Golf News December 2016/January 2017 by Golf News

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’m only going to whisper it, but English golf, at both professional and elite amateur levels, is looking pretty rosy right now. Pardon the appallingly lazy and miss-spelt pun on the name of our glorious Olympic gold medal-winning hero, but JR’s performance in Rio was just one of numerous highlights for golfers playing under the flag of St George in 2016. While it’s fine to call Rory one of our own when it comes to the Ryder Cup, when the focus turns to truly domestic concerns, English-born players – although sadly, rarely England-based – are doing rather well for themselves at this point in time, thank you very much. Danny Willett showed some typical Yorkshire grit when grabbing the spoils, and the coveted green jacket, at the Masters (we’ll gloss over the rest of his season on the basis that he was still bathing in the warm afterglow of a Major victory for much of the summer); while Matt Fitzpatrick, also from stout Yorkshire stock, showed that he has the temperament and the game to be the new Nick Faldo, following his two wins this season. The second of those came at the season-ending DP Tour World Championship in Dubai, where he fought off the attentions of another high-flying Englishman, Tyrrell Hatton, for the top prize. Hatton, who hails from Buckinghamshire, arguably enjoyed the breakthrough season of them all – with the exception of Alex Noren – by finishing fourth in the Race to Dubai rankings without the benefit of playing in a single WGC event and only half of the majors. Thankfully, he will get the chance to rectify that next season following his elevation into the world’s top 50, and he’ll be chomping at the bit to play at Augusta in April. Cast your eye over the world rankings, and the only country with more players represented in the top 50 than England’s awesome eight is, unsurprisingly, America. And while the stars of Ian Poulter and Luke Donald may well be in the descendency, old stagers Paul Casey and Lee Westwood are still very much hanging in there, while there are plenty of younger talents moving into the stratosphere that may one day take their places. Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan, England’s World Cup representatives in Australia, both possess the winning habit, while global media sensation Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston has revealed that he has the talent to do a whole lot more than smash meat patties with a driver for his gazillion Instagram followers. Things aren’t quite so bright in the women’s game, with the spotlight falling on our sole entry in the world’s

■ DANNY WILLETT SPEARHEADED ENGLAND'S GOLFING REVIVAL

top 50, Charley Hull. The 20 year old from Kettering is doing a sterling job for one so young, and with a victory under her belt in the LPGA Tour’s final event of the season, she has more reasons than most to be excited about what 2017 has in store. Things aren’t too shabby in the amateur game either, with Hampshire’s Scott Gregory winning the Amateur Championship in the summer – watch out for him at Augusta – while Manchester’s Sam Horsfield, who qualified for this year’s US Open, sits two spots aboveFOUR him PLAY in the world amateur rankings in third. Yorkshire’s Bronte Law, who won all five points in GB&I’s stunning Curtis Cup victory, sits at No.2 in the women’s rankings, while other English boys' and girls' teams have enjoyed a range of superb results across all age levels in European and international competitions this season. It’s not a time for complacency – far from it – but it all goes to show that despite terrible winter weather and declining club memberships, there remains a healthy and deep-seated appetite for golf in this country, one that continues to be engendered at grass roots level through a network of hard-working PGA Professionals, county coaches, and national training centres. And while there is still plenty of room for improvement on all fronts, at least we can wave goodbye to 2016 safe in the knowledge that our golfers have been a whole lot more successful than our national football team. Here’s to even greater things in 2017.

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HATTON HAILS BEST EVER SEASON B uckinghamshire tour pro Tyrrell Hatton is taking a well-earned rest after enjoying a breakthrough season on the European Tour that has seen him win his first event, finish fourth in the money list, and rise to 33rd in the world rankings. The 25 year old from Harleyford GC finished the season with an impressive second at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. After an epic tussle with fellow Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, Hatton had a great chance to win the tournament going up the par-five 18th, but ended up putting his tee shot into the water and had to make do with a bogey. However, his runner-up finish came with a €800,000 payout, and ensured he took fourth on the Race to Dubai rankings. Although disappointed to lose by a solitary stroke, Hatton was still able to take plenty of positives from a season that has seen him win his first European Tour title at the Dunhill Links

ABLETT CAPTURES PRINCE’S CROWN Lee-on-the-Solent James Ablett won the PGA Sandwich Links Championship Pro-Am by six shots after firing rounds of 64 and 68 over the Kent links. It was the lefthander’s 16th win of the season, and his 40th top-10 finish. Trailing in his wake were Charlie Wilson (Littlestone) and Benn Barham (Pentland Golf), who were the only other players to break par over two rounds at the Open qualifying course.

STOKE PARK CHEF WINS TOP AWARD The executive chef at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa and Hotel has been named Hotel Chef of the Year at the Hotel Cateys 2016 awards. Chris Wheeler, who runs the resort’s fine dining

Championship in October, where he pocketed a first prize of €711,000. That, along with several other top finishes, saw the Harleyford player climb well inside the world’s top 50, ensuring he will make his Masters' debut next April at Augusta. Speaking about his breakthrough season, which saw him bank over €3.3m and bag top 10s in both The Open and the US PGA Championship, Hatton said: “My two main goals this season were to win a tournament and to get inside the top 50 in the world, so to achieve both is a huge result. "I’ve wanted to win a tour event ever since my dad took me around Wentworth when I was six years old to watch the PGA, so to win my first event, and do it at the Home of Golf, was very special. Getting inside the world’s top 50 at the end of the year is also a massive achievement for me, as it will get me into all the majors and WGC events next season.”

restaurant Humphry’s, also won Chef of the Year at the Berks & Bucks Life Food and Drink Awards in October, and made his debut on BBC2’s Great British Menu this autumn. He has been head chef at Stoke Park since 2003.

JOHNSON WINS MID AMATEUR ORDER OF MERIT Essex amateur Colin Johnson has won the national Mid Amateur Golf Tour Scratch Order of Merit for 2016. The Hainault Forest member enjoyed a consistent season on the tour, which laid on 25 events for category 1 and 2 golfers aged over 35, and he secured the title with a late victory at Thorndon Park in September, and 14th place at

GREGORY TOPS ENGLISH AMATEUR RANKINGS

ampshire’s Scott Gregory finished the year ranked as England’s top amateur, after winning the 2016 Order of Merit by a wide margin. Gregory, who is a member at Corhampton Golf Club, has enjoyed a spectacular year, with his standout victory coming at the Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl, where he beat Scotland’s Robert Macintyre 2&1 in a nail-biting final. “It’s a moment in my career I will never forget,” said the 21 year old. “It completely changed my life. I've played in The Open and the British Masters, and will receive invitations to the Masters and US Open next year. Any golfer would dream of that, and it's made me work even harder than before to get better. The Amateur Championship is a great thing to win, but it's what you do after that counts, and that's what I'm working hard on.” Gregory’s other two highlights both involved team selections. He made his GB&I debut in the winning St Andrews Trophy team, and he helped England to win the world championship silver medal at the Eisenhower Trophy. “I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team to get the first medal for England at

that tournament, and hopefully the beginning of something great,” he said. Next year his goals include following Corhampton clubmate Neil Raymond and earn a place in the GB&I Walker Cup team. “I would love to finish my amateur career in that team,” he said.

the season finale at Western Gailes in Scotland. Johnson edged out Gareth Sheridan (Camberley Heath) and long-time OOM leader Martin Young (Brokenhurst Manor) to take the title.

HUNTSWOOD CHANGES HANDS Huntswood Golf Club in Buckinghamshire has been sold to a private leisure operator for £1.75 million. The club, which opened as a nine-hole course in 1996, before being extended to 18 in 2002, currently operates as a proprietary members’ club.

CALCOT DUO WIN FIRST WINTER SERIES EVENT Calcot Park professional Lewis Bird and his partner Charley Guest accumulated 43 points around the Colt/Lane Jackson layout at Stoke Park to win the PGA in BB&O’s first Winter Series event. An impressive gross six-under-par back nine from the duo put them a stroke clear of runners up Tom Fleming and partner Jon Rusk, with James Foster and Adrian Pragnell finishing third.

KELLY BREAKS FARLEIGH RECORD Fourteen-year-old Ben Kelly broke the junior course at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey last month after shooting 65 on the club’s Orange Course.

CHANNELS SET TO CLOSE IN MARCH

hannels Golf Club in Essex is to close in March after suffering ‘substantial losses’ following a downturn in membership numbers and green fee income. The owner of the family-run club, which is located in Little Waltham, near Chelmsford, sent out a letter to members last month, in which it outlined the plans to shut its 18-hole golf course early next year. The club, which was built on a reclaimed quarry pit, first opened in

1974 and also boasts a 9-hole course, Little Channels, and the nearby Regiment Way driving range, both of which will remain open. The venue’s 15th century timber-framed barn, and

accompanying 64-seater restaurant, will continue to be used for weddings and private functions, which is a growing side of the business. Richard Stubbings of the Cliffords Group, whose family has run Channels for more than 40 years, said: "The decision to close the course has not been taken in haste. Over the past four years, the golf business has sustained substantial losses – due to a decline in membership numbers and the high cost of course maintenance – which have become untenable.” He added: "The club is much more

than a business to us. However, the ongoing decline in club membership and participation in the sport has adversely affected our club, as it has many others across the country." The Channels complex is to undergo a significant restructuring, including investment in the wedding venues, restaurants, and the Channels Lodge hotel. Following the closure of the course, complimentary memberships are being offered to current members at either the Little Channels course or Warley Park Golf Club.

SOUTHGATES BAG DRAMATIC WIN

uropean Tour professional Matthew Southgate and his dad, Ian, clinched the 2016 European Father & Son Golf Championships in dramatic style after a three-way play-off at Costa Ballena in Spain. Southgate who finished 56th in the Race to Dubai rankings, and five handicapper Ian, completed the 54 holes of competition in 13 under par after a storming six-under-par final round to catch leaders amateurs Gareth Bradley and his son Charles from Cheshire, who let a four-shot lead slip to go into a three-way tie alongside defending champions British teaching professional Gary Milliner and his German-born son, Justin. After all halving the first play-off hole, it was back down the 18th hole for the three groups, where Matthew eventually secured the victory by holing a 15-footer from off the fringe for par in front of a cheering crowd and Sky Sports cameras. “I cannot believe that me and my dad are European champions! What a dad, what a legend, what a day! This is such a special event and it means the world to me,” declared a tearful Southgate Jnr, who came fourth in the Irish Open on

■ PRIZE GUYS: IAN AND MATTHEW SOUTHGATE

the European Tour in May and 12th in the Open Championship at Royal Troon in July. Meanwhile, the handicap category was won by defending champions, the Milliners, in 13 under par – scoring 121 points in the two-ball better-ball Stableford competition, which was also played at Costa Ballena and Sherry Golf Jerez.

Jordan Spieth

Adam Scott

Henrik Stenson

Bubba Watson

IT ALL ADDS UP TO TRUST.

Jimmy Walker

Rickie Fowler

2016 WORLDWIDE BALL COUNT

22,542 Nearest Competitor Ariya Jutanugarn

3,804

Bernhard Langer

2016 WORLDWIDE WIN COUNT

178 Nearest Competitor

35 Brooke Henderson

Louis Oosthuizen

Justin Thomas

Darrell Survey, Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. Northmountain International. Based upon results through 13/11/16 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, PGA Tour Champions, Web.com, South African, Asian, Korean, OneAsia, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours

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‘LOST’ PEPPERELL FINDS WAY BACK FROM THE BRINK

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xfordshire tour pro Eddie Pepperell is optimistic that 2017 could be his best year so far, after climbing a steep learning curve just to stay on the European Tour. The Frilford Heath member started the new campaign at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa on December 1 with a renewed feeling of confidence, after winning back his card at Final Qualifying in Spain. A run of nine missed cuts in a dozen tournaments up to the Italian Open in September led to Pepperell finishing

outside the top 110 in the European Tour rankings for 2016, and facing a season playing on the Challenge Tour, with a limited number of starts on the European Tour. After admitting to feeling ‘lost’ during the slump, Pepperell went back to basics in the final weeks of the season. And while he just failed to retain the card, his late-season upturn in form allowed the 25 year old to string six successive rounds under par at qualifying school to finish tied fifth and recapture a coveted place on Tour.

