Golf News June 2018

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ISSUE 276 | JUNE 2018 | TWITTER: @GOLFNEWSMAG | WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

147TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Countdown to Carnoustie and Claret Jug glory

INTERVIEWS

TRAVEL

EQUIPMENT

Luke Donald Francesco Molinari Jean van de Velde

Espiche Golf: Putting Western Algarve on the map Me and My Travels with Sir Ian Botham

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■ MAJOR SHAKE UP: THE MAJOR SEASON WILL SHUT UP SHOP AFTER THE OPEN AT ROYAL PORTRUSH IN 2019

TOO MUCH TOO SOON?

I

t’s strange to think that next year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush will bring the 2019 major season to an all too premature close.

After the winning putt is sunk at the Northern Irish links on July 21st, that’ll be golf’s big four tournaments done for the year, and we’ll have to wait until April 9th for it all to begin again at the Masters Tournament in 2020.

That’s EIGHT-AND-A-HALF MONTHS without a major.

Just typing those numbers makes it feel like an awfully long time to wait between meaningful tournaments.

OK, that’s a bit harsh on all those Rolex Series events, FedEx Cup play-offs, and World Match Play tournaments, but let’s face it, the Majors are the ones most golf fans will remember and reminisce about when they’re grey and old.

While I would have been happy to have seen the PGA Championship – the US one, I might add – put out of its misery years ago, the decision to move it from its traditional August date next year, to a new slot in May, is a last ditch attempt to revive its flagging fortunes by sandwiching it between the glory that is the Masters and the savage beast that is the US Open.

Of course, the main reason for the major switcheroo is because of golf’s inclusion in the Olympics, with the PGA of America taking the view that shunting the US PGA back and forward every four years was too much of an inconvenience.

Critics – I might call myself one in this instance – will suggest that this will merely serve to alter the PGA Championship’s status to one of an unappetising piece of gristly meat served between two rather tasty slices of wholemeal bread. Those with a more positive spin on proceedings will say that it creates a more continuous

story – one where golf’s most important tournaments will be in the spotlight for four consecutive months, rather than being slowly drip-fed in somewhat disjointed segments.

And with The Players Championship – it’s NOT a Major, unofficial or otherwise, get over it – moving to March, it could be argued that we’ll have five months on the bounce of top-class action on our TV screens (well, for those who can afford to stump up the cost of a Sky subscription).

On the plus side, the earlier conclusion of the major schedule could bring the FedEx Cup season to a similarly early finish, potentially allowing the Ryder Cup to be staged earlier, which, certainly when it is held in Europe, provides more daylight hours and the prospect of better weather than the current date, which crossovers the end of September into October.

Almost by default, though, the big winner could yet prove to be the European Tour, as the potential early finish of the FedEx Cup season could result in a few more PGA Tour players – i.e. most of our top Europeans – being free to extend their seasons in Europe. With our own PGA Championship at Wentworth most likely to be forced to move from its May date to one in September, we may yet see the tournament return to many of our best player’s schedules, which would also be a bonus.

As ever, only time will tell whether all the cards will fall into place once the deck settles, but for now, let’s bask in the glory of yet another potential thriller of an Open at Carnoustie, which tees off on July 19. They say that great courses have a habit of throwing up great champions, and there are few better than this iconic Angus track.

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TEL: 01273 381794 EMAIL: info@golfnews.co.uk WEBSITE: golfnews.co.uk FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @golfnewsmag INSTAGRAM: golfnewsmagazine MANAGING DIRECTOR Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk EDITOR Nick Bayly editor@golfnews.co.uk ART DIRECTOR Darren Kirk dkirk@sky.com

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InBrief COPSEY BAGS COURSE RECORD AT NEW-LOOK EFFINGHAM ★ Poult Wood professional David Copsey fired off a new Effingham Golf Club professional course record 66 to win the inaugural Mackenzie Quaich Pro-Am. Held to celebrate the refurbishment of the course by leading course architect Tom Mackenzie, the new Pro-Am proved a tremendous success.

Copsey’s five-under-par score had just one blemish at the 14th, while a flourish of birdies at the 15th, 16th and 17th saw the Kent man finish two ahead of Sophie Walker’s 68.

The team event was won by Mark Brailey (Shirley Park) and his three Effingham lady members, whose 15-under-par total edged out Chris Gane (Silvermere) and the Brand Fusion team.

Two Beefs Complete 18 Counties Challenge

S

ir Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham teamed up with European Tour stat Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston to visit 18 golf clubs in each of the 18 cricketing counties as part of a fundraising effort for the cricketing legend’s charity, the Beefy Foundation.

BAILEY RULES AT ST ANDREWS ★ England international Lianna Bailey has won her first top amateur title with a one-shot victory in the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews. The 21-year-old from Kirby Muxloe finished the 72-hole tournament on 12 under, including a final round 66, to pip Staffordshire’s Emily Brennan (Trentham) and Scotland’s Hazel Macgarvie by one shot. Bailey is the first English winner since Mel Reid in 2007.

■ FLY GUYS: IAN BOTHAM AND ANDREW JOHNSTON TOOK TO THE SKIES TO COMPLETE THEIR '18 HOLES IN 18 COUNTIES' CHALLENGE

Starting off at 5.15am Rockcliffe Hall in Middlesborough, the sporting duo took to the skies in a helicopter, zigzagging their way all over the UK, before ending up at North Middlesex Golf Club at 10pm – two hours later than planned, due to technical issues with their helicopter – to play the 18th hole at Johnston’s home course.

The pair played the par-four third hole at Boundary Lakes Golf Course at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton as part of the challenge – although it was their 13th hole of the day – and even took time out from their marathon journey to enjoy a quick lie down on a bed that was moved onto the tee to promote the Hilton Hotel that is located next to the course. Beef, the golfer, won the hole with a par.

RODGERS SECURES WEST SURREY RICHES

Monty

★ Richings Park’s Chris Rodgers shot a course record-equalling 64 to win the West Surrey Pro-Am. Opening with a birdie, Rodgers made four more and an eagle in his impressive seven-under-par round, with three birdies in the last four holes helping him finish three strokes ahead of his nearest rival, James Johnson (Bramley), whose highlights included an ace on the second hole, and three twos on the remaining par threes.

THREE SHARE BLACKHEATH RECORD ★ One-under-par rounds of 70 from Jordan Godwin, Craig Sutherland and David Copsey meant the spoils were shared at the Royal Blackheath ProAm. The victorious trio’s scores were new course records over the recently revamped layout.

Copsey’s performance also inspired his group to victory in the team event, where they won with 15 under par on countback from Lea Cooper’s team from Tilgate Forest.

WINER’S A WINNER AT ELY ★ Jack Winer celebrated his 30th birthday in style by winning the PGA Assistants' Championship East qualifying event at Ely City Golf Club. The Abridge Golf Club assistant carded an impressive three-under par-69 at the Cambridgeshire venue to beat Hendon's Luke Goddard by a shot.

They will join 15 other qualifiers at the PGA Assistants' Championship’s grand final, which is being held at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey between July 3-5.

After the cricketing knight spilled coffee on his jumper while travelling in a buggy on the opening hole, one of the more calamitous moments of the day took place on third stop of the day at Lindrick in Yorkshire, where Botham became entangled in a gorse bush on the club’s opening hole and then managed to top his ball so badly that it went backwards, much to the amusement of his playing partner.

The daring duo also played the 10th hole of the Brabazon Course at The Belfry, although there was to be no repeat of Seve Ballesteros’s shot that reached the green during the Ryder Cup, with Beef finding the water off the tee, and Botham laying up.

Although Beef played the makeshift course in the fewest strokes, the pair declared the match 'an honourable half’, with Johnston calling the Beefy Foundation ‘the winner on the day’.

He said: “It’s been an amazing, crazy day, and it was a tremendous honour to be asked by Ian to take part. To finish at my home course, in front of such huge crowds, was a great way end to the day, which I hope will have raised loads of money for such a worthy cause."

To Make PGA Seniors Championship Debut At London Club

COLIN MONTGOMERIE will make his debut in the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship when the event returns to the schedule after a three-year absence at London Golf Club in Kent in August.

The 54-year-old Scot will feature in the inaugural edition of the PGA Seniors Championship under the new title sponsorship of Staysure, who also became the headline sponsors of the European Senior Tour at the start of the season.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to playing in the Staysure PGA Seniors

Kingsdown

Championship, especially as I will be making my debut at the

Prepares to host ‘one-armed Ryder Cup’

event,” said Montgomerie. “I only managed to play once on European soil last season, so to get the chance

TEAM LINE-UPS are currently being finalised for the 2018 Fightmaster Cup tournament between Europe and the USA – the Ryder Cup-style competition for golfers who have lost the use of an arm.

This year’s event – the first to be held in England – will be staged from September 20-22 at Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club in Kent, which is known as ‘the Club on the Cliffs’ due to its spectacular location on the white cliffs of Dover.

The competition, which alternates between the USA and Europe, began in 2008 and was named after Don Fightmaster, a leading one-armed American golfer who inspired numerous young disabled people to take up the game.

Europe currently holds a 4-1 lead over the USA, following the

tournaments in 2008 (Kentucky), 2010 (Wales), 2012 (Chicago), 2014 (Scotland) and 2016 (California).

The 12-man teams – members of the Society of One Armed Golfers and their rivals from the North American One Armed Golfers Association – will play in a Ryder Cup format over three days, just a week before the Ryder Cup itself across the Channel from Walmer and Kingsdown at Le National in France.

Walmer and Kingsdown member Neil Branston, who was instrumental in securing the event, and has been named as a vicecaptain for Europe, said: “This is a huge honour for our club, and it will be a proud moment for our own 2016 World Champion, Rob Paul, to be able to represent Europe on his home course.”

to compete several times in the UK and Europe is exciting. There has already been a lot of hard work put in by the terrific team at London ■ MONTY WILL BE BACK IN ACTION AT THE LONDON CLUB

Golf Club for what will be a superb event, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of the course and the competition."

Montgomerie, a three-time senior major champion, will test his skills on the International Course at London Golf Club, where golf’s legends will battle it out across the four-round event.

Inaugurated in 1957, the PGA Seniors Championship has been won by the likes of Max Faulkner, Kel Nagle and Peter Thomson.

More recent winners include Carl Mason, Tommy Horton and Sam Torrance, with the latter winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, at Carden Park and Stoke-byNayland respectively. The tournament was last played in 2015, when Peter Fowler lifted the title at Close House in Newcastle.

The 2018 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship takes place from on August 2-5.

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■ CUTTING CREW: LUKE DONALD OPENS NEW MIZUNO'S NEW PERFORMANCE FITTING STUDIO AT BEARWOOD LAKES

Bearwood Lakes

M

izuno has unveiled a state-of-the-art Tour Performance Studio at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Berkshire to cater for the custom-fitting needs of tour pros and elite amateurs.

Mizuno staff player Luke Donald, Oliver Fisher and Marcus Fraser were on hand to see the new facility, and the recently-refurbished driving range, with Donald hitting the first shot in front of club Unveils New Range and Mizuno Tour Studio members and invited guests at the official opening on May 21.

The former world No.1 was only able to hit a gentle wedge, as he is currently out of action with a back injury, although Fraser subsequently boomed a driver to the very far end of the newly-extended range. The studio will enable Mizuno’s team of fitting experts to conduct full fitting sessions with its professionals and elite amateurs during the off-season, with Mizuno's European Tour workshop also on site – when not out on tour – to allow new clubs to be built immediately.

Alex Thorne, Mizuno’s tour operations manager, is delighted with the new facility. He said: "We've experienced such a surge in usage from professionals in the last 18 months that a permanent fitting home had become an absolute priority. Our mobile workshop has a different role at tournaments - regripping, checking lofts and lies and so on – but a lot of the real work happens in the off-season when we can't get the workshop to all of our players. To have this amazing facility available is an incredible opportunity for both the players and us."

The studio was unveiled alongside Bearwood Lakes’ newly extended driving range, which is also home to one of 13 Mizuno Performance Centres that are open to the public right across the UK and Ireland, where golfers can be fitted for the company’s latest equipment. In addition to the Mizuno Swing DNA fitting equipment, the new Tour Performance Studio boasts a Trackman fitting suite. Other improvements to the practice facilities at the club include a new 23-bay covered range, a grass hitting area, and a new floodlit chipping and short game area, including a practice putting green.

Spooner

Hangs On At Harleyford For First Europro Tour Success

LINCOLNSHIRE’S BILLY SPOONER broke the course record at Harleyford Golf Club en route to capturing his first win on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

After shooting a second round 64, the 20-year-old from Boston West started the final round of the 72-hole tournament with a narrow lead.

After dropping a shot at the seventh, Spooner recovered in style with a run of four consecutive birdies between the eighth and the 11th. However, bogeys at 15 and 16 opened the door for nearest rival Alex Lodge to make a late run at the title.

But Lodge was beginning to feel the nerves, and a wayward drive at the last, which saw his drive disappear

out of bounds, left Spooner needing to par to claim his first win at this level. He made no mistakes, making the green in regualation and calmly two-putting to sign for a closing 68 and take the title by single stroke.

Spooner, who picked up the £10,000 prize, plus a brand new Motocaddy S1 electric trolley, was delighted to have made the breakthrough.

“I won’t deny that I was feeling a little nervous out there, but I was also confident that if I kept to my routines, and played it one shot at a time, I would be able to keep my head in front. I’m glad I came through it and got the win in the end though – it’s a huge relief. If I keep working hard, and listening to those around me, I think I can achieve anything I want.”

Spooner’s course record lasted all of 24 hours, as Ireland’s Brian Casey shot a final round 63, including nine birdies and an eagle, to finish tied for third.

1 Hold^ & 1 Hand Luggage

Blind Golfer Bags Brilliant Ace

BEING REGISTERED BLIND didn’t prevent Somerset golfer Haydn Callow from bagging his first ever ace while playing at Long Sutton Golf Club in Langport. The 72-year-

45

old from Somerton was out playing with a group of friends on June 2, when he achieved the unlikely feat at the club’s 175-yard 14th hole.

The 21-handicapper was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition in his early fifties, and now has only five per cent central vision. However, that has not stopped him enjoying his favourite game with the help of his friends and his guide dog Webster. Callow said: “It want to take

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this opportunity to thank all of my friends who look out for me while I’m playing, and, of course, my dog ■ BILLY SPOONER TOOK THE SPOILS AT HARLEYFORD

Webster, who keeps me safe. He’s the real superstar.”

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[10] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

US Thrash GB&I To Reclaim Curtis Cup

U

nited States thrashed Great Britain and Ireland by a record 17-3 scoreline to reclaim the Curtis Cup in New York.

The US entered the final day of the singles matches

at Quaker Ridge with a 9-3 lead, and soon sealed a 29th win in the 39th edition of the women's amateur event when winning all eight singles matches. The previous largest margin of victory was in 1982, when the US won by 14½-3½.

America’s Kristen Gillman became only the third player to finish with a maximum five points, following Bronte Law (2016) and Stacy Lewis (2008).

Gillman's 5&4 win over Surrey’s Annabell Fuller and Lucy Li's victory over Yorkshire’s India Clyburn, by the same margin, were the standout performances by

the strong US team on the final day.

The United States were clear favourites, with all eight players ranked inside the world's top 25, including number one Lilia Vu. The 20-year-old recorded a 2up win over Lancashire’s Sophie Lamb in the singles.

Lamb teamed up with Ireland’s Olivia Mehaffey to win both their foursomes matches and halve their fourball match, while GB&I’s other half-point came from Paula Grant and Shannon McWillliam in the opening morning’s four ball matches.

West Essex

WEST ESSEX GOLF CLUB has appointed James Levick as its new secretary – someone who, at 23, is believed Appoints Uk’s to be the youngest Youngest manager of a golf club Manager in the country, and certainly the youngest in the venue’s 118-year history.

Originally from Cornwall, Levick joined West Essex five years ago, aged 18, starting out as an assistant in the pro shop, where he worked alongside head professional Chris Baron. Two years later, he moved to the golf office as assistant to the secretary, where his skills in sales and social media interaction saw him drive membership sales up by 104 in his first year.

And now Levick has been promoted to the position of secretary, a position that he hopes

Judas Priest

A PORTION OF THE ROYALTY RIGHTS of 136 songs by one of Britain’s biggest ever heavy metal Hits To Fund bands has been Astbury Losses put up for sale due to a golf club being placed into administration.

Astbury Hall in Shropshire, which features a Georgian designed stately home, includes a golf course built and owned by the former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing. The club, which hosted a EuroPro Tour event in 2012, and once had former Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke as an ambassador, entered administration last year.

Four of Downing’s businesses have been forced into administration, and administrators have now placed a share of Judas Priest’s back catalogue on sale.

Famous tracks include Breaking The Law, which has had more than 30 million views on YouTube, and Living After Midnight, which both made it to 12 in 1980 in the UK singles chart. The rights are said to be worth between £250,000 and £300,000 a year.

Administrators said the course and

hospitality will stay open during the administration, but it is up for sale as they attempt to maximise returns for creditors.

Joint administrators, Alastair Massey and Steve Stokes, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, are now selling a share of the interest in royalty rights to the Judas Priest tracks, on behalf of Ken Downing Limited.

Massey said: “Ken Downing was a founding member of Judas Priest, and was one of the driving influences of the band’s work up to his departure in 2011. As part of the administration process we are selling the rights owned by Ken Downing Limited to 136 tracks, which provide a unique investment opportunity.”

Downing said he had taken a loan out as he looked to build a hotel, and had been surprised at the lender not being more flexible over repayments.

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NEWS | JUNE 2018

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will enable him to raise the profile of the club still further.

“This is an absolute honour for me to take up this role,” said Levick. “We have already

had a successful few years, and with more around the corner, West Essex will be driving itself forward to becoming the number one club in Essex,” he said. “My main focus is to continue driving membership sales, overseeing all club activities and future club developments, which will include the reconstruction of both practice grounds, a clubhouse refurbishment and bunker construction.”

Chris Baron added: “James is a driven and self-motivated individual.

His customer service and engagement with members and guests is unquestionable. We are lucky to have him on board. He is far beyond his years, his vision within the industry is incredible and his drive to take West Essex to the top of the tree is his sole focus.”

Woodbridge Boosts Oxford’s Coaching Team

OXFORD GOLF CLUB has expanded its coaching team following the appointment of experienced PGA professional Martin Woodbridge.

Woodbridge will work with club head professional Joe Pepperell to provide more coaching lessons to members and guests, and his appointment forms part of the club’s plans to increase accessibility to golf for beginners, members and guests.

Woodbridge joined from Bearwood Lakes in Berkshire, where he was head professional for six years. He is a regular winner on the PGA South Region and BB&O circuits, and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

"The new Himalayas layout is simply stunning” GOLF NEWS

Woodbridge said: “Oxford Golf Club is a fantastic course and the greens are first class. The board’s vision to progress the club, attract more members and make coaching more accessible, really impressed and appealed to me. Joe is an excellent professional, and I am delighted to be joining such a great team at an exciting time for the golf club.”

Club manager Stephen Nicholson said: “We received a lot of impressive applications for the role, but Martin’s career, experience, character and team spirit stood out for us. He has made an immediate impression, and compliments Joe perfectly, and I am sure he will be a great asset to the club and, more importantly, to our members.

His appointment will enable us to broaden our coaching offering and offer golf tuition to more people.

“A key part of our strategy is to make golf more accessible and recruiting a pro of Martin’s calibre was an important step in this process.”

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Attoe

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SURREY’S IAN ATTOE captured his second English Claims Seniors’ senior men’s Title After championship Sherwood Play-Off after a tense playoff at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.

The Worplesdon star beat Yorkshire’s Richard Jones, who had a birdie and an eagle in the last five holes to tie Attoe on two-under par for 54 holes.

Jones had a putt to win outright on the 18th but his birdie attempt caught the hole and spun out. In the play-off, Attoe holed out calmly from five feet for par to take the title, after Jones missed from a similar distance.

“I am overjoyed to have won again, and it’s most pleasing to do it away from my home course,” said Attoe, whose 2015 win was in his senior debut year and at his home club, Worplesdon.

The previous winning experience stood him in good stead. “I held myself together in the last round at Worplesdon and so I knew I could do it again.”

And when it came to the play-off he felt no nerves, because he’d already achieved his aim of a top five finish to support his ambition of returning to the England senior team.

Both Attoe and Jones win an exemption into the Seniors' Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl from August 1-3.

[12] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief

Springs Set For Major Renovation

ESSENDON WINS HERTS FOURSOMES TITLE ★ The Essendon pairings of Elaine Ratcliffe and Janine Cicchirillo, and Sarah Marley and Chelsea Stewart captured Herts Golf’s Ladies’ Interclub Foursomes with a gross cumulative score of 161 (+17) at Sandy Lodge. The nett prize was won by the Mid Herts team of Janet Biscoe, Lindsay MurrayGray, Elizabeth Thomas and Pippa Legg, who edged out Essendon on countback. The event attracted 48 teams from 24 clubs.

GOOD WIN FOR GODWIN AT KNOLE ★ Barnehurst’s Jordan Godwin slammed the door on his rivals with an emphatic course record final round of five-under-par 65 to win The PGA in Kent Championship at Knole Park.

Shooting rounds of 67 and 65 for an eight-under-par 132, Godwin finished three strokes ahead of runner-up Adam Clough (Pedham Place), with Tim Mildford, also from Pedham, a further four shots back in third. Milo King (American Golf Canterbury) and Tom Jordan (Langley Park) both shot 141 to tie for the leading trainee prize.

THE SPRINGS GOLF CLUB in Oxfordshire is to undergo a major renovation by its original designer, former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett.

Bought by leisure brand Darwin Escapes in July last year, the course is being given a significant makeover under the watchful eye of Huggett, in association with respected golf course architect Tim Lobb.

Darwin Escapes is one of the fastest-growing leisure brands in the UK, and boasts 20 self-catering holiday resorts around the country, which also offer a range of leisure activities. The Springs is the group’s second golf course, joining the Kilnwick Percy Resort in East Yorkshire, which it bought 15 months ago.

Lindsey Esse, managing director of Darwin Escapes, said: “We look to buy sites in stunning locations, where there are opportunities to improve and enhance the existing offering, and The Springs fits this criteria perfectly. We recognised its considerable potential,

Scotland & Woodman Share The Spoils At Sawgrass

CLOUGH RISES TO GOLF COLLEGE CHALLENGE ★ Pedham’s Adam Clough fired rounds of 67 and 70 at Lindfield Golf Club in Sussex to claim the Golf College Challenge title. He finished one shot clear of Ryan Fitzgerald (Burgess Hill Golf Academy), with the Golf College’s Gemma Allman finishing as the leading student.

■ ZANE SCOTLAND, PRO-AM TOUR'S JOHN HOOPER, AND GUY WOODMAN

■ SPRINGS BRIAN HUGGETT AND TIM LOBB DISCUSS COURSES CHANGES WITH THE SPRING'S OWNERS

and, with significant investment in the facilities, we aim to create one of the best clubs in Oxfordshire.”

After acquiring the course, Darwin quickly made contact with Huggett, who suggested involving Lobb + Partners. “I have known Tim for a long time and I recognise him as one of this country's best golf architects,” said Huggett. “Fundamentally, the routing of the course is very sound, but, as with many courses of that vintage, the bunkering is out of step with the times. The new owners want to lift the overall standard of the course and the golf offering – they

FORMER EUROPEAN Tour player Zane Scotland and PGA South Region star Guy Woodman finished tied in the Pro-Am Tour's prestigious Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am, which was held at TPC Sawgrass just

six days after the Players Championship.

The Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am was played on four superb courses in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, with the final round at the Stadium Course. The opening round was staged at TPC Sawgrass Dye's Valley Course, which provided an excellent layout and fantastic conditions. Cooden Beach Professional Paul Nessling, who was defending his Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am title, opened with a twounder-par 70, which was matched by Julien Gressier, and Michael Vandenberg.

The second round

SOCIETY GOLF AT MOOR PARK 36 hole championship venue Winter packages from £55 Summer packages from £85 For more information, please call 01923 773146 or email enquiries@moorparkgc.co.uk

are investing heavily in the clubhouse, as well as the course.

We are going to bring the course right up to date, using Blinder bunker liner and other modern construction techniques.”

Lobb said: “The Springs is right next to the Thames, and is a beautiful layout. With a little bit of careful work to bring the course up to the level of its surroundings, it will be a very successful golf resort. In addition to bunker work, we are adding a number of ladies' tees, and doing improvements to the lakes to reinstate some of the walling.”

Ashley Pheasant, head of golf at Darwin Escapes, commented: “We are excited about the plans proposed by Brian and Tim, and, with the changes that are already being made to the clubhouse, the overall experience at The Springs will significantly improve for our members and visitors.”

at Ponte Vedra's Ocean Course had to be cancelled after thunderstorms prevented the last few groups finishing, but better weather returned for the next round at the King & Bear Course, where Woodman shot a superb 68 to take the lead.

The final round saw the competitors experience the tournament condition of the Stadium Course, with the grandstands still in place. Despite a birdie at the famous 17th, Woodman double bogeyed the last for a 73 to set a target of five under par for the tournament.

In an exciting finish, both Nessling and Gressier came up one shot shy, but Scotland shot the round of the day, a sensational 68, to tie Woodman for the title.

In the Pro-Am team event, after a steady start, Andy Raitt's team of John Webb, Stephen Johnson and James Hardwick established a large lead at the King & Bear Course and would cruise to victory in the final round at TPC Sawgrass.

For details on how to book a place at next year's Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am in March, visit www.proamtour.com.

NEWS | JUNE 2018

[13]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Royal Mid-Surrey Pro Shop Revamp Results In Instant Returns

■ RAISING THE BAR: DJ TREVOR NELSON IS BACK AT THE SHIRE FOR HIS FIFTH 'SWING' EVENT

THE PRO SHOP at Royal-Mid Surrey Golf Club in south-west London has seen record sales since an £80,000 facelift was completed in March that took its design theme from successful high street retail outlets.

Utilising the same space as before, the shop now offers members and visitors a more relaxed shopping experience, with greater space in which to look around, plus clearer branded areas to find the lines they are keen to buy.

Innovations include a square club stand that houses 250 individual clubs; a dedicated wall with golf shoes displayed in pairs rather than individual models; ten iPads for customers to view colour options; and three TV screens for marketing that also feature a flyover video of the course.

There are eight resident PGA professionals at

CHESFIELD DOWNS CAPTURE HERTS JUNIOR CROWN

Trevor Nelson G

the shop, plus a retail assistant.

“It took three years to find the ideal designers, but it has more than paid off, given the response from club members and visitors to the modern retail environment, which has also motivated our award-winning staff,” said head professional Matthew Paget. “Despite the poor early season weather, we’ve enjoyed a really strong April and the best May we’ve ever had.”

He added: “Sales of footwear have risen dramatically since the shoe wall was introduced, and we’ve had similar reaction to bags and trolleys, which are now displayed so they can be seen wherever you are in the shop.”

InBrief

olfers at The Shire in north London will once again be rocking to the sounds of award-winning DJ Trevor Set To Rock The Shire At ‘Swing 5’ Nelson later this month, after the renowned broadcaster agreed to host his fifth annual Trevor Nelson Swing Tournament at the Potters Bar-based club.

The Trevor Nelson Swing 5, which takes place on June 29, will see teams of four amateurs competing over 18 holes in a shotgun star, with all players receiving gift bags from Nelson, who also hosts the prize-giving, where a weekend’s hire of a Mercedes car is among the day’s top prizes.

With music piped across the golf course, a wear-anything dress code and an ambience all their own, superstar Trevor Nelson’s summer events at The Shire have become one of London’s most distinctive golf attractions over the last five years. This time there’s a later start to extend the event into the evening, and live music after the golf with a soul singer booked to sing Motown classics while golfers enjoy a lavish BBQstyle buffet in The Shire London’s new conservatory.

This year’s event also sees the return of the popular Baba Jerk bus, parked out on the golf course to serve delicious Caribbean food to hungry golfers. Nelson said: “I like golfers to be relaxed and to approach the day in the right spirit, so other than proper golf shoes, you’re free to dress how you like.”

Entry fees are £459 per fourball including breakfast, entry fees, a goody bag with a personalised gift and a Trevor Nelson CD, and food afterwards – plus a free drink at the on-course bar set up the course's signature hole, the short seventh.

To enter a team, call 020 8441 7649 or email golf@theshirelondon.com.

★ Chesfield Downs’ James Wilson, Jack Wilson and Luke Scholes combined to win the Herts Junior Champion Club event at Verulam after amassing 87 points in the best-two-scores-from-three format.

The tournament had originally been scheduled to take place Chesfield Downs in April, but was washed out and moved to Verulam due to a diary clash. That failed to deter the winners, however, with Scholes racking up 46 points from his 24 handicap, while the younger of the Wilson brothers, Jack, scored 41. Chesfield will now represent Hertfordshire at the England Junior Champion Club Final at Frilford Heath in August.

RAITT DOUBLES UP AT WEST HILL ★ St. George’s Hill’s Andy Raitt shot back-to-back 67s at West Hill at win the PGA in Surrey Championship by two shots.

Not content with beating the youngsters, Raitt doubled up and took The PGA in Surrey Senior Championship title.

MOOR PARK RECLAIM SENIOR CROWN ★ Moor Park reclaimed the Herts Men’s Senior Champion Club crown for the seventh time in nine years with victory at West Herts. The team of John Ambridge, Warwick Grant and Bob Head returned a cumulative gross score of 223 (+7) to beat runners up Harpenden Common by 14 shots. Ambridge led the individual scoring with a two-under-par 70.

Surrey’s leading Golf Destination welcomes societies

burhillgolf-club.co.uk | 01932 227345 info@burhillgolf-club.co.uk Burhill Golf Club, Burwood Road, Walton on Thames, Surrey, KT12 4BX

[14] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SIMON PEAFORD, THE HEAD PROFESSIONAL AT WALTON HEATH GOLF CLUB IN SURREY, HAS A BUSY YEAR AHEAD OF HIM AS HE JUGGLES THE DEMANDS OF THE MEMBERSHIP WITH PREPARING THE VENUE TO HOST THE BRITISH MASTERS THIS AUTUMN

H

to ensure that everyone, members and visitors, gets a warm Walton Heath welcome.

ow long have you been a PGA professional?

I’ve been a qualified for 22 years now.

What has been your career path to date?

I started out as an assistant at Addington Palace in 1993, before moving to Walton Heath in 2000, where I worked as an assistant under Ken Macpherson. I later took on the role of head assistant, then became the club’s first teaching professional in 2006. Ken retired in 2009, after which I took over as head professional.

