUR THE CREAM OF SOUTH DEVON WITH

EXCLUSIVE GOLF T

mix of links turf and cliff-top terrain.

Often compared to Pebble Peach, this Harry Colt design is by no means as severe thanks to its wide open fairways unless of course the coastal winds start to blow.

Teignmouth, created by the famed Alister MacKenzie, also owes a great deal to its magnificent situation. Laid out on the high moor of Little Haldon over 800 feet above sea level, the outward nine looks over the town of Teignmouth and the estuary of the River Teign, while the contrasting back nine looks east over the Exe estuary towards Portland Bill.

East Devon Golf Club, perched on the cliff top 400 foot above Budleigh Salterton, commands stunning

he cream of South Devon’s golf courses have combined to create one of England’s most scenically-stunning golf trails thanks to the photogenic south Devon coastline that is characterized by charming coves and estuaries and elevated cliff tops that offer panoramic seascapes.

This mouth-watering collection of Thurlestone, Teignmouth, East Devon and Bovey Castle have all been designed by some of golf’s most revered course architects around the time of the ‘Golden Age’ of golf course design and will be known as the South Devon Golf Tour.

Located in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, Thurlestone is a magical

■ BOVEY CASTLE

panoramas over the western end of the Jurassic Coast, with its 6,231-yard seaside heathland course with wide tracts of gorse and heather dividing each fairway, making it fair by thorough test, especially when the sea breezes comes in off the sea.

Finally, the inland retreat of Bovey Castle provides an interesting contrast to the coastal tracks thanks to its setting amongst the mature woodlands of Dartmoor National Park. Designed by RJ Abercromby, the challenging, yet beautiful course meanders through the estate, whilst the five star facilities of the castle mean the resort is regarded as one of England’s most idyllic destinations to play golf.

Stay and play packages with Exclusive Golf start from £255 per person, for two nights’ B&B at the Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel and three rounds at Thurlestone, Teignmouth and Bovey Castle. For bookings for this break, as well as other destinations, including Cornwall, North Wales and South Dorset, visit www. exclusivegolfbreaks.com or call 01822 618181.

& Ashbury Hotels

- The Only Sport, Craft & Spa Hotels in the UK

Autumn to Spring

HOME IN HEACHAM FOR BEST OF

NORFOLK GOLF F

orget Alan Partridge and frozen turkeys, the county of Norfolk boasts some of the best courses in England and a great way of experiencing them by signing up for the North West Norfolk Golf Tour.

Available for parties of two to 40 golfers, the tour is based Heacham Manor, the only on-course hotel in this part of the country.

Heacham Manor is handily located just outside Hunstanton, and within short driving distances of many of the area’s superb courses, including the stunning links of Hunstanton and the impressive parkland layout of King’s Lynn. It also overlooks Heacham Manor’s own fastmaturing par-72 course.

The North West Norfolk Golf Tour costs £290pp high season and includes two nights’ dinner, B&B in cottage room accommodation at Heacham Manor, plus rounds of golf at Hunstanton, King’s Lynn and Heacham Manor. To book, call 01485 536030 or visit www. heacham-manor.co.uk.

■ ABOVE: BUCKLAND TOUT-SAINTS HOTEL ■ RIGHT: THURLESTONE GOLF CLUB

TheManor House

[53]

FREE GOLF at

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The UK’s Largest Golf Resort

Stephen W - Trip Advisor

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

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[54] JUNE 2016 | COLUMN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Sarah Stirk pays a visit to Hilton Head in South Carolina, home of the feared and revered Harbour Town Golf Links

IN BETWEEN COVERING last year’s Wells Fargo Championship and The Players Championship, I checked out Charleston and got to tackle the famous Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. This year, I was lucky enough to get to sample more of the famous Carolina hospitality and went day tripping to Hilton Head.

It’s the course that put Hilton Head Island on the map, and Harbour Town Golf Links remains one of the most revered layouts in the world.