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FOXHILLS TO HOST 2017 PGA CUP

he captain of Great Britain & Ireland’s PGA Cup team has chosen to contest next year’s matches against the United States at Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey. GB&I skipper Albert MacKenzie had the choice of using the club’s Longcross or the Bernhard Hunt courses, but after playing both layouts, he and vice captains Cameron Clarke and Martyn Thompson plumped for the former. The tree-lined Longcross, which measures 6,750 yards off the back tees, is set to provide a perfect setting for the 28th PGA Cup from September 15-17, which will see GB&I bidding to retain the trophy it won in California in 2015. MacKenzie, head professional at Saunton Golf Club in Devon, has been a frequent visitor to Foxhills, having played

“I don’t think I needed to lose my card to learn the lessons I have learned,” said Pepperell, whose only professional win came at the 2012 Allianz Open on the Challenge Tour. “Any time you go through Q School, it’s a humbling experience, which is always a good thing. I feel I have learned a lot from the Italian Open onwards. But if I keep doing what I’m doing, I think 2017 will be by far the best yet. I’m playing consistently tee to green. My putting can be hot and cold, but it’s never cold for a year.”

in the Senior PGA Professional Championship which has been staged across both of the Surrey venue’s courses since 2014. All his attention now though is focused on engineering another victory for GB&I, including selecting a course he believes will give his team the best chance of success. "I had my own opinions, having played both courses regularly over recent years at the Senior PGA Professional Championship, but it was invaluable to have both of my vice captains look with fresh eyes and they both shared the same view as me,” said the Scot. “I feel the Longcross is more British in its style – it is heavily tree-lined, with a huge emphasis on precision. It is also a great matchplay course from a risk and reward point of view – many of the holes, particularly on the back nine, fall into that category." MacKenzie has already seen three of his team confirmed, with Matt Cort (Beedles Lake), Rob Coles (Maylands) and Greig Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) securing their places at last month’s PGA Play-Offs. The remainder of the team will be finalised following the conclusion of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship at Luttrellstown Castle next June, where six spots are up for grabs, with one final captain’s pick. Foxhill’s director of golf Chris Reeve, added: “The PGA Cup is the pinnacle for club professionals and we’re looking forward to welcoming the best GB & Ireland and the United States have to offer. The Longcross is a splendid course, which really challenges golfers. Length isn’t an advantage; players need to be tactically astute and manage their game if they’re going to do well, something I think will favour the home side.”

CLUB COMPANY SNAPS UP WOODBURY PARK

oodbury Park, the Devon-based hotel, golf and country club set up by Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell in the 1990s, has been sold for just under £12 million. The Exeter-based four-star resort was sold by Mansell in 2007 to Sue and Rob Hawkins, and after sitting on the market since the beginning of last year, the club was sold

by Savills in November to the Club Company, whose portfolio of UK golf clubs now stands at 12. Situated just outside Exeter, Woodbury boasts a 56-bedroom hotel and 27 holes of golf divided between the 18-hole championship Oaks course and the 9-hole Acorns course. The 250-acre site also offers a driving range

■ WOODBURY PARK

and clubhouse, while other leisure facilities include a health club with fitness and dance studios, pool, sauna and spa; two restaurants; football pitches; tennis courts; and five self-catering lodges. Commenting on the acquisition, Thierry Delsol, chief executive of The

Club Company, said: “We are extremely pleased with the acquisition of Woodbury Park. The site is a perfect addition to our portfolio, as it offers high

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

STOKE PARK STARTS COURSE RENOVATION

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■ BUNKER RENOVATIONS TO THE COLT COURSE HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED

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ollowing the widely acclaimed renovation of its first nine holes last winter, Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel, is to follow suit on holes 10 to 18 from November. In keeping with the work undertaken on the Buckinghamshirebased club’s Colt course last winter, the scheduled refurbishment of the Alison course will see every bunker fully renovated, with the addition of new tees and an extensive reworking of the water features on holes 12 and 17, as well as some cosmetic improvements to the water hazard on 16. The Alison will be closed until the spring, but 18 holes will remain open throughout, as members and visitors can combine the nines of the Colt (holes one to nine) and Lane Jackson (holes 19-27) courses. Stoke Park’s director of golf, Stuart Collier, explained: “When we began the renovation it was always a threeyear plan, with one of each of the nine holes being refurbished each winter. The work on the Colt course has been a spectacular success, and we’re

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No.36 now looking to bring the second nine holes in line with the first, both in terms of design consistency and playability. “Additionally, we’re looking to create a truly world-class finish on holes 16 to 18, without losing the feel and aesthetic that Harry Colt was kind enough to leave us. And, in doing that, we need to also ensure the course can be played and enjoyed by golfers of all levels. We achieved that aim on the Colt nine and firmly believe we will attain the same high level of design aesthetic and playability on the Alison, to ensure the course is at peak condition for the 21st century golfer.” Included in the renovation are the holes famously recorded for posterity in the 1964 James Bond

classic Goldfinger – the 17th and 18th – when the eponymous ‘baddie’ was beaten by Sean Connery’s 007, in front of the clubhouse. The stunning course is laid out across 300 acres of parkland created by the celebrated Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – the 300th anniversary of whose birth is currently being celebrated nationwide – and was designed by the equally revered golf architect Harry Colt, 1908. And this winter’s work, the middle section of the three-part project, is the latest instalment of a seven-figure investment in a facelift of the whole course by owners the King family. The work began on November 1 and the Alison course will be reopened to members on April 21, 2017.

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ormer European Tour chief executive George O'Grady has been announced as the first president of the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire. The Hemel Hempstead-based club, which first opened in 2013, boasts an 18-hole championship course and a brand new clubhouse, whose centrepiece is a restaurant operated by Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. O'Grady joined the European Tour ■ FORMER EUROPEAN TOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE GEORGE O'GRADY AT THE CENTURION CLUB in 1974, and spent over 40 years as an administrator, during which time he revolutionised the way expertise concerning elite golfing on a global level, and all of in which the Tour was operated globally. As well as being the us here at Centurion are looking forward to welcoming him driving force behind implementing the Race to Dubai and to the club in the very near future.” Final Series initiatives, O’Grady also oversaw the significant O’Grady, who stepped down from his role at the European growth of the Ryder Cup, and instigated strong relationships Tour at the beginning of 2015, said: “Centurion Club is a with golfing bodies and fellow tours across the globe. He was beautiful golfing venue that is at the forefront of merging honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2010, receiving golf with modern life. From the challenging, yet breathtaking a CBE for services to sport. course, to the elegant and contemporary clubhouse, the club “It’s an honour and pleasure to have George as our first offers a glimpse into what life as a 21st century golfer should ever club president,” said Scott Evans, managing director of be like, and I’m looking forward to being a part of that vision Centurion Club. “He comes to us with a wealth of invaluable as the first president of this prestigious club.”

quality facilities for all the family.” Joe Hammond, Woodbury’s general manager, said: “This is an exciting time for our

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members, customers and staff. I am delighted to be part of this new era for the club, and look forward to working closely with the Club Company.”

The Club Company’s portfolio currently includes The Warwickshire, Castle Royle, Chartham Park, The Essex Golf &

Country Club, Benton Hall, Nizels, Meyrick Park, Lichfield G&CC and The Tytherington, and its most recent acquisition, Wharton Park Golf & Country Club in Worcestershire, which it bought last December. The Club Company is currently investing in many of its clubs, with £2 million spent on new leisure facilities at Castle Royle earlier this year, while this summer saw the opening of a £1 million new hotel at The Warwickshire.

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KENT SWEEPS TO INTER-COUNTY SUCCESS GOUGH WINS BODDINGTON TROPHY Conor Gough has been awarded the BB&O’s Boddington Trophy in recognition of his impressive performances in 2016. The trophy is traditionally given to a 17 or 18 year old, but such have been Gough’s advances this season that the 14 year old from Stoke Park was the overwhelming choice for the trophy. Gough won the BB&O’s U14s Championship for the third year in a row, having previously won the U12s Championship three times. He also won the Reid Trophy and the Douglas Johns Trophy. He set a new course record at Stoke Park and has been selected to play for England.

MELAN HAS FUTURE MAPPED OUT Melan Dhaubhadel (Calcot Park) won the BB&O’s Nike Future’s Tour U15s title after securing five outright wins, three tied firsts, and four runner’s-up finishes during the course of the season. Oscar Fuentes (Bearwood Lakes) was second, with Harry Oddy (Buckingham) in third. Dhaubhadel reduced his handicap to one this season and played in every U16s match.

FLANAGAN EARNS ENGLAND CALL UP Surrey youngster Angus Flanagan has been selected for the England Boys Squad for 2017 following another impressive season. The current club champion at St Georges Hill won this year’s Carris Trophy, represented England in winning the Boys’ U16 Home Internationals, and was runnerup on the England Boys’ Order of Merit. The plus-three handicapper, who also finished sixth in the Duke of York Trophy, currently holds three course records away from his home club, having shot 64 at Woking, 64 at Nizels, and 69 at the recently-opened Beaverbrook Golf Club in Leatherhead.

■ APPLEYARD, STEVENS AND MUCHMORE

K TARVER-JONES SEALS CHALLENGE TOUR CARD S ussex tour pro Peter TarverJones won the EuroPro Tour’s Matchroom Sport Tour Championship by sudden-death play-off to seal an immediate return to the Challenge Tour. The Worthing Golf Club pro shot a course record 63 to join Aberdovey’s Richard James on 13 under par at the end of the final tournament of the season at Desert Springs Resort in Spain. Despite a difficult lie, TarverJones nailed his approach on the first additional hole to within four feet, and held his nerve to take the title, and a £20,000 winner’s cheque, which propelled him to second on the Race To Desert Springs Order of Merit. With the season now complete, the top five on the tour standings earned a category on next year’s Challenge Tour.

Matthew Cort (Beedles Lake) was among four players tied third on -11, and consolidated his longstanding place at the top of the money list. Curtis Griffiths (Wentworth) took third place on the rankings, with James fourth and Mark Laskey (Brocket Hall) completing the top five. James also won the Rookie of the Year trophy after collecting a runners-up cheque for £10,000. However, there was agony for Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth). Having twice previously finished seventh on the Order of Merit, this time he missed out on the top five by a shade over £600. For Tarver-Jones though, there was only delight. Two years ago he sealed promotion to the Challenge Tour via the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit, but

returned this summer after a disappointing 2015. But he was able to win when it mattered and closed out the season by earning an immediate return to Europe’s second tier. “My heart is pounding,” he said, shortly after making the winning putt. “I was aggressive today; I had no option but to be. I had played really well in the second round, but didn’t hole anything, whereas today I holed a few putts. I was quite a way ahead of the leaders, so they had quite a few holes left, but at 15 I saw the leaderboard and knew I was tied with Joe Dean for the lead. “I was disappointed with last year on the Challenge Tour, but I learnt so much, so to get the opportunity to do it again – I am really excited for it.”