What is your day-to-day role?

My working week is very varied, organising schedules, ordering stock, but also playing with members and the club captain in our weekly challenge matches. I also try to play some tournaments during the year, as well as coaching. I am also responsible for everything associated with the pro shop. I have three assistants, and we provide all usual services, and, hopefully, a lot more besides. We like

What’s the best thing about your job?

When you’re working at Walton Heath, you are treading in the footsteps of some of the most famous players in the game, and you’re surrounded by history.

Having been at Walton Heath for 18 years I look forward to seeing my members at the club and hearing all their news. We also have a steady stream of interesting visitors from all over the world, including big names from the world of golf and sometimes celebrities.

And the worst?

Perhaps the only drawback of running my own business is missing out on family time, but fortunately my wife and my twin nineyear-old daughters now play golf, and it is something we can enjoy at Walton Heath and when we’re on holiday.

Tell us something about the facilities…

We have 36 holes of golf – two championship courses both ranked in the top 100 in Great Britain and Ireland. We also have a fantastic new practice facility, which means players have a great place to work on their game, and we now have an excellent facility to host the best players in the world at tournaments such as the British Masters here in October.

■ WALTON HEATH’S OLD COURSE

Old Course

What is the club doing to attract

New Challenge

junior and female golfers?

We have a thriving junior section of around 90 members, and we do attract juniors from the local area, as well as the children of our members. We have a very good mix of boys and girls who play regularly and we arrange coaching at weekends and throughout the holidays. We have recently launched a Ladies Academy, where the membership fee includes individual and group lessons. We currently have 20 Academy members and hope to see some of them move on to full membership later this year.

What’s selling well in the pro shop at the moment?

Callaway clubs are very popular with our members, and I am also very proud to be a PXG staff player. PXG club technology is second to none, and with these great brands, combined with our custom-fitting facilities, I believe I can help every golfer who comes to me to improve their golf with better equipment choices.

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

Jim Christine, who oversaw my training at the PGA Academy at the Belfry, taught me to create the correct club path and face angle at a time when I used to hook the ball a lot.

Years later, when launch monitors showed how much ball flight was influenced by the club, Jim’s tips were proved to be absolutely spot on. Now Trackman is my golf coach, and my assistants and I share ideas, but 20 years ago Jim knew exactly what was required to deliver the club in the right place.

What has been your career highlight as a player?

Representing Walton Heath in all the tournaments I’ve played. In 2016, I won a TP Tour event here, and I also won an Alliance Championship at Walton in 2013. Sometimes you can’t beat local knowledge!

If you could change one rule in golf what would it be?

The rules of golf are so vast and become complicated at times. I am looking forward to the new simplified rules coming into effect. I have never been a fan of a penalty for moving the ball by accident, which hopefully will change!

Who is your golfing hero?

David Leadbetter changed the way golf was taught. He was the first instructor who presented interesting ways to learn using drills and training aids. My understanding of the swing, and the ability to create better ways for my students to improve, was influenced by his books and videos.

Walton Heath Trophy July 24-26, 2018

British Masters, Supported by Sky Sports October 11-14, 2018

Website: www.waltonheath.com

Tel: 01737 812060

Who inspired you to take up golf?

My mum and dad started me playing, but my dad, Peter, was

a four-handicap player, which gave me a good swing to copy. I was 12 when I took up the game as a junior at Croham Hurst in Croydon.

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

Other than Walton Heath, my favourite course in the UK is West Sussex. It has lots of heather on it, just like Walton Heath, and is located in the most peaceful countryside.

Further afield, it would have to be Cypress Point in California, as its location on the Pacific coast is superb, and it’s a course you could play every day and always learn something new.

Who would be in your dream fourball?

Tom Watson was my favourite player growing up, so I would like to spend time on the course with him. I am a big fan of Phil Mickelson, and would love to witness his amazing skills first hand; and Tiger Woods would have to join us, as the greatest golfer in my lifetime.

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

My mum and dad were both teachers, so I would probably have followed in their footsteps, although teaching PE, not maths or geography!

What’s in store for the club in 2018?

This is the biggest year in the club’s history for tournament play for quite some time, and there will be no better opportunity to see top class golf, from elite amateurs to world class professionals.

The US Open Qualifier [which took place on June 4] has brought major champions here since 2005, including that year’s winner, Michael Campbell. Re-branding the South of England Open Amateur into the Walton Heath Trophy, which takes place in Julu, has created a lot of excitement, and, of course, we have the British Masters supported by Sky Sports in October.

We are thrilled that Justin Rose is the tournament host. He came here for a practice round ahead of the Open some years ago, when I had the pleasure of playing with him, and he has visited Walton Heath twice in the last few months in preparation for the British Masters. He has taken a very personal interest in understanding how the courses will play in October, and even came to the club during the week it would be hosted in October to understand more about the playing conditions.

Hopefully, we’ll get some good weather in the run up to the tournament, so the courses will be in their best condition, and golf fans will be able to watch some of the best European Tour players taking on the challenge of Walton Heath.

■ TOM WATSON WAS SIMON'S FAVOURITE PLAYER GROWING UP

The Walton Heath Trophy takes place from July 24-26, with free entry, while the British Masters supported by Sky Sports is being held from October 11-14.

For tickets, visit www.europeantour.com.

[16] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief

Gilligan

BEISSER BAGS ESTUARY TROPHY ★ Basildon’s Jay Beisser won the inaugural staging of the Essex Golf Union’s Estuary Cup after winning a three-man play-off at Boyce Hill.

The first two rounds of the new tournament were held at Orsett, where Beisser showed his form with rounds of 65 and 70 to top the leaderboard. Play then moved on to Boyce Hill for the final two rounds, which ended up in a threeway tie with Beiser, Shay McQueen (Chelmsford) and Jamie Richards (Abridge) after each finished on 280 for 72 holes. Richards was knocked out at the first extra hole, and Beisser birdied the next to take the title, which holds world amateur ranking status.

BURNS SCORCHES TO KENT TITLE ★ Chislehurst’s Liam Burns captured the Kent Amateur Championship after beating Tom Sherreard (Kings Hill) 3&2 in the final held at Rochester & Cobham.

Burns reached the final after a narrow 1up win against Joshua Bristow (Canterbury), while Sherreard enjoyed a convincing 5&3 victory over Taron Donovan (Royal Blackheath). Sherreard won the Scratch Cup for the best 36-hole score in the stroke play rounds, with a total of 137.

AAHOLM SECURES SURREY AMATEUR ★ Jacob Aaholm (Reigate Hill) won the 2018 Surrey Amateur Championship after beating 2017 champion Max O’Hagan (West Hill) 1up at Burhill Golf Club. O'Hagan fired rounds of 65 and 68 to top the stroke play qualifying rounds with James Wallis on 11 under par.

Puttshack

F

ans of indoor mini golf will have a new venue to try out later this month with the opening of Puttshack at Westfield London.

Described as the ‘world’s first super tech Tees Off At Westfield indoor mini golf experience’, Puttshack occupies a 20,000 square foot space and is part of a £600m expansion designed to transform Westfield into Europe’s largest shopping centre.

PuttShack, which took seven years to come to fruition from its initial planning stages, is the brainchild of the team behind pioneering ping-pong venue Bounce and the global golf phenomenon TopGolf.

The venue, which boasts panoramic views overlooking a new outdoor events and entertainment space, comprises four nine-hole courses, each one taking its inspiration from computer, arcade and fairground games both new and old. One of the holes is modelled on a giant pinball machine, where the ball activates lights and sounds in order to rack up high scores, while another hole has an interactive quiz element to it.

Using patented ball-tracking and scoring technology ‘Trackaball’, Puttshack has been able to develop and offer a whole new level of game play. There will be no need for scorecards, and cheating is next to impossible thanks to the high-powered minicomputer within the golf balls, with which players are provided, that also monitor and share video highlights from each round.

With a capacity of 750 people, Puttshack also offers a huge island bar serving handcrated cocktails, while an extensive food menu features sharing platters as well as individual meals.

Adam Breeden, chief executive of parent company Bounce, said: “It has been our ambition to create the best mini golf experience in the world, and we believe Puttshack delivers just that. Our world-first Trackaball technology has enabled us to take mini golf and transform it into something completely revolutionary.”

Rounds at Puttshack start from £12, and the plan is to roll out the concept to other sites across London within the year, including a 21,000-square foot venue in the City and another at Lakeside Shopping Centre in East London, which is also currently undergoing a multi-million transformation.

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ALTHOUGH there wasn’t a thoroughbred in Grabs The Spoils At sight, there was very Epsom Pro-Am much a racing theme at Epsom Golf Club’s popular annual Pro-Am, which saw Lingfield Park’s Gary Gilligan canter to a comfortable two-shot victory over the Surrey course.

A sold-out field of over 160 competitors took part in the 32nd renewal of the club’s flagship event, which saw the downland layout presented in superb condition and players enjoying stunning spring sunshine.

The morning starters seemed to experience the tougher of the scoring conditions, but it was Gilligan who proved the runaway winner, shooting a superb three-under-par 67 to beat David Callaway (West Hill) by two shots, with third place being shared six ways between Craig Sutherland, Ian Golding, Kevin O’Connell, Richard Tinworth, Craig Cowper and Martin Woodbridge. Lower down the leaderbaord, Epsom pro Stuart Walker shot a three-over-par 73 to finished tied for 16th place.

Callaway had the consolation of combining with amateurs Pat Inns, Gary Stone and Andrew Pelling to take the first prize in the team event with a score of 15 under par. They won on countback from Craig Cowper’s team of Dan Dove, Lee Hughes, Matt Perry, who, in turn, representing Plan Insurance, enjoyed the consolation of winning the corporate team event, which came with the prize of a holiday to Spain, courtesy of Costalessgolf.com.

The Pro-Am day also saw the timely unveiling of a new ‘welcome’ sign on the club’s first tee, as well as new captain's and president's parking signs.

All three were generously donated by Epsom’s past president David Barrows.

NEWS | JUNE 2018

[17]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Coles

Receives Vice-Captain’s Call Up For PGA Cup ESSEX TOUR PROFESSIONAL Rob Coles has been named as a vice-captain for Great Britain & Ireland’s PGA Cup clash with America in Texas next year.

The 45-year-old played an integral role in helping the home team secure back-to-back victories over United States for the first time at Foxhills Club & Resort last September. The former European Tour player was the top points scorer on his PGA Cup debut, winning four out of five matches as the hosts recorded an emphatic 16-10 victory.

Coles is now looking to use all of his experience to help captain Cameron Clark lead GB & Ireland to an historic third consecutive victory over the Americans at Barton Creek Resort in Texas, where the match will take place from September 27-29.

“I am delighted that Cameron has asked me to be his vice-captain for the 2019 PGA Cup in America,” said Coles, who has played in almost 400 European Tour events from 1995 to 2018. “As soon as I played in the

Toot Hill Submits Plans For Holiday Flats

PGA Cup at Foxhills, I knew I wanted to be involved in the next one. I never thought I’d be talking about being involved in a vice-captaincy role, I only thought I’d be involved as a player.

“Playing in the competition and winning meant a lot to me. I hadn’t played as part of a team for so long, so it was brilliant and I really enjoyed that atmosphere.

I watched Cameron and Martyn Thompson do a great job last time in that role, so I’ve learned a lot from what I saw from them.

They helped everyone settle into the week and told us what to expect. I guess that’s what Cameron will want from me. I don’t think it will be me making decisions, but I'll do what I can to help him and the players."

Despite guaranteeing his place on a flight to

AN ESSEX GOLF CLUB has become the latest in the UK to warn that it could close unless it is able to build houses

on its land to provide additional income.

Toot Hill Golf Club in Ongar is currently seeking planning

InBrief WEST ARE BEST IN SURREY

Texas next year, Coles remains confident he can be involved in a playing capacity too. He added: “Once you experience the PGA Cup you don’t want to pass on another chance to be involved again. To know I’m going to America next year is fantastic, but I still want to qualify for it and play – I haven’t given up on that.”

permission from Epping Forest District Council to build 10 two-bedroom holiday apartments.

If approved, the apartments would replace farm sheds left over from the site’s former use before work on its conversion began in 1988.

A decline in new members, and other members failing to renew, has been blamed for the club’s financial worries.

A spokesman for Giess Wallis Crisp LLP, the golf club’s accountancy firm, said:

“Over recent years there has been a steady decline in the number of members. This has reduced from over 400 to around 150 for the current season. This has required us to assess the ongoing funding of the club, and look at diversification into other revenue streams, such as offering accommodation in place of the barn.”

He added: “Without finding other incomes beyond membership fees and green fees, there is a real danger that the golf course will close.”

★ West Hill captured the Surrey Club Championship after Callum Mackay, Lawrence Courtney and Max O’Hagan combined for a 36hole total of 431 from the strokeplay rounds of the Surrey Amateur Championship. They finished nine shot ahead of Addington Palace (Charlie Crockett, Terry Nicholls and Harry Plowman-Ollington), with Royal Wimbledon (Mark Booker, Chris Kulukundia and Scott Pluthero) a further three shots adrift in third.

ACES AT THE DOUBLE AT LANGDON ★ Essex golfers Terry Huggins and John Hill defied odds of 17-million-to-one last month when both players bagged aces at the 14th hole at Langdon Hills in Essex while playing in the same group. Paired together in a doubles competition, the lucky duo used a 6-iron and a 7-wood respectively to achieve their stunning feat at the 165-yard hole. “It’s not something we’re likely to ever manage again, so it was great to have shared it with a lifelong mate,” said Hill.

SANDY STRIKES AT SUNDRIDGE ★ Sandy Catford won the Kent Ladies Champion of Champions title after shooting 78 gross at Sundridge Park. The five handicapper from Prince’s finished one shot ahead of the host club’s Tita McCart, with Royal Blackheath’s Lily Price a further two shots back in third.

SANDY LODGE GOLF CLUB

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PACKAGES START FROM £65 PER GOLFER

MEMBERSHIP/GREEN FEES/GOLF DAYS SELECTED DATES AND TIMES APPLY

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SANDY LODGE GOLF CLUB, Sandy Lodge Lane, Northwood, HA6 2JD

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O K A G O L F DAY I N

18 C O R P O R AT E D A Y V E N U E S R Y • V I D E O F O O TA G E ( O N S E L E C T E D C L U B S ) • E V E R Y T H I N G Y O U N E E D T O K N O W

[20] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ 14TH HOLE, LONGCROSS COURSE

1. HISTORY IN THE MAKING The history of Foxhills Club & Resort dates back to the 1780s when mercurial politician Charles James Fox resided at the estate.

The family feel extends to the ownership of the club too.

Pam and Ian Hayton purchased the venue in 1983, with their son Marc taking over as managing director in 2010.

The Manor House, built in the 19th century, is now the stunning centrepiece at the heart of the 400-acre estate.

REASONS TO PLAY

FOXHILLS CLUB & RESORT

2. VARIETY AND QUALITY The golf club was established in 1975 and now features two superb 18-hole courses – the Bernard Hunt and the Longcross.

The two Championship courses saw European Tour stars Paul Casey and Anthony Wall take their fledgling steps in the game, and there is exceptional quality and diversity on offer at a resort which has hosted the high-profile PGA Cup and EuroPro events in recent times.

The tree-lined Longcross demands accuracy and precision to plot your way around 18 memorable holes, while the Bernard Hunt offers real variety with a more open feel. But although it is a very different test, it is no less challenging or enjoyable.

Both courses pride themselves on fast greens with subtle undulations, which will test the skills of even the very best putter.

The two courses are rightly-considered among the best parklands layouts in Britain with their superb settings, designs and elevation changes, as well as the exceptional standards and maintenance.

An added bonus is the fabulous par-three nine-hole Manor Course, which is ideal for beginners to hone their skills, but stands out in its own right as a testing short course for more experienced players.

3. LEISURE & LIFESTYLE

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to join or a superb day’s golf. Foxhills in Surrey ticks all the right boxes

And with 70 bedrooms, three restaurants, and extensive meeting facilities, Foxhills boasts an array of quality facilities on one site.

4. ONE EYE ON THE FUTURE

Attracting youngsters to golf remains a challenging prospect for clubs but Foxhills has adopted a proactive strategy.

FoxStars Junior Golf Programme is an innovative ten-week coaching programme aimed at youngsters aged from five to 16 years old.

The Foxhills Foundation, which has helped develop almost 300 golfers since it started in 1986, sees successful candidates receive free membership and regular specialist tuition from the county and national-level coaches to give them the very best chance of realising their potential.

It’s not just the youngsters, with the Learn to Love Golf membership option allowing new golfers to join up at a discounted annual rate of £750, with no joining fee and specific coaching, easing them into full membership over a two-year programme.

There are also big plans for the expansion and development of the resort with new facilities planned to further enhance the Foxhills experience in the future.

5. LOOKING AFTER THE MEMBERS A host of tailored membership options ensures diversity across the ages. With modern and exciting facilities and a vibrant atmosphere, Surrey’s favourite playground is building a reputation as an ideal family venue.

Junior memberships now include full access to the resort’s facilities from the age of 0-21. Intermediate age group categories – with incremental fees up to the age of 40 – are designed to attract younger members and make allowance for the challenge of climbing the career and property ladder, while enjoying leisure time. Corporate memberships are also available to suit business needs.

Aside from the golf, the resort is a perfect retreat with a host of activities and pursuits.

Award-winning spa and gym facilities are available with four swimming pools to choose from – some of which are heated and outdoors for those warmer days. Take your pick of plenty of other sports to try, with 11 tennis courts, three squash courts, running trails, and a youth club which will keep the younger visitors amused.

A weekly cycling club capitalises on the resort's status as official partner to the Aviva Tour of Britain and home to Team GB’s road race cycling team during the London 2012 Olympic Games, with nearby routes used in the 2012 games.

6. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Situated just minutes from the M3 and M25 in Ottershaw, transport links are easy.

Central London is less than 30 miles away – but you would never know it out on the course as you immerse yourself in this tranquil part of Surrey.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Telephone 01932 704465, email golfservices@foxhills.co.uk or visit www.foxhills.co.uk ■ THE MANOR HOUSE, WITH THE EIGHTH HOLE ON THE PAR-3 COURSE

NEWS | JUNE 2018

[21]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Poppleton

Evans

Produces High Five At Three Rivers

Wins Brabazon Trophy YORKSHIRE’S NICK POPPLETON won the Brabazon Trophy in dramatic style when chipping in on the second play-off hole at Frilford Heath.

South Africa’s Wilco Nienaber – who had tied with Poppleton on 16 under – tried to equal him, but his shot to keep the championship alive hit the hole and lipped out.

It was an exciting finale to a day of superb golf at the Oxfordshire venue, played out in hot sunshine, with low scores which included a course record 63 – and a magical eagle which set up Poppleton’s victory in the Englishmen’s open stroke play championship.

The 24-year-old from Wath in Yorkshire was chasing Nienaber for most of the final round. The South African

No.1 had blitzed the morning round in seven-under 65 to get to 13 under after 54 holes, two clear of Poppleton.

Nienaber set off like a rocket in the afternoon. He was five under after seven holes, and five shots clear of Poppleton.

But a bogey on the short 11th, where he missed the green, and a double bogey on 14, where he lost his drive in the gorse, pulled him back to 15 under for the tournament.

Poppleton, playing in the group ahead, was making steady progress, and got to 14 under after 12 holes. He needed something more – and he took his chance on the par-four 16th, driving the green and holing a 15-footer for an eagle two.

But Nienaber wasn’t finished, and he calmly slotted an eight-footer for birdie on the last to force the play-off.

The title was decided on the par-three ninth. Oddly, both players missed the green both times they played it – but compensated with stunning chip shots.

After bagging his first international win, Poppleton said: “It means a lot, this is the pinnacle of stroke play for England Golf, and a lot of fantastic players have won this. It’s nice to start the season off hot. I’ve had a couple of seasons when I came out really slowly, so it’s good to get one early.”

The final day of the championship was marked by low scoring. Andrew Wilson (Darlington) set a new course record of nine-under 63 in the third round, which propelled him into contention.

In the final round, Bailey Gill (Lindrick) shot 67 to finish on 13 under and climb into a tie for third place with Jack Cope (The Players Club). Cope also won the Henriques Salver, awarded to the best player from GB&I, aged under 20. He was four clear of Arrun Singh Brar (Parkstone).

KENT PROFESSIONAL Sian Evans kept her momentum going in the WPGA One Day Series with a dominant victory in the third round held at Three Rivers Golf Club in Essex.

The Kings Hill player has already reached

the PGA Assistants’ Championship final for the second year running. And she did not drop a shot on her way to an impressive five-under-par round of 69.

Evans won by three shots ahead of Keely Chiericato (Manston), who was playing just days after winning the Women’s PGA Championship at Trentham Golf Club. It was the Kent player’s

first appearance in the competition this season as part of a packed calendar. And she was delighted with her winning performance.

“It’s been a while since I had a bogeyfree round, so I’m really pleased about that,” said Evans. “And a score of five under par was quite nice too. I’ve been playing well so far this season, but I’ve just been waiting for a low score.”

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[22] JUNE 2018 | COURSE REVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW COURSE REVIEW

ROYAL MID-SURREY GOLF CLUB

After celebrating its 125th anniversary last year, and with its two championship golf courses in stunning condition, there has never been a better time to visit Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club for an unforgettable society or corporate golf day

■ THE JH TAYLOR COURSE, WHICH BACKS ON TO KEW GARDENS, IS A CLASSIC PARKLAND LAYOUT

C ■ THE STYLISH CLUBHOUSE IS IDEALLY PLACED TO HOST LARGE-SCALE CORPORATE EVENTS AS WELL AS SMALLER SOCIETY DAYS

hoosing the perfect venue for a society or corporate day can be an arduous task.

Having to look for championship golf course facilities, along with a quality food offering ready to cater for hungry golfers, is not easy, especially when you also want an easily accessible location.

Event organisers need look no further than Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club in Richmond, the only 36-hole quality venue in central London, less than a 20-minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and located a few hundred yards from the A316 – one of the main routes in and out of south west London.

Founded 126 years ago, Royal Mid-Surrey occupies an historic area of royal parkland and shares a bend in the river with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. And few golf clubs

have as much right to the ‘Royal’ prefix.

Its historic connections with royalty go back to Plantagenet times, when Henry V’s monastery stood where the 14th and 15th holes of the JH Taylor course are now played. Royal status was bestowed on the club in 1926, when the then Prince of Wales was captain, and it was a cousin of Queen Victoria, the second Duke of Cambridge, who was the club’s first president.

With its regal connections, Royal Mid-Surrey prides itself on welcoming guests from many other ‘Royal’ golf clubs, with last year’s 125th year anniversary celebrations seeing 22 other Royal clubs, some from as far away as Australia, making the trip to take part in the festival of golfing and other social events held throughout the summer.

The club boasts two superb championship courses, comprehensive practice facilities, extensive clubhouse

■ THE 147-YARD, PAR-3 FIFTH

amenities, and top-quality catering that can be tailored for any specific group or party – making it the ideal venue for a society of corporate event.

Recent golf days held at Royal Mid-Surrey featured up to 80 golfers hosted by some of the UK’s top companies, sports clubs and business

organisations. The Association of Golf Writers also teed it up recently before covering the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event on the European Tour. “The praise for the course was universal – as was the welcome given,” said Peter Dixon, the AGW’s captain of golf.

36-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP VENUE Both 18-hole courses – the JH Taylor and the Pam Barton – have been upgraded in recent years to maintain the standards and challenges set by the legendary JH Taylor, a five-time Open champion and the club’s first professional in 1899, a role he held for 47 years.

The JH Taylor course is a beautiful par-69 parkland layout, which measures 6,402 yards off the white tees, and offers a real challenge for golfers of all abilities. With impressive views across to Kew Gardens and its spectacular Pagoda, the quality of the course was rewarded with the staging of the Men's Surrey County Championships and the English Women's Open Amateur Matchplay Championship last year.

The course benefitted from a renovation at the hands of esteemed architects Thomson, Perrett & Lobb in 2014, which resulted in all 18 greens being relaid to USGA specifications,

COURSE REVIEW | JUNE 2018

[23]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

in the 1930s – is no pushover, with cleverly designed holes and smaller greens sure to test the best players’ course management skills. The Pam Barton is home to The Mothers & Daughters Open Competition and hosted the Junior Surrey County Championship in 2014.

FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY

This is certainly a course where a good score needs to be compiled early, and then bravely hung onto until you’re inside the safety of the clubhouse.

Although shorter than the JH Taylor course, the par-67 Pam Barton course – which is named after the longstanding member who dominated the ladies’ amateur game

■ THE PAR-67 PAM BARTON COURSE

EVENT ORGANISERS NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN ROYAL MID-SURREY GOLF CLUB IN RICHMOND - THE ONLY 36-HOLE QUALITY VENUE IN CENTRAL LONDON ensuring excellent year-round putting surfaces, while the entire bunker system was also remodelled and restored to its former glory, adding to the aesthetic appeal, and increasing the challenge.

With 16 full-time greenkeepers, and a new fleet of Toro machinery, the courses are presented in magnificent condition throughout the year.

Although not long by modern standards, there are only two par fives, while seven of the par fours are over 400 yards, and two of the par threes over 200, making this a course where accuracy and length are both at a premium. No sooner is this evident than at the opening hole, a 225-yard par three played to a small green flanked by bunkers. The test continues as the next six holes wind their way through mature trees and the boundaries of Kew Gardens, whose magnificent pagoda can be seen in

its full glory when playing up to the fourth green.

Things start to open out a little from the eighth – a long par three played over a pond – but clever cuts to the fairways, numerous wellpositioned bunkers, and Taylor’s mischievous and ever-present humps, still reward a well-placed tee shot, and the consequence of not hitting your mark will often be at least a stroke.

Things do not get easier after the turn either, as the long par fours start to take their toll. The 10th and 12th are 442 and 458 yards respectively, while the closing four-hole stretch almost rivals Carnoustie’s tough finish.

The 17th and 18th – which measure 423 and 405 yards respectively – and feature narrowing fairways, plenty of sand and raised greens, are particularly challenging holes that sweep gently uphill to the clubhouse to provide a suitably dramatic finish.

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Off the course, the club’s spectacular two-storey clubhouse is the perfect place to relax after a round.

Constructed in a modern style, but with a traditional feel, it provides members, guests and visitors with access to numerous bars and private rooms, each with a different ambience and charm.

There are three private function rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 140 people, while each area can be set up for private dining and entertainment.

Two of the rooms have panoramic views over the golf courses.

The club also hosts many non-golf related events with its banqueting facilities. The Shooting Stars Chase Luncheon (120 guests), the Victoria Foundation Annual Ball (130 guests) and the Small Steps Charity Ball (140 guests) have all recently held events at the venue.

“All of our guests very much enjoyed the venue, quality of the food and the speaker,” said Lorna Votier of the Victoria Foundation.

“The evening ran very smoothly due to the fabulous organisation and support from all the staff,” she added.

[24] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Foster LANCASHIRE’S TREVOR FOSTER came from five shots behind in the final round to win the Irish Seniors Amateur Open at a windy Concra Wood in County Monaghan.

The Accrington player, who is the reigning senior Lancashire champion, fired a final round 70 to finish on level par for 54 holes and pip second-round leader Steve Graham by two shots.

Foster closed the gap on the

Honours Taken At

front nine, reaching the turn in 34 courtesy of two birdies, while Graham suffered a double bogey at the first and went out in 37.

Another double bogey at the tenth proved costly for Graham, as his compatriot made two more birdies on the back nine to finish the week at level par.

Graham, the general manager at East Sussex National, closed with a 77, having put himself in a good position to win following

COODEN BEACH GOLF CLUB played host to some intense competitive action for both amateur golfers and professionals alike in recent weeks, as the popular East Sussex venue staged its annual Open Foursomes tournament in mid-May, and then entertained the PGA South Region’s players for its first ever charity PGA Pro-Am at the beginning of June.

A total of 42 pairs took part in the annual 72-hole Cooden Beach Bowl, with competitors travelling to Bexhill-on-Sea from all over the UK to take part in the hotly contested tournament, which involves a stroke play qualifying round followed by knockout match play.

And, after two days of superb action, it was last year’s winning team, Gary Smith and Jack Marsh from Shooters Hill Golf Club in London, who came away with the spoils again, beating the Mannings Heath pairing of Ian Applegate and Aaron Peacock two-up in Sunday’s final.

Cooden

Pips Graham To Irish Seniors’ Title

earlier rounds of 73 and 68.

Ireland’s George Wilson posted a 75 to share third with

Portmarnock's Adrian Morrow, while Surrey’s Ian Attoe took fourth with a closing 73.

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The Cooden Beach father-and-son pairing of John and Andrew Jones won the qualifying round with an impressive 42 stableford points, and made it to the semi-finals before being beaten by the overall winners.

Three weeks later saw the leading southern-based professionals take part in Cooden Beach’s first Charity PGA Pro-Am, which also served as something of a warm up for the club’s hosting of the PGA Southern Open Championship on June 18-19.

And it was Poult Wood’s David Copsey who came away with the spoils after shooting a four-under-par 68 for his third win in three weeks. The winner made light work of Cooden Beach’s par threes, bagging three twos at the short holes, while an eagle at the par-five last helped seal his victory.

Copsey’s effort edged out Poult Wood colleague Craig Sutherland and Sittingbourne’s Peter Appleyard, who both shot 69, while Ben St. John made 70 for fourth spot. Cooden Beach’s own Paul Nessling was the only other player under par with 71.

While Nessling is attached to the club, Jim Sim has served as Cooden Beach’s head PGA professional for 25 years, while club has recently appointed a new general manager, Adrian Wrattling, who has held similar posts at Harrogate Golf Club in Yorkshire and Chobham Golf Club in Surrey. Wrattling said: “Cooden Beach has a great feel and it’s a very welcoming club – the history of the club is very special.”

NEWS | JUNE 2018 [25] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Biggs

Flies Home To Capture Lagonda Trophy

SUFFOLK AMATEUR James Biggs won the 44th Lagonda Trophy with an impressive oneover par total for four rounds at Gog Magog.

The Diss player fired rounds of 71, 74, 68 and 68 at the Cambridgeshire venue for a total of 281,

Parley Members

A KEEN GOLFER from Dorset who collapsed after having Save Fellow Player After a massive Heart-Stopping Drive heart attack miraculously survived because the player behind him had just been on a first aid course.