Home to the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour, this distinguished venue places a premium on finesse, imagination and shot making, rather than raw power. It features a wonderful collection of par threes, ranked among the best in the world, while the par-four 18th hole is one of the most stunning and recognisable holes in golf. Pete Dye is a master, and Harbour Town is one of his crowning achievements.

At 6,973 yards, it’s not very long by tour standards, and with only four feet of elevation change, it’s pretty flat too. With pine trees and specimen oaks draped in Spanish moss hanging over the fairways and greens, it requires real precision and good course management to score well. Its signature feature is the size of the greens, which are less than half the square footage of most other championship-level courses.

Not surprisingly, the course has led the PGA Tour in hole-outs from off the green for the last two years. When Boo Weekly won here for the first time in 2007, he chipped in on the final two holes to secure a one-stroke victory.

If you plan on playing Harbour Town during a Hilton Head holiday, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First off, unless you’re a low handicapper, expect the course to pose a real challenge, and even if you survive most of the front nine, the eighth and the ninth can wreck your scorecard – to which I can attest!

The eighth is a long par four, ranked the toughest on the course, with sand and water left of the green. The ninth is a short par four, but with bunkers guarding the front and back, even the world’s best players fear the consequences of trying to drive the green. The best play is a towering approach shot, which lands softly – which is easier to write than it is to execute.

The three best holes on the back nine are the par-five 15th, the par-three 17th, featuring a steeply elevated sliver of a green, and the par-four 18th, Harbour Town’s signature test that runs along the Calibogue Sound. It’s nice to finally open your shoulders on 18, and after a drive to the widest fairway on the PGA Tour you aim at the iconic, candy-striped lighthouse and try not to get distracted by the gorgeous views. There’s water left, and there’s absolutely no shame in bailing out right – trust me!

One of the highlights of my trip was the overnight stay at the Inn at Harbour Town, a boutique 60-room hotel situated adjacent to the first tee. They try to make it feel like a home away from home, and that’s exactly the vibe I got. It’s small, intimate, and the butler service is incredible.

Hilton Head is one of America’s most famous family destinations, and there’s plenty

■ THE 15TH HOLE ON THE OCEAN COURSE AT SEA PINES

■ PLAYING MY APPROACH SHOT TO THE FINAL HOLE AT HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS

on offer apart from world-class golf. Within the Sea Pines Resort you can hire bikes, ride horses, chill out at the beach club, kayak in the Calibogue Sound, take an ecotour or play tennis. After my round at Harbour Town, I hired a bike and pootled round the island – it’s laid back, chilled lifestyle is something I could get very used to.

Dye’s celebrated layout is the must-play at Sea Pines, but there are other great options. Heron Point, also a Dye creation, is Harbour Town’s sister course and it too underwent modifications in 2015 to increase playability for visitors. Davis Love III has also recently remodelled the Ocean Course.

Outside Sea Pines there are an abundance of options. Too many to note here, but the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers a trio of layouts by noted architects, while Palmetto Hall Plantation is another great option. Counting courses on the island, in nearby Bluffton and others within 30 minutes, the choice adds up to more than 25 within a small area, although not quite as small at Harbour Town’s greens.

It’s a true golfers’ paradise and enough to keep you occupied for days on end, but without question the centrepiece is Harbour Town. Do play if you get the chance, you won’t need your driver a whole lot, but you will need a cool head and plenty of extra balls.

ITS SIGNATURE FEATURE IS THE SIZE OF THE GREENS, WHICH ARE LESS THAN HALF THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF MOST OTHER CHAMPIONSHIPLEVEL COURSES

■ THE MAJESTIC CLUBHOUSE AT HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | JUNE 2016 [55]

ME&MYTRAVELS

Great Britain’s former top tennis player GREG RUSEDSKI is happiest when he’s near a beach with a golf course

My most recent golf trip was to… Doral in Miami, to play the recently-re-designed Blue Monster course. It’s a great course if you can avoid the water and the wind isn't blowing too strongly.

If I had to play one course for the rest of my life, it would be…

Pebble Beach. Amazing views, great location, and incredible weather.