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ent swept to an impressive six-shot victory in the PGA of England & Wales Inter-County Championship showpiece at The Belfry. Peter Appleyard, Scott Stevens and Thomas Muchmore were the dominant force in the £10,000 event, leading on day one with a four-under-par team score, before running out clear winners on nine under. Ridge pro Stevens said: “It’s a great event and we are proud to have won it. We are glad to be taking the trophy back to our region. We did the groundwork on the first day. Conditions were difficult. So a four-underpar team score was pleasing. Even with an advantage going into day two, you know there are plenty of good players out there, so the aim was to try and shoot around par. I would have been one-under if it hadn’t been for the last hole. But Tom played well once again and Peter had two great rounds.” Appleyard, the head pro at Sittingbourne, produced the lowest round on day one, firing a 68 over the PGA National Course, before going one better 24 hours later. The only note of concern was for Muchmore, who walked off the 18th on Wednesday fearing he could be the first player hit with a fine, despite winning a major national event. “I forgot my suit,” he revealed. “I had to have it sent from home by UPS. Paying for delivery seemed a better option than paying a fine.”

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NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

[9]

GOLF MOURNS THE DEATH OF PGA LEGEND JOHN STIRLING

arm tributes have been paid to Hampshire Golf stalwart John Stirling, who has died aged 89. As one of the PGA’s first Master Professionals, the Glasgow-born man enjoyed a wide-ranging career in golf, and helped establish the PGA training programme for assistants at Lilleshall and Bisham Abbey, which is now recognised throughout the world. He, along with Eddie Whitcombe, Reg Cox, Sid Collins and Keith Hockey, was instrumental in laying the foundations to improve the education and training of PGA assistants. Working alongside the late Alex Hay, Stirling also wrote the PGA training manual. Although he captained the PGA in 1989, Stirling’s route to the top began in more humble surroundings, leaving school at 13 to become a greenkeeper at Eastwood Golf Club in Glasgow. His first golf professional’s job was at Roehampton Golf Club in

ENGLAND UNVEILS MEN’S SQUAD

■ JOHN STIRLING PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN SETTING UP THE PGA EDUCATION PROGRAMME

London, where he was fifth assistant, but he soon earned promotion to become the head professional at Woking Golf Club in Surrey in the early 1950s. Despite being in a such senior role, Stirling found the job frustrating, as he was not allowed to play in tournaments and competitions, or even allowed to step inside the clubhouse, so he moved to a similar position at Meyrick Park in

MANNINGS APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT

annings Heath Golf Club and Wine Estate in West Sussex has appointed Ian Jaggard as its new president. A dedicated member of the Horsham-based club since 1996, Jaggard is a past captain of the club, and the current captain of the Sussex golf captains. “The club is in my blood, and I am excited at the prospect of a

new era in the club’s history,” said Jaggard. “It has been the setting for many personal events; my late wife Susan and I renewed our marriage vows there in 2009, and it was the venue in 2015 for the celebration of her life. A memorial tree now stands by the 11th tee on the Waterfall course.” Mannings Heath’s general manager Adam Streeter said: “We are grateful to Ian for taking on the role of president. His knowledge of, and commitment to, the club and its membership made him the ideal choice as an ambassador for the club and to provide guidance to our board and officers.”

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Bournemouth, where he spent more than 20 years. In the early 1980s, his great friend John Jacobs persuaded him to apply for the job at the then newly-built Meon Valley Golf & Country Club in Southampton, which he duly landed, and where he spent many happy years. Stirling’s other career highlights included being national coach to the EGU, while as a player he won the Hampshire PGA Championship

■ ADAM STREETER AND IAN JAGGARD

Mannings Heath is currently undergoing one of the biggest changes in its 100-year history, as its new owner is converting one of the two 18-hole courses, the Kingfisher, to nine holes,

and was crowned the Bournemouth Alliance Champion on five occasions. PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said. "Jonh has been a major influence in the game – both in bringing his skills and knowledge to generations of PGA members and also in the entertainment and enjoyment he gave to the ordinary golfers who played the game. John will be fondly remembered by many across the world of golf.”

and planting a vineyard on the 500-acre estate. The redesigned Kingfisher course now measures 3,314 yards from the white tees and plays to a par of 36. Streeter said: “The changes will take place over time in several phases; this will include redesigning some of the holes; incorporation of alternative tees for a different back nine; a major upgrade of the practice facilities, including a short game area, and the building of a new pro shop. Our golf pros are very excited about these plans and, from the feedback, we are convinced that the decision is the right one."

England Golf’s men’s squad for 2017 comprises Dan Brown (Masham, Yorks), Scott Gregory (Corhampton, Hants), Harry Hall (West Cornwall, Cornwall), Josh Hilleard (Farrington Park, Somerset), Bradley Moore (Kedleston Park, Derbys), Marco Penge (Goodwood, Sussex) Alfie Plant, Sundridge Park, Kent), Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale, Lancs) and James Walker (The Oaks, Yorks).

ENFIELD SCOOPS VER LEAGUE TITLE Enfield Golf Club won Hertfordshire Golf Union’s inter-county Ver Junior League after beating Letchworth over two legs in the final. Enfield won the home tie 5.5-1.5, and, despite losing the away leg 3-4, ran out 8.5-5.5 winners. The Ver Junior League is one of the oldest continuous interclub junior knockout events in the South East, with 16 teams each year taking part. This year, 13 were from Hertfordshire, two from Bedfordshire, while winners Enfield were the only team from Middlesex. The format is seven-a-side singles match play. The two Bedfordshire teams, Beadlow Manor and John O'Gaunt, fought out the plate final, with the former taking the title 9.5-4.5.

ROBINSON’S SEASON BEARS FRUIT Aflie Robinson (Pyecombe) won the Sussex U13’s Order of Merit after accumulating 81 points during the season, in which the best seven scores counted towards their total. He finished just two points ahead of Joshua Greig (Cottesmore), with Rohan Miah (Horsham) taking third with 76 points.

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[12] DEC/JAN 2017 | NEWS

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SCOLA SCORES AT CENTENARY FINAL Tony Scola (Seaford Head) won the Sussex Centenary Jug final after shooting 37 points at Haywards Heath. There was a three-way tie for first place, with Scola, who played off 11, beating Chris Bishop (Cooden Beach) and Dilraj Sandhu (Ifield) on countback.

KNOCKOUT RESULT FOR ROEHAMPTON Roehampton Club’s B team won the Surrey Fives Knockout final for the first time in the club’s history after beating West Hill at Royal Mid Surrey.

POULTER I BATTLES TO RETAIN US CARD

an Poulter faces a race against time to earn enough money to retain his playing rights on the 2016-2017 PGA Tour, following a four-month injury lay-off. The 40-year-old former Ryder Cup star had just eight tour events to earn just under $250,000 in order to move into a top 125 position on last season’s PGA Tour money list. Poulter, who is currently playing the new PGA

FULLER PICKS UP PERSONALITY AWARD Surrey amateur Sammy Fuller won the OCS Sports Personality of the Year for London and the South East. The 17 year old from Kingston, who is a member at Roehampton Club, is in the England girls’ squad. Although her season was disrupted by glandular fever, she won the Florida International Junior championships (U15-U17) and represented England in the French U21 championships. She also finished third in the English Girls Open. The awards were presented at a gala dinner held at City Hall in London on November 1.

DAN’S THE MAN IN BOAVISTA Romford’s Dan Garner won his first professional tournament after shooting rounds of 64 and 71 at the Boasvista Classic in Portugal. He finished one shot clear of Harry Casey, Tiago Cruz and Jay Taylor in the Algarve Pro Golf Tour event.

Tour season on a medical extension, picked up $101,500 after finishing tied 17th in his first event back, the CIMB Classic, but missed the cut at the Sanderson Farms Championship and the OHL Classic, before banking $26,000 for finishing tied 36th at the RSM Classic at Sea Island. With the money he made in 13 starts before his injury break, he needs to earn approximately $246,000 in order to secure his card for the rest of the season, and he currently stands at $127,000 – just over half way to his target. The Woburn-attached professional missed four months of competition last season after undergoing treatment for a longstanding arthritic condition in his right foot. He chose not to have surgery on the foot, and instead relied on rest and rehabilitation before resuming his tournament schedule. ''I didn't want to go down the surgery route,” said Poulter. “Arthritis is arthritis. It's difficult to have surgery on that, but it's all about the inflammation, trying to take that away. So it's managing that, and making sure I don't overload the foot." He added: “My general rehabilitation involved lots of rest, some foot exercises, and lots of therapy to get rid of the inflammation. I didn't want to continue taking anti-inflammatory pills, so I've been off of them for four months, and the body feels good and the foot feels good.”

SPRINGS PUT ON THE MARKET

he Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire has been put up for sale for a guide price of £1.75 million. The family-owned club, which first opened in 1998, is situated between Goring, Henley on Thames and Wallingford, and boasts an 133-acres site with an 18-hole, 6,470-yard parkland course that was designed by Brian Huggett. The sale is being handled by Bilfinger GVA, whose director, Ben Allen, said: “The Springs Golf Club

is a very attractive property and is an ideal acquisition for a lifestyle purchaser. Originally part of a larger golf hotel facility, the club is being offered to the market in isolation, as it is anticipated that the hotel will be converted for residential use. “This profitable golf course offers scope for commercialisation, and will undoubtedly benefit from a more hands-on approach that the new owners are likely to bring to the business.”

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NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

ORRIN BAGS TOUR CARD AFTER Q SCHOOL DRAMA

[13]

ent professional Max Orrin is looking forward to teeing it up on the top tier of European golf for the 2016/17 season, after earning his Tour card at Qualifying School in Spain. The 22 year old from North Foreland narrowly missed out gaining automatic promotion to the European Tour via the Challenge Tour rankings, after finishing 21st in the money list, but made amends in stunning fashion at the six-round qualifying school at PGA Catalunya, where he claimed the 24th card after shooting rounds of 67, 68, 76, 67, 70 and 74. Orrin, who turned professional in 2013, won the National Bank of Oman Classic and the Asia Golf Masters in Mauritius in 2014, and finished 22nd in last year’s order of merit. “Despite not winning this season, my game has been in good shape, and I feel like everything has been moving forward,” said Orrin. “My main ambition for the last few seasons has to get onto the European Tour, so to achieve that in only my third year as a pro makes me feel that all the hard work have paid off. It’s been a real team effort, and I’m delighted to have rewarded all the sacrifices that friends, family and my support team have made to help get me to this point.”

GREEN HITS MARK AT HARPENDEN Matthew Green (Bishops Stortford) won the Hertfordshire Boys U16 Championship after firing a two-under-par 68 at Harpenden Common. Against a full field of 72, the two handicapper bagged five birdies during his round to finish two shots clear of current Herts Boys U14 champion Ben Pierleoni (Berkhamsted), who picked up the Harkett Cup for the best U14 gross score. Ryan Wood (East

FARLEIGH COURTS NEW GOLFERS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA DRIVE

Herts) won the James Cup for the best U15 gross prize with 71, while George Albone (Essendon) was awarded the Duke Trophy for the best U16 gross score – a two-over-par 72.

arleigh Golf Club in Warlingham has won the Golf Club of the Year Award at the inaugural Hospitality Social Media Awards. The winners were announced at a ceremony held at The Principal Manchester on November 23. The Croydon-based baesed club shared the title with Golf At Godwood in West Sussex. “Our mission is to put a club in every hand and social media is a key channel to help us achieve that,” said Megan McIntyre, group marketing director of the Foxhills Group, which owns Farleigh. “For too long, golf has been seen as a game for the wealthy establishment. Digital media – particularly social – allows us to reach people otherwise unwilling to explore golf clubs. The message that golf is fun and great for fitness is much easier to communicate when you can share a video of trick shots, retweet fitness tips on burning calories by playing golf, post member stories and successes, and highlight the inclusive nature of the game.” The club has had a busy 12 months, launching a series of initiatives to appeal to potential new golfers such as Balls & Bubbles (a two-hole

ROMFORD AWARDED LESLIE WOOD TITLE Romford Golf Club has been awarded the Essex Golf Union’s Leslie F Wood Championship after it was discovered that Chigwell Golf Club had inadvertently fielded an ineligible player during the final held in September. Chigwell won the final, but the EGU reversed the result and disqualified the club after discovering the rules infringement.

introduction to golf paired with Champagne tasting), yoga sessions, and a partnership with Crystal Palace FC Foundation to encourage juniors into the game. The club’s busy events calendar, spearheaded by Head PGA Professional Steve Stiller, features family-friendly events, as well as those aimed at golfers of all levels. To complement this activity, Farleigh

launched a new website in February, which boasts a member portal and a news and events section. The new site saw a 9% increase in visits and a 5.4% drop in bounce rate in its first ten months, showing higher engagement, as well as more visitors. For more information, visit farleighfox.co.uk,. facebook.com/FarleighSurrey or @Farleigh on Twitter.