Barry Duxbury had initially tried to wave his saviour through to play ahead of him at Parley Golf Centre in Bournemouth, but David Price declined, saying he was a slow player too.

He watched as Duxbury struck a drive up the middle of the fairway, then set off after it, along with his playing partner Colin Cox. However, when Price looked back, he noticed that Duxbury had collapsed to the ground.

He rushed to him and was able to put the new skills he had learned on a recent British Heart Foundation ‘Heartstart’ first aid course into action, beginning CPR, while his playing partner Kelvin Holmes called the emergency services from his mobile. Price worked on the stricken man for 15 minutes before the paramedics arrived and took over. The 77-year-old from Bournemouth was then taken to hospital, where he amazed doctors by making a full recovery.

The first thing he did on being discharged was to buy a defibrillator which he donated to the golf club. Duxbury, a retired shop proprietor, said: “The last thing I remember is walking towards the tee. The next thing I recall is waking up in hospital and being told what had happened. I can’t thank David, Colin and Kelvin enough, because without them I wouldn’t be here. The doctors told me that only 4% of people survive what happened to me, and of that 4%, the majority are brain damaged."

He added: “Parley is a wonderful club and I’ve had so much support and so many kind messages. As soon as I was able, I was back in the driving range and playing the new course. I also went out and bought a defibrillator – which hopefully will never be needed. My only regret is that I have no memory of the tee shot, which I’m told was brilliant!”

which was three under the standard scratch.

In taking the prestigious title, which is open to low handicap boys, Biggs joins an illustrious group of past winners, including Ryder Cup players Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, David Gilford and, more recently, Andy Sullivan.

At the end of the first day, which was played in extremely cold and windy conditions, Dan Brown (Littlestone) and James Cass (Fulford) led

the way, each recording a three-under-par total of 137.

But day two saw Biggs move into contention with a third round 68. He made up an eight-shot deficit from the first day, and took the title in convincing fashion by adding a second successive 68 to finish three shots clear of Jon Hopkins (Bishop’s Stortford), Will Percival [Orsett] and Liam Phillips (Olton). Brown dropped

into a share of fifth after shooting a closing 76, while Harry Butler moved up into a tie with Brown with a fine 68.

Tournament creator Clive Smith was on hand to present Biggs with the Lagonda Trophy in front of the 1930s Lagonda he owns, and from which the tournament gets its name.

As well as the trophy, and a gold-plated goblet, Biggs received a voucher for £500.

[26] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MOLINARI OUTGUNS MCILROY TO CLAIM PGA TITLE Italy’s Francesco Molinari moved into contention for a return to Ryder Cup duties following an impressive display at Wentworth, where he captured the BMW PGA Championship by two shots from Rory McIlroy

I

t wasn’t the result that most of the 22,000 fans who flocked to Wentworth on Sunday expected, but Francesco Molinari certainly earned their respect after the 35-year-old Italian put on a bold, front-running display to deny crowd favourite Rory McIlroy a second PGA title.

The unflappable man from Milan shot a final round 68 to finish on 17 under par and hold off a host of challengers, including 2015 champion McIlroy and last year’s winner, Alex Noren, who shot a closing 67 to finish in a share of third with another rising Scandanavian star, Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard.

Four days earlier, Molinari had opened the PGA Championship with a bogey, but, on a course which carries recurring danger, managed to drop only one further shot for the remaining 71 holes, with his trademark straight driving and precision iron play serving him well on a track that favours those who keep out of trouble.

If five previous top-tens at Wentworth, including second place last year, suggested that Molinari had a fondness for the West Course, there was a simplicity

attached to his victory. Until the very last hole, where McIlroy left an 25-foot eagle putt an inch short, there looked no chance at all of Molinari wilting in front of his illustrious playing partner.

McIlroy, who looked in fine form over the opening two rounds, which took him to 12 under par, was well short of his best over the weekend, and went round in 71 and 70 to finish in a tie for second. Hitting irons off many tees, the Northern Irishman still managed to find

EPSOM GOLF CLUB

himself out of position on numerous innocuous holes, with his ‘Army golf’ putting pressure on his putter, which once again proved to be good cop and bad cop in equal measure.

Starting day four in a tie for the lead with McIlroy, Molinari was unfazed by the virtual match play situation, and calmly went about his business, while McIlroy missed shots left and right, and, at times, looked ill at ease with his swing.

■ FRANCESCO MOLINARI SECURED THE BIGGEST WIN OF HIS CAREER WITH VICTORY AT THE BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

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FEATURE | JUNE 2018

[27]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

“I’m old enough now that I’ve played in probably tougher circumstances even than today, playing against Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup and stuff like that,” Molinari said. “Rory is a tough competitor, but I didn’t feel intimidated at all. The last couple of holes, he was basically thinking ‘eagle, eagle’, while I was thinking ‘par, par’, and that makes a whole lot of difference.”

Victory in the first of the season’s big money – and bigger points – Rolex Series, as well as his runner up finish in the following week's Italian Open, has catapulted Molinari into the Ryder Cup reckoning, and with his two previous Ryder Cup appearances having coincided with victories for Europe, team captain Thomas Bjørn will be hoping that the ice cool Italian keeps his form up over the summer’s big events.

Molinari is also a three-time runner up in the French Open, so his course form around Paris National is among the best there is.

“It’s on a course I love, and where I have almost as good a record as I have here, so I’d love to be there,” said Molinari, after picking up the prestigious PGA title – and the near €1m prize money that came with it. “Unfortunately, my last really good week up until now was in August last year, just before the start of the Ryder Cup qualification period. I didn’t even look at the standings after that, to be honest. I don’t know where I was in the table, but it’s not nice seeing that you’re a long way back. So I tried to focus on other things. Now I’ll probably have a look and enjoy it, but there’s a long way to go.”

Speaking after his final round, McIlroy said: “I’m disappointed I didn’t play better over the weekend. I was in a great position after two days, struggled on Saturday, and sort of struggled today as well. I just couldn’t get it going. I let Francesco

■ HUGE CROWDS FLOCKED TO WENTWORTH TO WATCH EUROPE'S TOP PLAYERS IN ACTION

■ DOWN AND OUT: RORY MCILROY MISSED OUT ON A CHANCE T0 WIN HIS SECOND PGA TITLE

get a few shots ahead of me, and I just couldn’t claw it back. It’s disappointing – I put myself in a good position to win and I didn’t get the job done. That’s not taking anything away from Francesco. He played a great weekend, and bogey-free two rounds around here is some playing. He deserved the win.”

Further down the leaderboard, Bjørn will have taken heart from the impressive defence of the title put on by last year’s champion Alex Noren, who looks certain to play a part in Paris, while top-ten finishers Rafa Cabrera Bello and Matt Fitzpatrick

also staked their claims for consideration by the captain.

Once again, near record crowds of over 100,000 turned out to watch the action over the week. The weekend evening concerts given by Rudimental and Simple Minds were played in front of full houses, while over 20,000 piled through the gates to watch the Pro-Am on Wednesday, which is now the second-best attended day of the week. The attraction of watching professional golfers and celebrity hackers is clearly a winning mix, and one the gets bigger and better every year.

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[28] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WRONG DIRECTION

Singer Nial Horan found a spot of water trouble during his tour of the West Course with Graeme McDowell

HEY MR DJ

Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans tried his best to go incognito under hat and sunglasses

Out Of Their Comfort Zone

The stars of golf, sport, music, TV and film came together once more for a hack and a slice around Wentworth’s West Course – and over 20,000 people came to watch it at £25 a pop. It could only be the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am. Hard hats at the read . . .

HARD KNOCK LIFE

Tough guy Vinnie Jones get his drive away on 18 despite having dislocated his right knee

SINGING SWINGER

The Vamps frontman Bradley Simpson seems exceptionally pleased with his unorthodox swing

GUNNING FOR GLORY

Ian Poulter and Ian Wright discuss the merits of Unai Emery's appointment

HE SHOOTS HE SCORES

Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Tommy Fleetwood took part in a footballing challenge on the 18th fairway

IT WENT THAT WAY

FOUL THROW

TV presenter Vernon Kay does a fine impression of Steve Backley on the West Course's 13th hole

GOLF IS A ROLLERCOASTER

Pro-Am regular Ronan Keating was back in action at Wentworth

SHORTING THE MARKET

Matthew Pinsent and Anton DuBeke disagree on which direction the oarsman's ball is heading

Billions star Damien Liews showed a deft touch around the greens

SIX OR FORE?

Cricket legends Brian Lara and Ian Botham enjoyed a testing match around the West Course

UNITED FRONT RED ON GREEN

Jamie Rednapp sends another shot on target watched on by Robbie Fowler and Liverpool-born hockey star Sam Quek

Rory McIroy was paired up with three Man Utd legends including Paul Scholes

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[30] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ FAIRWEATHER GOLF ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS NATE WEIDNER AND MATT EDWARDS ARE ABLE TO GIVE LESSONS ON THE ONLY TWO ROBOGOLFPRO UNITS IN THE UK

ROBOGOLFPRO:

THE ANSWER TO A CONSISTENT SWING FairWeather Golf, which has coaching academies in Surrey and East London, and is home to the UK’s only two RoboGolfPro units, state-of-the-art coaching tools which look set to change the way golf is taught and learned forever

G

olf lessons can be a frustrating investment. Even after a few sessions, things often get worse before they get better, and sometimes it seems like things don’t get better at all. To cap it off, it can take months for a swing change to be engrained to the point where it happens naturally.

Coaches often talk about the difference between ‘feel versus real’, which can be part of the reason why some golfers don’t improve as quickly as they could or should, because what they feel they’re doing in their practice and what they’re actually doing is very often different.

But there’s a new training aid set to change all this. It’s called the RoboGolfPro, and while it’s been in use for some times in the United States, the first one only hit the UK shores at the FairWeather Golf Academy in Camberley, Surrey, back in 2016. FairWeather Golf has since expanded to another site at Greenwich Peninsula in south east London, so golfers in the region now have two venues at which to try out the biggest revolution in swing training in the modern era.

■ "ROBOGOLFPRO HAS BEEN ESSENTIAL TO MY SUCCESS" SAYS TOUR WINNER BRYSON DECHAMBEAU

WHAT IS ROBOGOLFPRO?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Developed in the US, but built in Germany, and with a price tag of a mere $150,000, the RoboGolfPro boasts PGA Tour players Bryson DeChambeau and Vaughan Taylor, both multiple winners, as committed users, while a growing number of swing studios and top level coaches have quickly come around to its benefits as a coaching tool and a training aid.

Taylor won the ATT&T Pebble Beach ProAm – his first win for a decade – just a few months after buying his own RoboGolfPro in 2016. DeChambeau has won twice since turning professional two years ago, most recently at this month’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. The young Californian – who has the unusual equipment set up of every iron shaft being the same length – described RoboGolfPro as ‘essential to my success’.

While few regular golfers could afford to buy one, it’s recommended that the RoboGolf Pro is used with the help of a qualified instructor, as they are best placed to not only operate the system, but also correctly interpret the results and determine what drills to work on.

Your PGA Professional will build your RoboGolfPro swing from scratch, based on the diagnosis of your swing evaluation.

This way the new ‘perfect’ swing is tailored entirely to the individual's height, flexibility, range of movement, and swing characteristics. The golfer then gets an instant feel for what their new improved swing feels like. They can also see themselves live on a TV monitor located at ground level, providing visual feedback so they can relate certain positions to certain feelings.

“RoboGolfPro is the only machine in existence that allows the golfer to learn through feel. Each swing is customised to the player’s height, flexibility and range of motion, resulting in a consistent, efficient

swing, helping build muscle memory.

This allows for perfect practice leading to quicker more sustainable results,” said FairWeather Golf’s Academy Director and PGA Professional Matt Edwards.

The robot can be programmed in different ways, to overcorrect a fault, or exaggerate a move, in order for the student to break out of a bad habit. For a bit of fun, golfers can also experience what it’s like to swing like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy or, if you prefer something a little more unorthodox, Bubba Watson, or maybe Jim Furyk, whose swing was once famously described by David Ferherty as ‘like watching an octopus falling out of a tree’.

Edwards added: “Ultimately, RoboGolfPro will create a more effective, consistent swing, helping achieve longer, straighter shots. Data collected from users over the years shows that players can gain between 15 and 45 yards after just one lesson on the robot. Who doesn’t want that?”

FAIRWEATHER GOLF: MORE THAN JUST A SWING STUDIO In addition to RoboGolfPro, FairWeather Golf has an array of game-enhancing technology, including BodiTrak, K-Vest and Trackman. It is the ideal venue for helping new players and juniors get into the game, as well as coaching elite amateurs and tour professionals. And with six indoor golf simulators, boasting a choice of 63 world-class golf courses, plus a bar and café, FairWeather Golf also provides a relaxed, social experience for groups who want to come along and have some fun with friends.

BOOK YOUR ROBOGOLFPRO LESSON NOW! 90-minute Full Evaluation & Lesson: £120 30-minute Taster Lesson: £45 Book a Full Evaluation and Lesson and receive a FREE Trackman gapping session.

For bookings and further enquiries, call 01276 889 231 email enquiries@fairweather.golf or visit www.fairweather.golf

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[32] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB: GOLF MEMBERSHIP RE-IMAGINED If you’re looking to play a wide variety of top-quality courses across the UK, take part in a range of competitions and social events, meet like-minded people, and receive a whole new golfing wardrobe, then you should consider joining THE MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB, a golf membership for the 21st century MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB LOGO 04.12.17

MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB

While the benefits of a full golf club membership are many and obvious –access to a golf course 365 days a year; handicap registration; competitions and social events M A S numbers HIE – there are a growing of golfers for MEMBERS CLUB whom the traditional membership structure no longer provides the most cost- or time-efficient way of playing, or indeed paying, for their golf.

■ STOKE PARK

With few full-time workers able to commit to playing every weekend, especially those with young children or other family commitments, the idea of being a seven-day member at one club isn’t always the most practical solution to meeting your golfing needs.

So what if someone set up a club which, for one annual fee – or 12 monthly payments – gave you access to 30 rounds of golf at some of the top golf clubs in the UK; allowed you to take part in a busy schedule of organised competitions and social events either on your own, or with a friend or colleague; laid on full tournament hosting and hospitality: let you hold a CONGU-recognised handicap; offered a host of fringe benefits and savings on greens fees and golf clothing; and, on top of all that, enabled you to meet a wide range of like-minded people?

Well, thank heavens, someone already has. It’s called the MASHIE Members Club, and it could be the answer for thousands of golfers for whom the traditional golf club membership doesn’t fit their lifestyle.

Set up just six months ago, the MASHIE Members Club in the brainchild of Nick Hovey, who ran a golf clothing brand and retail business for eight years, but, who like many hardworking family men and women, couldn’t find enough time to enjoy his favourite hobby. So two years ago, Hovey’s love of golf was so great that set up a brand new business that

FEATURE | JUNE 2018 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[33]

MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB LOGO 04.12.17

combined his love of the game with a passion for fashion.

Thus, in 2016, Mashie Golf was born.

Spotting a gap in the market for a British-owned golf clothing brand that did the essentials right, Hovey set about creating a small range of well-made, classically styled golfing apparel that would appeal to fashion-conscious older golfers. The concept, while innovative, was a bold one, but it soon struck a chord with the golfing public, and, over the following 18 months, quickly developed into something more than just a company selling polo shirts, jackets and trousers to discerning golfers.

As Hovey explains: “We started to host events at golf clubs to show off the clothing range, and soon managed to build a community, not just online, but also in the real world, of golfers who liked the MASHIE brand and what it stands for, so we kind of took the idea from there.

“As a keen golfer with a young family, I couldn’t justify the cost of a full membership, as I didn’t have time for the seven or eight rounds a month needed to make the cost of a membership work out against the cost of paying and playing,” he continues. “While there are lots of golf societies about, there wasn’t something that gave the benefits of membership – access to a variety of great golf courses,

JOIN THE MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB AND START MASHIE SAVING TODAY!

MASHIE

MEMBERS CLUB

MEMBERS CLUB

TO JOIN THE MASHIE MEMBERS CLUB CALL 01285 720111, OR VIST WWW.MASHIEGOLF.CO.UK.

MASHIE CLUB MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS CHOOSE A MEMBERSHIP TO SUIT YOUR GAME

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP Individual Membership is perfect for any golfer wanting a flexible membership that provides access to the MASHIE members events calendar, unlimited access and preferential rates to play some of the best courses in the UK, and a £50 voucher each month for a year to buy MASHIE Golf clothing. Annual membership costs £700, while a monthly payment package costs £65.

■ THE SHIRE

INDIVIDUAL PLUS Individual Plus membership includes everything offered in the standard Individual package, plus Event Credits to enter any Members Event, plus the full balance of £400 clothing credits immediately after joining.

■ THERE ARE ALWAYS LOTS OF QUALITY PRIZES TO BE WON AT MASHIE GOLF DAYS, INCLUDING THE CHANCE TO WIN A GOLF HOLIDAY TO SAWGRASS

competitions, handicaps, and the social side of things. So I came up with the idea of a club, where, for a one-off fee, nomadic golfers, as well as those club members who want to play a wider variety of golf courses, could join.”

MASHIE Members Club members enjoy the benefits of the clothing side of the business too, with all new members receiving £600 worth of vouchers to spend on MASHIE Golf clothing. And with full annual membership costing only £700 (see membership panel for details), it’s easy to see why so many golfers have signed up to the club.

Fast-forward to the beginning of June this year, and the MASHIE Members Club is now in full swing, with a full schedule of members, and open events up and running for the 2018 season, and events planned well into 2019 (see panel). Clubs on the schedule include Stoke Park, Frilford Heath, Hindhead and The Grove, while Ryder Cup fans will want to join the MASHIE Members Club's visit the Brabazon Course at The Belfry on September 4. With breakfast and lunch/dinner included on the days, along with a generous table of prizes, MASHIE Members Club membership offers great value for money at every turn.

On top of full access to an events calendar of over 30 events per year, members also enjoy unlimited access to a constantly growing list of courses offering discounts of up to 50% off standard green fees, meaning that membership is even more of a bargain for nomadic golfers with the time to indulge in their favourite passion.

So why not find out more about the golf’s most innovative and flexible five-star golf membership for less, by calling the Mashie Golf team, and start living the golfing life you’ve always wanted?

■ MASHIE AMBASSADORS AP MCCOY AND CHRIS WOAKES

MASHIE GOLF 2018 EVENTS CALENDAR MEMBERS EVENTS June 27 Foxhills, Surrey July 13 Addington Palace, Surrey July 24 Frilford Heath, Oxon Aug 9 Sandford Springs, Hants Sept 4 The Belfry, Birmingham Sept 18 Denham, Bucks Sept 20 Bearwood Lakes, Berks Sept 28 Nailcott Hall, Warks Oct 12 Luton Hoo, Beds Nov 8 Hindhead, Surrey Nov 22 Stoke Park, Bucks Nov 29 Worplesdon, Surrey

MEMBERS TOURNAMENT/QUALIFIERS Aug 3 Stapleford Park, Leics Aug 31 The Shire, North London Sept 13 Ramside, Durham MEMBERS TOURNAMENT - FINAL Oct 31 Walton Heath, Surrey OPEN EVENTS July 13 Addington Palace, South London Aug 9 Sandford Springs, Hants Sept 28 Nallcote Hall, Warks Oct 12 Luton Hoo, Beds

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

NB: Additional events are regularly added to this schedule

Corporate Membership is perfect for entertaining clients, colleagues and friends. It offers access to a full calendar of MASHIE Members Club members events; unlimited preferential rates at partner courses such as Stoke Park, Foxhills, Hanbury Manor, The Grove and

The Belfry, plus personalised corporatebranded clothing, and a full concierge service.

Each corporate membership is registered in the company name, not an individual's name, ensuring total flexibility

MASHIE MEMBERS' TESTIMONIALS "MASHIE golf days are a fantastic day out, with great courses, great company, and top prizes – that are worth the membership cost alone!”

"I love having the opportunity to play in golf days at great courses. The bonus is the MASHIE clothing, which is premium quality.”

"Being a MASHIE member is a costeffective way to maintain a handicap, and play at some top venues in fabulously well organised events."

"The MASHIE Members Club offers something that no other club can offer, with a range of premium clothing, private members' events, prestigious course access, and endless other offers that go beyond the norm in order to provide a service to their members that sets them apart" "MASHIE is such an innovative product, with fabulous clothing, quality golf courses, plus a handicap if needed. What can I say other than 'Wow!'

MASHIE GOLF

A GREAT BRITISH CLOTHING BRAND IN THE MAKING Mashie Golf designs and produces its own exclusive and stylish range of men’s and women’s golf apparel and accessories. Made with premium quality, high-tech performance fabrics, with classic, on-trend designs, all of the products feature Mashie’s bold logo.

To check out the latest range, including polo shirts, trousers, shorts, jackets, knitwear and outerwear, visit www.mashiegolf.co.uk.

and enabling anyone from the company to use the membership. The top corporate membership package costs £2,995 + VAT, and offers Event Credits which can be redeemed to book places for you and your clients at any event in the MASHIE calendar throughout the year.

Corporate members also have the opportunity to become a title sponsor of a members’ event, giving businesses an easy way to host their own company golf day.

KEEP YOUR HANDICAP WITH MASHIE GOLF The MASHIE Members Club is the only online golf club to provide an official CONGU handicap. The club uses Handicap Master to manage handicaps for members competitions, and also has a handicap committee to allocate and manage member handicaps.

[34] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief JONES WINS WELSH & SUSSEX SENIOR TITLES ★ West Sussex player Colin Jones hit a rich vein of form in early June when winning the Sussex Senior Championship and the Welsh Seniors Open in consecutive weeks. Jones won the Sussex Over 50s title with rounds of 71 and 73 at the Nevill, where he finished three shots in front of Steve Graham (East Sussex National). The following week he captured the Welsh Seniors’ crown by one shot, after compiling rounds of 70, 71 and 73 at Aberdovey Golf Club. Jones, who is a member of West Sussex Golf Club in Pulborough, also won the Welsh title in 2016.

HOUSMAN WINS MIDDX LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP ★ Wyke Green’s Lulu Housman captured the Middlesex Ladies’ Championship after beating Tara Watters (Muswell Hill) 2&1 in a closely fought final at Muswell Hill. Housman, who is a member of England’s senior team, overcame Diya Patel (Moor Park) to reach the final, while Watters beat Priyanka Parmar (Pinner Hill) in her semi. Patel won the Kenilworth Cup for lowest gross aggregate score (152), while Sudbury's Nicola Grover was awarded the Tippy Trophy for lowest net total (154).

Vale Resort Upgrades Buggy Fleet

AS PART OF ITS ONGOING commitment to golfing excellence, the Vale Resort in south Wales has teed up a £250,000 investment to upgrade its golf buggy equipment.

The popular five-star resort, which is home to two championship courses, has purchased 50 new ClubCar GPS buggies to give its members and visitors an even better golfing experience.

The new £4,000 buggies are fitted with a state-of-the-art tablet-style device that can track a golfer’s progress on the course, tell them how far from the hole they are, as well as recommending which club to use.

“The GPS in our buggies will help to improve the game of many golfers visiting the courses,” said Clive Coombs, the Vale Resort’s golf manager. “The real standout feature, though, is the device’s ability to judge the distance between the golfer and the hole – something which can transform someone’s

Course Investment Pays Off At

Cottesmore

experience. The Wi-Fi structured system also allows players to see the course from a bird's-eye view perspective, as well as warning them of any approaching obstacles or hazards.”

Set in 650 acres of Welsh countryside, both courses have a mixture of wooded areas, wide and narrow fairways, and water features. At 7,433 yards off the championship tees, the Wales National is one of the longest courses in the UK, with the slightly shorter Lake course, measuring 6,436 yards.

“We’re committed to constantly improving the facilities on offer to our members and visitors,” said Coombs. “Last year we invested £400,000 in greens maintenance equipment to ensure the golf courses are presented to the highest standards, and have also just completed a £500,000 bedroom refurbishment. We look forward to seeing how seasoned members and visitors get on with the new buggies and hope it’ll encourage those who are new to the game.”

MEMBERS AT Cottesmore Golf & Country Club are enjoying yet another superb season on its two golf courses, thanks to the Horsham-based

greenkeeping team.

Among several factors contributing to the current stunning condition of the playing surfaces at the club is the ongoing working relationship with master greenkeeper Greg Evans, who has been advising the club over the last five years.

“Greg has been visiting and advising on a monthly basis for the past five years, during which time the courses have moved forward significantly,” said Johnny Porter, Cottesmore’s general manager. “Most importantly our own course manager,

venue’s continued investment in the expert services of one of the country’s leading golf course consultants, as well as the dedication of its home-grown

HAMPSON CLAIMS MID AGE CHAMPS AT HIGHWOODS ★ Robert Hampson (Willingdon) won the Sussex Mid Age Championship after beating Nigel Harrington (Worthing) in a playoff at Highwoods Golf Club on June 14. Both players tied on 145 for 36 holes, with Hampson shooting a final round 69 to force a play off, which he won at the first extra hole. Trevor Greenfield was two shots further back in third after contrasting rounds of 78 and 69.

Seaford Head Golf Course

Ben Clements, and his dedicated team believe in the programme too, as the results are there to see. We pursue a goal of producing performance-based surfaces for the golfer, as opposed to what is easy for the greenkeepers.

It’s a tough market for golf out there, so we aim to produce a beautiful, exciting and memorable experience for all who play the courses.”

The club has recently invested in a new Toro Procore aeration machine, which will further add to the quality and presentation of the courses.

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Seaford Head Golf Course Southdown Road, Seaford, BN25 4JS Tel: 01323 890139 www.seafordheadgolfcourse.co.uk

NEWS | JUNE 2018

[35]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Rugby Icons

■ MIKE TINDALL

GLENDALE GOLF’S range of innovative family-friendly golf facilities at its seven UK-based venues has proved a real boon in attracting first-time golfers and young families.

All of its venues that boast par-three courses – Duxbury Park in Chorley, Tilgate Forest in Crawley, Edwalton in Nottingham, and Portsmouth Golf Centre in Hampshire – have ‘Fun Courses’, featuring two tees and two different-sized holes.

Forward tees play to 21-inch FootGolf-sized holes for the easiest-possible golf experience,

while the tees further back play to special eight-inch holes – almost twice the size of the standard hole. Easy-to-use SNAG Golf equipment is also available for free hire at Tilgate Forest and Edwalton.

Lancashire venue Duxbury Park has gone a step further, and has created a Golf & Games Family Park, which mixes golf

unlimited balls during that time.

Glendale has also invested in its coaching staff, with two new PGA-qualified coaches joining Richmond Park to expand its beginner, lady and junior programmes, while Tilgate Park has three full-time PGA coaches available to give lessons on its new indoor coaching studio.

Puts The Fun Back Into Family Golf

Scrum Down For Battle At The Buckinghamshire

A

host of household names from the world of rugby are set to compete for a prize fund and global bragging rights in their second chosen sport at the Icons of Rugby Golf Tournament being held at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club from July 28-29.

Among the 24 rugby stars taking part in the twoday televised event are no fewer than 13 World Cup winners and ten British & Irish Lions, with a combined total of 1,860 caps for their respective nations. Grand Slam winner Johnny Sexton will play alongside other Irish legends Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood in a Northern Hemisphere team also containing famous Welsh giants of rugby such as Sir Gareth Edwards, Jonathan Davies and Tom Shanklin. England’s 2003 World Cup winners Lawrence Dallaglio, Mike Tindall and coach Sir Clive Woodward are also playing with former star centre Jeremy Guscott in the Northern line up, along with Scotland’s full back Stuart Hogg.

Those representing the Southern Hemisphere include All Black giants Zinzan Brooke, Grant Fox, Andrew Mehrtens and Christian Cullen; Springbok 2007 World Cup winners Bryan Habana, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Fourie Du Preez and coach Jake White; plus Wallaby 1999 World Cup winners George Gregan, Matthew Burke and Tim Horan. They will all feature in a Friday Pro-am, followed by paired match play contests over 9-holes on Saturday and Sunday, concluding with singles matches on Sunday afternoon to decide the winning team.

A ‘live streamed’ Hole-In-One $1Million prize shoot out, aptly named the ‘One Million Swing’, features all the competitors, plus selected local club rugby fans and spectators at the end of the tournament.

Sultans Of Swing Rock Up For Pont Royal’s Golden Boot Battle

THREE MEMBERS of the rock and roll Hall of Fame were ‘Brothers in Arms’ at Golf International Pont Royal recently as members of Golf At Goodwood competed in a friendly annual contest against the host club in southern France.

Dire Straits' keyboardist Guy Fletcher, and John Illsley, who was a co-founder and bass player of the legendary band, were joined at the Provençale club by world-renowned record

Glendale

with other ways for a family to spend their time. As well as a four-hole Pitch & Putt course, with giant holes and SNAG Golf targets, the Fun Park also contains giant-scale versions of familiar games, such as Snakes & Ladders and Connect 4, plus a large sandpit complete with pirate ship. Entry is free.

Tilgate Forest has converted part of its driving range into a Family Fun Zone, with colourful targets and a special pointsscoring system which drives a variety of fun games. Food and drinks are served directly in the bays, which have been enlarged to enable safe dining while people are playing. And instead of paying for a bucket of balls, Tilgate Forest’s Family Fun Zone charges for the time users spend in the bay, with

■ GUY FLETCHER (LEFT) JOHN ILLSLEY (CENTRE) AND GLYN JOHNS (RIGHT)

producer and former Pont Royal member Glyn Johns, author of the best-selling 'Sound Man' - a memoir of his time working with some of the world's top artists, including the Eagles, the Rolling

Stones, the Who, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, the Clash, and the Beatles.

But the trio failed to hit the right notes on the day, as bragging rights went to the team from Pont Royal, and

Goodwood were forced to return home with the rather-less-highlyprized Golden Boot – at least until the return match in West Sussex in October.

The Golden Boot contest between Pont Royal and Goodwood was inaugurated by Johns and his friend and former clubmate in France, David Payne, now Pont Royal's vicepresident. The teams play annually, at Pont Royal in the spring and at Goodwood in October, with the loser forced to take possession of the battered old boot inbetween times.

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[36] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief

Tetlow Takes Charge At Cranleigh

ESSEX RETAIN EASTERN FOURSOMES TITLE ★ Essex successfully defended the Eastern Foursomes Championship after finishing just one point clear of B&BO in a closely fought contest held at Seacroft Golf Club in Lincolnshire. The Essex team topped the table with 25 points against eight other eastern counties, with BB&O second on 24, and Leicestershire & Rutland in third on 22. The winning team, which helped secure Essex’s fourth win in 64 stagings of the tournament, comprised Jamie Richards, Curtis Knipes, Michael Gilbert, Shay McQueen, Callum Pipe, Will Percival, Ricky Lee, Brandon Meeds, Jordan Slater, and brothers Ben and Josh Tobin.