My dream four ball would be… Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. No explanation needed.

My usual four ball is… Simon Clark, Jonathan Norman and Tom Fleming.

My most memorable round was at… Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi. I got to the tee with a minute to spare. Everything was working that day, and I shot my best round ever – 75 off a 12 handicap.

My playing partner said I was an absolute bandit, but I haven't been able to go that low since.

■ SAADIYAT BEACH IN ABU DHABI

My funniest moment on the golf course… had to be my replication of Kevin Na's 18 on a single hole. Unfortunately, when I am in trouble my natural instinct is to attack. Not a good option when a drop is a better idea. My playing partners kept on telling me to take relief, but I had to keep going and finally got an 18 on a par four. I think I learned my lesson, but we all still found it amusing.

My favourite golf resort is…

Kiawah Island in South Carolina.

They’ve got it all there – great weather, great courses, superb food, and a wonderful beach. Perfect.

■ BLUE MONSTER, DORAL

The best hotel I have ever stayed at is… the Four Seasons in

My favourite holiday location is… Mustique. Back

The best piece of golf advice I have received is… ‘It is a golf

the Maldives. I’m still waiting for the golf course to be built there.

before my wife Lucy and I had kids, we rented an amazing open air house right on the beach there with its own jeep so you could tour the island. That was pretty special.

These days anywhere with sea, sun, a golf course, and great road biking hills will keep everyone in the family happy.

swing, not a golf hit’. This allows me to keep a good rhythm and stops me from going over the top.

Simple, but it works.

■ FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES

MYRTLE BEACH from £290pp!

ORLANDO from £275pp!

ARIZONA from £355pp!

PINEHURST from £395pp!

HILTON HEAD from £370pp!

My golfing hero is… Phil

I've modelled my swing on…

Justin Rose, but unfortunately my swing looks nothing like his.

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12 nights B&B (Half Board £30 pp/day) 8 rounds of golf (or 2 hour spa treatment)

MEXICO 5* Moon Palace

SOUTH AFRICA from £2,295 PP Cape Town & Fancourt

Incl. flights & transfers

from £1,895 PP

10 nights B&B 6 rounds of golf on 6 courses

2 weeks All Inclusive

For the BEST PRICES in - MYRTLE BEACH - FLORIDA - LAS VEGAS CALIFORNIA - PEBBLE BEACH - SAWGRASS - CHARLESTON

Andrews. Every serious golfer has to play the Old Course at least once in their lifetime.

we’re the golf holiday experts

Unlimited golf on 2 courses Incl. flights, transfers & unlimited golf Prices include - 7 nights in 3* hotel or self-catering, 4 great rounds of golf including carts! and a 7 seat people carrier with inclusive car insurance based on 4 sharing.

(FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED, PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST PRICES AND GROUP DISCOUNTS).

flying. Not ideal when work means you fly as much as I do. I have even had hypnosis to help.

I'm planning a golf trip to…St

everything and it is also a truly 24-hour city. There is nothing you cannot find in NYC. Chelsea Pier

USA

Not many people know this about me, but… I have a fear of

Mickelson. I love his aggressive style and that incredible short game.

My favourite city in the world is… New York. It has

Golf Holidays in the

is there as well if you fancy a golf lesson – or hitting balls into the Hudson.

Incl. flights & car hire

MAURITIUS MIXED PAIRS 2016 TOURNAMENT

ESCORTED TOURS & TOURNAMENTS 2016

11th - 25th September 2016 - From £2,395 pp

Join us on one of our popular escorted tours to South Africa, Mauritius, Turkey, Mexico, Morocco and beyond...

12 nights Belle Mare Plage with unlimited green fees and 5 tournament rounds.

MADEIRA

SEYCHELLES

DUBAI

SPAIN

www.chakatravel.com enquiries@chakatravel.com

ITALY

IRELAND

MOROCCO

CALL OUR SPECIALISTS

028 9023 2112

Please quote: GOLFNEWS when you enquire.

TURKEY

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Š2016 PING P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071