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OAK PARK SECURES HAMPSHIRE SEVENS Oak Park Golf Club won Hampshire’s Fuller County Sevens title after beating Meon Valley in a rain-affected final held at Stoneham. Oak Park beat Cowes to reach the final, while Meon Valley disposed of La Grande Mare in its semi-final.

[14] DEC/JAN 2017 | NEWS

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BLEASE BAGS FOXHILLS’ COACHING ROLE WOOTTON WINS PGA SOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Oxford Golf Centre’s Adam Wootton won the PGA in England (South) player of the year award at the recent awards’ night held at Wentworth. Winner of the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit title for 2016, Wootton enjoyed a superb season, racking up seven wins and 24 other top-five finishes, including the Kent Open Championship at Prince’s and the PGA Southern Open Championship at East Sussex National. In 65 rounds, he had a scoring average of 70.9, and amassed 223 birdies and 11 eagles.

TOMS’ MARATHON EFFORT SCOOPS CHARITY AWARD

Sandown Park-based PGA Professional Dominic Toms won the PGA in England (South) charity fundraiser of the year award, after completing no fewer than six full marathons during 2016. He raised over £7,000 for the Rainbow Trust after running a total of 157 miles at marathons held in Paris and London in April, Edinburgh in May, Berlin in September, and Bournemouth and Dublin in October.

PILTDOWN GREENKEEPER EARNS PGA PLAUDITS

Matthew Hutchinson, the course manager of Piltdown Golf Club in East Sussex, has been named Greenkeeper of the Year for 2016 by the Sussex Professional Golfers Union. Cliff Pluck, secretary of the SPGU, who presented Wilkinson with his award, said: “We have visited Piltdown three times this year – in July for an Alliance Meeting, in early September for the Sussex Open, and then again in October for a Pro-Am. My professionals have had nothing but praise for the new design, and also the condition of the course. It is as if the place has been transformed. We can’t wait to come back next year, when we will again be holding the Sussex Open at Piltdown. Matt’s done a tremendous job and truly deserves this award.”

COACH COX UNLOCKS THE DOOR TO LONG DRIVE SUCCESS

ee Cox, head PGA Professional at The Shire London, is already one of the UK’s mostrecognised golf teachers, but his credentials as the world’s leading long driving coach were confirmed last month, when his star pupil, Joe Miller, smashed his way to his second World Long Drive Championship. Few golfers possess Miller’s physique and technique, and even fewer can come anywhere close to Miller’s legendary nine-second ‘hang time’, but the 46 year-old Cox specialises in giving all levels of golfer lessons on how to hit the ball further at his academy at The Shire in north London. “Give me any golfer, and I can help them add 20 yards by training them in club delivery, swing mechanics and biomechanics” said Cox. “Joe combines massive precision with an explosive power, which is beyond the reach of most golfers,

■ LEE COX WITH LONG DRIVE CHAMPION JOE MILLER

but there are common factors which everyone can learn from.” Since Miller was in his late teens, the duo have been a formidable team in distance-hitting events. The pair originally met as family friends, and Cox quickly saw something special in Miller, who was already a prodigious hitter. Miller’s European Championship win in 2005 announced him to the world, and in 2010 he became RE/MAX World Long Drive champion for the first time. October's World Long Drive Championship victory in Oklahoma – during which Miller nailed with a 423-yarder in the final – saw Cox’s star pupil become first European golfer in history to win two World Long Drive titles. “On October 12, Joe gave arguably the greatest final-day performance in World Long Drive history,” said Cox. “To see him over there against all the Americans, winning under extreme pressure against a partisan crowd, was just the greatest moment. Joe is much more than a pupil to me, and to see him dominate on that final day was one of the best feelings in my life.” However, Cox always reminds golfers that it is not all about big hitting. “You have to hit the fairway, first and foremost,” he said. “And then you need to get it into the hole. Long hitting is seductive, but finesse will always get your handicap down fasterl” To book a lesson with Lee Cox at The Shire, call 020 8441 7649.

■ LAUREN BLEASE

oxhills Club & Resort in Surrey has strengthened its coaching staff with the appointment of former tour player Lauren Blease. The 27 year old from Kingston only took up golf 10 years ago, following an injury that curtailed a promising tennis career, but she soon found she had an appitude for the game, winning the Surrey County Championship in 2011, and the South of England Championship. She won a golf scholarship to Florida International University in 2008, from where she graduated in 2011. Blease turned professional in 2012, and played on the LET’s Access Tour for four years, but is now devoting her time to helping Foxhill’s members improve their games after joining the Ottershaw-based club in November. A brand ambassador for Italian golf clothing brand Chervò, and an athlete mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, she will be involved in all aspects of coaching at Foxhills, including corporate golf days, clinics and pro-am events.

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NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

WALLACE EYES UP CHALLENGE TOUR PRIZES

ertfordshire professional Matt Wallace’s hopes of securing a place on the European Tour ended in disappointment, after he finished well down the field at the second qualifying stage in Spain – but he is still looking forward to 2017 after winning a place on the Challenge Tour. The Moor Park professional had put himself into early contention with a four-under-par opening round of 67 at Lumine Golf and Beach Club at Tarragona, but a second round of 76 saw him slip back to one over. The 26 year old lost further ground with a three-over-par third round of 74 and he was forced to settle for a tournament total of eight over par after carding a final round 75. Despite missing out on the chance to gain a European Tour card, the Pinner-based professional’s career is set to continue in an upward direction, after he secured a place on the Challenge Tour following a memorable Alps Tour season which saw him finish top of the order of merit with six tournament victories. These performances helped secure invitations

to two European Tour events this year and Wallace will be hoping more follow in 2017, while his decision to sign for Chubby Chandler’s International Sports Management could also help him secure further tour starts. Chandler, who signed up Wallace to his management company during last month’s British Masters at The Grove, said: “Matt has lots of potential. He has the ability to shoot low, and more importantly, ■ MATT WALLACE the desire to win. We are about trying to find lads that want to win, and Matt has that belief in him. There’s no point starting out unless you think you’re that good. The difference is some guys really believe it, and some guys think they believe it, and I’ve got a feeling he really believes it.” Summing up his season, Wallace said: “I will

THORNTON TOPS BOYS’ RANKINGS Yorkshire’s Charlie Thornton ended the season as England Golf’s top junior, after winning the Boys’ Orders of Merit. The 18 year old from Fulford impressed in his final season of boys’ golf with many high finishes, notably reaching the quarter-finals of the Boys’ Amateur Championship and winning all six games for Yorkshire in the English Boys’ County Finals. Thornton finished narrowly ahead of St George’s Hill’s Angus Flanagan in the race to the order of merit title, with Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton in third. never forget my time on the Alps Tour. To win six times has been beyond my wildest dreams. It’s also been a lot of fun. I’ve made lots of friends and played on some fantastic courses. I’ve played on the European Tour and the Challenge Tour, but I have never experienced the atmosphere that you find on the Alps Tour.”

MURRAY ON COURSE FOR BEAVERBROOK MOVE

orld No.1 tennis player Andy Murray looks set to spend more time on the golf course in the near future after reports emerged that the 29-year-old Scot has bought a house close to Beaverbrook Golf Club in Leatherhead. The two-time Wimbledon champion is believed to have invested in the development of the estate, which is also known as Cherkley Court, as far back as 2013. He is understood to have bought shares worth around £150,000, as well as purchasing two £1,000-a-month memberships. Murray, who currently lives in Oxshot with his wife and young daughter, has bought a house close to Beaverbrook and nearby Tyrrells Wood Golf Club, although it is currently undergoing major renovations and the family is not expected to move in for at least a year. Beaverbrook’s golf course, which was designed by Tom Watson, opened in July, but Cherkley Court house, which is being converted into a hotel and spa resort, is not scheduled to open until next spring. The Garden House, an annex that includes a new restaurant, opened in November.

Visit, play & enjoy Studley Wood this Winter

[15]

FIVE BELLIES BAG SOCIETIES’ TITLE The third South East Golf Societies Championship, staged at Canterbury Golf Club, produced a thrilling finish, with the leading four teams separated by just one point. A record 23 teams took part in the tournament and it was the Five Bellies Peripatetic Golf Association from Purley that came out on top. Bob Gamble, Ian Overton, Mike Atherton and James Leslie’s combined 101 points beat defending champions Canterbury Businessmen on countback.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GOLF AWARDS Nominations for the 2017 England Golf Awards are now open. There are eight award categories: Young Ambassador of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Lifetime Service Award; Club Coach of the Year; Most Welcoming Golf Club; Strongest Community Engagement; GolfMark Club of the Year; and County of the Year. The awards night is being hosted at Lord’s Cricket Ground on March 16. Other awards will also be made on the night including the Player of the Year, the Team of the Year and the Performance Coach of the Year. For more information and to enter, visit englandgolf.org/events.

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[16] DEC/JAN 2017 | COURSE REVIEW

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COURSE REVIEW GOODWOOD

GLORIOUS GOLF AT GOODWOOD

With two stunning 18-hole courses, racetracks for both horses and cars, a hotel and spa, and even its own airfield, it’s no wonder that the Goodwood Estate is often described as England’s finest sporting retreat WORDS BY NICK BAYLY

■ THE PAR-3 8TH HOLE WITH VIEWS OVER CHICHESTER

ith over 350,000 people flocking to the Festival of Speed and the Revival meeting each year, and thousands packing into the tent-topped grandstands to watch the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the dozen or so other horse race meetings, it’s not hard to see why Goodwood has earned itself a special place in Britain’s sporting firmament. Add in a stunning Regency country house, a 91-bedroom hotel, an aerodrome, health club, 10-bedroom lodge, a pub, and all manner of country pursuits, and Goodwood presents a truly compelling destination for its members and visitors alike. And few venues are better placed to offer up a truly memorable sporting day out, whether it be a day at the races, a round of golf on the Downs and Park courses, a spin around the racetrack in a fast car, or a flight over the Sussex Downs in a Harvard IIB or a Cessna Skyhawk. Goodwood is clearly more than the sum of its parts, and although each activity has its own following, the crossovers are obvious and make for a thrilling experience whichever tickles your particular fancy. They do things differently at Goodwood, and nowhere is its quintessential English eccentricity better displayed than in its golf offering. From the unique downland golf course, and the idiosyncractic Woody buggies, with their whicker champagne baskets and floral bench seats, to the effortlessly chic pro shop, and its flexible membership concept, no stone is left unturned in the

search to offer an impeccable customer experience. And at a time when golf clubs up and down the country are struggling to keep their heads above water, Goodwood has not just survived, but positively thrived. While undeniably a premium product, Goodwood’s success, in golfing terms at least, has been achieved on the back of the principles of making the sport more approachable and more affordable. When Goodwood’s entrepreneurial owner, Lord Charles March, took the decision to rip up the rule book when it came to the running of Goodwood Golf Club back in 2006, little did he know that he was creating a template for the way golf looks certain to be played in the future. As a man not overly enamoured with the stuffy structures associated with most private clubs, Lord March did away with traditional practices by establishing a membership fee structure based on a system of credits, whereby you paid a nominal annual subscription fee and purchased a bundle of credits to use every time you played. The benefits of being charged a more modest sum based on the golf they did play, rather than subsidising the costs of those who played five times a week, proved an instant hit, and 10 ■ GOODWOOD STAGES 19 DAYS HORSE RACING A YEAR