RAEL-BROOK PIPS NOJA TO HERTS LADIES’ TITLE ★ Twelve-year-old Chiara Noja proved she is more than a match for her older rivals when coming within a whisker of winning the Hertfordshire Ladies County Championship. The youngster from Sandy Lodge battled through the stroke play rounds and three match play rounds to reach the final, where she took on another young player, Olivia Rael-Brook from Dyrham Park.

After winning her semi-final against defending champion Rebecca Earl at the 21st hole, Noja took a three-hole lead at the turn in the final, but was pegged back at the 17th and, after the pair both birdied the 18th hole, the match went to extra holes, with Rael-Brook taking the title at the third extra hole.

CHARLIE TETLOW is determined to build on Cranleigh Golf & Country Club's recent success as he takes over as head professional at the Surrey club.

The 28-year-old has been named as the successor to Karl Morgan at the popular private members club, at what will be his first position as a head ■ CHANGING THE GUARD: CHARLIE TETLOW (LEFT) IS professional, although he has extensive REPLACING KARL MORGAN AS HEAD PRO AT CRANLEIGH experience in coaching and high-level competition. similar, but I'm keen to bring more juniors and new Formerly a competitor on the Asian Tour and golfers through the ranks, as well as bring in a few EuroPro circuit, Tetlow has devoted his time to of my own ideas and methods." coaching in recent times, with roles at the Wynyard Tetlow is a modern student of the game, Club, Urban Golf Performance, No.1 Junior Golf employing state-of-the-art technology and fresh Academy and, most recently, with Hoebridge Golf methods to combine the benefits of fitness and Centre. And having been recommended to the club biomechanics with golf.

by Morgan as his own replacement, Tetlow is keen "I'm a bit of a sports nerd, and I'm doing a sports to build on his impressive foundations. science degree, but there are many ways to use He said: "The call came completely out of the knowledge and technology to get the best from blue, but I'm really excited to be joining Cranleigh. your ability,” he said. “I'm looking forward to sharing Karl has done a lot of great work with the academy, that with the Cranleigh members and hopefully and I'll be looking to take that on. It will be very bringing some new golfers to the club."

Surridge Captures Herts Title

Golf Days from £22pp Golf Breaks from £99pp Golflite Membership £325 Only 20 Mins from J7 M25 | Visitors Welcome | 27 Idyllic Holes

JAMES SURRIDGE (Centurion Club) won the Hertfordshire Men’s County Championship after beating 2015 champion Laurie Owen (Letchworth) 4&2 at Old Fold Manor.

Despite going behind after the first hole, Surridge, who plays off plus two, fought back with three birdies and pulled clear on the back nine, after Owen failed to rediscover the form that had seen him win his semi-final 1up

over Matt Smith (Chesfield Downs).

The qualifying stroke play rounds were won by defending champion Tony Wilkins (Harpenden Common), who shot rounds of 70 and 67 to lead the 16 players into the match play rounds.

Surridge will now go on to represent Hertfordshire at the England Golf Men’s Champion of Champions event at Woodhall Spa in September.

■ RICHIE RICHARDSON WILL BE HOSTING THE BARBUDA CUP

Cowdray

COWDRAY PARK Golf Club in West To Host Sussex is hosting Barbuda Cup a special charity To Support tournament next Hurricane Victim month to raise funds to help rebuild the Caribbean island of Barbuda, which was almost entirely destroyed by a hurricane last autumn.

Former West Indies cricket captain Sir Richie Richardson is to host the inaugural Barbuda Cup at the Midhurst-based venue on July 5, and he will be using all of his influence to attract celebrity support from fellow sportsmen and women on the day, with fellow West Indian cricketing legend Sir Viv Richards already pledging his attendance at the day.

The pair will be joined by wide range of sporting legends, including cricketer Shaun Udal, rugby’s Andy Gomarsall, and footballers John Salako and Guy Butters, while TV presenter Piers Morgan will also be among the list of celebrities who will be teeing it up at Cowdray on the day.

The funds raised will be used to purchase equipment and materials needed by the island to help in the rebuild, including hospital and school equipment and materials to build new homes – 95% of which were destroyed by the storms which hit the island last September.

A team of three players costs £500, which includes refreshments on arrival, golf, a BBQ, and a rum cocktail. Tickets to only attend the post-golf entertainment cost £25pp.

For details on how to enter a team, visit www.barbudacup.com.

www.cottesmoregolf.co.uk e: manager@cottesmoregolf.co.uk t: 01293 861777 Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, West Sussex RH11 9AT

FEATURE | JUNE 2018

[37]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE LAST OF HIS KIND

Currently sidelined with a back injury, ranked 235th in the world, and recently picked as a Ryder Cup vicecaptain, former World No.1 Luke Donald’s glory days are most likely behind him, but there’s no denying that, on his day, he was truly a world beater, writes Nick Bayly

■ LEADING FROM THE FRONT: LUKE AND SERGIO GARCIA AT THE 2012 RYDER CUP

W

hatever happens to Luke Donald now that he has entered his forties, he can always look back on his time as world number one, when he kicked sand in the faces of the mighty hitters who dominated at the top of the rankings.

Indeed, an appreciation of what the Englishman achieved in 2011 and 2012 – when he held top spot for 56 weeks, despite being ranked 165th in driving distance – has grown to the point where many experienced analysts of the game are calling him the last of his kind.

LUKE DONALD FACTFILE AGE: 40 TURNED PRO: 2001 WORLD RANKING: 235 HIGHEST WORLD RANKING: 1 (2011-2012) HIGHEST RACE TO DUBAI RANKING: 1ST (2011) CAREER WINS: 17 (5 PGA TOUR, 6 EUROPEAN TOUR, 2 JAPAN TOUR) TOP 10S: 78 PGA TOUR, 41 EUROPEAN TOUR CAREER PRIZE MONEY: $35M (PGA TOUR), €17M (EUROPEAN TOUR) MAJORS (TOP 10S): 8 BEST MAJOR FINISH: 3RD (MASTERS ’05, US PGA ’06)

“We do live in an age where people hit the ball so far, and I don’t think many people believed it would be possible to get to the top and stay there for a significant amount of time as a medium-sized hitter,” said Donald, who was reduced to TV commentating duties at last month’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth – a tournament he won twice on the bounce during that golden stretch five or six years ago. “So yeah, it gives me a lot of pride to look back and say I did it my way. It wasn’t easy, but I found a way round it.”

Of the current top ten in the world, only Jordan Spieth would not be classed as a long hitter – and even the Texan averages almost 300 yards from the tee. So, how did Donald pull off his wizard’s trick with his 275-yard pats?

“Statistically, the magic formula is to gain two strokes on the field per round,” he explained. “Because I didn’t hit it 300 yards, I was losing 1.5 strokes on the field on driving, meaning I had to pick up 3.5 strokes in other areas of my game, which is almost impossible.

But that’s how good my iron play, putting, bunker play and wedge play were at that time.”

Donald, who turned 40 in December, has now fallen outside the top 200, partly because it is impossible to maintain such a high short game standard, but also because his priorities have shifted, and, of course, the back injury.

“I don’t beat myself up as much anymore when I’m not playing well,

because it’s secondary to watching my family grow up,” said Donald, who has three daughters aged under ten.

“But the competitiveness is just as strong as it was. I’d like to be get back into the top 50, and I’ll keep doing this for a few more years.”

The precise shape of those ‘few more years’ is presently a little blurry, as three decades of swinging a golf club have taken their toll on the Donald back. Currently suffering from a herniated disc, surgery is thankfully not on the cards for him, and doctor’s orders of two solid months of rest will hopefully help ease the pressure.

Being out of action during the height of the season will not help Donald’s attempts to move back up the rankings, although he wouldn’t have automatically qualified for any of the season’s majors, while the chance of making a fifth Ryder Cup appearance in September was also an unlikely scenario.

That being the case, it was only a matter of time before European captain Thomas Bjørn came knocking on Donald’s door to ask him to join his growing team of vice captains for Paris. Having never been on a losing side during his four outings – 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012 – and with a playing record of 10.5 points from a possible 15, Donald has Ryder Cup pedigree to spare, but as one of the quieter ones on tour, the prospect of geeing up the team might not be his most natural environment.

“I’m delighted to have been asked

by Thomas to be one of his vice captains,” said Donald, speaking at Wentworth last month during the official unveiling of the full backroom line up, which also includes Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood and Robert Karlsson. “I told him [Bjørn] from the very start of his captaincy that I would be like to be involved in any way I could, and I’m really looking forward to passing on my experience to the next generation of players, and am excited at being given the chance to help to get the Ryder Cup trophy back on European soil again.”

That players of Donald’s undoubted calibre are now reduced to sideline cheerleading roles is perhaps mourned by those golf fans of a similar age, who see their own powers waning, but, the passing of the years aside, Donald’s caressing, feel-driven style of play seems from a different time, and certainly out of kilter with the smash-and-grab golf played by the likes of Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas, the current top two players in the world rankings.

I, for one, am glad that I got to see Donald playing at the very top of his game. His almost effortless swing through the ball, and that trademark high hands finish, was pure poetry in motion. There are, of course, still plenty of great stroke makers out there among the new generation of tour players, but few will ever match the poise and grace of Luke Campbell Donald.

[38] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE 147TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

CARNOUSTIE CALLS

Presenting the toughest challenge of all the Open venues, it will require a peerless performance from the first tee to 18th green of Carnoustie’s unrelenting championship links to win this year’s Claret Jug

W

hile the weather always plays a part in the challenge of any Open Championship, the players will have no-one to blame but themselves should they come a cropper at Carnoustie, venue for the 147th Open Championship.

The tournament is returning to the Fife venue’s revered Championship Course for the eighth time in its history from July 19-22, and it promises to offer another thorough examination of the world’s best golfers as they bid to win the historic Claret Jug. It’s not just the strong winds which blow along this exposed stretch of the Angus coast, nor the bunkering, which is perfectly positioned to capture anything less than a top-quality shot, but it is also a very long, narrow course which, at over 7,400 yards, is the longest on the Open rota. As Sir Michael Bonallack, former captain of the R&A, and one of Britain’s finest post-war amateur golfers, put it, “When the wind is blowing, Carnoustie is the toughest golf course in Britain. And when it’s

CARD OF THE COURSE

not blowing, it’s probably still the toughest.”

Sixty yards longer than it was in 1999 – although the same length as it was in 2008 – Carnoustie’s difficultly, certainly when it comes to achieving par, is exacerbated by having only two par fives, while seven of its par fours measure over 460 yards. It therefore requires long and accurate driving, precision approach play, and inch-perfect putting to compile a winning score.

The famous links is still bidding to throw off its undeserved

1Cup 435 yards, par 4

With out of bounds down the left, and nothing but trouble down the right, only an accurate tee shot to the left side of the fairway will set up a fairly lofted approach to a sunken green built behind a sand dune. Anything too far right will leave a blind second shot over a dune and a deep bunker.

2

Gulley 435 yards, par 4

Gulley offers one of the tightest landing areas on the course, protected by Braids bunker in the middle of the fairway and others to the left and right.

Then the fairway sweeps slightly to the right to a long, narrow green that measures 50 yards from front to back, and is guarded down both flanks by bunkers and rough.

HOLEBY-HOLE GUIDE TO CARNOUSTIE

nickname of ‘Car-Nasty’, which came into golfing vernacular following the testing conditions that were served up in 1999, when Paul Lawrie was the last man standing with a winning score of six over par.

That year, a combination of a luscious deep rough – caused by a mild, wet spring – strong winds, rain, and narrow fairways, made some of the world’s best golfers look like weekend hackers, and resulted in several top US players saying that they wished they had stayed at home.

Stung by the criticism, the set up for the 2008 Open was significantly different, with the fairways cut noticeably wider, while a decent week of weather enabled champion Padraig Harrington (and runner-up Sergio Garcia) to knock it round in seven under the card.

Ten years on, the Open returns to a Carnoustie that has changed subtly in the intervening years, with golf course architects Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert tinkering around the edges, rather than carrying out any full-scale

changes, of this classic links.

Some of the more significant alterations at the 7,400-yard course have been made to the third hole, a shortish par four, where the fairway has been widened and two fairway bunkers repositioned to provide more options from the tee.

Sandy Reid, the links superintendent at Carnoustie Golf Links, explained the changes to the hole. “The third fairway had been altered a few times since 1997, but every change had still resulted in restricted options

built into the corner of the dogleg. The second shot then has to be hit to a flat green protected by bunkers to the left and the right green. The fourth features the only double green on the course, shared with the 14th.

Hogan’s exploits at the 1953 Open when on all four days of the Championship he elected to hit his drive down the narrow gap separating the fairway bunkers and the out-of-bounds fence on the left. The competitors at the 2018 Open will find the tee shot even more demanding than in Hogan’s time. The existing fairway bunkers, situated 280 yards from the tee, were deemed not to offer a sufficient threat to the modern golfer, so a new bunker was added behind and slightly to the right of them before the previous Open in 2007, extending the carry to 310 yards. A drainage ditch narrows the fairway about 80 yards short of the green, which is heavily contoured and protected by bunkers at the front and rear.

5 Brae 387 yards, par 4 Burn 3 Jockie’s 337 yards, par 4

The shortest par four on the course has been extensively remodelled over the years, making the tee shot much more challenging than it used to be.

The fairway has been widened and two fairway bunkers repositioned to provide more options from the tee. A finger of rough extends out into the fairway at around 230 yards, forcing the player to either carry this, but still stop short of the ditch in front of the green, or else lay up. The lay up option is the safest.

Too cautious a tee shot will leave a shot of about 170 yards over Jockie’s Burn to a tight green.

4

Hillocks, 375 yards, par 4

Into the prevailing wind, the fourth requires a good drive to carry a bunker

The fifth is a left-to-right dogleg protected by two bunkers built into the left and the right of the landing area. Down wind, Jockie’s Burn can also be a problem as it crosses the fairway 300 yards from the Championship tees. As on the second, the green is over 50 yards long and also features two distinct tiers.

Alley, 6 Hogan’s 538 yards, par 5

The sixth is one of the most famous holes in Championship golf and is known as Hogan’s Alley in recognition of Ben

7 Plantation 394 yards, par 4

With out-of-bounds all the way down the left, the tee shot has to avoid bunkers built into the left and right of the landing area, while the second then has to be threaded between two other bunkers that protect the shallow green.

8 Short 167 yards, par 3

The first of Carnoustie’s par threes can be a real card-wrecker, particularly in a cross wind. Here, a sea of heather and gorse

FEATURE | JUNE 2018 [39] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BANK ON TOMMY FOR CLARET JUG GLORY NICK BAYLY BELIEVES THAT ENGLAND'S OWN TOMMY FLEETWOOD HAS THE CLASS TO CAPTURE HIS FIRST MAJOR CHAMPIOSNHIP AT ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DEMANDING LINKS

W

■ JOSÉ MARIA OLAZABAL LOOKS FOR HIS BALL IN THE ROUGH AT THE OPEN IN 1999

from the tee, which, in turn, made the back left of the green almost inaccessible for approach shots for everyday golfers, and did nothing to ease the divot problem on the fairway,” he said. “Every golfer I have spoken to thinks the new design is a definite improvement to how it looked and played before. Whether the change effects how the professionals play the hole is still to be seen, as even if they lay up short of the bunkers, they will probably only be hitting nine-iron at worst. But if they do take on the new right side of the fairway, it will certainly make access to that back left pin position that bit easier.”

Elsewhere, the second tee has been moved, and the ninth tee extended forward ten yards, while 80 of the course’s 111 bunkers have been revetted. To improve the spectating experience, new mounding has been added between the eighth and 12th holes, and alongside the 14th tee, while the practice facilities have been given a spruce up. There’s also a stunning new clubhouse, which houses a first floor restaurant and bar, a huge pro shop, seven indoor simulators, and all the usual changing facilities.

“We are fortunate to have hosted many large tournaments here, but, as a greenkeeper, there is no bigger tournament you will ever prepare your course for than the Open,” said Reid. “We

maintain the course at a high level all the time anyway, so preparing it for The Open doesn’t require a massive amount of extra work. But we have had fairway protection measures in place and hope that Mother Nature gives us kind weather before and during the event. We are proud to be able to host one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, and the opportunity it gives us to show how great a test the Championship Course is. We are proud of how challenging it is, but also of how fair it is. We believe the term ‘Car-Nasty’ is extremely unfair!”

TICKETS For tickets to The Open, which takes place at Carnoustie from July 19-22, visit www.opengolf.com.

Adult day tickets cost £80 Thurs/Fri and £90 for Sat/Sun; youth tickets (16-24) cost £40/£45, and U16s go free with a paying adult. Weekend bundle tickets (Sat-Sun) are already sold out, as are the Twilight tickets for access after 4pm on each day.

TV COVERAGE The 2018 Open Championship is being televised exclusively live on Sky Sports, with the BBC showing evening highlights. Sky will have a dedicated Open channel in the lead up to the tournament. Non-Sky customers can pay £10.99 for a weekly pass to watch it on Now TV.

two mounds, both protected by bunkers, to a green built below the level of the fairway.

The putting surface is wide but also surprisingly narrow, making it even more difficult to hit.

obscures the view of the green, making club selection difficult. Sometimes, when the wind is left to right, you have to send your tee shot out over the out-of-bounds fence and back to a green protected by bunkers to the left and right. The green itself falls away at the back and front, making it even a more difficult target to hit.

9

Railway 413 yards, par 4

The front nine closes with a classic par four that was rated as the toughest hole during the 1999 Open. The fairway is well bunkered in the driving area and further protected by trees to the left and a ditch that meanders its way down the right rough. The long, narrow green – measuring 43 yards from back to front – is protected by bunkers on both sides.

ho you decide to invest your hard-earned cash in to win this year’s Open Championship depends as much on your view as to how Carnoustie should be played as it does on the current form of any given player.

Do you opt for a steady performer who manages to avoid bogeys and holes a few putts, or do you gamble on an eagle-hunting glory seeker who takes out the driver whenever possible and eyes up every flag, regardless of the deep bunkers and punishing rough that lies in wait?

There are plenty of players that fit the bill in either camp, and some that have a foot in both, so cautious investors might be wise to spread their investments thinly if they’re to cover all the bases.

Looking down the betting lists, defending champion Jordan Spieth currently holds sway for favouritism with Rory McIlroy, both priced up at 11-1. The former hasn’t won since lifting the Claret Jug in such memorable fashion last year, but the world no.5 has chalked up no fewer than ten top-10s in his last 20 tournaments, giving rise to the belief that he’s quietly ticking over without ever quite finding sixth gear. Still, Spieth is clearly the man for the big occasion, and his Open record of having made the cut in all five appearances points to a player who loves the links challenge, and we know he has the necessary skill and the will power, as he showed when battling his demons – and Matt Kuchar – en route to victory at Birkdale last year.

McIlroy, for his part, has been quite frustrating to follow over the last 12 months, certainly if you’ve been betting on him. Clearly a class act, he has only won once since finishing seven shots behind Spieth at Birkdale, capturing the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March with a final round 64 to beat a very strong field. But otherwise it’s been a case of what-might-haves and oh-sonearlys, with runner-up finishes in three tournaments, and a disappointing

13 Whins 161 yards, par 3 America 10 South 446 yards, par 4

As on the ninth, bunkers pose the biggest threat from the tee. The second shot has to clear the Barry Burn, which crosses the fairway 30 yards short of the green, and meanders behind the sole tree to the right of the putting surface.

11

Dyke 362 yards, par 4

Another hole that demands great accuracy, both from the tee and into the green.

Bunkers eat into the left and right of the landing area, and four other traps further protect both sides of the green.

Ho! 12 Southward 479 yards, par 4

At the second of the par fives, the tee shot has to be hit down the left, away from two bunkers and an unseen ditch. The approach then has to be threaded between

The shortest hole is no pushover. The green, which narrows in the middle, rises from front to back and is protected by two bunkers, one on the left and one on the right. There is also a large horseshoe-shaped bunker to the front, which catches anything that is underclubbed and also hides the fact that the green is 40 yards long.

14 Spectacles 483 yards, par 5

Players face a blind drive over an expanse of gorse and rough to a landing area protected by three bunkers on the left and another on the right. From there, the

final round at the Masters, when he had Patrick Reed in his sights, but let him slip away with a lacklustre closing round at Augusta.

With an Open win in 2014, and topfive finishes in 2016 and 2017, another Open title is clearly within Rory’s scope, and I for one believe that he has all the necessary skills to add to his major tally, which has been stuck on four since his PGA win in August 2014. He’s not offered at particularly generous odds given his foibles, but would you offer him higher if you were a bookmaker?

Olympic champion Justin Rose is also high up the odds list, and with good reason. At 37, this seasoned campaigner only just seems to be reaching his golfing peak, and with four wins in the last 10 months, and 11 other top tens, Europe’s highest-ranked golfer is without doubt one of the hottest players on the planet at this moment in time, and is only one win away from claiming the world no.1 spot.

Strangely, the Open hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for the

amateur hero of Birkdale in 1998, with a sixth place at St Andrews in 2015 his best result in 16 appearances. Still, he’s too good to discount these days, and an each-way bet for a top-five finish could yield a healthy profit.

Call me a fool, but I’m dismissing the chances of current world No.2 Justin Thomas out of hand, and the same goes for Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods. That may sound churlish, but the latter isn’t going to win another major, whatever anyone tells me to the contrary, and while the others probably will, I don’t believe it will be at Carnoustie in 2018.

I much prefer the chances of Europe’s No.1 in 2017, Tommy Fleetwood, who showed his love for Carnoustie when skipping round in 63 at last year’s Dunhill Links.

Although the Open is a very different proposition, I like the chances of this likeable lad from Liverpool, who plays with the kind of care-free attitude and happy demeanour that will serve him well at a course that can get under your skin if you let it. A straight driver, and a superb iron player, Tommy can also get the putter going, so a dabble at anything around 25-1 is well worth a pop.

I’ll also be having a saver on Francesco Molinari at 80-1, as this automaton of a golfer is maturing into a world-class player, and is generously priced for a world No.18 who is in the form of his life.

So get your bets on early, plump up the cushions of your favourite armchair – or beat a path to Carnoustie if you can – and settle down to enjoy the action at golf’s ultimate test of skill, stamina and self-belief.

OPEN BETTING: 10 McIlroy, Spieth; 12 D Johnson; 14 Fowler; 16 Thomas, Woods; 18 Rose; 20 Rahm, Day; 22 Garcia; 25 Fleetwood, Stenson; 28 Matuysama; 33 Noren, Mickelson, Koepka, Reed; 40 Casey, Leishman, Grace; 50 Kuchar; 66 Fitzpatrick, Poulter, Pieters, Watson, An; 80 Cabrera Bello, Z Johnson, Wood, Molinari, R Fisher.

For the full field odds, visit www.oddschecker.com after final qualifying on July 3.

option is to either to lay up or to hit a long second over two huge bunkers situated about 50 yards short of the green. These bunkers – the Spectacles – completely obscure the view of the green. They also hide two bunkers that guard the entrance to a double green shared with the 4th.

15Luckyslap 456 yards, par 4

The 15th starts the toughest closing stretch in Open golf. Here, the fairway slopes from left to right, throwing any loose tee shots towards two bunkers. Then, the second shot has to be guided over a nest of bunkers to a green that is largely hidden from view.

Burn 16Barry 245 yards, par 3

The 16th is a brute, whichever way the wind is blowing. Downwind it is difficult, but into an easterly wind it is practically impossible to hit the green from the tee. The green itself is long, but slopes off on all sides. It is also protected by five bunkers, situated short and to the left and right of the putting surface.

17Island 433 yards, par 4

The hole gets its name from the island fairway, which is created by the meandering Barry Burn, which cuts across twice to

create a landing area off the tee. The tee shot here has also been made more challenging by the addition of a series of dips and swales down the right side of the fairway, where rough has been encouraged to grow. The second shot has to be hit to a green that is protected by a mound on the left and bunkers on the right.

18Home 444 yards, par 4

Originally designed as a par five, the reduction to a par four as only served to heighten the excitement of the final hole.

Although the burn crosses twice, it only comes into play on approach shots.

Lay ups before the Barry Burn are almost unthinkable if you want to make a par.

Although the water is quite a long way in front of the putting surface the flatness of the ground makes judging distance quite tricky.

[40] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE 147TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

BURN, BABY, BURN

Few of the 200 million viewers who tuned into coverage of the 1999 Open Championship will ever forget the sight of Jean van de Velde standing in the burn on the 18th hole at Carnoustie with his trousers rolled up and a wild look in his eyes.

Almost two decades later, even the man himself never tires of talking about it

"What on earth are you doing? He's gone ga-ga. To attempt to hit the ball out of there is pure madness.

Someone please stop him” These are the words that BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss uttered in reaction to Jean van de Velde’s decision to slip off his shoes and socks, roll up his trousers, and climb into the Barry Burn in an attempt to recover his ball on the final hole of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Standing on the 18th tee just a few minutes earlier, the flamboyant 32-year-old Frenchman held a three-shot lead, and was on the cusp of becoming the first from his country to win the Claret Jug since Arnaud Massy’s triumph in 1907.

But between van de Velde and victory stood one of the toughest closing holes on the Open rota – a 499-yard par four which features out of bounds on the left, and a deep, wide burn that crosses the fairway not once, but twice.

However, van de Velde had shown little fear of the hole that week, having birdied it in two of his previous rounds. But leading the Open can do strange things to a player’s swing, and mind. Deciding to hit a driver off the tee, he slashed the ball to the right of the burn and was lucky to find dry land.

Needing only a double bogey for victory, the sensible shot would have been to lay up short of the burn and chip on, but the showman inside the Frenchman, and the quality of the lie, saw him attempt to reach the green with a 2-iron. His shot drifted right on the freshening wind, ricocheted backwards off the railings of the grandstand beside the green, landed on top of the stone wall of the Barry Burn, and then bounced 50 yards backwards into knee-deep rough. With his brain slowly scrambling, his third shot saw his clubhead get tangled in the rough, and his ball flew into the burn.

The going ‘ga-ga’ phase to which Alliss alluded to then played out, as van de Velde stripped off, and jumped into the burn with a view to playing out from the water. After several

■ VAN DE VELDE PLAYS HIS FIFTH SHOT FROM IN FRONT OF THE BURN

minutes of indecipherable debate with his caddy, the soon-tobe-sacked Christophe Angiolini, discretion finally proved the better part of valour and he took a penalty drop.

The drama was far from over, however, as he then hit his fifth shot into the greenside bunker. In front of an increasingly spellbound crowd, he then managed to blast his sixth onto the putting surface, and made a testing eight-footer to the huge relief of the galleries. The resulting triple-bogey seven was something of a minor miracle given what preceded it, buit was

still good enough to earn him a place in a play-off alongside Paul Lawrie and Justin Leonard.

History records that it was Lawrie, who came from ten shots off the pace in the final round, who ultimately took the spoils, but it was van de Velde’s name that came to be inextricably linked with the tournament and the venue. In fact, he has pretty much dined out on it ever since, launching a wine brand, being much in demand on the after-dinner circuit, and playing an important role in France’s successful Ryder Cup bidding team.

After turning 50 in 2016, van De Velde returned to the scene of his most dramatic hour to take part in the Senior Open Championship, with the opportunity to put the record straight – at least in terms of his ability to par the final hole. Sadly, there was to be no fairy tale ending, as he double bogeyed it in the opening round en route to an 83, although he did manage to par it second time around before his missing the cut by nine shots.

Now aged 53, living in Hong Kong, and having all but given up the game, the Frenchman is typically sanguine about the roll that Carnoustie has played in his career. “I don't ever get tired of people talking about 1999, and reminding me about what happened,” he says. “I know it is a part of golfing history, but it is also part of my life. That’s what I love about golf, it slaps you in the face five minutes after the biggest high you could ever think of. That’s the beauty of the game, and why to me it is a reflection of what life is about.”

International Course, London Golf Club

2nd August – 5th August 2018

Free course entry Parking £10 per car, in aid of charity

#StaysurePGAChamp

[42] JUNE 2018 FEATURE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

STORY BEHIND THE PIC SIR THOMAS BOWATER • SHIRLEY PARK GOLF CLUB, CROYDON, SURREY • JULY 18TH, 1914

IT HAS BEEN COMMON PRACTICE since time immemorial for the opening tee shot at a brand new golf course to be played by a local dignitary. There are no records in the history books, but it’s highly likely that Mary Queen of Scots herself probably hit a gentle fade off the first to kick things off at the Home of Golf back in the day, while it’s also an odds-on bet that our modern day golfing royal, the Grand MiddleAged Duke of York, has received more than his fair few invitations to do the honours at countless clubs across the Home Counties.

being mayor, he was also an MP for the City of London – a dual role that is no longer permitted.

As you may be able to tell from the photograph, Sir Thomas was a fine figure of a gentleman, but he clearly hadn’t been paying attention during his golf lessons on the finer points of weight transference during the phases of the downswing. Perhaps he was an early adopter of the ‘stack and tilt’ style of swing, but with more tilting than stacking. Still, as he holds the pose, he looks like he’s admiring a fine strike down the middle.

There’s something about the occasion that demands more than the club captain, the architect, or even a well-known professional, to play the first official shot. Of course, the hole will have been played before as part of the design process, but it’s the shot that is witnessed by the entire membership, and in front of all the cameras, that really counts.

A few minutes later, the real business of the day got under way with a match between former Open champions JH Taylor and Sandy Herd, accompanied by the club’s first professional, Tom Trapp. Taylor scooted round the 18-hole course in just 73, beating Herd by four strokes. Not a bad effort on a new layout with hickory clubs.

And while it’s important to invite a suitably high-ranking candidate to carry out the onerous duty, it’s perhaps also wise to consider whether they can actually play the game.

Having Megan Markle cut the ribbon at a new hospital might be a massive coup, but would she be the right person to have an air shot in front of the paps?

The course was the handiwork of the go-to architects of the day, Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler, who succeeded in transforming 130 acres of the Shirley Park Estate into a stunning parkland layout that is still enjoyed as it was by members today, barring three new holes on land behind the fifth green.

That was clearly uppermost in the minds of the committee at Shirley Park Golf Club when they came to its official opening in 1914. Coming as it did, just two weeks before outbreak of World War I, the club did well to open the course at all, but it was something of a coup to get the then Lord Mayor of London, Sir Thomas Vansittart Bowater, to strike the first blow over the course. As well as

The club celebrated its centenary in 2014, and there was an attempt made to invite the then Lord Mayor, Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, to recreate Bowater’s heroics on the first tee. Unfortunately – or perhaps thankfully – Lord Wiff Waff had other important matters to attend to that day, and the world was sparred the sight of the scruffy-haired loon shanking one into the pro shop.

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NEWS | JUNE 2018 [43] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Piltdown And West Kent To Host

dimension to the sport, with teamwork being an essential element of the alternate-shot format.

Piltdown general manager Phil Bonsall said: “Last year’s Speedgolf Championship was a great event, and we were honoured to host it. It felt like the modern game met with a traditional venue at Piltdown, and the atmosphere was excellent. On behalf of Piltdown Golf Club, I am delighted to welcome

the event back again this autumn.

Some of the times and scores that people have achieved are remarkable, and I can’t wait to see it for myself again. Piltdown is quite flat, and it doesn’t feature any bunkers, but there’s plenty of heather, so players will be need to be accurate, as well as fast.”

The sport attracts both golfers and runners, and with pace of play being such a hot topic in golf, Pam Painter, co-founder of British Speedgolf, believes many regular golfers could learn a lot from this faster-paced alternative. “The common misconception is that Speedgolf is simply rushing around a golf course, in fact, it is the opposite. Whilst it is faster, the skill in Speedgolf is balancing your running pace with your capacity to accurately play your shots to get the lowest combined score possible.”

To register your interest in taking part in either event, email pam@britishspeedgolf. co.uk or visit www.britishspeedgolf.co.uk.

inclusive charter.

The Women in Golf charter aims to increase the number of women and girls playing and working in the game. The Ladies European Tour, the European Golf Association, and the Professional Golfers' Association are among the organisations to have already committed to the document, along with the governing bodies of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

"Signatories call on everyone involved

potential economic benefits of growing the sport through more women and girls playing are substantial."

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers believes involving more women is vital to the growth of the sport. "I see that the future development of our sport depends upon achieving a stepped change in the number of women working in all levels of golf, and particularly the senior positions. "Clubs have a fundamental role to

British Speedgolf Championships T

he members at Piltdown and West Kent Golf Clubs like to adhere to the etiquette on pace of play, but even the quickest of players won’t have come close to managing 18 holes in under 40 minutes – even with the help of a buggy.

But that’s the kind of time that competitors in this year’s British Open Speedgolf Championships, and the newly-launched Speedgolf Pairs Championship, will have to set if they are to carry off their respective titles.

Piltdown in East Sussex, which boasts a 6,000-yard heathland course, will be hosting the British Open Speedgolf Championships on September 7, while the newly-created British Speedgolf Pairs Championship is being at West Kent Golf Club on July 22.

It is hoped that the latter event will add a new social

R&A

Launches ‘Women’s Charter’ To Shift Gender Imbalance

THE R&A admits a fundamental shift in golf's culture is required to tackle gender imbalance after launching a new

■ CHYLOE KURDAS (GOLF AUSTRALIA), HAZEL IRVINE (BBC), SARAH STIRK (SKY SPORTS), NICK PINK (ENGLAND GOLF), LIZ DIMMOCK (MOVING AHEAD) AND MARTIN SLUMBERS (THE R&A) AT THE LAUNCH OF THE WOMEN IN GOLF CHARTER

in golf to play their part in developing a culture that values women's involvement in every aspect of the sport, from participating to pursuing a career," states the charter.

"Our aim is to increase the number of women and girls playing and working in golf. To achieve this goal and to enable women to flourish throughout golf, we recognise the need for a fundamental shift in culture. There is a clear ethical need for change and the

play in changing this culture."

He added: "If we can change, there is a huge opportunity for golf, but we have to change and we have to change fast.

Creating a product that families together want to experience from clubs will be the catalyst to take golf forward for the next 50 years. If we don't change, then we will suffer the consequences. We have to encourage everyone involved in golf to play their part in this change."

InBrief ENGLAND NAMES NATIONS CUP TEAMS FOR COOPER MASTERS ★ Three teams of teenagers will represent England in the Nations Cup event at the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters, which takes place at Nizels Golf Club in Kent from June 22-24. The players for team 1 are Conor Cough (Bucks), Barclay Brown (Yorks) and Ebonie Lewis (Gloucs). Team 2 is Max Hopkin (Herts); Enrique Dimayuga (Surrey) and Hannah Screen (Herts). Team 3 is Matthew Freeman (Notts), Harrison Arnold (BB&O) and Thalia Kirby (Bucks).

CATON CAPTURES BB&O MID AGE TITLE ★ Dan Caton from Burnham Beaches won the BB&O Mid Age Championship after firing two rounds of 70 at The Oxfordshire.

His impressive four-under-par total saw him finish two shots ahead of Lee White (Frilford Heath), and Jack Small (Mill Ride) a further stroke back in third. The nett prize was won by James Casserly (Beaconsfield) with a 68.

LEE WINS MIDDLESEX MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP ★ Gyu Ho Lee won his first Middlesex Men’s County Championship after beating Sudbury’s Niall Keogh 2&1 in the final held at Muswell Hill. Lee, who qualified seventh after the two stroke play rounds, overcame Joe York, Mitchell Hollis and defending champion Justin Phelps in the match play rounds en route to the final, where his consistent play wore down Keogh.

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[44] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief SHACKLETON CLAIMS COLTS HONOURS AT STORM-HIT HUNTERCOMBE

Cort Pips Ruth At Pebble Beach Pro-Am

★ A summer storm wiped out the second round of the BB&O Colts Championship at Huntercombe to leave The Buckinghamshire’s William Shackleton the winner following his first round score of 71. Clubmate Phil Williams shared second place with Harry Bowness (Newbury & Crookham) after both players shot 72.

SURRIDGE WINS HERTS MEN’S TITLE

FORMER MIDLANDS Region No.1 Matt Cort recorded a thrilling win in the American Golf Holiday’s prestigious Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach, which boasts play on three of golf’s finest courses - Spyglass Hill, The Links at Spanish Bay, and the world-

famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.

This year’s event saw competitors from Germany, South Africa, Australia and the UK compete against the scenic backdrop of California’s stunning Monterey Peninsula, which fully lived up to its billing of the

Greenfield

Aileen Greenfield Grabs First Senior Title shrugged off the bridesmaid’s tag – and a recent hip replacement operation – when she sealed a convincing 6&4 victory in the English senior women’s championship at Hallamshire in Sheffield.

The Sussex player had been runner-up in three national championships before she finally defeated Cheshire’s Cath Rawthore to cross the winning line for the first time.

Greenfield moved steadily through this championship, comfortably qualifying for the match play in 12th place. She went on to knock out former champions Caroline Berry and Helen Lowe, before defeating Staffordshire’s Sue Spencer in the semis.

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players went under par, with only a birdie at the par-five 18th hole separating the two.

Cort’s final round 68 took him to a winning score of eight under for the week.

In the team event, South African PGA member Mick Hough led his team of Trevor Stead, Warren Stirrat and Phillip Hutchison to a seven-shot victory.

In addition to the 54-hole Pro-Am, a separate challenge day was held at Pebble Beach, where Ruth shot a four-under-par 68 to take the money.

Next year’s Pro-Am Tour at Pebble Beach will be held just two weeks before the US Open, so early booking is highly recommended to secure a place. For details, call 023 8046 5885 or visit www.pro-amtour.com.

■ MATT CORT TOOK THE HONOURS AT PEBBLE BEACH

★ James Surridge (Centurion Club) won the Hertfordshire Men’s County Championship after beating 2015 champion Laurie Owen (Letchworth) 4&2 at Old Fold Manor.

Despite going behind after the first hole, Surridge, who plays off plus two, fought back with three birdies and pulled clear on the back nine, after Owen failed to rediscover the form that had seen him win his semifinal 1up over Matt Smith (Chesfield Downs). The qualifying stroke play rounds were won by defending champion Tony Wilkins (Harpenden Common), who shot rounds of 70 and 67 to lead the 16 players into the match play rounds.

greatest meeting of land and sea, as well as golf, in the world.

Former European Tour Professional James Ruth, who represents China Fleet Country Club, took the first round lead with a superb 70 at Spyglass Hill, with Cort lurking just two shots off the pace. A superb second round 68 at Spanish Bay saw Cort tie Ruth for the lead, and set up an exciting finish at Pebble Beach, venue for next year's US Open.

In a thrilling final round duel, both

Crocker Retains Disability Open Title

STEVE CROCKER RETAINED his Southern Disability Open title after recording a Stableford score of 38 points at Poult Wood Golf Course in Kent.

The 24-handicapper from Horne Park in Surrey enjoyed the familiar surroundings of the Tonbridge-based course, where he won the title in 2017, to beat the challenge of 12 other players, all of whom had varying degrees of disability.

The Men’s Handicap 25 and above division was

won by Stan Bembenek with 35 Stableford points was won by Stan Bembenek, while the ladies section was won

by Hannie Harris from The Shire with 36 points.

The tournament was hosted by tmactive, in conjunction with Kent Golf, England Golf and the Disabled Golf Association. David Copsey, head pro at Poult Wood: said: “It was a truly wonderful day. The course was in fantastic condition, and it was so inspiring to see the level of golf played by all the competitors.”

NEWS | JUNE 2018 [45] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Golf Foundation To Expand Golfsixes Junior League

T ■ PLAYING WITH PRIDE: OXFORD GOLF CLUB MANAGER STEPHEN NICHOLSON, MEMBERS MICK GORMAN AND MICK BUTLER, EXOXFORD UTD FC PLAYER LES ROBINSON AND CHALLENGE TOUR PLAYER LIAM ROBINSON

Oxford Flies The Flag For Diversity

It was hard to miss the greens at Oxford Golf Club last month after the club exchanged its

traditional monotone flags for a set of rainbow-coloured replacements as a show of support for this year’s Oxford Pride Festival.

All 18 holes on the course displayed the

he Golf Foundation is to expand the GolfSixes League that it launched last year for junior golfers, with the new-look format set to be played by more golfers and at more golf clubs.

The Foundation, which aims to make golf and its benefits more accessible to young people of all abilities and from different backgrounds, was invited to the Centurion Club during last month’s European Tour GolfSixes event to stage demonstration events of its new GolfSixes League for 2018.

With additional funding from Sport England, the GolfSixes League is a significant expansion of a pilot project last year that featured six regional leagues.

The project, a joint initiative with England Golf, seeks to inspire young golfers through its innovative, shorter team format, featuring 125 golf clubs from 25 regional inter-club leagues playing weekly team golf this summer in the UK. The concept sees squads of 12 juniors play six holes against other

clubs in a Texas Scramble format.

More than 200 boys and girls from 16 local schools and six golf clubs competed together at the Centurion Club, as they officially teed-off the new GolfSixes League. The final day saw eight young players join European Tour players in a beat-the-pro challenge on the fifth tee.

dazzling Pride flag to celebrate the diversity of the Oxfordshire community.

Oxford Pride, which was held in the last week of May, had a theme of 'True Colours', and aimed to raise awareness and inclusivity of all LGBT+ people. The golf club also provided a prize for Oxford Pride’s raffle and had a presence at the festival.

Foundation Awards Honour Golf’s Unsung Heroes

Stephen Nicholson, Oxford Golf Club’s general manager, said: “The flags looked fantastic and everyone was talking about them. The response was so positive that kept them in play beyond the festival.”

He added: “We’re working hard to ensure the club is an active part of the community, and we’re pleased to have partnered with an inspiring organisation that is so active across the county.”

Oxford Pride chairman Paul McGinn said: "Oxford Golf Club’s support has been simply fantastic and it’s quite humbling.

The partnership is enabling us to reach even more people across Oxfordshire and help us encourage people to have the confidence to be who they want to be and live their ‘True Colours’. We are grateful for their support; the flags looked amazing.”

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THE GOLF FOUNDATION Presidents’ Awards held at Wentworth last month celebrated the volunteers and professionals who give their time to help young people to enjoy the benefits of golf.

The awards ceremony was

once again held in Wentworth Club’s elegant ballroom, where the event’s largest ever audience heard the stories of ten award winners and their projects – some of whom had been through positive, but highly emotional journey, thanks to golf.

Among the winners was the Coastal Golf Academy at Frinton Golf Club in Essex, which won the Bonallack Award, which is presented for a project that has helped young people to ‘Start, Learn, and Stay’ in golf.

The Montgomerie Award, which recognises a young

person’s effort spent supporting junior development, was won by Emily Furniss from Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Worcestershire; while Beadlow Manor Golf Club in Bedfordshire won the Gus Payne award for the club that donated the most amount of money to the Golf Foundation’s causes, which ran to £4,500 in 2017.

Abhisaran Singh Sohal, from Strawberry Hill Golf Club in Middlesex, was also among those honoured. He picked up the Mackenzie Award for ‘successfully integrating Skills for Life into work with

Strike it Rite! ®

young people’. The youngster, who is the club’s current junior captain and plays off seven, has overcome several major setbacks, including surviving a major car crash, to become an inspiring member of the club.

The Sinclair Award, which is given to a PGA professional ‘who has made a significant impact in the development of grass roots junior golf’, went to Zachery Marsh, from Mark Janes Golf Academy at Tonbridge Golf Centre in Kent, for introducing over 1,500 young people to the sport last year through schools outreach work.

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[46] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TOURNEWS...

BROADY BAGS SECOND SENIOR MAJOR

DECHAMBEAU WINS MEMORIAL AFTER PLAY-OFF

B

ryson DeChambeau holed a 12foot putt for birdie on the second play-off hole to secure his second PGA Tour title at the Memorial Tournament held at Muifield Village, Ohio.

DeChambeau shaved the hole with a par putt to win at the 72nd hole, but he atoned back on the 18th green at the third time of asking to edge out Byeong Hun An, with Kyle Stanley having been eliminated at

the first extra hole.

The leading trio finished tied on 15 under par, with Patrick Cantlay a shot further back, after a disappointing back nine where he led by two at the turn, while Justin Rose came up just short in his bid to dethrone Justin Thomas as world No 1. Rory McIlroy finished four shots back on 11 under, as he followed his third-round 64 with a closing 69.

P ROSE ON FIRE AT FORT WORTH

OLESEN PIPS MOLINARI TO ITALIAN TITLE

J

T

horbjorn Olesen denied Francesco Molinari back-to-back wins on the European Tour as he clinched a one-shot victory at the Italian Open.

The young Dane closed with a 64, and made four birdies in six holes on the back nine to open up a two-shot lead, which was halved when Molinari drained a 50foot putt for birdie on the final hole, much to the delight of the Italian fans.

Needing to par the final hole to win, Olesen pulled his drive into a tricky lie in the left rough and blocked his second into a greenside bunker, but he splashed out to seven feet and drained the putt to secure his fifth European Tour title.

Overnight leader Lee Slattery made a late run with an eagle at 15 and a birdie at 17, but he had to settle for outright third, two shots behind Olesen.

Earlier in the day, Lee Westwood and

fellow Ryder Cup vice-captain Graeme McDowell shot 63 and 64 respectively to finish on 17 under par, but both knew that it would not be good enough to trouble the later starters on the easy scoring course at GardaGolf.

Francesco Molinari, who won the previous week’s BMW PGA Championship, had a golden opportunity to win back-toback Rolex Series event, and all but secure his Ryder Cup place, but was left to rue a costly bogey on the 344-yard par-4 17th.

Tied for the lead with Olesen, he took a driver off the tee, but short sided himself, with his 40-yard chip ending up in the greenside bunker, from where he was unable to get up and down for par.

ustin Rose won the Fort Worth Invitational to claim his ninth PGA Tour title and match Nick Faldo for the most career wins in America by an Englishman.

The 37-year-old carded a six-underpar closing round of 64 – to add to earlier rounds of 66, 64 and 66 – to finish with a 20-under total at the par-70 Colonial Country Club and pull three shots clear of nearest challenger Brooks Koepka.

Rose picked up six birdies on the front

nine on Sunday, and made further gains at the 11th and 15th, while his bogeys came at the third and the 18th.

The victory is Olympic champion Rose's fourth global success since November and moves him up to No.3 in the world rankings behind Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson.

After hitting 57 of the 72 greens at Colonial in regulation during the rounds, Rose described it as one of the best ballstriking performances of his career. “The

way I won I think is very fitting for a place that’s called Hogan’s Alley,” Rose said, alluding to the club being the one-time home course of Ben Hogan. “If I begin to look at the courses I’ve won at, this definitely strengthens that group even more.

I’m very happy that my game has turned up and I’ve been inspired by some of these great venues.”

aul Broadhurst captured his second senior major after dominating the final day’s play at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, winning by four strokes.

The 52-year-old Midlander started the tournament with a one-over-par 71, recovered with a second round 66, and played his final two rounds 15 under par, with scores of 64 and 63, to finish on a joint-record low total of 19 under.

Broadhurst, who won the Senior Open at Carnoustie in 2016, started the final day at Harbor Shores two strokes behind Tim Petrovic and Scott McCarron, but made birdies at the first, ninth and 12th to take the lead at the 16th hole. He then birdied the par-three 17th and holed a 40-foot birdie putt at the last to seal an an emphatic win.

“It's not very often you shoot 66 on a Friday, better it on Saturday, and then better that on Sunday. It’s been a special week,” said Broadhurst, who has now won seven times on the over-50s' circuit. “It's obviously up there with the Senior Open, but I couldn't choose between the two. I just wish I had played like this on the European Tour 20 years ago!”

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FEATURE | JUNE 2018

[47]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

LIVING THE ELECTRIC DREAM

■ PARK AND RIDE: STOKE PARK BOASTS TWO TESLA SUPER-CHARGING STATIONS

Nick Bayly hits the road, but not the petrol pumps, for a golfing trip with a Tesla Model S P100D, the world’s fastest four-door saloon, and finds that life in the inside lane can be awfully quiet

G

iven that my only previous experience of driving electrically powered vehicles had been limited to golf buggies and a brief outing in my gran’s mobility scooter – top speed 12mph – the idea of getting behind the wheel of a battery-powered sports car that is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 155mph, filled me with a mixture of fear and excitement. Or ‘poo and wee’, as Jeremy Clarkson might phrase it.

So it was while wearing my tightest pair of underpants that I settled uneasily into the driver’s seat of Tesla’s newest, and most powerful, car, the catchily-titled Model S P100D, to undertake a week-long road test.

Tasked with going about my daily business – school runs, supermarket trips, football matches – with a mini tour around some of the south east’s finest golf clubs – I pulled out of Tesla’s Gatwick sales office with my foot placed ever so gently on the right-hand pedal. As I threaded my way carefully out of the industrial park, the roads suddenly seemed to be filled with menacing articulated lorries and speeding white vans that threatened to put an early dent in my pride and the pristine white bodywork of a car that costs a cool £123,050 (or eighth place in this year’s BMW PGA Championship, if we’re equating it to golfing financials).

Once out on the open road, I soon discovered the true meaning of acceleration. With the driving mode set to ‘Ludicrous’ – there is a ‘Ludicrous Plus’, but I was too scared to use it – I tentatively lowered my right foot and found out that I was actually at the wheel of a rocket ship, not a car. With no throaty roar to listen out for, the only sense you have of gathering speed is the wind whistling past the wing mirrors and the cars that were once in front of you soon disappearing behind. With no clunking gears to change, either manually or automatically, it felt quite disconcerting to have all that instant power at my feet. It soon became far too much fun to exit a roundabout at a pedestrian pace, and then burn off the Porsche in the adjacent lane, and

■ THE TESLA P100D IS THE WORLD'S FASTEST SALOON CAR

THANKS TO ITS EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE AND AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF CHARGING STATIONS, TESLA DRIVERS CAN NOW TRAVEL TO THE OUTER REACHES OF MONGOLIA AND BEYOND watch the face of the driver change as you looked in the rmirror..

With all that speed, it would be easy for it to feel like driving a rollercoaster, but the weight of the battery – which occupies almost the entire area between the axles – plants the car firmly on the tarmac, resulting in no roll or coaster, even when taking corners at pace. Throw in four-wheel drive, traction control, and four different ride heights to suit the conditions, and it is easy to feel like you’re at one with the road.

Anyway, the reason that Tesla gave me the P100D to test is that has the longest range of all the models in the company’s current line up, and driven in a sedate manner the sales literature says that it will give you 380 miles of motoring without having to stop for a recharge. Thanks to this extended battery life – the 100kWh battery in the P100D is the first to take the mileage over 300 – and an extensive and ever-growing network of charging stations, Tesla drivers can now travel to the further reaches of Outer Mongolia and beyond – providing they do a bit of careful planning..

My own travels were slightly less intrepid – taking in a 110-mile round trip for a game of golf at Stoke Park; a 100-mile return journey to Bearwood Lakes for the opening of its new driving range

by Luke Donald; and an 80-mile ride up to Wentworth and back for the BMW PGA Championship. With several shorter trips in between, it soon became necessary to whip out one of the three charging cables that were located in the boot and find a suitable place to replace all that spent battery power.

As well as the usual electric hook ups found at service stations, public car parks and supermarkets, Tesla has a growing network of its own superchargers, which offer five times the charging speed of a domestic supply. Thus, during a round of golf at Stoke Park, which offers two Tesla chargers, I was able to add 100 miles of battery life during the five hours that I was hacking around. Plugged in at my garage at home, I was only able to get six miles per hour of charge, so a full 12-hour charge provided just 70 miles.

One of the upsides of not

■ ON CHARGE: THE TESLA RECEIVES A BATTERY BOOST BETWEEN ROUNDS

having an internal combustion engine, apart from all the things that can go wrong with it, is that is frees up loads of room, which, in the P100D’s case, not only provides acres of space in the cabin, which can comfortably seat five adults – and two children in rear-facing jump seats – but also for storage, with the rear boot offering enough acreage to comfortably fit two golf bags and two trolleys (electric, of course), while there is also room for an overnight bag or two in a mini-boot located under the bonnet.

Inside, the Tesla is surprisingly stripped down, with the ‘gear stick’, such as it is, located on the steering wheel, and no other buttons to press other than one to open the passenger’s glove box. Everything else is controlled on a vast 17-inch touchscreen display, which, according to the blurb, ‘integrates media, navigation, communications, cabin control and vehicle data into one intuitive interface’. Many functions are mirrored on the instrument panel and can also be controlled from buttons on the steering wheel, so there is no need to look away from the road. The controls are also all voice-activated, so ‘play music’ or ‘turn on air-conditioning’ does just that.

During my week-long trial, the on-board computer completed several software updates, all of which are carried out remotely without the need to visit a service centre, which all adds to the feeling that the car is driving you, rather than the other way around. Thankfully, I had the driver-less mode switched off, so I never got to find out if it would have driven me from my house to Stoke Park with my eyes closed, but to be honest, that’s not what Tesla drivers are interested in. The idea of freeing yourself from the tyranny of the petrol station forecourt is a strong enough pull for most. Yes, it will take you a few years to offset the initial purchase price with the savings you’ll make from not having to buy fuel and Mars Bars, and yes, there is a certain hassle from having to plan your journeys, but charging devices is already part and parcel of so much of our lives, so why should it be any different for cars?

At the end of the week, after 400-plus miles of fuel-free motoring, my kids were quite sad to see the Tesla go back, and return to a life being transported around in a tatty old Kia Ceed CDi 1.6 Estate (0-60 in forever), but I was somewhat relived that I had managed to hand it back, with the car, and myself, in one piece.

Prices for the Tesla Model S start from £65,550 for a 75kWh battery. The Model S P100D costs from £123,050.

To book a test drive, or to find out more details, visit www.tesla.com.

[48] JUNE 2018 US OPEN REVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

LAST MAN

STANDING America’s Brooks Koepka became only the seventh player in history to retain the US Open title after holding off the fast-finishing Tommy Fleetwood at the controversially set-up Shinnecock Hills

T

here is more than one way to skin a cat. And there is more than one way to win a US Open. Brooks Koepka has proved that.

Twelve months ago, at Erin Hills in Wisconsin, the then 27-year-old American matched the record-equalling low score of 16 under par to take the title in barnstorming fashion by four shots. Returning as defending champion, but with low expectations, following a wrist injury that had plagued the early part of the season, Koepka took a different approach at the fiendishly difficult Shinnecock Hills.

Showing the kind of discipline and unflappability that so many of his more highly-touted rivals failed to manage, Koepka calmly went about his business over the four very challenging days of the tournament, defending when he needed to defend, and attacking with precision and poise when the moment demanded.

Widely-regarded as one of the new generation of ‘bomb and gouge’ type of players, who hit the ball miles and then hope to get up and down with a wedge, Koepka showed that he has a great deal more subtlety and versatility to his game than that. Finding fairway after fairway, often with irons, he found the right spots on the greens and was nerveless with the putter, holing out from mid-range with increasing monotony, and scrambling pars while others were making bogeys, and, in many cases, much worse scores.

With the last group out on Sunday, Tony Finau and Daniel Berger, almost there by default following Saturday 66s achieved in the easiest of the conditions, all eyes soon turned on the penultimate pairing of Koepka and Dustin Johnson. It would have been easy for Koepka to have succumbed to a match-play situation, and tried to out-power the world No.1, but he chose to play his own game, and it paid off in spades.

However, both players, and, indeed, all but his biggest fans, had ruled out one other factor – Tommy Fleetwood. The 27-year-old from Southport made the world sit up and take notice at Erin Hills 12 months ago, when he finished fourth and went on to be crowned Europe’s No.1 player five months later.

However, Fleetwood’s chances of a first major victory looked beyond slim when he teed off at 12.01 on Sunday afternoon, with his 54-hole score of nine over par placing him 23 players behind the top of the leaderboard.

But five or so hours later, Fleetwood was sitting in the scorer’s hut having shot a seven-under-par 63, and taken the clubhouse lead on two over, a total

SHOWING THE KIND OF DISCIPLINE AND UNFLAPPABILITY THAT MANY OF HIS RIVALS FAILED TO MANAGE, KOEPKA CALMLY WENT ABOUT HIS BUSINESS, DEFENDING WHEN HE NEEDED TO DEFEND, AND ATTACKING WITH PRECISION AND POISE WHEN THE MOMENT DEMANDED

that many observers thought would be enough to take the title, given the severity of the back nine. Eight birdies and a single bogey added up to a history-equalling score for the US Open, and were it not for lipping out at the last from eight feet for a 62, Fleetwood may well have been the one with the trophy on his shelf and a cheque for $2.1m in his back pocket.

However, it was not to be, and the brave Englishman’s bid for a maiden major title came up agonisingly short, as Koepka, who, despite a slight wobble on his approach to 18, closed out his second US Open title with a 68 for a one-over-par total, and followed in the footsteps of Ben Hogan and Curtis Strange as the only back-to-back champions since the war.

Johnson, who held a four-shot lead at the halfway mark, and was one of four co-leaders at the start of the final day, delivered the kind of wasteful putting performance which also undermined his US Open dream at Chambers Bay in 2015. The world No.1 finished third at plus three on account of a 70.

Masters champion Patrick Reed had fuelled prospects of keeping his grand slam hopes alive when he played his first seven holes in five under par, but dropped shots at the ninth, 11th and 12th saw the hero of Augusta finish with a 68 and fourth place, one ahead of Finau. England’s Tyrrell Hatton made a bold move on Sunday with a closing 69 to share sixth with Berger, Henrik Stenson and Xander Schauffele.

While Koepka deserves all the plaudits for his gutsy display, the brickbats at the 2018 US Open certainly deserve to be handed out to the United States Golf Association, organisers of the tournament, who so clearly and ■ TOMMY FLEETWOOD SET THE FINAL ROUND ALIGHT WITH A THRILLING SEVEN-UNDER-PAR 63

US OPEN REVIEW | JUNE 2018 [49] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ SHINNECOCK HILLS LIVED UP TO ITS REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE US OPEN’S TOUGHEST COURSES

the ball was still rolling, hit it back towards the cup to audible gasps from the crowd. His playing partner, Andrew Johnston, started laughing, and Mickelson himself had a wry smile on his face as he marked a 10 on his card – eight shots, plus the two-stroke penalty for hitting a moving ball and moving on to the next tee.

After the round, an 11-over-par 81, Mickelson made light of the incident, saying that he was merely making use of his knowledge of the rules to try to end the agony of going ‘back and forth’, but others said that it deserved a harsher punishment, disqualification, for having deliberately deflected the ball, as well as going against the spirit of the game. The USGA were having none of it, however, and deemed it within the rules, and no further action was taken. Mickelson came back on Sunday and shot a 69 to finish, but, not surprisingly, chose not to hang about for any post-round interviews.

So that was the 2018 US Open – thrills, yes, but mainly spills, and a brave victory from a fast-maturing big-game performer who looks destined to add more silverware to his cabinet before his race has run. The USGA, on the other hand, still has much to learn.

■ BROOKS KOEPKA CAPTURED HIS SECOND US OPEN TITLE

US OPEN LEADERBOARD (TOP 10) Pos Player 1 KOEPKA 2 FLEETWOOD 3 JOHNSON 4 REED 5 FINAU T6 BERGER T6 HATTON T6 SCHAUFFELE T6 STENSON T10 ROSE T10 SIMPSON

■ MOVING DAY: PHIL MICKELSON CAUSED CONTROVERSY ON SATURDAY WHEN DELIBERATELY HITTING A MOVING BALL

Your Chance To Compete at The 2019 US Open Venue

■ USGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MIKE DAVIS (ABOVE) CAME UNDER FIRE FOR THE COURSE SET-UP

culpably mis-read the state of the course, and the weather, when setting up the pin positions for the first three days.

With the wind gusting up to 25mph on the opening day, the already quick greens soon turned into skating rinks, and with flags placed on ridges and virtually inaccessible locations, it times made the world’s best players look like weekend hackers. Rory McIlroy and Jason Day both ended their hopes on day one, with rounds of 80 and 79 respectively, while 2016 Amateur champion Scott Gregory propped up the scoreboard with rounds of 92 and 75 for a 27-over-par total for 36 holes.

Of course, major golf is not meant to be easy, but there’s hard and there’s unplayable, and at many times during the course of the three rounds, Shinnecock Hills was almost unplayable. Wounded by fierce criticism, the USGA loosened the shackles for the closing day, resulting in a dramatic shift in scoring patterns, which hardly pointed towards a planning masterclass.