■ THE PARK COURSE WELCOMES VISITORS 7 DAYS A WEEK

years later the membership of the club that arose from the ashes now stands at over 2,000 – of which 350 are women and 100 juniors – which is testament to how well a more flexible approach to membership has been received, as well as how many traditional boundaries have been broken down. In fact, it’s proved so successful that following the arrival of over 300 new members in the last year alone, the club has recently had to introduce a waiting list – something that only a handful of venues in the country can honestly boast. The minimum annual outlay for golf membership is now £425, which includes the annual subscription fee of £260 and a minimum £165 of credits (30). The tee time structure is broken down into ‘peak’, ‘popular’, ‘peaceful’ and ‘twilight’ times during the summer, and is priced accordingly, so your credits

will go a lot further if you play on the Park Course on Monday afternoon, rather than the Downs on Saturday morning. So, for instance, 10 rounds on the Downs Course at the weekend peak time (7 credits), plus 10 rounds on the Park Course at a peaceful time (3 credits) would amount to 100 credits and cost £470 (at an average of £23.50 per round). Although perhaps not a cost-effective format for those that want to play three times a week, it’s not hard to see why so many people like the idea of only paying for the golf they play, especially as for around £700 you can rock up for 20 rounds a year at one of the country’s most elegant and manicured 36-hole establishments, and be made to feel like one of the family. The course, which celebrated its centenary in 2014, was designed by fivetime Open champion James Braid, while in 2006 more than £2 million was spent remodelling large parts of the course, including the creation of six new holes, so that the historic layout provided a challenge for the modern game, while retaining the essential character of Braid’s original concept. Recently voted 77th in England’s Top 100 courses, the 7,104-yard layout enjoys a dramatic location among the valleys and hills of the South Downs, where stunning views can be had over the Chichester Plain, the cathedral, and beyond to the Isle of Wight from many of the fairways.

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COURSE REVIEW | DEC/JAN 2017

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THE CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES ARE SECOND TO NONE, WITH THE LUXURIOUSLY-APPOINTED KENNELS PROVIDING A HOME FROM HOME FOR ALL MEMBERS OF GOODWOOD’S GOLF, HORSERACING, MOTOR RACING AND FLYING CLUBS

■ THE ‘WOODY' BUGGIES ARE UNIQUE TO GOODWOOD

■ AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE DOWNS COURSE, TAKING IN THE 7TH AND 15TH GREENS AND THE HALF-WAY HOUSE

The stunning tree-lined valley section between the 2nd and 6th is a particularly fine run of holes, leading into more typical rolling downland from the 7th onward. The second is a particularly good ‘drop hole’ where a well-positioned tee shot will leave a mid-iron to a well-protected green many yards below your feet, while the tough 3rd is another cracker which doglegs along the valley floor. Favourites on the back nine would have to include the 12th, a lovely downhill par-3 to an undulating green ringed by seven bunkers. This is immediately followed by a great 340-yard par four which doglegs to a

well-protected green tucked in close to woodland. The 17th, a lengthy par-3 played over the corner of a pond, and the long par-4 18th provide a suitably stirring finish to a course whose chalky soil ensures it is playable at all times of the year. Never one to rest on its laurels, the Downs is currently undergoing a major bunker renovation programme under the guidance of experienced course architect Tom Mackenzie, which will improve the strategic challenge of the layout significantly. Some traps are being relocated or introduced, while others have been removed or remodelled, all of which will serve to

■ THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SPEED ATTRACTS OVER 150,000 VISITORS

improve the overall playing experience, as well as ensure that the course remains a fitting challenge for the very best players. Although quite a challenging walk, a round on the Downs can always be enlivened by using one of Goodwood’s famous Woodies – custom-built buggies which were inspired by a design by Lord March’s grandfather. The clubhouse facilities are second to none, with the luxuriously appointed Kennels providing a home-from-home for all members of Goodwood’s golf, horseracing, motor racing and flying clubs. Housed in a magnificentlyproportioned, Grade I-listed Victorian building, it offers the very best in hospitality and comes complete with a glass-walled pro shop, a covered all-weather practice putting area, a restaurant, bar and lounge, along with private meeting rooms and spacious changing rooms. Always a hive of activity, The Kennels is the social hub of the entire estate, with members invited to take part in a wide range of events, from musical soirees, to wine tastings, dances, special guest talks, cooking classes, and fine dining experiences. While the Downs Course is limited to members and their guests, the Park Course is very much open to the public. Located next to Goodwood Hotel, the 6,650-yard course is 25 years old and was designed by leading architect Donald Steel. Built on largely flat terrain, the course features fairways lined by towering 18th century cedars and boasts quality greens and tees, as well as benefitting from stunning views of Goodwood House. The £25 winter green fee (£18 after 11am, and £30 at weekends) represents stunning value for a course located in such historic and manicured surroundings, and early booking is always advised during peak periods. While the two courses are popular attractions, so to is Goodwood’s growing academy operation, whose facilities include a six-hole pitch-and-

putt course, putting and chipping greens, a 15-bay driving range, Trackman, indoor studios for putting and swing coaching with a SAM Putt Lab and a strength and conditioning studio. Headed up by PGA Professional Chris McDonnell, the academy has been responsible for a sizeable upsurge in women and junior members. The academy’s in-house Level Up programme, which provides a fun and inspiring gateway for juniors to improve their skills and knowledge of the game, has been a huge success, while regular women-only Get Into Golf coaching sessions have been especially well attended, with over 50 players signing up this season. An Academy Open weekend held in April attracted more than 170 people from the local area, providing further testament to the club’s appeal within the community. Hospitality is never far from your mind on any visit to Goodwood, and after a round on the Park Course, golfers can drink and dine in style in the Goodwood Hotel’s Bar & Grill, which offers lovely views over the course, with a terrace right behind the 18th green. The hotel has recently benefitted from a complete refurbishment, with a fresh contemporary feel to the rooms, while both restaurants and bars have a new look and new menus, creating two distinct and exciting places to eat and drink. If food is your thing, then I strongly recommend booking a table at Farmer, Butcher, Chef – a brand new restaurant that opened on the estate at the end of November. Its theme is local provenance, with a high percentage of the menu sourced from animals raised on Goodwood’s Home Farm, including organic lamb, beef and pork. It’s noseto-tail eating too, with ox cheek, belly of lamb and pig's cheek all featuring on this season’s winter menu for those who like more adventurous dining. As I said, they do things differently at Goodwood, but it’s all with a common purpose: to keep you coming back for more.

For details on all the activities on offer at Goodwood, including golf club membership enquiries, green fee bookings, Kennel memberships, and a variety of experience packages, visit Goodwood.com, email golf@goodwood.com, or call 01243 755144.

[18] DEC/JAN 2017 | MEET THE PRO

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Top golf clubs know their qualit y wines - Benguela Cove w w w.benguelacove.co.uk

Darren Parris lifts the lid on life as head professional at North Foreland Golf Club in Kent, which boasts two contrasting 18-hole courses How long have you been a PGA professional? I've just notched up 25 years. How time flies when you’re having fun. What is your day-to-day role? I’m the head professional at what is recognised as a ‘traditional members’ club’, so my days are generally spent running the pro shop with my three assistant professionals, giving lessons, and liaising closely with the club to make sure our members and guests are enjoying their time at North Foreland. What’s the best thing about your job? Seeing people

improve their golf, and the dayto-day variety of my role. And the worst? Dealing with complaints, as I tend to take them too personally. Tell us something about the facilities… We have two great golf courses – the par-71, 6,432-yard Main Course, which has been used for Open Final Qualifying, and the superb 18-hole, par-three course, the NorthCliffe. Both are fastrunning downland layouts, so drainage is never an issue, and we always have first-class playing conditions throughout the year. In addition, we have

a large clubhouse; a halfway house; two tennis courts; and good practice facilities. I’m particularly proud of the indoor swing studio we built in 2013, where we use a GC2 and HMT for teaching and custom fitting. It has proved a great success. What is the club doing to attract junior and female golfers? We hold taster days to give ladies a relaxed introduction to the game. Over the last two years over 150 ladies have ‘given golf a go’, and a good percentage have continued to take group lessons and join our NorthCliffe academy membership scheme. By providing junior tuition in local schools, we have encouraged more youngsters to take up the game, we host two Saturday morning junior group classes each week, and have a thriving junior section which won the East Kent league this season. We are also about to launch a three-month free trail membership for juniors to encourage them to experience our facilities first hand. What do you think would stimulate more people to take up golf? A shorter format of the game – whether that be six- or nine-hole competitions, or more par-three courses, which will all

take less than two hours. Golf clubs also need to do a better job of encouraging families to play together. And how do you go about retaining members? By providing affordable quality golf and having a team of passionate staff to look after the membership. One initiative that we introduced to add value for the members was a reciprocal green fee system with 12 other local golf clubs, which has proved very popular.

What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received? To stay more centred as you pivot in the backswing, I’ve always struggled with ‘swaying’ off the ball too much.

How much time do you spend teaching? Most of the coaching is carried out by my assistant professionals, but I still like to keep my hand in, and do around five hours a week in the winter and ten in the summer. I also really enjoy coaching Max Orrin, our 22-year-old Challenge Tour star, who is based at North Foreland.

What has sold well in the pro shop this season? TaylorMade’s M2 driver has been very popular. What has been your career highlight as a player? There are two that stand out: qualifying to play in The Open at Royal Liverpool in 2006, and playing in the 2005 PGA Cup team at the K Club, where I won all five of my matches.

What’s the most common swing fault you have to correct? The most common thing I see is people not starting the downswing with the lower body – the club then comes out across the line and they swing too much from out to in and the ball cuts to the right.

If you could change one rule in golf what would it be? You should be allowed to tap down spikemarks on the green if they are on your line before you putt. Who is your golfing hero and why? Nick Faldo. He was the best player in the world when I was growing up, and I loved the way he took a good swing and completely re-built it with David Leadbetter in order to become a major champion.

Who inspired you to take up golf? My dad. He took me round North Foreland’s NorthCliffe course as an 11 year old with some of his friends and I was hooked. Football, and all the other sports I played at the time, immediately went out the window, and I practised every day I could. My parents are both members here still, and have always supported me throughout my career. What’s your favourite course in the UK, and the world? Castle Stuart and Pebble Beach. Which three other people would be in your dream fourball? My dad, Harry Redknapp, and Sir Trevor Brooking. What would you have done if you hadn’t have been a pro? God knows! Probably something in finance. To book a round at North Foreland (£45 for the Main Course, and £8 for the NorthCliffe Course) visit www.northforeland.co.uk or call 01843 862140.