That was certainly the view of Phil Mickelson, after what will surely go down as one of the most bizarre moments in Major history on Saturday afternoon. Reaching the green of the par-four 13th hole in three shots, the left-hander had an 18-foot putt for par. His attempt rolled past the hole, and then gathered speed as it headed back towards to front of the sloping green. Mickelson picked up the pace too, running across the green, and, while

Par Rd1 Rd2 Rd3 Rd4 Total +1 75 66 72 68 281 +2 75 66 78 63 282 +3 69 67 77 70 283 +4 73 72 71 68 284 +5 75 72 66 72 285 +6 76 71 66 73 286 +6 75 70 72 69 286 +6 72 74 72 68 286 +6 71 70 74 71 286 +7 71 70 73 73 287 +7 76 71 71 69 287

■ SILVER LININGS: FLEETWOOD WITH HIS RUNNERSUP MEDAL

Join your PGA Professional for the ultimate Pro-Am 23rd – 28th May 2019

Just 2 weeks before the US Open!

For further information please contact: Tel: 023 8046 5885 or visit www.pro-amtour.com

[50] JUNE 2018 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Golf News catches up with FRANCESCO MOLINARI following the biggest win of his career at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth

Y

ou certainly served your apprenticeship at the BMW PGA Championship, having had six top-10 finishes, so did you feel like you were overdue a win?

No, it never felt like I was due one, or deserved one, but it was great to come out on top. Obviously, I've been close a few times, especially last year, so it was great to finally get it done. To be honest, when I saw that I was five shots behind Rory [McIlroy] after two days, I thought it was going to be really tough to catch him, but the wind getting up on Saturday probably helped me, and I played really solidly on Sunday, and had just enough in reserve to get me over the line.

What is it about Wentworth that brings out the best in you?

I don't know. I just love playing the West Course. Clearly it suits my eye, and I just enjoy the atmosphere. The crowds are always great. It is a challenging course, but I think if you hit good shots, you can make a few birdies here and there. It rewards good shot making, and punishes bad, which isn’t the case with all the courses we play on tour.

What do you think is the strongest part of your game?

I don't know, I think I do most things pretty well. I don't want to sound too arrogant, but when I play like this, I think I do everything well. My chipping was good; my putting was good; I hit some great iron shots. Obviously, you miss some putts in 72-hole tournaments, but I think I showed over the course of the week that when my

game is on, I can do pretty much everything as well as the top guys in the world.

What was going through your mind when Rory's eagle putt was heading towards the hole on the last green?

You don't want to know! Well, obviously I was hoping he’d miss it, because I really didn’t fancy a six or seven-footer to win it after all the hard work that had gone before. But that’s the way the closing holes at Wentworth are set up – no lead can be big enough when you’ve got two par fives to finish. I tried to stay aggressive up until the 16th, and from there it was simply about making pars. Once I hit my tee shot into the rough on 17, it was always a lay-up, and I didn't get the wedge close enough to have a proper chance. And at 18 I was just trying to make five. I thought if I make five, hopefully he's not going to make two and tie me. I didn’t hit a great lay-up, leaving myself right in between clubs. I didn’t want to go long with the flag where it was, so I got a bit lucky when my ball stayed on the front of the green. Thankfully, I walked off with the five, which is what I set out to do.

How proud are you of the way you kept it together on the back nine?

I was proud of the way I kept focusing on my own game, hitting good shots, staying patient, and playing the same quality of golf that I played pretty much all week. It could have turned into sort of a match play situation, but I never let myself think about it in those terms, and played each shot on its merits, rather than worrying about what Rory was doing.

It's never easy when you have to defend the lead, and, obviously, Rory could play pretty much free of any pressure, because he just wanted to win and to come at me. So it was tough in the end. I felt like I was in control probably up until 15, 16, and then, over the last two holes, it was more about digging in than anything else.

I’m not the best match play golfer out there, but I’m not that bad either. I certainly didn’t feel intimidated

by Rory. Sometimes I just get too drawn into what the other guy is doing, but that wasn’t the case this time.

How pleased are you to have made so few mistakes on what can be a very punishing course when you get out of position?

I think the last bogey I made was at the 10th hole of the

I THINK I SHOWED OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEK THAT WHEN MY GAME IS ON, I CAN DO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING AS WELL AS THE TOP GUYS IN THE WORLD second round. So to play 45-odd holes without a bogey around the West Course is impressive, even by my high standards. I’m joking, of course, but when the wind is swirling and the greens are firm, it’s not easy to keep a bogey off the card.

Have you allowed yourself to think about possible Ryder Cup qualification?

Before the win I was too far back in the standings to be seriously thinking about it, but Paris National is a course I love, and where I have almost as good a record as I have at Wentworth, so I'd love to be there. But there's a lot of great players fighting for places. I've obviously put myself in a much better position, but we'll have to see.

To be honest, the Ryder Cup has not been uppermost in my thoughts this season. Trying to play well on both tours is challenging enough, without having to worry about the Ryder Cup. I just need to keep doing my own thingm and hopefully things will take care of themselves before October.

You’re going to be 40 when Italy hosts the Ryder Cup in 2022. How hopeful are you that you might be there as a player rather than in some official capacity?

I would say having Italy as the host nation almost doubles my motivation to be there. I need to make sure I stay in good shape, and keep my game in good order, then, you never know, I might surprise a few people! It would be obviously amazing to be part of it as a player, but otherwise it would be incredible to be part of it in any other capacity. I played the course at Marco Simone a fair few years ago now, but it's a really good design, a parkland course. It's a solid track, and I'm sure it'll be a great challenge for all of the players once the redesign is complete. It's a great chance for Italy and for the Ryder Cup to showcase Rome as one of the great European cities.”

EQUIPMENT & GEAR JUNE 2018

[51]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

JUNE 2018 | WWW.GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/EQUIPMENT

CONTENTS POLO SHIRT SHOWCASE: THE PICK OF THE PIQUES ON TEST: GOLFSTREAM'S VISION TROLLEY + TAYLORMADE GOLF BALLS PRO SHOP GPS WATCHES + GOLF SHOES FROM ECCO, G/FORE & MIZUNO THE GEAR EFFECT INSIDE THE BAGS OF WINNERS ON TOUR

DO YOU FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED? GN TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT CALLAWAY'S NEW XR SPEED DRIVER

[52] JUNE 2018

EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE XR SPEED FAMILY CALLAWAY XR SPEED DRIVER XR SPEED DRIVERS ARE AVAILABLE IN 9°, 10.5° AND 13.5° HT LOFTS, IN RIGHT AND LEFT-HAND MODELS. LADIES OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN 10.5° AND 13.5° HT. RRP: £329

CALLAWAY XR SPEED FAIRWAY WOODS XR SPEED FAIRWAY WOODS (3, 4, 5, 7) FEATURE A SHALLOW HEAD PROFILE THAT ENABLES GOLFERS TO GET THE BALL AIRBORNE MORE EASILY AND QUICKLY. THEY BOAST A FORGED FACE CUP, WHICH OPTIMISES BALL SPEED ACROSS THE WHOLE FACE FOR MAXIMUM DISTANCE, AND ALSO FEATURE A SPEED STEP CROWN FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE AIR. A CAMBERED HAWKEYE SOLE OFFERS SMOOTH TURF INTERACTION FROM ALL LIES. THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN RH AND LH MODELS (APART FROM 4). LADIES MODELS ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL LOFTS. RRP: £249

CALLAWAY XR SPEED FAST JUST GOT ALOT FASTER

Callaway Golf’s all-new XR SPEED range of metalwoods delivers premium performance to the widest number of golfers

W

hile Callaway Golf’s top-selling Epic and Rogue ranges of woods have taken the equipment market by storm over the last 18 months – accounting for over 70% of the drivers costing over £400 sold in Europe – their super premium price tags mean that they are not always within reach of the casual golfer.

Elite materials and breakthrough technology comes at an elite price, but Callaway has been mindful not to lose sight of its core market, and tasked its R&D team with creating a new range of woods that offered the very

best in materials and design technology, but at a more affordable price point. Meet the new XR Speed range.

Ever since Callaway launched the first X Hot woods in 2013, clubs featuring ‘X’ in their name have focused on power-enhancing technologies that have helped golfers at every level hit longer shots. Danny Willett and Henrik Stenson both used an XR 16 driver to power their way to major success, while many of the world’s long drive competitors use cranked up versions to smash 400-yard plus drives.

Now Callaway has pushed XR performance even further

EQUIPMENT & GEAR JUNE 2018

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE POWER OF X

The evolution of Callaway’s X series of drivers has been built on the application of unique technologies to create game-enhancing performance for all levels of players

•

HYPER SPEED FACE CUP A REFINED HYPER SPEED FACE CUP OPTIMISES BALL SPEEDS ACROSS THE ENTIRE FACE, PROMOTING MAXIMUM DISTANCE WHEREVER CONTACT IS MADE

2013

XHOT The original 460cc X Hot driver combined Callaway’s variable thickness face technology with new titanium frame for an expanded sweet spot and explosive distance coupled with plenty of forgiveness.

2014

•

X FACE VFT THE XR SPEED FAMILY FEATURES THE LIGHTEST, HOTTEST AND MOST FLEXIBLE FACE CALLAWAY HAS EVER DESIGNED IN AN X MODEL – GENERATING GREATER BALL SPEEDS AND DISTANCE ACROSS A WIDER AREA OF THE FACE

X2 HOT Featuring a 10% larger sweet spot than the X Hot, the 460cc X2 Hot was the lightest all-titanium driver in Callaway’s history, boasting the thinnest face and offering nine more yards than its predecessor.

2015

XR Boasting 'outrageous speed', the XR driver featured the R MOTO face that first introduced on Big Bertha Alpha 815 driver, which enabled the face to flex more at impact for faster ball speed. It also reduced backspin by 277rpm, and increased the the sweet spot by 16% and Moment of Inertia by 9%.

SPEED STEP • THE AERODYNAMICS OF THE CROWN HAVE BEEN ENHANCED WITH A REDESIGNED SPEED STEP, WHICH FURTHER REDUCES AIR RESISTANCE AND INCREASES CLUBHEAD SPEED

2016

MAJOR SUCCESS The XR 16 driver and fairway woods were in the bag of 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett. He first used them to win the Dubai Desert Classic, and carried them to victory at Augusta. Three months later, Henrik Stenson used an XR 16 driver to record his first major win at the Open Championship at Royal Troon.

TRIAXIAL CARBON CROWN • THE XR SPEED IS THE FIRST XR DRIVER TO FEATURE A TRIAXIAL CARBON CROWN. WEIGHING 45% LIGHTER THAN THE XR 16 TITANIUM CROWN, IT IMPROVES THE HEAD’S MASS PROPERTIES TO PROMOTE HIGH LAUNCH AND LOWER SPIN OFF THE TEE AND INCREASED MOI – THE BEST FORMULA FOR INCREASED DISTANCE, ACCURACY AND FORGIVENESS

• ADJUSTABLE HOSEL THE XR SPEED DRIVER BOASTS AN ADJUSTABLE OPTIFIT HOSEL, WHICH ENABLES GOLFERS TO DIAL IN THE DRIVER TO MAXIMISE LAUNCH CONDITIONS •

2016

PREMIUM SHAFT ALL XR SPEED DRIVERS ARE PAIRED WITH A PROJECT X HZRDUS 45.5 INCH SHAFT – WHICH IS ALSO USED IN THE EPIC DRIVER. THIS PREMIUM SHAFT HAS THE IDEAL WEIGHT AND FLEX PROFILE TO MATCH THE XR SPEED'S HEAD

with its new XR Speed metalwoods, which replace the XR 16, and are designed to be the best performing Callaway drivers for those golfers that don’t want to splurge the extra money required to benefit from the Jailbreak technology that features in Epic and Rogue.

As Dr Alan Hocknell, senior vice president of research and development at Callaway Golf, explains: “Our Jailbreak technology made Epic the best selling driver globally in 2017, and this year the new Rogue family of woods, also featuring Jailbreak, is off to an equally strong start. We are, however, aware that drivers in the super-premium

XR 16 Billed as ‘Forgiveness Meets Fast’, the crown of the XR driver features speed steps designed by Boeing that help the head move through the air like a wing, leading to increased swing speeds and longer distance. category aren’t accessible to every golfer, so our challenge with the new XR Speed was to deliver the best ‘nonJailbreak’ driver possible, to sit in the premium category, which would still outperform competitor drivers, as well as give Epic and Rogue a run for their money.”

So while the XR Speed driver and fairway woods don’t feature Jailbreak, they do feature a host of other proprietary technologies that will help players of all handicap levels hit longer – up to six yards further than the XR 16 – straighter, and more consistent shots then ever before. And who doesn't want that?

2018

XR SPEED The XR Speed breaks new ground by becoming the first X driver to feature a carbon crown, which is 45% lighter than the XR 16, helping it deliver higher launch and lower spin, for yet more distance and forgiveness.

[54] JUNE 2018

EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

XR SPEED TEST

We put the Callaway XR Speed driver into the hands of two club golfers to find out if they had ‘the need for speed’

■ THE BLUE DOTS SHOW NICK'S SHOT DISPERSION WITH HIS CURRENT DRIVER, AND THE RED DOTS HIS PERFORMANCE WITH THE XR SPEED

NAME: NICK WARREN HANDICAP: 7

NAME: ELAINE PURTON HANDICAP: 10

CURRENT DRIVER STATS: CLUBHEAD SPEED: 92mph BALL SPEED: 140mph SMASH FACTOR: 1.51 LAUNCH ANGLE: 10.6 degrees SPIN: 3,257rpm DISTANCE (CARRY): 221 yards

CURRENT DRIVER STATS: CLUBHEAD SPEED: 72mph BALL SPEED: 108mph SMASH FACTOR: 1.50 LAUNCH ANGLE: 11.6 degrees SPIN: 5,457rpm DISTANCE (CARRY): 140 yards

XR SPEED DRIVER STATS LOFT: 10.5 deg SHAFT: DS HZRDUS T800 (Stiff Flex) CLUBHEAD SPEED: 94mph (+2mph) BALL SPEED: 143mph (+3mph) SMASH FACTOR: 1.52 DISTANCE (CARRY): 226 yards (+5 yards) LAUNCH ANGLE: 11.3 degrees SPIN: 3,010rpm

XR SPEED DRIVER STATS LOFT: 12 deg SHAFT: LADIES HZRDUS 40g (Reg Flex) CLUBHEAD SPEED: 72mph BALL SPEED: 111mph (+3mph) SMASH FACTOR: 1.54 DISTANCE (CARRY): 145 yards (+5 yards) LAUNCH ANGLE: 10.0 degrees SPIN: 4,174rpm

CLUBFITTER RHYS ATKINSON SAYS: After Nick had hit half-a-dozen shots with his current driver, which has 10.5 degrees of loft and a very stiff 45.25-inch Accra Concept 55 shaft that almost slips into the X Stiff range, I switched Nick into the XR Speeder’s Hzrdus T800 Blue 60 S, which is the same swingweight, but is 45.5 inches and is a little softer than his current shaft. His shot shape changed from a slight push fade to a gentle draw. We put him in the DS shaft centre of gravity position and, even though he flighted slightly on the high side, he picked up eight yards on his best shots, and an average of five, which was impressive. Just as significantly, he also noticeably improved his dispersion, with a much tighter grouping of shots, all with that slight draw.

CLUBFITTER RHYS ATKINSON SAYS: Elaine’s own driver has a loft of 13.5 degrees, which performs well enough for her and gives the ball flight she likes, so we adjusted the XR Speed’s 12-degree head to 13.5 to match the set up. I fitted a 44-inch Hzrdus T800 Women’s Light 40g with a C8 swingweight, and with the hosel in the 1N position, she was soon hitting much better shots, with a slightly more penetrating flight and lower backspin. She picked up around five yards over her current driver, which was achieved mainly through improved ball speed rather than any increase in the clubhead speed, which is down to the hotness of the XR Speed’s face.

NICK SAYS: I’ve owned several Callaway drivers before, including the RAZR Fit Xtreme, and felt that they looked a little toed-in, but I didn’t feel this was the case with the XR Speed, which set up really nicely behind the ball. Off the face, I liked the sound and solid feel, and was really impressed with the consistent trajectory and shot shape. I normally hit a slight fade, which costs me distance, but if anything I was able to get a soft draw, and five or so extra yards, was very impressive. Even shots hit off the bottom of the face, or slightly off the toe, still got out there, and my bad shot, a high fade, was completely eradicated.

ELAINE SAYS: Although Rhys said that the overall weight of the XR Speed is the same as my current driver, the head felt a little heavier, which I liked, as I could really feel where the clubhead was during the swing. It was great to see the ball going farther without having to put in any extra effort, and it felt easy to get the ball airborne. I liked the overall look – which, thank heavens, doesn’t involve any pink – and it produced some really consistent shots.

ECLIPSE GOLF CUSTOM FITTING THE TEST WAS CARRIED OUT AT HORSHAM GOLF BY RHYS ATKINSON FROM ECLIPSE GOLF, AN INDEPENDENT CUSTOM FITTING SERVICE WHICH OPERATES FROM FIVE VENUES ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST, INCLUDING HORSHAM GOLF, HORNE PARK, SLINFOLD, AND KNIGHTSBRIDGE GOLF CENTRE. TO BOOK A CUSTOM FITTING FOR CALLAWAY CLUBS, INCLUDING THE XR SPEED, ROGUE AND EPIC RANGES, CALL 01293 223 038 OR VISIT WWW.ECLIPSEGOLF.CO.UK.

■ THE BLUE DOTS SHOW ELAINE'S DISPERSION WITH HER CURRENT DRIVER, AND THE RED DOTS WITH THE XR SPEED

EQUIPMENT & GEAR JUNE 2018 [55] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT NEWS

THE GEAR EFFECT INSIDES THE BAGS OF RECENT WINNERS ON TOUR

GOLFSTREAM VISION TROLLEY

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

£299 (OR £449 WITH BATTERY) GOLFSTREAM.CO.UK ALTHOUGH GOLFSTREAM might not be a household trolley brand to many golfers, the company has been making electric trolleys for over ten years, and its parent company specialises in creating parts for trolleys and many other products. This puts it in a great position to understand the best – and worst – elements of trolley design, and come up with a model that provides high quality performance at an affordable price. That model is the Golfstream Vision.

Made from aircraft grade aluminium, with a matt black or grey finish, the Vision frame has clean, stripped back look that belies its technological functions. The lightweight frame is erected by simply lifting up the handle, which is secured by a magnet, and waiting for it to click into play. To fold flat, you simply push the clip with the Golfstream logo on in the middle of the frame to release the catch and lower the handle. Once collapsed, the Vision is flatter than

most comparable trolleys on the market, and is easy to store in a car or oversized locker.

The wide double handle is ergonomically shaped and smooth to the touch. The centrally located dial is easy to reach and controls the speed of the trolley.

It’s possible to switch the setting so that the dials turn clockwise instead of anti-clockwise, which is a nice touch for lefties like me. The speed goes up in 0.5mph increments to 9.5mph – although given that a brisk walking pace is around 4-5mph, that’s more revs than you’ll ever need, unless you’re playing Speed Golf.

In the settings, you can also change the Vision logo on the display screen to text of your choice of up to 14 characters, and this will show when there is no battery attached.

The screen is easy to see in all lights, especially blazing sunshine, as it boasts a Kindle-style display. In addition to the clock, other features on the screen include an automatic distance function that you set by holding down the button for three seconds and then selecting 10, 20 or 30 yards for the trolley to go before it stops.

The arm cradles are shaped to contain all styles of bag, and come

with elastic bungee cords, while the detachable wheels provide excellent grip and are made from a smooth polyurethane, which is claimed to last five times longer than the EVA material used on some trolley wheels.

The battery tray is large enough to accommodate a wide range of battery sizes and uses a standard two-pin connector to provide the power to the motor. The supplied battery is Golfstream’s 18-hole CaddyCell LiFePO4 lithium battery, which is the same width as the tray, so that holds it neatly in place with the help of an adjustable strap. The battery has alsa USB port if you want to charge your GPS or phone on the course.

If you are replacing an existing trolley and already have a battery with the right connectors, then at £299 the Vision represents excellent value for money. Add in the cost of the lithium battery and it’s still competitively priced at £449, and although it clearly lacks some of the advanced features of other models – braking, GPS etc – the Vision does all the basics exceptionally well, which makes it a solid choice for the cost-conscious golfer.

WILSON UNVEILS NEW TOUR TRUCK WILSON GOLF’S TOUR TRUCK has received a makeover to reflect the demands of its staff players competing on the Challenge and European Tour.

The new-look truck – which is painted in traditional Wilson red, with the brand’s shield logo appearing prominently on the side, back, and even the roof – houses the latest machinery for club-making and customisation, and boasts a comfortable new interior to give Wilson’s tour players an area to relax away from the course and the practice range.

“We have nine players on the Challenge Tour, so the investment in the truck is designed to give these young stars of the future as much support as possible,” said Wilson Golf’s tour manager

TAYLORMADE LAUNCHES ‘MYSPIDER’ CUSTOM PUTTER PROGRAMME TAYLORMADE HAS LAUNCHED a customisable putter programme called My Spider, which allows golfers to build their own Spider putter.

Customers can choose from one of three hosel options (L-neck, short slant and double bend), four sightlines (T-sightline, a single dot, a single line or no sightline at all), and eight different colours for the head and wings (black, red, green, blue, white, pink, purple or silver, as well as multi-colour face insert options). The putters are also available in a selection of shafts and grips and a variety of lengths. Each putter

features the company's Pure Roll insert, with 45-degree grooves designed to increase topspin and forward roll.

Justin Rose was among the first to try the customised programme, with the Olympic champion opting for a Masters green colour, although he admitted to being tempted to go for the blue of his beloved Chelsea Football Club.

The putters cost $360 (£270) and take 21 days for delivery, although they are currently only available to US customers – so you'll need to find a friend in the States to order one.

Phil Bonham. “We also continue to look after our established Tour players on the European Tour, so to have a distinctive new truck that projects the brand’s modern outlook is a real positive."

Among the household names using the truck include major champions Padraig Harrington and Paul Lawrie, while Paul Waring and recent Sicilian Open champion Joakim Lagergren will also be able to have their equipment fine-tuned in the privacy of the truck’s state-of-the-art workshop.

After visiting the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last month, the Wilson truck will be visiting BMW International Open in Germany, the Irish Open at Ballyliffin, the Scottish Open at Gullane, before driving up to Carnoustie for the 147th staging of the Open Championship.

DRIVER: Cobra King LTD Pro (8.5˚) FAIRWAY WOODS: Cobra King LTD Black (14.5˚), Cobra King F8+ (17.5˚) IRONS: Cobra King One Utlity (4, 5), Cobra Forged One (6-PW) WEDGES: Cobra King (50˚, 55˚, 60˚) PUTTER: SIK Kinematics prototype BALL: Bridgestone Tour B X

THORBJORN OLESEN ITALIAN OPEN

DRIVER: TaylorMade 2016 M1, 9.5˚ FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade 2016 M2 (15˚,18˚) UTILITY: TaylorMade TP UDi (2) IRONS: TaylorMade PSi (4-9) WEDGES: TaylorMade MG (47˚, 54˚) Callaway Mack Daddy 4 (60˚) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Timeless GSS BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

JUSTIN ROSE

FORT WORTH INVITATIONAL DRIVER: TaylorMade M3 440 (9°) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M4 (15°), TaylorMade M3 (19°) IRONS: TaylorMade P790 (4), TaylorMade P730 (5-9) WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (48°, 52° & 56°, 60°) PUTTER: TaylorMade TP Red Ardmore 2 BALL: TaylorMade TP5

FRANCESCO MOLINARI BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

DRIVER: TaylorMade M4 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M3 (13˚), TaylorMade M4 (18˚) IRONS: TaylorMade P790 (4), TaylorMade P750 (5-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (50˚, 56˚, Hi-Toe 60˚) PUTTER: Bettinardi BB Zero Dass BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

AARON WISE

AT&T BYRON NELSON DRIVER: Callaway Rogue (10.5°) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway Rogue (15°) UTILITY: Callaway X Forged UT (2) IRONS: Callaway Apex ’16 (4), Callaway Apex MB ’18 (5-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM7 (50°, 56°, 60°) PUTTER: Odyssey O-Works Red V-Line Fang BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X

ADRIAN OTAEGUI BELGIAN KNOCKOUT

DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 (8.5˚) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M2 (15˚), TaylorMade M2 (18˚) IRONS: TaylorMade P770 (3-4), TaylorMade P750 (5-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (50˚, 58˚) PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider Tour Red BALL: TaylorMade TP5x

WEBB SIMPSON

PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Titleist 917D2 (9.5˚) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M2 (15˚), Titleist 913Fd (18˚) HYBRIDS: Titleist 913Hd (20˚), Titleist 915Hd (23.5˚) IRONS: Titleist 718 MB (5-PW), WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM7 (54˚, 60˚) PUTTER: Odyssey Tank Cruiser V Line Long BALL: Titleist Pro V1

[56] JUNE 2018

EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BIG MAX AQUA WAVE

G/FORE DISRUPTOR £149, TRENDYGOLF.COM Featuring waterproof nubuck leather uppers, the Disruptor is a stylish street shoe that is also perfect for summer golfer. Lightweight, yet supportive, and loaded with padded cushioning, they make for easy walking, while the nubbed soles offer plenty of traction for even the most power-packed swing. They are available in white with a grey heel trim, white with a blue heel trim, and black with a white heel trim, in sizes 6-12.

£189.99, WWW.BIGMAXGOLF.COM Part of Big Max’s new Aqua range – which boasts full water resistance, as opposed to just simply being waterproof – the Wave is a stylish stand bag that is guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. All the models in the Aqua range are made from a fabric that has a waterproof rating of over 10.000mm, while sealed seams and specially designed waterproof zips deliver an unrivalled level of protection from the elements. It features an 8½-inch top with four full-length dividers, while its six waterproof pockets, air channel straps, and ultra-light weight (1.9kg) make it a practical choice for anyone who prefers to carry their clubs. It is offered in black, yellow/black/ silver, red/black/silver, white/black/orange, and petrol/black/orange.

PRO SHOP

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LATEST GEAR

GOLFBUDDY VTX £249.99, EU.GOLFBUDDYGLOBAL.COM The GolfBuddy VTX’s compact design – 9.5cm x 5.6cm, and 1.5cm deep – means that it can easily slip into a pocket, but is still large enough to convey all the necessary information on a given hole. Boasting a full-colour touchscreen, it offers access to GolfBuddy’s database of over 38,000 pre-loaded courses, and will auto update courses via Bluetooth to a smartphone if the venue isn’t instantly available. It provides distances to the front, centre and back of greens, all hazards, along with a dynamic golfer’s view, so if you stray off course it will give distances from your angle of attack, even if it’s from the wrong fairway. Water resistant and boasting a 15-hour battery life, the VTX also has a voice mode and a digital scorecard.

WILSON STAFF INFINITE PUTTERS BUSHNELL PHANTOM GPS £99, BUSHNELLGOLF.CO.UK Replacing the Bushnell Ghost GPS, the new slimline Phantom comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses and provides simple measurements to the front, middle and back of the green.

New for 2018 is a high-powered magnet that enables the device to be attached to a belt buckle, trolley or any metal surface. It also boasts Bluetooth technology, which works in synch with the Bushnell App, enabling golfers to access course updates quickly through a mobile phone.

As well as front, middle and back distances, the Phantom displays up to four hazard/layup distances per hole. Via synching with the Bushnell App, the user can also take advantage of auto-course and auto-hole recognition, and a shot distance calculator. The battery has enough power for two 18-hole rounds on a full charge. It is available in black, red, blue or yellow.

£95, WILSTONSTAFF.COM Wilson Golf has redesigned its range of Infinite putters with six new models, incorporating eye-catching design features on the head and grip. The three blades and three mallets are all named after landmarks and neighbourhoods in the brand’s home city of Chicago – Windy City, Lake Shore, Michigan Ave, Grant Park, South Side and the Bean.

Featuring counterbalance technology, the putters combine a heavier head and grip weights, moving the balance point closer to the hands for a smoother and more controlled putting stroke. The South Side model, a centre-shafted mallet, has been used by Padraig Harrington for the past three seasons.

All models feature a black anti-glare finish to accentuate the sight lines that have been stripped back to improve alignment at address, as well as a double-milled face that promotes consistent impact, roll and distance control. An oversized, 104g counterbalanced grip provides improved stability and limits clubhead rotation during the stroke.

EQUIPMENT & GEAR JUNE 2018

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MIZUNO WAVE CADENCE GALVIN GREEN MARLON £85, GALVINGREEN.COM The Marlon polo is part of Galvin Green’s Ventil8 Plus range, which is currently being won on tour by recent European Tour winners Chris Paisley and Alexander Björk. Made from a blend of 97% polyester and 3% elastane – which requires no ironing – it offers high levels of breathability, exceptional moisture wicking properties, and UPF 20+ protection. It comes in black with four different column trim options in sizes S-XXXL.

£130, MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Mizuno has added two new options to its recently launched golf shoe range with the Nexlite Boa, which features a lace-free closure, and the Wave Cadence. The latter draws on Mizuno’s Wave platform technology – a midsole design that features in its running shoes and delivers both cushioning and stability. Its unique shape absorbs and disperses the forces as the foot hits the ground, helping to produce a smoother, more cushioned feel. Added durability and traction come via Mizuno’s hardwearing X10 carbon rubber sole, which enables high-impact areas in the heel to last longer and perform better, as well as Silver Tornado Tour Lock soft spikes. It comes in four colours – lime/blue, red/blue, lime/white and black/grey.

TAYLORMADE SPIDER MINI

ECCO BIOM HYBRID 3

£269, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU If you’re scared of big spiders, then TaylorMade’s new Mini putter could get you back in the bathroom, or rather the putting green. The wingless model is 15% smaller than its more generously proportioned predecessors, but is designed to deliver the same performance characteristics in a more streamlined package. With the headweight maintained at 355g, the smaller head size results in a movement forward in centre of gravity from 37mm to 30mm behind the leading edge – making it easier to release the putter head through the hitting area.

The face-balanced head also incorporates TaylorMade’s Pure Roll insert, which combines 45° grooves with a softer polymer to increase topspin and improve forward roll across varying surfaces. Redesigned steel weights cast directly into the putter’s head provide precise and consistent balance.

£190, ECCO.COM The Biom Hybrid 3 features a groundbreaking new outsole which boasts three different zones to enhance stability, durability and rotational support. The zonal structure is made from ultra-durable T.PU, enabling the shoes to be worn on and off course without affecting long-term performance. It also features a durability region in the heel where shoes can be prone to wearing. The uppers are made from soft, yet hardwearing Yak leather, which also offers high levels of breathability, while Gore-Tex waterproof protection is guaranteed for three years. It is available in black/silver; white/black; concrete/scarlet; white/ kiwi; black/blue; and white/silver, in sizes 6.5-12.5. Versions with a BOA closure are available for £200.

PING GLIDE 2.0 STEALTH WEDGES TITLEIST AVX £52 PER DOZEN, TITLEIST.CO.UK Titleist’s first new premium ball since the Pro V1x in 2003 promises a softer feel and lower compression than either of the Pro V1 balls, although not as soft as the company’s two-piece Tour Soft.

A newly formulated urethane cover and a speed-enhancing mantle layer offer distance with reduced spin, with a penetrating, low trajectory and softer feel.

A more flexible mantle layer combines with a lower-compression core to produce more speed than might typically be expected in a softer construction ball. The result is distance with long and middle irons.

The AVX also features a dimple design that is flatter than that found on the Pro V1 and Pro V1x. The 352 tetrahedral pattern offers improved low-flight aerodynamics and a more consistent trajectory. It is available in white or optic yellow and goes on sale on July 2.

£130/£140 PER CLUB (ST/GR), PING.COM Ping’s Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges are made from carbon steel and feature precisionmilled grooves to deliver a softer feel and higher-spinning shots. A wheel-cut milling process creates grooves with a sharper edge radius, which increases interaction with the cover of the ball, creating more friction for improved spin and trajectory control.

The grooves in the lower-lofted wedges (46°, 50° and 52°) are milled with a 20° sidewall and a .005" edge radius for optimal full-shot performance. The higherlofted versions (54°, 56°, 58° and 60°) are milled to a .004" edge radius and a 28° sidewall to impart more spin, especially around the greens.

A half groove near the leading edge on the 56⁰, 58⁰ and 60⁰ improves spin on those shots hit low on the face.

They are offered in four sole grinds (SS, WS, ES and TS) to match a golfer’s divot depth or attack angle, and most common turf conditions. The dark finish reduces glare and makes the head appear smaller at address.

[58] JUNE 2018

EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SG PRO BALLS:

THE SHORT CUT TO SHORT GAME SUCCESS A new training aid that takes the guesswork out of where to strike the ball is set to transform the way chipping and other short game skills can be learned and taught

I

t’s no coincidence that the simplest golf training aids are often the most successful. Golf is, by its very nature, a complicated game, with lots of moving parts required to do awkward movements in a constantly changing environment in order to get a very small object into a very small hole.

Training aids that look fussy and technical often serve to baffle golfers still further, so it is refreshing to discover a new product that is both straightforward and effective, and easy to understand, whether you’re a complete novice, club handicapper, elite amateur or a seasoned tour pro.

Meet the new SG Pro Ball – a training aid that is designed to improve golfers’ skills on and around the green. Created by short game specialist Stuart Smith, an Advanced PGA Professional based at Thetford Golf Club in Norfolk, the SG Pro Ball will help golfers learn, and coaches teach, the art of chipping, pitching and putting.

Smith is no stranger to devising successful golf gadgets, having invented the Putt Easy training aid, as well as a complete range or irons that benefit from hybrid technology – the Heavenly Hybrids.

He has also written the hort game guide Seven Steps to Heavenly Chipping, which is selling well in both digital and printed versions.

The team at Callaway Golf was so impressed with the Putt Easy training aid that it marketed the device under licence.

Smith, however, is convinced his SG Pro Balls will be even more of a game-changer for golfers striving to cut their scores and lower their handicaps.

Like most successful inventions, the concept is simple. An SG Pro Ball has three coloured areas – blue, red and green – each one representing the part of the ball that must be struck to execute a different type of shot to achieve the desired result – to get the ball as close to the hole as possible, or, indeed, in it. The blue area is for executing a lob shot or getting out of a bunker; red is for a standard chip; and the green is for a running chip, pitch or putt. In addition, there is a black dot that must always be visible on the top of the ball before the shot is played.

“This is where the eyes should focus when taking a shot,” Smith explained. “Looking at the back of the ball when playing a chip, pitch or putt is a common mistake.

It results in the head moving backwards which in turn moves the weight backwards. Invariably this causes a poor shot.

“As for hitting the ball in the different coloured areas – when Tour pros want to hit a lob shot or a running chip, they don’t pick up a club and go whack.

They aim to hit a different part of the ball to make it produce a different spin and a different outcome. That’s the thinking behind practising with SG Pro Balls – doing so teaches the golfer what part of the ball to hit to achieve the result he or she wants.”

Although designed primarily as an aid for short game improvement, by way of a bonus, SG Pro Balls can also be used to practise driving. Striking the red part of the ball helps increase its carry, while hitting the green area results in a lower trajectory to combat any wind. Clearly this practice is best done with a net to avoid the possibility of the balls getting lost.

Smith is also confident that SG Pro Balls will also be a boost to his fellow PGA pros when giving lessons that focus on the short game. “They will help the coach point out in detail where the ball should be hit to achieve a successful chip, pitch or putt,” he added. “Ultimately, golfers play more shots around or on the green than anywhere else on the course,” he added. “So it follows that an improvement in a golfer’s short game will result in an improved score. That’s what practising with an SG Pro Ball aims to achieve.”

For more details, visit stuartsmithgolfacademy.com, where you can watch a video of a lesson with the SG Pro Ball.

GOLF NEWS READER OFFER SG Pro Balls cost £24.99 for a box of six balls, but Golf News readers who order a box before July 30, 2018, will receive an extra box for free. To place an order, go to the shop section at stuartsmithgolfacademy.com, and to receive your free extra box of balls, email stuart@stuartsmithgolfacademy.com, quoting ‘Golf News 2-1 SG Pro Ball Offer’.

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EQUIPMENT & GEAR JUNE 2018 [59]

FROM BLACK RUNS TO SLICK GREENS Nick Bayly catches up with Lasse Kjus, the former downhill ski champion and co-founder of outdoor clothing brand KJUS, and finds out what makes the Swedish company’s products stand out in the competitive golf clothing market

O

k, first things first. How should we pronounce ‘Kjus’?

It’s pronounced ‘shoos’, but believe me I’ve heard it said many different ways over the years.

What is your background and how did you get into the outwear market?

I am a retired professional downhill skier. I started my professional career when I was 18 in 1989 and retired back in 2006. Back when we started up, in 2000, the skiwear market was fashion driven and not at all focused on technical or functional garments. This motivated me to see if it was possible to fill the gap and carve out a space in the skiwear market.

To me it seemed like nobody in the business had thought about skiing as a sport that was happening outdoors in all kinds of weather and for many hours at a time. Nor did the industry seem to get the fact that skiing is an activity with a lot of motion, and that you need clothing that doesn’t restrict you. So the motivation was to create clothing that would enable skiers to have fun from early morning to late afternoon, garments that would work for them when they were being active on the ski down and would keep them warm on the way up.

So what made you decide to branch into golf?

The decision to go into the golf wear market came relatively early. From a business perspective, we wanted to be less reliant on cold winters and snow, and we also wanted to be able to reach new markets where skiing was of lower importance. For us, golf was a natural fit. Didi Serena - who co-founded the business – and I are both passionate golfers and have a good understanding of the game from a player perspective. We really felt we could take our technical knowledge and expertise in performance fabrics and weather protection and bring innovation into the golf wear market.

How hard has it been as a non-golf brand to break into the golf market?

We initially built our golf brand off the back of our rain, wind and insulation garments, as we knew that is where we could create most differentiation within the market place. These very technical pieces continue to be a key focus for us but our golf shirts, pants and more lifestyle pieces are really gaining ground in terms of popularity.

So yes, it’s taken time and patience, but by sticking to our strategy we’ve been able to carve out a position in the market and now have distribution across more than 30 countries.

products undergo?

We use DWR technology across our waterproof and water-resistant products to make them permanently water and dirt repellent, so that dirt and rain bead off. The decision to use DWR on our trousers is a real advantage for golfers, as it keeps them looking great for the entirety of the round and beyond. For our waterproof gear we have developed state-of-the-art membranes that are not only highly waterproof and windproof but are also fully stretchable and highly breathable.

Waterproofing gear is easy, it’s making it stretchable and breathable that’s the challenge.

What technologies have you been able to translate from skiwear into golf clothing?

Four-way stretch has been the key carryover from our ski collection, as well as making garments that are lightweight and breathable. In terms of fabrics, as with our ski collections, we don’t do what everyone else is doing, we don’t look to buy off the shelf fabrics. Instead, we work with fabric owners to develop our own – that’s a big part of the innovation that we have carried over into golf.

From an aesthetic point of view, the stretchability of our products means that we can shape the products to fit closer to the body without restricting freedom of movement. This means the clothes don’t just perform great, but are extremely flattering and look great on. Our closest bridge to golf has been our Pro 3L rain jacket and pants. It really is a game-changing piece of kit and definitely the best rain gear on the market. It’s extremely stretchable, lightweight, highly breathable and 100% waterproof. It’s been a huge part of our success story.

Who is wearing your clothing on the pro golf tours right now, and how closely do you work with your tour staff on upcoming products?

We have official athlete ambassadors on the European and Challenge Tours – German players, Max Kieffer (pictured) and Bernd Ritthammer to name a couple. We also have a good number of players on both the European and PGA Tours that opt to wear our rain and wind gear without official contracts in place. That’s a pretty clear testament to the quality and performance of our products.

For us, our athletes are not just there to showcase the final product they have a really important role in terms of product development.

We involve them at a very early stage to test prototypes on tour – this allows us to see how the garments have performed over a number of months under intensive use and also to get feedback from the players on what they liked, didn’t like and what, if anything, they feel could be improved. Our goal is bring the best performing products to the market – for us having input from athletes performing at the highest level in their field is key.

What kind of treatments do your waterproof and water-resistant

Ultra flat design Wheels fold in automatically One-fold system

Where can golfers buy Kjus gear in the UK? We are distributed in 80 pro shops across the UK, including in the majority of the high-end private clubs. There is a store locator on our website, and golfers can also buy our products through our e-shop on www.kjus.com.

COMPETITION

3 KJUS POLO SHIRTS TO BE WON!

ALL NEW - BLADE IP

GOLF NEWS has teamed up with stylish Swedish clothing brand Kjus to offer readers the chance to win one of three stunning Soren polo shirts from the brand’s new spring/summer collection.

Worth £69 each, the Soren polo is available in three eye-catching styles – a big stripe, a thin stripe, and a plain block print – all of which are guaranteed to become a wardrobe staple and your perfect playing companion at any time of the year.

Made from four-way stretch, moisture wicking and fast-drying fabric (92% polyester/8% spandex), these classic short sleeve polos boast a Y-tech cut for improved freedom of movement and ultimate comfort on and off the course.

They also feature bonded seams, three-button plackets and offer the wearer UV protection of UPF 50+. The signature 'K' logo is printed on the back right shoulder blade and a tab on the left sleeve.

Easy to match with any outfit, it comes in short and long sleeve styles and a range of colours, including elegant muted shades and bold tones.

The Soren Big Stripe comes in a choice of blue/grey, blue/white or navy/orange.

The Soren Stripe Polo comes in green, navy, grey, light green and red.

The Soren Solid comes in white, green, navy, light blue, marine blue and red.

For more details about the new Kjus Spring/Summer golf apparel range, and to find your nearest golf club Kjus stockists, visit www.kjus.com.

TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning a KJUS polo shirt, simply answer the question below correctly, and email your name and contact details, including your preferred style and shirt size, to: info@golfnews.co.uk with ‘KJUS Competition’ in the subject line. Please also include details of where you picked up your copy of Golf News or read online.

The new BLADE IP from BIG MAX is now even easier and faster to fold thanks to a revolutionary new flat-fold technology.

The wheels fold in automatically, as if by magic, taking you half the time to assemble and disassemble.

The most compact trolley on the Golf market is now even easier and faster to use. BLADE IP - now flat AND fast.

Normal competition rules apply, and no cash alternative is available.

The closing date for entries is July 30, 2018.

QUESTION What UPF factor of UV protection does the Soren polo shirt offer? a) 30+ b) 40+ c) 50+

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[60] JUNE 2018

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

ON TEST

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Golf News’ intrepid team of testers roll up their sleeves to put three different TaylorMade golf balls – the TP5, Project (a) and the Project (s) – through their paces

6-HANDICAPPER JEREMY ELLWOOD

9-HANDICAPPER MATT NICHOLSON

16-HANDICAPPER NICK BAYLY

GIVES THE TAYLORMADE TP5 A THOROUGH WORKOUT AROUND SOME OF THE UK’S TOP TRACKS

GIVES THE THREE-PIECE TAYLORMADE PROJECT (A) BALL A RUN FOR ITS MONEY OUT IN SOUTHERN FRANCE

PUTS THE THREE-PIECE TAYLORMADE PROJECT (S) BALL INTO THE BAG AROUND SOME PARKLAND TRACKS IN PORTUGAL

IN MY YOUNGER DAYS, I was always a sucker for a tour ball, so I played Pro V1s, Srixon Z Stars or whatever other premium-priced ball I could lay my hands on.

I’ve since learned that while the golf ball is indeed a vital part of any golfer’s armoury, I don’t necessarily need quite the ego trip whenever I reach for a new sleeve. So in that respect, I was really looking forward to putting TaylorMade’s Project (a) into play, as it claims to offer a combination of all round combination of good driver distance and short game control, but at a slighter lower price point – around £10-15 a dozen cheaper – than the traditional tour balls.

I played with them solidly for three rounds around Pont Royal Golf Club in France during May, when the fairways had been softened from recent rains, yet the greens were pretty quick for the time of year.

Following on from the success of its Project (a) ball, TaylorMade has expanded its Project range with a ‘softer’ version called the Project (s). Boasting a compression of 60, it’s not the softest of the soft balls out there, but its dual core system creates a large, low compression inner core that reduces unwanted driver spin and creates great feel, while the softer polymer outer score encourages greater resilience for higher ball speed.

Instead of the more expensive – and higher spinning – urethane cover used on the Project (a) ball, the (s) features an ionomer cover with a new dimple design that gives it a slightly more durable finish, while offering low driver spin and high lift.

On my test carried out on firmish greens in Portugal, the Project (s) certainly sounded and felt soft, but it also tended to run out a little more than I am used to, so I found myself at the back rather than the middle of greens – although

IN THE COURSE OF MY WORKING LIFE I’m lucky enough to get to play a wide range of golf courses – in a wide range of weathers – so it was quite interesting to try out the TP5 on some fast-running links, some lusher parkland layouts, and also on a few of the windy downland courses near my home.

All place different demands on a player’s shot-making skills, so it was great to be tackling them with a golf ball that is said to offer ‘the best combination of feel, greenside spin and long-game performance’ that TaylorMade has ever built’.

After a few months with the TP5 in the bag, I’m happy to report that it has been able to cope with all these challenges and more, and you do indeed get what you pay for when it comes to golf ball technology, especially when it comes to short-siding yourself in a greenside bunker, or having to hold one against a 30mph gale.

The TP5 proved a particularly stable partner in windy conditions, holding its line superbly well in the face of a breeze, with no hint of the ballooning you might get with some other models thanks to its low driver spin properties. The TP5’s five-layer design separates driver and iron distance from greenside control, so I was able to get a nice, low penetrating flight off the tee, but also able ample control off my wedges into the greens. I don't get a lot of check on my wedges, but the TP5 certainly stopped up more quickly than certain other balls The TP5's durability impressed me, with little or no markings or scuff, while off the putter face it felt soft and rolled out nicely.

All in all, £50 is a lot to pay for 12 golf balls, but if you demand total all-round performance from a ball, and generate a decent amount of clubhead speed, then the TP5 is unquestionably a solid choice.

RRP: £49.99 for 12

First impressions were that I certainly didn’t lose much, if any, distance off the tee. It has a 70 compression, which is lower than the 100 offered by the TP5, but as my swing speed is around the 90-95mph mark, I definitely benefitted from the extra softness in the ball.

Working through the bag, they offered a nice mid-height flight with the mid irons, yet still offered plenty of feel and stopping control around the greens, in part helped by the urethane cover, which is also used on the TP5 balls. I managed to get it back up pretty consistently with wedge shots, which I hadn’t expected.

For someone who generates a modicum of clubhead speed at impact, I really liked the allround performance from tee to green, and it was certainly possible to shape shots.

I would certainly consider using the Project (a) as a yearround option, and given the number of balls I lose, it would certainly save a few quid too!

RRP: £39.99 for 12

thankfully not short of the front, where most bunkers are to be found. I had to adjust my clubbing accordingly, but most golfers will benefit more from the additional run out than they will the spin, so it depends when you see the most positive trade off.

The Project (s) is £1.25 cheaper than the (a), but compared to other balls in this category it certainly stacks up when it comes to offering distance, with the cover and core construction working well with my 85mph driver swing speed to generate the extra launch and ball speed required to provide maximum distance.

Not prone to too much sidespin, it was easy to keep on the fairways and it enjoyed plenty of extra roll.

All told, the Project (s) is undoubtedly one of the best all-round performers out there in this competitive ‘soft’ category, combining distance and consistency with an added element of control.

RRP: £24.99 for 12

EQUIPMENT & GEAR JUNE 2018

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT NEWS HONMA LAUNCHES SUMMER DEMO DAY PROGRAMME PREMIUM EQUIPMENT BRAND Honma Golf will be showcasing its latest range of luxury clubs at a series of demo days across the UK this summer.

Among the high-profile clubs selected to host the events are The Wisley (July 11); Royal Cinque Ports (July 18); The Grove (July 20); Worplesdon (July 13); Chart Hills (July 27); and Farleigh (August 3).

Those attending the events will be able to trial hand-crafted premium drivers, irons, fairway woods, hybrids, wedges and putters from the Beres S-06, Tour World 737 and Bezeal 535 series, including models specifically designed for women golfers.

Product specialist John Bragger will be advising golfers at the events, as they receive personal custom-fitting sessions. “This is a great opportunity to show the high level of quality that Honma golf clubs can offer in terms of both performance and design,” he said. “There are clubs to appeal to golfers of all standards and unrivalled bespoke custom options for them to choose from."

In total, there are 40 confirmed demo days taking place nationwide, with more to follow.

To find your nearest demo day venue, visit www.honmagolfeurope.com.

AQUA Sport 2 The new BIG MAX AQUA Sport 2 combines practical organisation and modern design with ultimate waterproof performance, available in 9 colour options. All BIG MAX AQUA Bags have a 10,000mm waterproof rating, so that even the most ambitious golfers can expect their golf equipment to be dry after 18 holes. The innovative twin strap and umbrella positions give you the freedom to use the bag in your own way.

The New DROP-STOP System by BIG MAX guarantees 100% waterproof material, sealed seams and waterproof zips. Play with optimal protection and modern style.

WATERPROOF UNDER TOUGHEST CONDITIONS!

OAKLEY UNVEILS BUBBA-INSPIRED COLLECTION OAKLEY HAS LAUNCHED a new clothing range inspired by, and designed for, its best known golfing ambassador, dual Masters champion Bubba Watson.

Created for golfers that ‘dare to be different’, the collection is equipped with technical features that are built to enhance performance.

Having previously built Watson a golf buggy hovercraft that travels on water and grass, and a jet pack that took him into the air, Oakley’s decision to team up with the left-hander on something so mundane as a range of polo shirts and trousers seems a little safe. However, the company has gone to great lengths to ensure that its Bubba Watson Capsule Collection is packed with game-improving features that will benefit all golfers, albeit with a nod to those who play left-handed.

Thus the range of three breathable polyester and cotton polo shirts is designed to offer reduced friction in key areas of the shirt for complete ease of movement, while colour details are located on the left side to maximize their visibility when

worn by lefthanders. As you’d expect, the collection features pops of pink – Bubba’s favourite colour – although the majority of the pieces are offered in more neutral tones, including shades of blue and grey.

The range includes three different polos (£50-£60), a hybrid vest (£105), a stretch fleece (£105), a reversible hybrid jacket (£180), and a lightweight rain jacket (£165).

Watson, ever the joker, got involved in the ‘testing’ of the products, which included time spent observing the waterproof qualities of the jackets under a shower; checking the sandresistant finish of the trousers by throwing shovels of sand; and testing the somewhat ineffective flame-retardant properties of the polo shirts by firing up a blow torch. All this, and more, can be seen on a 30-second video produced by Oakley and launched on Youtube.

For details of the complete range and other Oakley products, visit www.uk.oakley.com.

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[62] JUNE 2018

EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BLUE SKY THINKING Feeling blue? Then freshen up your golfing wardrobe with one of these smart new polos

GALVIN GREEN MAX

CALLAWAY OPTI-VENT TOUR II

£85, GALVINGREEN.COM

£39.99, CALLAWAYAPPAREL.COM

Offering an extremely high level of breathability and moisture wicking properties, the Max is a stylish short-sleeved shirt from the exclusive VENTIL8 Plus range. It has a distinctive yarn-dyed stripe design on the front and back, plus a two-ply constructed curlingresistant collar and cuffs. Available in navy/white/electric red; blue/ white/black; black/iron grey/white & iron grey/white/yellow (S-2XL).

Worn by Callaway’s staff players, the Tour II boasts an embroidered Callaway logo on the left collar, a chevron on the left chest, and the Odyssey logo on the right sleeve for a truly tour-inspired look. Made from a polyester/spandex mix (86%/14%), interwoven layers ensure complete freedom of movement, while a moisture management system wicks away sweat and offers maximum breathability.

CHERVO AVVOCATO

G/FORE SKULL & T SLIM

KJUS SOREN BIG STRIPE

£80, CHERVO.COM

£109, TRENDYGOLF.COM

£69, KJUS.COM

Italian brand Chervo has created a range of performanceenhancing polos that are made from a polyamide microfibre which, together with innovative finishing, guarantees high levels of moisture evaporation and ensures freshness to the 18th hole and beyond. Featuring Dry-Matic comfort-stretch fabric, the stylish range of slim fit polos is available in 15 different colours.

This eye-catching embroidered polo from G/Fore is a technical pique featuring a crossed skull and tee design across the front of the shirt, as well as G/Fore’s logo on the chest. Made from a polyester and spandex mix (96%/4%), it boasts a slim, athletic fit, a two-button placket, and two-tone coloured collar. It comes in sizes XS to XXL.

Made from four-way stretch, moisture wicking fabric (92% polyester/8% spandex), this short sleeve polo has a Y-tech cut for improved freedom of movement and ultimate comfort on and off the course. It also features bonded seams, a three-button placket and offers the wearer UV protection of UPF 50+. It comes in blue/ grey, blue/white or navy/orange.

ADIDAS ULTIMATE 365

HUGO BOSS PADDY PRO

TED BAKER BUNKA

£49, ADIDASGOLF.COM

£99, HUGOBOSS.COM

£89, TEDBAKER.COM

Worn on tour by the likes o Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia, the 365 is made from a polyester/elastane mix (88%/12%), and boasts four-way stretch to ensure maximum comfort. With an Adidas logo on the left chest, and a three-button placket, it also offers UPF50+ protection. It comes in three striped colours, three half-block designs, and two block designs (navy, green).

Th ePaddy Pro polo boasts official Claret Jug crest on the left sleeve to pay homage to this year’s Open at Carnoustie, where Boss Athleisure is the official tournament outfitter. Made from a soft cotton and polyester mix, with built-in elastane stretch, it boasts a regular fit, and comes with a contrasting knitted collar and sleeves. It is available in heather black or daphne blue in sizes S-XXL.

Ted Bunker launched into the golf market last year with some pretty whacky designs, but seems to have reined itself back a bit for this season’s range, with the Bunka a classic polo with some nice detailing. Made from a breathable, stretch polyester/elastane mix (90%/10%), it features contrasting piping on the press stud placket and the flat knit collar, and Ted Baker branding to the left chest.

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JUNE 2018 | WWW.GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

CONTENTS ESPICHE CLUBHOUSE & GOLF: AN OASIS IN THE WESTERN ALGARVE HITTING THE LINKS FOR SIX ME & MY TRAVELS WITH IAN BOTHAM SARAH STIRK TICKS THE TORREY PINES BOX

ROYAL MOUGINS STAYING & PLAYING ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

[64] JUNE 2018

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TRAVEL BREAKS DALE HILL UNVEILS HOTEL EXTENSION DALE HILL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB in East Sussex has opened a new 15-bedroom annex to compliment its existing four-star hotel, which boasts 35 bedrooms.

All of the new rooms in the new extension are spacious and feature zip-and-link super king-sized beds, flatscreen TVs, power showers, tea and coffee making facilities, and high-speed internet access.

A number of the new rooms feature a balcony or terrace with views over the resort’s golf courses and the Sussex Weald.

All hotel guests have complimentary access to the club’s leisure facilities, including the heated indoor pool, sauna and gym, as well as the dining options offered in the Wealden View Restaurant.

The club boasts two 18-hole championship layouts – the Woosnam and the Old Course. The former was designed by the former US Masters champion, and is a challenging 6,512-yard parkland design, constructed to USGA specifications.

The 5,856-yard Old Course is a well-established layout rich in wildlife and mature woodland, and blessed with contrasting scenery. The front nine is parkland, while the back nine is heavily wooded, challenging even the more experienced golfers.

Stay-and-play summer packages, including two rounds of golf, a two-course dinner, plus bed and breakfast, start from £149pp.

For details on the latest breaks, call 01580 200112 or visit www.dalehill.co.uk.

TACKLE AYRSHIRE’S TOP TRACKS AT THE 2018 LINKS GOLF CUP FANS OF BUMPAND-RUN SHOTS, 60-foot putts from off the green, and the art of hitting knock-down irons into 30mph headwinds, should consider signing up for the Links Golf Cup, a five-day celebration of links golf which takes place annually around Ayshshire’s finest links layouts this autumn.

The tournament, which this year takes place from September 3-7, regularly attracts amateurs from all over the world, all of whom are drawn by the lure of exhilarating links

golf on this wild and windy coastline.

The 72-hole individual Stableford tournament offers rounds on four of the finest championship links in Scotland, namely Western Gailes, Gailes Links, Kilmarnock Barassie and Dundonald Links, while the option of playing the nearby Open Championship venues of Troon, Turnberry or Prestwick on the rest day, make this event an irresistible opportunity to play five days of pure Scottish links.

All four have staged

some of the game’s most prestigious events, with Dundonald having hosted the Scottish Open as recently as 2017, while the other three have all held final qualifying for the Open Championship, as well as numerous other elite amateur events.

At just over £300 per person for four rounds, attendance at the presentation dinner and a goodie bag, the Links Golf

Cup Ayrshire also offers excellent value when compared to the individual green fee rates at this time of the year.

Experienced event organiser Hybrid Golf launched the Links Golf Cup Ayrshire in 2015, following the success of The Links Golf Cup East Lothian on Scotland’s east coast, which has been running for seven years.

Open to amateurs over the age of 18 with a handicap of 24 or less, there are still a small number of places still available for September’s event. For more information and reservations, email andy@hybridgolf.co.uk or visit www. linksgolfcup.co.uk.

Bowood Park Hotel and Golf Club “This Cornish cracker is a must visit – superb” John E. Morgan , Former PGA & European Tour Professional and Sky Sports Golf Commentator

Hotel | Golf | Events | Hospitality 2 DAY GOLF BREAK

3 DAY GOLF BREAK

4 DAY GOLF BREAK

1 Night; to include dinner, bed, breakfast & 2 rounds of golf – from £80 per person

2 Nights; to include dinner, bed, breakfast & 3 rounds of golf – from £130 per person

3 Nights; to include dinner, bed, breakfast & 4 rounds of golf – from £180 per person

For all enquiries, to check availability or make a reservation, please call the reservations team on 01840 213017.

BOWOOD PARK HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB, LANTEGLOS, CORNWALL, PL32 9RF. TEL: 01840 213017. EMAIL: GOLF@BOWOODPARK.COM. WEB: WWW.BOWOODPARK.COM

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DORSET RESORT CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AT THE TOP THE DORSET GOLF RESORT IS enjoying a double celebration after reaching its 40th year in business, while at the same time being recognised as one of the top golf resorts in the UK. The Bere Regis-based venue has long held a reputation for being a top quality golf break destination, thanks to its 27 holes of championship golf spread across its acclaimed Lakeland, Parkland and Woodland Courses, combined with its wide range of five-star accommodation. And with its recent inclusion in Today’s Golfer’s Top 100 UK Golf Resorts, the East Dorset-based resort’s status has been further elevated.

The choice of quality accommodation,

which includes 14 five-star eco lodge homes, two luxury cottages, and a 16-bedroom hotel, has been attracting stay-and-play golfers for many years, while the condition of the golf courses, and superb catering and hospitality, is clearly a winning combination for visitors, with the resort boasting a 65 per cent repeat booking rate.

The Woodland Course, which is cut through a forest of rhododendrons, bpasts banks of pink, red and purple flowers,

NEW SUMMER DEALS AT OLD THORNS GOLFERS CAN ENJOY the fabulous facilities at Old Thorns Manor Hotel Golf & Country Estate in Hampshire for as little as £89 when booking a package through Golfbreaks.com.

Tucked away in 400 acres of Hampshire countryside just off the A3, Old Thorns is one of southern England’s most picturesque country-

house-style hotels, and offers luxury accommodation in 82 bedrooms, relaxing health spa facilities, fantastic cuisine and an outstanding 6,581yard, 18-hole championship golf course, designed by the BBC’s ‘voice of golf’ and the club president, Peter Alliss.

With notoriously fast greens and plenty of natural hazards, the par-72 layout is

GOLFBREAKS.COM SIGNS HOWELL AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

a challenging layout, while the typography of the course creates some wonderful views over the rolling Hampshire countryside from the elevated tees.

Summer midweek breaks in June at the Liphookbased resort can be booked for just £109 per person, offering one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast, and two rounds of golf. For bookings, visit www.oldthorns.com.

TheManor House

& Ashbury Hotels

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sparking thoughts of Augusta. The Lakeland and Parkland nine are also blessed with flourishes of rhododendron and cherry blossom, and the views across the huge lakes are spectacular.

Ideally located to explore Poole and Bournemouth, as well as the wilder parts of the Jurassic Coast, there plenty to do within just a few miles of the resort, including, clay pigeon shooting, Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World.

Stay-and-play packages this July and August start from £179pp for two-night breaks, with dinner, breakfast and all golf included. Three-night packages, with three rounds, cost from £259 per person.