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[20] DEC/JAN 2017 | COURSE REVIEW

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COURSE REVIEW GATTON MANOR

GOING, GOING, GATTON

Golfers have just 10 months left to get a game in at Gatton Manor Hotel & Golf Club in Surrey before it closes next autumn ahead of its proposed transformation into a state-of-the-art medical spa centre with an upmarket pay-and-play golf course

ocated on the Surrey/West Sussex border, a few miles south of Dorking, Gatton Manor is far too well known to be considered a hidden gem, but its semirural location certainly makes it feel like a pilgrimage to some secret golfers’ haven. From the moment one enters the 200-acre estate, it is easy to see why golfers keep coming back to this beguiling venue. As you wend your way up the lengthy driveway, catching glimpses of the course, everything looks well cared for. The picturesque clubhouse, with its umbrella-bedecked terrace and welcoming bar is tastefully decorated, while all around you is an 18-hole

■ THE PAR-4 18TH PRESENTS A CHALLENGING FINISH

THE COURSE HAS NEVER BEEN IN BETTER CONDITION, WITH THE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY OF THE GREENS A PARTICULAR HIGHLIGHT ■ LOOKING BACK TOWARDS THE CLUBHOUSE FROM BEHIND THE 1ST GREEN

championship course that is just begging to be played. First opened in 1969, Gatton is a well-respected club, with a loyal membership, and a strong history of providing a warm welcome to visitors, societies and golf break guests alike. Over the past 50 years or so it has also built an enviable reputation for offering great off-course facilities and a well-cared for 18-hole championship course. However, nothing stands still in this world, and there are big changes afoot at Gatton, with the current owners having recently applied for planning permission to transform the club into state-of-the-art medical spa and wellness resort, making full use of the

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW | DEC/JAN 2017

[21]

■ THE 178-YARD 7TH (LEFT) IS A TESTING PAR THREE, WHILE THE PAR-4 6TH (ABOVE), COMMANDER’S GEM, IS JUSTIFIABLY REGARDED AS THE COURSE’S SIGNATURE HOLE

BOOK YOUR NEXT GAME Individual winter visitor green fees start from just £15 for 18 holes after 12pm, or £30 before. At weekends, a visitor two-ball costs £60, or a four-ball £100. For tee time reservations, call 01306 627555.

SIX-MONTH MEMBERSHIP OFFER

GOLFERS SHOULD MAKE THE MOST OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE COURSE WHILE THEY CAN, AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT VALUE GREEN FEE RATES ON OFFER rural setting that the club enjoys. Providing the plans are approved, the golf club will be disbanded at the end of October, and the course closed ahead a major two-year renovation programme, that will see all the greens replaced with free-draining USGA-specification putting surfaces, and new fairway irrigation. Significantly, there will be no golf club membership at the new-look venue, with golf offered on a premium pay-and-play basis, very much like that currently available at The Grove in Hertfordshire. It will be a big wrench for many golfers who have grown up playing this much-loved course, but rather than mourn its loss, golfers should make the most of the opportunity to play it while they still can, and do so at very competitive rates. Designed by Commander John Harris, who worked closely with Harry Colt and Mackenzie during their heyday, Gatton’s 6,637-yard layout presents an endlessly enjoyable challenge, with no two holes alike. Tree-lined fairways help concentrate the mind right from the off, while a multitude of natural hazards, including lakes, ponds, streams and ditches, place a further emphasis on accuracy and careful course management. Add to that some notoriously small greens – many of which are contoured – and you have a course to quicken the pulse at every turn. Highlights are too many to mention, but few will forget the signature 6th, a 370-yard par four that looks fairly innocuous off the tee. It’s only when you reach the landing spot of a perfectly struck drive that the reason for its stoke index one is properly revealed. With a stream crossed by two bridges meandering down the left-hand side to avoid, and a raised green heavilyguarded by bunkers to negotiate, only the purest of approaches will yield up the potential of par or better. The finish is also particularly strong, with the famous par-five 17th, measuring 645 yards off the back tee, being the longest hole in the South East, while the

par-four 18th is widely regarded as one of the best closing holes around. There’s only a narrow margin for error off the tee, thanks to encroaching trees on either side, while the raised green is guarded by a phalanx of tall pines that almost threaten to encircle the putting surface entirely. The overall condition of the course has never looked better, and there is no suggestion of standards slipping ahead of the closure next year, with feedback from members, visitors and societies all extremely positive this year, with many declaring that the course is in the best condition it has ever been. The quality and consistency of the greens in particular have received the most favourable comments. While the greens and fairways are in tip-top condition, a tree-clearing programme has also continued apace, allowing more light and air movement onto the course, and speeding up the pace of play for those who miss the fairways. Gatton remains as popular as ever as a golf break destination, with the 12 en-suite bedrooms in the Manor House and six rooms in the clubhouse creating the ideal getaway for a golf break for groups of all sizes. Each room boasts flat screen TVs and wireless broadband, and are within a delicate chip from the first tee. The hotel also boasts quality business and

For those that want to enjoy unlimited rounds, there is a six-month membership being offered, which will run from April 1 to SEPTEMBER 30. For enquiries, email info@gattonmanor. co.uk or call 01306 627555.

GOLF BREAKS Enjoy a relaxing golf break at Gatton Manor for as little as £65, including bed and breakfast and two rounds of golf.. Price is based on two people sharing a Clubhouse room. Room upgrades are available. For bookings, call 01306 627555 or see www.gattonmanor.co.uk for the latest offers.

conference facilities, with function rooms for weddings and private family events. So whether you are looking for somewhere to join for the summer, to bring a society or simply turn up for a casual game, Gatton Manor is just the ticket. But just don’t leave it too late, as when it’s gone, it’s gone. Gatton Manor, Standon Lane, Ockley, Surrey RH5 5PQ To book a tee time, call 01306 627555 or visit www.gattonmanor.co.uk.

■ THE PAR-3 FOURTH PLAYS OVER A LARGE POND TO A GREEN THAT TILTS BACK DANGEROUSLY TOWARDS THE WATER

[22] DEC/JAN 2017 | CHARLEY HULL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

“I’M NEVER GOING TO MOVE TO AMERICA

NOT IN A MILLION YEARS”

Solheim Cup star Charley Hull explains why she’s sticking to the familar comforts of home, despite committing to playing a full schedule on the LPGA Tour in America. INTERVIEW BY STEVE JACKSON ■ HULL IS RELISHING THE PROSPECT OF COMPETING IN THE SOLHEIM CUP IN AMERICA

■ HULL WITH HER FIRST LPGA TROPHY

HULL BY NUMBERS (2016 SEASON)

WORLD RANKING LPGA TOUR RANKING LPGA TOUR STARTS LET ORDER OF MERIT WINS TOP 10s LOWEST ROUND SEASON’S EARNINGS STROKE AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE DRIVING ACCURACY GREENS IN REGULATION PUTTS PER ROUND

26 15 22 16 1 5 66 $1,114,295 70.60 261 68 72.64 29.89

SAND SAVES

58.16

ow would you assess your second year on the LPGA Tour? I feel like this was my first full season on the tour, as last year I didn’t have full status, but I’ve had a pretty good season. Winning the season-ending Tour Championship was obviously a huge highlight for me, but I also had quite a few top 10s, I finished second in a major tournament, and I had a pretty good run at the Olympics. I’ve felt pretty good throughout the year, so I’m happy with how it has gone, and especially the way I finished it off. What clicked for you at the Tour Championship and what was it like going into the final round with a narrow lead? I don't know what made the difference really. I was just feeling really relaxed and confident. I hadn’t played a lot of golf in the week leading up it, in fact I had barely touch my clubs at all, but I just felt confident about my game and felt mentally strong and happy. As for the last round, I’m not one of those players that likes being in front, I like to chase, so it was not a particularly comfortable place for me to be in. I normally like to look at scoreboards, as I like to know where I am, but I tried not to look at them, and just focused on my swing. I did catch one [a scoreboard] on

There was a lot of pressure coming from when I played in the Solheim Cup. I was 17 years old and I had five second-place finishes in my first five starts, and it took me like over a year to win on the Ladies European Tour. So to win in America definitely feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m still only 20, so it feels great to join those other young players who have won on tour at this kind of age. How did you celebrate the win? I had quite a bit of media stuff to do when I got back home to the UK on the Monday, but I managed to get down to the pub in the evening with a few friends, and then we went back to my house, where we have a shed in the back garden, and had a few more drinks there. How much do you think you have improved as a player in the last 12 months? I’ve improved every area of my game. Considering I changed my swing at the start of the year, I’m pretty happy with the way things have gone. In my first year, I had lots of runnersup finishes on the Ladies European Tour, then I won the Order of Merit the following year, and now I’ve won on the LPGA Tour. You narrowly lost out to Lydia

Is the Solheim Cup a big target for you next year? I’d love to play in the Solheim Cup again, so hopefully I’ll be playing well enough to make the team or get selected. It’s a great event, and a lot of fun. Once you’ve played in one, you don’t want to miss another. What are your memories of the two previous Solheim Cups? The first Solheim in 2013 was great, and so was the second in 2015 – up to the last day, of course. I played all five matches and won the first four, but I don’t think tiredness was a reason why I lost on the last day – I think I was six under par, but Cristie Kerr was 10 under, so we both played pretty good golf. Next year’s match is away leg. How much more challenging is it to win away from home? To be honest, I prefer playing away than at home. There’s much less pressure on an away leg, as the crowd is pretty much all rooting for the other team, and kind of hating you, and I don’t mind that. It motivates me to want to beat them even more. It was a good feeling to win in Colorado in 2013, and I think we’ve got a good chance of doing it again next year, as we have some good players coming through in Europe.

I LOVED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE, ESPECIALLY THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE. IT WAS PRETTY COOL TO SEE ALL THE DIFFERENT ATHLETES’ PHYSIQUES WHEN I WAS IN THE GYM the last tee and saw that I was two ahead, which gave me a little bit of a cushion there. I was just trying to keep my swing smooth and not rush anything. I have this phrase, ‘strawberry mousse’, which I use to keep my rhythm steady. I say ‘strawberry’ in the backswing, and ‘mousse’ in the downswing, and that stops my tempo from getting too quick.

Ko in the ANA Inspiration back in April. What did you learn from that experience? I was proud of myself to be honest, because I didn’t lose the tournament, Lydia won it with that shot at the 18th. I played some great golf on that back nine, and it gave me the belief that I can play well under pressure, when I have to get it going.

Given the great expectations placed on you since you turned professional, and then your performance at the Solheim Cup in 2013, how much of a relief is it to finally get a win in America under your belt? It’s a big relief and it feels good.

Lydia is the world number one. As a child, you always said you wanted to be the world number one, how far away are you from achieving that? I don’t really think about the world rankings too much, I just go with the flow. I’m not that far away. I just need to work a bit more on my game, and try to get where I want to be.

How was the Olympic experience for you? I thought it was great. I felt happy with my performance. It was a shame I couldn't come away with a medal, but I finished tied sixth, which, if you treated it like a Major, would be a pretty good week. I loved the whole experience, especially the Olympic Village. It was pretty cool to see all the different athletes’ physiques when I was in the gym. It was impressive, although I didn’t know who most of them were. Has your experience in Rio whetted your appetite for Tokyo in 2020? Yeah, definitely. I'll be 24 then, which will be pretty old! I don't know what it is about the big events – I just love them. I

think I like the extra pressure. Sometimes I’m not very good at keeping my concentration at the smaller events, but in the bigger tournaments it really helps me focus. Of course, it’s something I’ve got to bring to all tournaments, so I’m working on that. The Ricoh Women’s British Open was held at Woburn, your home course, this summer. How much did you enjoy competing in a major on your home course? I was really happy with my performance. I came 17th, but on the last day I got on a real roll, and could have finished in the top five if I’d kept it going. With my sponsors running the event, on my home course, in front of my home fans, it was a tricky week for me, but overall I really enjoyed it. How do you cope with the added pressure during weeks like that? Usually on big weeks I delete Twitter off my phone, so I don't have to look at what anybody is saying about me. I just switch off from all outside influences and concentrate on my game. At the moment you are living at home with your parents, while playing on the LPGA Tour – do you think you will ever base yourself out in America full-time in the future? I’m never going to move to America – never in a million years. I like the golf courses, but the lifestyle over there doesn’t suit me. Here I can walk down the street and I have all my friends. This is the first year when I’ve been on my own on the LPGA, without my dad coming with me, so it’s all a new experience, but I love being at home too much to live full-time in the US. What would your advice be to any young golfer? I would say don’t take golf too seriously - enjoy your childhood. When I was a kid at my local club Kettering, we used to play the first hole and then nip in the woods down the second and play hide and seek. You only live once. Even now I love playing rounds of golf with my friends – James, Dan, Richard, Reece and Jamie - although I do struggle to concentrate on the golf sometimes.