For more details, call 01929 472244 or visit www.dorsetgolfresort.com.

GOLFBREAKS.COM has signed five-time European Tour winner David Howell as brand ambassador.

Howell, 42, who played for Europe at the 2004 and 2006 Ryder Cups, will represent the tour operator by showcasing the logo on his tour bag through the remainder of the European Tour season.

Howell, who lives near to Golfbreaks’s headquarters in Windsor, will also represent the operator in campaigns and events though the remainder of 2018, including hosting a number of client golf days. He will also host meet and greet sessions at European tournaments, as well as Q&A events at private dinners and major tournaments.

“David’s reputation as a gentleman precedes him,” said Keith Mitchell, Golfbreaks.com’s chief marketing officer. “He’s a hugely popular figure in the game, and his personality is a perfect match with our ethos at Golfbreaks.com, so we’re delighted to have him as an ambassador as we expand our presence internationally,” he added.

Howell said: “Golfbreaks.com is an exceptional, service-oriented business at the forefront of golf travel. I’m thrilled to be partnering with them and I’ll proudly represent the brand this year and beyond.”

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[66] JUNE 2018

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Scottish Gem of the Month

STEP BACK IN TIME AT KILSPINDIE

Scotland is a full of hidden – and underrated – golfing gems, and one of the finest among them is Kilspindie Golf Club, whose 150-year-old links is tucked away just a few miles from Edinburgh, and enjoys stunning views over the Firth of Forth

T

he East Lothian coast is blessed with so many world-class links, from Muirfield to Archerfield, and from North Berwick to Gullane’s trio of top tracks, that it is easy to overlook the handful of other great links located on this stunning shoreline that may not have hosted Open Championships or a European Tour ■ KILSPINDIE'S PAR-THREE 8TH HOLE event, yet are far more accessible, playable and – let’s be honest, more affordable – for the travelling golfer. clubhouse, golfers have no time to ease into While there are many golfers who make it their life’s mission to the round, with onlookers making this 150take on the challenge of a 7,000-yard Open venue at £200 a pop, yard hole, which is played out towards the sea, there are just as many for whom a 6,000-yard links, with a view of probably more daunting than the series of the sea, fast-running fairways, and a friendly face behind the bar, bunkers that front the green. will do just nicely. If the latter floats your particular golfing boat, The next three holes all run along the then a round at Kilspindie Golf Club could be just the ticket. shoreline, and with fantastic views across Located hard by the Firth of Forth, just a few miles east of Aberlady Bay to the golf courses at Gullane, ■ KILSPINDIE HOSTED THE WORLD HICKORY OPEN IN 2017 Edinburgh, Kilspindie is an old-fashioned links that will leave it’s easy to be distracted from the task at hand. you with plenty of great memories and a desire to come back for The second hole is a par five, the only one on more. Said to be the 35th oldest golf club in the world – it was the scorecard, while the third and fourth are medium-length par the end of the round, which adds further character to Kilspindie. founded in 1867 – Kilspindie can’t match Muirfield for length – fours. There is plenty of room to the left on all three holes, but The first contact of this is at the par-three 13th – but only if you at just under 6,000 yards off the back tees, but what it lacks in the favoured approach is from the right, especially at the two par are wayward – while it is very much more in play at both the 17th yardage it more than makes up with its irresistible charm – that, fours, so a risky drive close to the beach is ideal. and 18th, where you must successfully negotiate it with your and in the warmth of the welcome all visitors receive from its Both the third and fourth have magnificent green-settings, approach at the former and potentially drive over it at the last. friendly staff and members. close to the waters edge with stunning backdrops, but the best After a round, golfers can retire to the wonderful clubhouse, Located close to the Aberlady nature reserve, Kilspindie is is yet to come, and arrives at the par-three eighth, which played where a warm welcome – and a wide choice of hot food and truly a links at one with its environment, with seabirds darting over a sandy bay to a green set on a little peninsula and fronted cold snacks and drinks – can be enjoyed, while mulling over the across the sky above the greens, along with migratory geese, by wooden sleepers. birdies that got away, and perhaps the ones that didn’t. while just a few yards from the fairways, groups of seals can There are lots of lovely green complexes throughout the often be found sunbathing on the sands below. And in the round and, because there are a number of short par fours, you Greens fees at Kilspindie Golf Club are £55 during the week distance, golfers can see the profile of Edinburgh, its iconic will get to enjoy a series of tricky pitches and partially blind shots and £69 at weekends (low/high season). To book a tee time, or castle, and the long extinct volcanic cone of Arthur’s Seat. into them. Sometimes you’re not sure if you’ve hit it close until for more information, visit www.kilspindiegolfclub.co.uk or Teeing off at on the par-three first, in full view of the you get to the green. An old stone wall comes into play towards call 01875 870 358.

Kilspindie Golf Club The 35th Oldest Golf Club in the World

Special Society Packages available for 12 or more golfers TEL: 01875 870358

EMAIL: BOOKINGENQUIRY@KILSPINDIEGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

W E B : W W W. K I L S P I N D I EG O L F C LU B .CO.U K

KILSPINDIE GOLF CLUB | THE CLUBHOUSE | ABERLADY | EH32 0QD

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Sarah Stirk fulfils a long-held ambition to pay a visit to the fabled Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, and play its stunning South Course, venue for Tiger Woods’s most recent, and maybe final, Major victory

AS FAR AS MUNICIPAL COURSES GO, I think Torrey Pines is pretty special. I’ve covered the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour for the last few years, and every time I’d say to myself, ‘I need to go there!' This year worked out perfectly. I was out in Los Angeles covering the Genesis Open at Riviera, and decided that a week off afterwards, just down the coast, was exactly what was needed.

La Jolla is an incredible place. It’s a well-to-do beach enclave north of San Diego and has a really nice, chilled vibe. The city itself is pretty small – we covered San Diego in a day – and then spent the rest of the time loitering around La Jolla.

One of my undoubted highlights was the Torrey Pines state park. There are some incredible trails to explore, and the views from the cliff tops are spectacular. Watching the paragliders on TV always mesmerised me, so it was fantastic to see them up close. I nearly signed up for a taster session, but chickened out at the last minute. My loss.

Anyway, back to the golf. There are two courses at Torrey Pines, the North and the South, both of which are owned and maintained by the city of San Diego. Both are used for the opening two rounds at the Farmers Insurance Open, with the South hosting the weekend’s action. The latter is known as more challenging, but both are difficult, with some penal rough.

I played the South not long after the tournament, so it was in great shape and the putting surfaces were super quick. I have to admit that I’m with Rory McIlroy on the greens. I’m not a massive fan of Poa grass, and I found putting really tricky, especially late in the afternoon. We also played on a particularly chilly day – hence the newly acquired beanie – so scoring conditions weren’t easy.

The South course was designed by William F Bell and first opened 1957, it was then renovated by local hero Billy Casper and his design partner David Rainville in the late 1970s. Rees jones worked his magic and completely rejuvenated the South course in 2001 at a cost of $3.5 million, taking the yardage to a staggering 7,607 yards. The South course is held in such high regard that the US Open was, of course, staged there in 2008, making it only the second municipal course ever to hold the event. That year Tiger Woods prevailed over Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole play-off, claiming his 14th and, to date, final

■ PARAGLIDERS ADD TO THE VIEWING PLEASURES OF A ROUND AT TORREY PINES

major. Carrying a bad knee injury, Woods effectively won the title on one leg, which would later require surgery. Torrey Pines will host the US Open again in 2021. By this time Woods will be 45. Surely too late to win here again?

What makes Torrey unique is the fact that it is funded by local taxpayers. This means that residents in the area can play for around $70, while out-oftowners have to pay three times that, but it’s certainly worth it. A championship course on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, with near-perfect weather year round – apart from the odd foggy day in February – makes it a great destination.

It is kind of strange to have covered as many tournaments there as I have, and to reminisce about the US Open, while remembering this is a public course. The first thing that struck me about the set up is the driving range – a little strip of land next to the car park, which has seen better days. The balls weren’t very good, and it wasn’t long enough to hit

■ THE MAJESTIC PAR-3 THIRD HOLE ON THE SOUTH COURSE

■ SARAH AT TORREY PINES

■ TIGER WOODS'S LAST MAJOR VICTORY CAME AT THE 2008 US OPEN AT TORREY PINES

■ LEFT: TORREY PINES' SOUTH COURSE HAS HOSTED A PGA TOUR EVENT EVERY YEAR SINCE 1968

YOU CAN ALSO EXPECT SLOW ROUNDS, NOT JUST DUE TO THE DIFFICULTY, BUT BECAUSE EVERYONE STOPS TO TAKE SELFIES ON THE SPECTACULAR PAR THREES. GUILTY!

a driver – even for me. How Tiger warmed up here and produced the magic he did, I have no idea!

Don't expect concierge service, or someone to meet you with a cool towel on hot, sunny days. This place is more about business than service. You can also expect slow rounds, not just due to the difficulty, but because everyone stops to take selfies on the spectacular par threes. Guilty!

Talking of which, very few courses have comparable views to the coastal gem that is the short third hole. At 200 yards, it offers the most spectacular views of any hole on the property, overlooking the endless, dreamy expanses of the Pacific Ocean. The shot plays about two clubs less than the yardage, but it’s still a tough task to gauge the right distance for this daunting approach and, trust me, you don’t want to be long. Having said that, you don’t want to be short either, as there’s greedy bunker at the front of the green. My only criticism would be that it comes too early in the round, when you’re game is still warming up.

Torrey Pines, La Jolla and San Diego – what a three-ball – roll on 2021!

A round on Torrey Pines’ South Course costs $202/$242 (week days/weekends). Fees on the North course are $110/$138. For tee time bookings up to 90 days in advance, visit www.sandiego. gov/park-and-recreation/golf/torreypines.

[68] JUNE 2018

TRAVEL & BREAKS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ESPICHE: GOLF & NATURE IN PERFECT HARMONY

Located within a picturesque nature reserve, Espiche Clubhouse & Golf is an eco-friendly course that offers a truly authentic taste of Western Algarve

T

he Western Algarve has long enjoyed a reputation for offering a more authentic taste of Portugal than the slighter brasher, trendier central region, where large-scale resorts, chain hotels, and flashy marinas have been attracting the in-crowd in recent years.

Although requiring a slightly longer drive from Faro airport, the Western Algarve is still easily reachable, thanks to the A22 motorway, which runs

the length of the coast, making the courses between Portimao and Lagos within just an hour’s drive of the main tourist hubs.

One course definitely worth the detour is Espiche Golf, which, in terms of Portugal’s relatively short golfing history, is regarded as something of a new kid on the block.

Located just a few minutes from the coast, and the city of Lagos, in the picturesque region of Barlavento, Espiche Golf only opened six years ago, but has already garnered a

ESPICHE WON GOLF MAGAZINE’S ‘CLUBHOUSE OF THE YEAR’ AWARD IN 2015 – THE FIRST CLUB OUTSIDE OF THE US TO PICK UP THIS PRESTIGIOUS GONG reputation for offering great golf and superb Algarvian hospitality.

Built on a nature reserve, Espiche’s 18-hole course has been designed to blend in with the contours of the craggy landscape, with a principle of ‘least disturbance’ offering a truly naturalistic golfing experience.

Designed by South African architect Peter Sauerman, the 5,862-metre layout winds its way between indigenous olive, fig and almond trees, and various lakes and streams, and offers wonderful views over fields and vineyards, while the distant Monchique mountain range provides a memorable backdrop to your round.

The par-72 course boasts multiple teeing options to make it playable for all skill levels, but, regardless of handicap, golfers will have to be at their most accurate to find the right spots to attack the flags from the narrow and undulating fairways, many of which are lined with ballhungry bushes.

The course is laid out in two returning loops of nine, each of which starts with a relatively straightforward par five and ends with a testing par four. It’s a lightly bunkered layout, with sand mainly confined to greenside traps – apart from 14, 16 and 17, which feature nests of fairway bunkers – while water comes into play at a handful of holes, most notably at the par-3 15th and the par-4 18th.

The course is always presented in superb condition, with the greens being particularly impressive, and although it’s a layout that requires repeated plays to discover the best

TRAVEL & BREAKS

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ CLUBHOUSE LOUNGE

■ VIEW FROM THE CLUBHOUSE TERRACE

■ CASCADE RESORT POOL

GOLF BREAK PACKAGES AT ESPICHE GOLF STAY-AND-PLAY PACKAGES WITH UNLIMITED GOLF AT ESPICHE, AND OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE CASCADE RESORT IN LAGOS, ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR SEVEN, FIVE AND THREE NIGHTS. PRICES START FROM €358PP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.ESPICHEGOLF.PT OR CALL 00 351 282 688 250.

way to tackle some of its more testing holes, it’s a fun track, with no two holes alike, and lots of great views to enjoy should your own game be not so pretty. As with all courses in the region, the prevailing winds can add another dimension of difficulty to any round, but also provide a welcome cooling effect during the heat of summer.

Given the amount of care and attention that has gone into every aspect of the club, it will come as no surprise that Espiche has picked up numerous industry awards since opening in 2012. The course took third place in Golf Magazine’s ‘best new course’ category in 2015, while that same year it won the title’s ‘clubhouse of the year’ award – the first club outside of the US to pick up this prestigious gong.

Beating competition from hundreds of exclusive clubs from around the world, the judges were particularly impressed by the innovative design, sustainability and creativity of the building, which enjoys a south-facing hilltop location and commands stunning views over the course.

Designed by architect Nadine Berger, the clubhouse was built on the ruins of an old farmhouse, with the stone from the original building used in the outer structure of the lower walls of the two-storey structure, while the top floor is framed almost completely with glass to offer a 360-degree view of the course and surrounding countryside.

Boasting large terraces on two levels, with a restaurant and bar, interior courtyard garden, luxurious locker rooms and a reception area,

■ PAR 5, 1ST HOLE

every element has been carefully considered to ensure it blends in with the environment. Diners come from far and wide to experience the club’s Gecko Restaurant, where fresh local produce is used to create fine dining dishes that showcase the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Frederico Champalimaud, Espiche Golf’s general manager, said: “We are dedicated to providing players with a new perspective on the game – different from any other offered in the Algarve – and the clubhouse has been a key element in our aim for a distinctive service.”

While Espiche doesn’t currently offer on-site accommodation, plans are currently under way to develop

a hotel and residential village on a parcel of land adjacent to the golf course. The project is being driven by the same ethical vision that underpins the existing resort, and will feature plenty of green spaces and a low-build density to ensure Espiche remains true to its ecological principles.

The new resort will include a village square linking to a boutique hotel, with a restaurant, sky bar, conference rooms, spa and gym.

The rest of the resort will comprise luxury villas and town houses.

Unquestionably, these are exciting times at Espiche Golf, so our advice is to get there early before word gets out.

[70] JUNE 2018

TRAVEL & BREAKS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WALKING THE GREEN CARPET Matt Nicholson sings the praises of Royal Mougins on the French Rivera, where you come away feeling like a film star

T

he golfing world is poised to become the latest to fall for the many charms of the globe’s most romantic city when the 2018 Ryder Cup visits France for the first time at the end of September.

Set on the outskirts of Paris, Le Golf National will have the honour of hosting the 42nd edition of the game’s most prestigious team competition from September 28-30.

Designed by Robert Von Hagge and Hubert Chesneau, the venue’s Albatros Course is regarded as one of the most challenging on the continent, and is sure to provide a worthy test when Europe and America renew rivalries.

Who will feature prominently when the latest chapter of Ryder Cup history is written remains to be seen, but when the chance came for me to

■ MOUGINS VILLAGE

experience another of Von Hagge’s celebrated courses on the legendary French Riviera, my bags were packed quicker than a Kevin Na preshot routine.

Located around four miles from the worldfamous resort town of Cannes – famed for its international film festival – the exclusive Royal Mougins Golf Resort is regarded as one of France’s premier venues and provides the perfect base to discover the many sporting, cultural and gastronomic delights of the Cote d’Azur.

At the heart of the resort – voted ‘France’s Best Golf Hotel’ at the World Golf Awards in 2016 and 2017 – is its acclaimed 18-hole championship course. Laid out in a wooded vale by Von Hagge in 1993, the course is one of the architect’s most impressive designs and has hosted the European

Tour’s Cannes Open four times. Created over 75 hectares, the reworked 6,566-yard layout winds its way around scenic wooded vales, rivers and lakes – several with picturesque waterfalls.

Nestled amongst the olive and pine trees of the French Riviera, the par-71 course features greens built to the highest USGA specification, while it has undergone a significant improvement programme over the last three years to enhance the golf experience even further, including renovation of its bunkers and installation of a state-of-the-art new irrigation system last winter.

With narrow fairways with water frequently come into play, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and keep your driver in the bag.

Stand-out holes include the par-three second and the demanding 17th and 18th – which offer a memorable finish – but the great thing about the course is that it has been designed to cater for all levels of players.

Complementing the layout is Royal Mougins’ outstanding Prime Golf Academy and exclusive hotel offering guests a haven of peace and privacy.

Led by Victor Dubuisson’s former coach, Stéphane Damiano, the academy boasts a par-three course, upgraded driving range and performance studio featuring a range of the latest state-of-the-art technology.

The clubhouse houses the hotel reception, bar and restaurant ‘La Terrasse du 18’, where guests can enjoy world-class dining and an array of local specialities and Mediterranean flavours on a menu that changes from lunchtime to dinner.

After a hard day on the fairways, the resort’s exclusive Royal Spa offers the ideal place to ease away any aches and pains, while the fourstar hotel features legendary French style and sophistication in a vibrant setting.

All 29 suites have been furnished to feel like real apartments, each including an ensuite living room and a well-equipped kitchen, and golfers who like the experience can even purchase their own piece of the French Riviera by taking advantage of Royal Mougins’ innovative new ‘Quartershare’ concept, which offers buyers use of one of the suites 13 weeks of the year (including full family golf membership) from €195,000.

In addition, Royal Mougins’ location also provides guests with the opportunity to explore the many cultural and gastronomic delights of the historic nearby village of Mougins.

Just 20 minutes from Nice airport, the town – where the likes of Picasso, Sir Winston Churchill and Catherine Deneuve once all lived – is overflowing with an array of internationallyacclaimed art galleries, museums and Michelinstar restaurants, home to some of France’s greatest chefs.

These include L’Amandier, which combines sumptuous five-star dining with magnificent views of the surrounding forests; while lovers of gourmet cuisine can tickle their tastebuds further by visiting the International Gastronomy Festival (Les Etoiles de Mougins), which takes place every June.

The resort’s location lends itself to enjoying life on the ocean wave, and it benefits from a partnership with luxury yacht specialist VanDutch, which enables guests to arrange a day cruising the French Riviera, complete with experienced skipper.

Sadly, my stay at Royal Mougins came to an end all too soon, but I will be back, and my time on the Cote d’Azur served as a mouth-watering hors d’oevre to the Ryder Cup main course that is set to follow this autumn. I can’t wait. www.royalmougins.fr

TRAVEL & BREAKS

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TEE OFF IN THAILAND WITH SOUTHALL TRAVEL

■ BANYAN GOLF CLUB

BOASTING OVER 250 GOLF COURSES, a stunning climate, and a guaranteed friendly welcome, it’s not surprising that Thailand is one of the fastest-growing golf destinations in the world.

With palm-fringed beaches, crystal blue waters, and first-class hotels and resorts, and now a growing list of championship venues, golfers have been flocking to this exotic south-east Asian country in their thousands to play the like of Blue Canyon, Laguna Phuket and Mission Hills.

The country is divided into four natural regions; the mountainous area of the Thai Highlands to the north, the Khorat Plateau to the northeast, the mainly flat Chao Ph ray a ■ BLUE CANYON river valley in the middle of the country and the narrow Kra Isthmus to the south, which widens into the Malay Peninsula. Such is the geographical diversity that each and every course - from Santiburi in the north to Red Mountain in the south - is uniquely designed.

Southhall Travel has recently launched a range of golfing holidays to Thailand, with hotels based in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket. Six nights at the Swissotel Resort in Patong and rounds at Blue Canyon Lakes, Red Mountain, Mission Hills and Laguna costs from £754pp, including a caddie per round, and all airport and golf transfers. Six nights at the Duchess Hotel in Bangkok, with green fees at Thana City, Green Valley, Suwan Golf and Summit Windmill, costs from £671pp; while six nights at the G-Hotel in Hua Hin with rounds at Banyan, Black Mountain, Springfield, Sea Pines costs from £495pp.

For more details and bookings, call Southall Travel on 0208 705 0152, email sales@stsports.com or visit www.stsports.com

PUTT AROUND PRAIA WITH LIVERPOOL GREATS ■ PRAIA DEL REY FORMER LIVERPOOL Football Club legends Alan Kennedy and David Fairclough are preparing to take part in the Caudwell Children Celebrity Golf Classic in Portugal this autumn, and you could be teeing it alongside them.

Known affectionately as ‘Barney’ and ‘Supersub’ by the Anfield faithful, the duo are the first team captains to be announced for the event, which this year is taking place at Praia D’El Rey in Portugal on September 27-28.

The two-day charity tournament, which boasts an array of stars from the worlds of television, film, sport and music, raises vital funds for Caudwell Children, the charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

And this year Kennedy is looking forward to a new venue for the event. “Since its inception, in 2011, it’s been played at the Carrick Golf Course, set on the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland,” Kennedy explained. “Whilst it’s a wonderful course, I have to say the inclement weather made it difficult at times. But this year I’m looking forward to donning my shorts for the duration of the event!”

For more information, or to reserve a team place, call 01782 600112 or email events@caudwellchildren.com.

GOLF ESCAPES JOINS FORCES WITH PGAS OF EUROPE TO OFFER BEST VALUE THE PGAS OF EUROPE and leading golf travel company Golf Escapes have launched the PGAs of Europe Travel Club, creating a hub for PGA Professionals to access the very best golf travel and coaching trip packages available at a selection of the world’s top golf clubs, venues, resorts and destinations.

The Travel Club allows PGA Professionals organising coaching trips and golf travel to access exclusive offers that add value to their trips, such as free or discounted use of specific facilities and coaching equipment, room upgrades, welcome tours, and group dinners with venue representatives, all whilst being able to book with

For one looking to drive somewhere different ■ PGA CATALUNYA

Kennedy is also excited about supporting Caudwell Children again and says that the charity gives disabled children and young people invaluable help.

He said: “The equipment, treatments and therapies that they provide cannot be accessed through ■ KENNEDY AND FAIRCLOUGH statutory measures, so without them children would go without wheelchairs, specialist sports equipment and short break activities.”

Refering to the tournament, which he will be playing in for the fourth time, Kennedy added: “It’s a fantastic couple of days, and golfers have a great time mixing with the stars. They’ll also enjoy two nights’ accommodation at the five-star Praia D’El Rey Marriott hotel, which is fabulous for the teams. I love attending the event, as I enjoy the magnificent scenery, the brilliant course, and meeting up with an array of celebrities, including my former Liverpool pals. “

■ LUMINE'S HILLS COURSE

an IAGTO-approvedtour operator in the professional’s own country and language.

Initial Travel Club venues include some of the PGA’s current partners – Costa Navarino in Greece, Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Community and it’s home region of the Costa

Daurada in Spain – along with venues such as Cornelia Diamond and De Luxe Resorts in Turkey, the Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort and Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort in Portugal, and Minthis Resort in Cyprus.

Golf Escapes Director and PGA Professional Mike Bryant said, “Accessing this huge network of PGA Professionals is a great platform for us and our trusted suppliers to showcase our products and services. We very much see professionals as ambassadors for golf travel – once they have seen resorts and areas, they are able to share their knowledge with their members and clients.”

Play & Stay in France from £105pp This autumn enjoy a great value golf break playing on some of the finest crowd-free courses in Brittany or Normandy, all an easy drive from our arrival ports.

Our Golf Desk will look after the travel, hotel and tee-time arrangements – all you have to do is pack you clubs in the car and enjoy your break!

Your golf break includes:

✓ Return sailings with your car including overnight cabin ✓ One night’s hotel stay with breakfast ✓ Two rounds of golf ✓ The freedom to mix and match all hotels, courses and ferry routes to suit your plans Travel from 15 October 2018

Call 0330 159 5418 email golfdesk@brittanyferries.com or visit brittanyferries.com/golf

Prices shown are per person based on 4 travelling together in a standard sized car and sharing a cabin and twin rooms.

Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply - see website for details.

golf holiday experts for 23 years www.chakatravel.com travel N

EW

EXCLUSIVE GOLF PARTNER

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Casa De Campo

from £2,585 PP

MAURITIUS

from £1,895 PP

4* C Palmar by Constance

7 nights All Inclusive 5 rounds of golf with shared cart and range balls

10 nights All Inclusive Free daily golf + golf buggies, incl. flights & transfers

ITALY

SOUTH AFRICA

Incl. flights, transfers & Pete Dye Golf Lodge room

from £1,395 PP

4* Golf & Gastronomy in Emilia Romagna

7 nights Bed & Breakfast with 5 rounds of golf on 5 courses Incl. business class flights, car hire, spa & wine tasting

OMAN

Shangri-La’s 5* Al Husn

from £1,845 PP

7 nights Bed & Breakfast with 4 rounds golf Incl. flights & transfers

(Winter 2018 10 nights All Inclusive from £2,260 pp)

Firmont Zimbali & Fancourt

from £2,795 PP

14 nights Bed & Breakfast with 8 rounds of golf on 7 courses Incl. flights, transfers & hire car

THAILAND

Bangkok & Hua Hin

from £2,395 PP

14 nights Bed & Breakfast with 5 rounds of golf Incl. flights, transfers & caddie included per round

ESCORTED GOLF TOURS WITH PGA PRO JACQUES GOUS

INCLUDING ONE TO ONE & GROUP TUITION Join us on one of our popular escorted tours. Suitable for golfers and non-golfers alike, our PGA pro will be your guide throughout.

South Africa, Mauritius, Bulgaria, Turkey...

TO SEE OUR RANGE OF GOLF HOLIDAYS, ESCORTED TOURS AND GOLF TOURNAMENTS VISIT OUR WEBSITE

TRAVEL & BREAKS

JUNE 2018

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Sir Ian Botham

Cricketing knight Sir Ian Botham rarely leaves the country without a set of golf clubs in tow boutique hotel in Queenstown in New Zealand called Eichardt’s, which also particularly stands out. It's small, compact and sits at the end of a lake surrounded by magnificent scenery.

The worst hotel I’ve stayed in… was in Nagpur in India, where I shared a room with about 5,000 cockroaches, so I had to sleep with the light on. Not the most comfortable stay.

My first ever foreign holiday… was a coach trip to Lloret de Mar, on the Costa Brava in Spain with my parents. It took us 24 hours to get there and that's my enduring memory of the holiday, other than too many Germans drinking Martell when we got there.

My best ever holiday… was in South Africa about 12 years ago. My wife and I were both celebrating our 50th birthdays, so we took family and friends on a trip. We had four nights in Cape Town, followed by a couple of nights in Sun City. Then we went up to Leopard Hills Safari Lodge, which is a game reserve in the Kruger National Park. I've been going there for many years and will no doubt return again some day.

My favourite place in the British Isles is… the Northumberland coast.

When I’m on holiday, I never… drink the tap water – and I don't go swimming off the beaches in Australia either!

My ideal travelling companions are… my family ■ LEOPARD HILLS LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA

My favourite city is… Dublin - a fantastic place with everything I like: golf, fishing and good Guinness.

My favourite holiday meal…. must involve seafood. I can’t get enough of it. It doesn't matter where I am – Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, South Africa, England – just give me seafood and I'm happy.

■ DESERT SPRINGS,, SPAIN

and my grandchildren, because I hardly saw them for 20 years when I was always away playing cricket.

My holiday reading will be… as many as four books, and as few as none. I tend to read when I've nothing else to do, which is rare on family or golfrelated holidays. I’m a big fan of James Patterson’s novels.

My dream holiday fourball would be… a five-ball – my son Liam, Ian Woosnam, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. It’s very hard just to choose that few, as there will be 40-odd others wondering they haven’t been picked!

My holiday nightmare… would be going to a Butlins-style holiday camp. I’ve never been and never will.

My favourite holiday golf course is…

Desert Springs in Almenera. We have a house out there and I play every day when we stay there.

It’s unique, as it's the only one in Europe that’s located in a desert. Back in England, you can’t beat the Old and the New Courses at Sunningdale, where I am lucky enough to be a member.

The best hotel I’ve stayed in is… the Taj Mahal in Mumbai – the one that was tragically bombed in 2008. I was there just a few days before the attack.

It was always my home when I was in Mumbai.

Very sadly, I knew a few of the people who were killed. It reopened in 2010, with the owners rebuilding it back to how it was before brick by brick, which is simply wonderful. There’s also a

My top travel tip is… to make the most of the journey. Don't be negative if you've got a 24-hour flight – I've met some of the most interesting people in the world on planes – although I've met some complete idiots, too.

Sir Ian has recently completed his 2018 Golf Challenge, alongside European Tour star Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, to play 18 holes in 18 different counties to raise funds for the Beefy Charity Foundation. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/beefys.

From Southall Travel

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF GOLF BANGKOK From £671 per person Valid until end October | 7 Days/6 nights|4 rounds Includes 6 nights’ accommodation Duchess Hotel Bangkok | Daily breakfast 4 X 18-hole green fee at: Thana City, Green Valley, Suwan Golf, Summit Windmill 1 caddie per golfer at each golf course | All airport and golf transfers

PHUKET From £754 per person Valid until end October | 7 Days/6 nights | 4 rounds Includes 6 nights’ accommodation Swissotel Resort, Patong | Daily breakfast 4 X 18-hole green fee at: Blue Canyon Lakes, Red Mountain, Mission Hills, Laguna 1 caddie per golfer at each golf course | All airport and golf transfers

HUA HIN From £495 per person Valid 1st Aug – 30 Sept | 7 Days/6 nights | 4 rounds Includes 6 nights’ accommodation G-Hotel Hua Hin | Daily breakfast 4 X 18-hole green fee at: Banyan, Black Mountain, Springfield, Sea Pines 1 caddie per golfer at each golf course | All airport and golf transfers

PATTAYA From £599 per person

Call 0208 705 0156

Valid until end October | 7 Days/6 nights | 4 rounds Includes 6 nights’ accommodation Sabai Resort | Daily breakfast 4 X 18-hole green fee at: Burapha, Laem Chabang, SCC Plantation, Phoenix 1 caddie per golfer at each golf course | All airport and golf transfers

email sales@stsports.com

www.stsports.com

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