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■ HOWZAT? FORMER AUSTRALIAN SPIN BOWLER SHANE WARNE WAS PART OF A 4-MAN CELEBRITY TEAM THAT TOOK PART IN THE HERO CHALLENGE AT THE GROVE

HOLING OUT FOR A HERO

The launch of the Hero Challenge at the British Masters, which saw a group of professionals and celebrities take part in a par-3 shootout, looks set to herald a new era of made-forTV events that aims to help fans connect with the game’s top stars and add some much-needed excitement to work alongside traditional tournament formats

olf is crying out for innovation. Or at least that’s what we are hearing from the powers that be. With player numbers at club level falling off significantly in recent years, golf’s governing bodies in both the amateur and professional ranks have been frantically looking at ways of making the game more attractive and accessible to current, as well as future, generations. These days, hardly a week goes by without the European Tour’s entrepreneurial new chief executive, Keith Pelley, suggesting alternatives to traditional formats in a bid to re-energise public interest in the game. Six holes? Sign me up. Playing under floodlights in pyjamas? Sure. Four-day Pro-Ams? Yup. Speed Golf? You bet. Topless caddies? Hmm, maybe not. Nothing, or almost nothing, it seems, is off limits when it comes to thinking up new ideas to shake up the status quo. While some concepts are clearly destined for the cutting room floor, some have already taken root, with a tournament in Australia early next year – the World Super 6 Perth – set to showcase a new shootout-style event, which combines 54 holes of stroke play with a six-hole knockout. In case of a tie, the winner will be decided on a

nearest-the-pin shootout over a 100-yard hole. Harry Vardon will be spinning in his grave. In the face of competition from faster, more interactive sports, it seems that golf fans are becoming increasingly inured to the excitement offered by 72-hole, four-day tournaments, where the tension only builds up over the final few hours, and only then if there isn’t already a runaway winner. With wall-to-wall coverage of global tours screened 50 weeks a year, viewers are drifting away from live coverage of all but golf’s biggest events – the majors and the Ryder Cup – leaving one man and his dog to watch the AN Other Open from Nowheresville. It turns out that you can have too much of a good thing. We’re the ‘want it now’ generation, for whom on demand box set binge-watching is how we like to watch our television, while the most popular sports are those where a result is wrapped up in a few hours, not days. It’s fairly transparent that golf is seeking to emulate the thrash, bang, wallop success of Twenty20 cricket, but up until now, it has failed to come up with anything significantly different to match that format, with Power Play’s two-flag game being just one of several lame ducks put out of their misery in recent years.

I say ‘until now’, as any one of the 2,500 fans who were at The Grove on the Tuesday night of October’s British Masters, will have been present at the birth at what may well turn out to be one of tipping points in the way that the game is formatted and presented in years to come. For those that weren’t there, and for those who might have missed the live coverage on Sky Sports, part of the evening was given over to what was called ‘The Hero Challenge’. Essentially, it was an eight-man, par-3 shootout played over a foreshortened 18th hole at The Grove in Hertfordshire. A handpicked group of tour players – including tournament host Luke Donald, Ryder Cupper Andy Sullivan, and the bearded duo of Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnson and Shane Lowry – took part in a series of matches that took just an hour to complete. So far, so interesting. But throw in the fact that it was dark, the packed grandstands surrounded the green on three sides, and that there were fireworks going off, lights flashing, music playing, on-course commentators, and the sound of a pumping heartbeat in the back of each player’s pre-shot routine, and what on paper must have looked like a rather run-ofthe-mill nearest-the-pin competition quickly turned into a pretty compelling spectacle for

■ THE HERO CHALLENGE WAS SUPPORTED BY A STRONG CAST OF EUROPEAN TOUR STARS, INCLUDING TOURNAMENT HOST LUKE DONALD, ALEX NOREN, ANDREW JOHNSTON, ANDY SULLIVAN, BERND WEISBERGER AND WINNER ALEX LEVY

■ TPC SCOTTSDALE’S 16TH HOLE, WHICH HAS SEATING FOR OVER 20,000 FANS, WOULD BE AN IDEAL VENUE FOR A FUTURE LAST ONE STANDING EVENT

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those present, as well as those watching from the comfort of their living room armchairs (or on a tablet on the train). Donald struck the opening blow of the event, the former world No.1 safely finding the green at the 156-yard hole and two-putting to beat Jeev Milkha Singh. Alex Levy then hit the best shot of the night, knocking his nine-iron to seven feet which Andy Sullivan could not match, while Noren beat Bernd Wiesberger and Shane Lowry saw off fan-favourite ‘Beef’ Johnston in the battle of the beards. Levy's rock-solid par was then enough to knock out Donald in the first semi-final, and Noren and Lowry both made threes in the next, with the Swede advancing the final by virtue of being just two inches closer to the pin with his tee shot. The ‘All-Alex’ final produced one of the best shots of the night, with Levy almost knocking out the flag with his tee shot to take the title and the £10,000 first prize, while runner-up Noren had the last laugh when winning the ensuing 72-hole tournament, which earned him over £500,000. It’s fair to say that it was a frenzied hour of action, with the packed grandstands enjoying it as much as the competitors (see side panel). Although called ‘The Hero Challenge’, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Hero motorcycle company, this new format has been registered under the title of ‘Last One Standing’, and is the brainchild of a former banker from Surrey, Alan Wilkinson, who, like many golf fans, has grown tired of endless

FEATURE | DEC/JAN 2017 [25]

A 160-YARD HOLE WITH SEATING FOR 20,000 FANS IN A COMPLETE CIRCLE. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE ATMOSPHERE WHEN THE PLAYERS WALK THROUGH THAT TUNNEL AND STAND UP ON THE TEE IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE WITH A BIG PRIZE AT STAKE? IT WOULD BE PHENOMENAL. Sunday, there’s very little excitement or tension for players or fans,” says Wilkinson. “I know a lot of pros who are out of the mix have bets with their playing partners just to give them something to play for. It gave me the idea of creating a format where every shot counted, and one that would engage both the players and the fans.” While Wilkinson knows plenty about golf, he’s less experienced when it comes to the entertainment business, which is where his son, Matthew, came to the fore. A TV producer with a background in sporting events (SoccerAid, RugbyAid), and light entertainment (he worked on Sky’s League Of Their Own, BBC’s Robot Wars, and is currently producing the new series

players who took part, it was an unmitigated success. For many, including Sullivan, who was fresh from the atmosphere of the Ryder Cup, it was a totally new experience to hear fans egging him on mid-swing, while the decision to have each player fitted with a heart-rate monitor only served to ramp up the tension still further. A big screen also gave spectators the benefit of seeing where the shots went, with details on ball speed, height and proximity to the pin adding to the drama. The inaugural event also included a celebrity four-ball, which comprised Ashes rivals Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen, former Westlife band member Brian McFadden and talkshow host Piers Morgan, who played the pantomime villain with typical aplomb. While their golf wasn’t up to much – Warne won the bubbly with a bogey – it proved a thoroughly entertaining 15-minute diversion, and served to show just how hard it is to hit half-decent shot in front of a big crowd. And while the 18th hole at The Grove wasn’t necessarily the ideal venue, given that it wasn’t a par three and the hole wasn’t able to be completely surrounded, it’s easy to think of other holes at courses around the world where the format would really come into its own. “When I first thought of potential venues for Last One Standing, I immediately thought of the 16th at TPC Scottsdale,” says Wilkinson. “A 160-yard hole with seating for 20,000 fans in a complete circle. Can you imagine the atmosphere when the players walk through that tunnel and stand up on the tee in front

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT

THE HERO CHALLENGE

“It is vital that golf introduces shorter formats to appeal to new audiences and this one-hole straight knockout contest provides fast-paced entertainment. It's a terrific event, and what's really rewarding is to see the incredible fan engagement with the players. It's much bigger than we would ever have anticipated, and I think the players are equally surprised. Last One Standing also showcases the skills of our players, and will perhaps lead to some new fans coming to a regular event and enjoying it.”

KEITH PELLEY CEO EUROPEAN TOUR

"This was a lot of fun. I said to Alex Noren that I felt more pressure than I did in the play-off to win the European Open in Germany, which is ridiculous! Golf needs something like this and it's a great idea.”

ALEX LEVY EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER AND HERO CHALLENGE WINNER

"It was amazing to see the crowds and how much everyone enjoyed it. It was fun and unique, and I would love to do more of this.” LUKE DONALD

EUROPEAN AND PGA TOUR PLAYER, BRITISH MASTERS HOST ■ AS WELL AS BEING AN EXCITING EVENT TO ATTEND, SKY SPORTS COVERED THE ACTION LIVE ON TV IN AN HOUR-LONG PROGRAMME HOSTED BY ROB LEE AND SARAH STIRK

"Oh my – that was wicked! I had so much fun. I’ve definitely got to do it again!"

ANDREW 'BEEF' JOHNSTON

tournaments where the players and the fans had little reason to raise their heart rates. Wilkinson has enjoyed a professional relationship with golf for many years, formerly managing a stable of tour players that included Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson and Steve Webster, among others. A member at Chobham Golf Club, he had been mulling over the idea for a made-for-TV event for several years, following conversations with fellow club members and pros about the lack of real tension in tournaments outside of those at the top of the leaderboard. “Most pros are lucky to play in front of more than a few hundred spectators at most events, and unless you’re in the final few groups on

of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here) Wilkinson Jnr had the necessary expertise, and the connections, to turn the basic concept of Last One Standing into an exciting format that they could pitch to Sky Sports and, just as importantly, the European Tour. “Matthew didn’t just sharpen up the format, he introduced all the entertainment elements, and basically turned it in to an outdoor golf entertainment show,” says Wilkinson Snr. After 15 months of sourcing lighting companies, pyrotechnic specialists, numerous trial events with both amateur and club pros, and discussions with potential tournament hosts and sponsors, the Hero Challenge was finally unleashed onto the public at The Grove on October 11. “I’m going to be honest with you – I shed a few tears when I saw the number of people that turned out that night,” says Wilkinson. “It was quite literally a shot in the dark to know how many people would be prepared to come out on a cold October evening and watch an hour-long golf event about which they knew very kittle. In the end, we had over 2,500 people packed around the green, and the atmosphere was incredible.” And judging by the fans’ reaction on the night, and later on social media, and from the

of all those people with a big prize at stake? It would be phenomenal.” Money is still at the heart of pro golf, and Wilkinson is confident that sponsors will be lining up to put up significant prize funds for an event that engages both players and fans. “Imagine hitting one shot for a million dollars?” says Wilkinson excitedly. A series, to run alongside 72-hole tournaments throughout the season, is envisaged in 2017, although conversations with both the European and PGA Tour are still in the early stages, while the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour, as well as the corporate market, are also likely targets for a format that focuses on skill rather than strength. “The beauty of Last One Standing is that hitting a 150-yard shot to a green is something that all golfers, no matter what their handicap, feel capable of doing,” says Wilkinson. “So it’s an event that works at all levels of the game, from corporate golf days to club events, women, juniors and tour pros alike. The 12th at Augusta, the 17th at Sawgrass are both short holes, but they have created some of the most dramatic scenes in the history of the game.” Quite how the drama will unfold remains to be seen, but golf fans can be sure of one thing - you’ve not heard the last about Last One Standing.

EUROPEAN AND PGA TOUR PLAYER

"It was a wonderful event! It was well run and exactly what golf needs. Well done!"

KEVIN PIETERSON FORMER ENGLAND CRICKETER AND CELEBRITY HERO CHALLENGE PLAYER

For further information on Last One Standing contact Alan Wilkinson 07767 653377 or email: alan@losgolf.com. Matt Wilkinson - Creative Director, can be contacted on 07967 078723 or at mattwilko2002@hotmail.com

[26] DEC/JAN 2017 | NEWS

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ELLIS GRABS GOWLANDS GLORY James Ellis (Hendon) beat Robbie Johnson (Northwood) in an epic renewal of the Middlesex Golf Union’s Gowlands Final held at Bush Hill Park. Both players birdied the 18th hole in regulation play to take the match into extra holes, and it took a further birdie from Ellis at the 21st in order to separate the two players. Ellis lost the 2015 final to Daniel Parsons, so was gaining swift revenge.

PRICE IS RIGHT FOR GIRLS’ TITLE Emily Price captured England Golf’s girls’ order of merit, following a season which saw the 17 year old from Worcestershire & Herefordshire win the English women’s stroke play, the Scottish U18 championship, and the women’s stroke play, while she also represented England in the European and world girls’ team championships. Cloe Frankish from Chart Hills finished second in the table, with Lily May Humphreys from Essex in fourth, and Annabel Fuller from Roehampton in fifth.

R&A INTRODUCES NEW RULE ON ACCIDENTAL BALL MOVEMENT The R&A is introducing a new Local Rule on January 1 which means that a player no longer suffers a penalty stroke should their ball accidently move while on the green. The rules have been modified to read: “When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ballmarker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.” The new ruling would have avoided Dustin Johnston being issued with a penalty during the final round of the US PGA Championship.

■ STEVEN ORR

ORR-SOME COACH AIMS TO BE PITCH PERFECT

ussex-based PGA Master Professional Steven Orr is on a mission to master the dark art of chipping. A director of coaching and development at the Cranfield Golf Academies at Rustington Golf Centre, Orr has joined forces with world-renowned biomechanics expert Dr Rob Neal to scientifically deconstruct the art of chipping. Orr is to combine his own investigations using a robot at the R&A’s test centre at St Andrews with Neal’s expertise in biodynamics

to create the ultimate pitch improvement plan. “We want to look further into what factors affect great pitching,” said Orr, who was voted England Golf’s coach of the year for 2016. “It would be great to pass on the information to other coaches. There is more research being done into this area – but we hope to take understanding further.” He added: “I have done a lot of work with the R&A’s robot, and Rob has been working for years with elite professionals, studying

their movement. The robot isolates points on the face and ensures each strike is identical.” Orr first met Neal, an Australian who lives in Florida, when he presented seminars on the golf athlete with another renowned golf expert, sports scientist Michael Dalgleish. That led to Orr inviting Neal to coach the Sussex County squad he looks after. He followed that by organising twice-yearly masterclasses featuring Neal, which hone in on key areas of the swing, such as sequencing, generating power or ground reaction forces. During Neal’s recent tour of the UK, he stopped at the London Club in Kent for a half-day coaching seminar on the biomechanics involved in pitching, and he’ll be back in March next year to begin working with Orr on their chipping collaboration. “Rob has such a vast knowledge working with the best pitchers of the ball from around the world and I will have the science from ball strike points. Hopefully we will be able to pin down the perfect pitch.” Orr insists more pros should take the chance to see Neal in action. “He is such an amazing teacher. It would be great to have more professionals taking part and learning. I can definitely expand the sessions.”

PRINCE’S RAISES THE BAR

olfers visiting Prince’s Golf Club in Kent can look forward to enjoying even more comfortable hospitality, following the recent completion of a major refurbishment of its clubhouse bar and lounge area. The top floor of the clubhouse has been fitted out with a new range of furniture, including new armchairs, dining chairs and high stools, and new dining and side tables. As well as providing a great place for a golfer’s lunch, the new-look Princes Suite can seat up to 200 diners and is a popular venue for weddings, parties and dinner functions. Director of Golf Rob McGuirk reflected on 2016: “We have enjoyed a great year, with two R&A events, PGA pro-ams, lots of members events, wedding parties, and dinner functions. Our team at Prince’s has played a key role in the positive feedback we have received and significantly in the retention of our 3AA stars for the Lodge, 2AA Rosettes in the Brasserie, and gaining our GEO certification for golf course sustainability, which is so important as a links venue. We shall continue to work over the winter months to improve our standards for the 2017 season.”

CHERRY LODGE SECURES MATCH PLAY DOUBLE

herry Lodge Golf Club in Kent is celebrating a record double after becoming the first team to win the Yeoman Trophy and North Kent Foursomes in the same season. Reg McNally, Grant Eastwood, Dave Morgan, Chris Witts, Georgie Pickett and Craig Fitzpatrick teamed up in pairs to beat Eltham Warren 3&1 in the final of the Yeoman Trophy held at Shooters Hill in September. They were then jouned

by Ollie Nelson, Alex Knight, Sam Purnell and Mike Smith in the final of the North Kent Foursomes, held at Hever Castle in October, where the buoyant team again faced Eltham Warren, and emerged triumphant with a score line of 4.5-0.5. Dave Morgan, captain of both squads and Cherry Lodge’s 2016 club champion, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of my players. Every one of them contributed to this outstanding result."

■ THE CHERRY LODGE FOURSOMES TEAM

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NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

COUNTY FINALS SHOWCASES THE WONDER OF WATERLOOVILLE

aterlooville Golf Club’s reputation as one of the south’s finest venues enjoyed a significant boost this year, after the 109-year old Hampshire club hosted the English Women’s County Finals in September. The club joined a stellar list of English courses to have hosted

the championship – which was first contested at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent in 1953 – and saw teams representing Gloucester, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, Yorkshire and Staffordshire taking part in five days of thrilling match play golf around the club’s challenging layout, which was

designed by the legendary player Sir Henry Cotton. The tournament was narrowly won by Gloucester for the first time in its history, but all the competitors came away having enjoyed the experience, as well as the club’s warm and generous hospitality.

The 6,650-yard course, in particular, came in for high praise, which was reward for the significant investment that the club has made in recent years, with over £250,000 having been spent on improved drainage, which has resulted in only a handful of days being lost to bad weather in recent seasons. Waterlooville’s ladies’ captain, Allison Bolam, said: “The prestige of the county finals is growing every year, and it was a great compliment to the club for us to host it this year. It was thrilling to watch the best lady amateur golfers in the country competing for the title on our fairways – and to see first hand how Waterlooville is meant to be played.” The club currently has a limited number of memberships available, while visitors are welcome seven days a week, subject to availability.

COPSEY LEAVES IT LATE AT LITTLESTONE

■ DAVID COPSEY

oult Wood professional David Copsey battled the elements at Littlestone in the second Winter Series event, supported by Titleist & FootJoy, shooting a two-over-par 73 to beat local man Bruce MacDonald by a single shot. Out in level par with two birdies, Copsey fought hard to keep the bogeys off his card, but had to settle for three of them at the 12th, 13th and 16th of Littlestone’s testing back nine. On the final tee he needed a birdie to win, and he duly finished with a winning four on the par five-18th to edge out MacDonald and take the £350 winner’s cheque. MacDonald had to settle for second spot, edging out Thomas Muchmore (Kingsnorth) into third place. Copsey was delighted to notch up his eighth win of the year and get his attack on the latest Winter Series underway. “It’s been a pretty good year, with some useful results, and while my winning score was somewhat higher than those other victories, it was a really good win under very difficult circumstances, Littlestone was in terrific condition and, as usual, it proved the perfect venue for some very challenging late season golf.” The next event in the series is a 36-hole tournament at Prince’s on January 30-31, followed by Swinley Forest February 21, and The Berkshire the day after. The London Golf Club hosts its Winter Series challenge on March 6.

[27]

MIDDLESEX CLUBS TO VOTE ON MERGER A vote to merge the Middlesex County Golf Union, Middlesex Ladies County Golf Association and Middlesex County Golf Partnership is to take place early in 2017. Each golf club affiliated to the MCGU will have a vote at the next AGM, which, if carried, will see the merging of the three bodies into one, under the title of ‘Middlesex Golf Ltd’. There will be no changes to any of the current competitions, leagues or team events under the new proposed structure, with the same schedule events organised by the new committees remaining in place.

WOMEN’S SQUAD SEEKS FLYING START IN FLORIDA The England women’s squad will start their 2017 campaign on Florida’s Orange Blossom Tour as part of a plan to increase their playing opportunities. The full squad of Louisa Brunt, Gemma Clews, Sophie Lamb, Georgia Price and Olivia Winning will play in the Harder Hall Invitational from January 4-7. The tournament is one of five events that make up the Orange Blossom Tour.

HAYLING HOLDS ITS OWN AT EURO CLUB CHAMPS Hayling Golf Club came away with a respectable mid-table finish in the 2016 European Men’s Club Trophy held at the Aroeira resort in Portugal. The threeman team of Toby Burden, Richard Harris and Kevin Hickman finished 13th in the 23-strong field, which was topped by French club Golf St Germain en Laye, which won the 54-hole tournament for the fifth time in seven years.

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[28] DEC/JAN 2017 | ANDREW JOHNSTON

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THE REAL

BEEF European Tour sensation Andrew Johnston talks to Golf News about dealing with his new-found fame and preparing for his life as a global player after winning his PGA Tour card

t’s been a crazy kind of year for you by any standards. What's been the most memorable moment off the golf course? I think the most fun thing I did was going behind the counter at Arby's [an American hamburger restaurant chain] and serving people. They asked me whether I wanted to make a sandwich for a customer, and I said, ‘No way, I'm too scared to do that’. So I was just putting the food in the bag and shouting out people's names – that was probably the most fun. I really enjoyed that.

Beefmania, if we can call it that, seemed to really kick off at The Open at Troon. What are your recollections of that week? It was a strange week. I was struggling a bit in practice, and then I went into the Sky Open Zone on the Wednesday morning and I watched my swing back on TV when they aired it that evening, and I didn't really like what I saw. I just felt like I was a little bit low down and I was a bit too far away from the ball. I said, right, when I get there Thursday, I'm just going to sort of stand up and go for a few different things, and I started to hit it nice. It was a bit iffy for the first few holes, but I parred the first few and got on to the par-five fourth, and I was in the right rough off the tee and I hit the biggest shank you'll ever see – like straight into the beach, basically, and took a seven. But from there on I didn't miss a shot and finished two-under for the round. And then I was going well in the second round until the 11th, when I hit one onto the train heading to Glasgow. I reloaded and nearly put that ball on the next train on the next carriage. I ended up with a seven. Thankfully, I pulled myself together and then finished really strong, with birdies at three of the last four holes. So it was kind of like a really up-and-down week. I felt like I chipped and putted well, but I was a bit disappointed with the way I finished the back nine on Sunday. It should have been a bit better than that. But I just saw it as another learning curve, first time right up there in a major, and I'm sure that hopefully next time I'm up there, it will be better than that. You’ve obviously made a huge connection with golf fans all over the world, and give over lots of time to signing autographs and taking selfies, but how do you balance out those demands with preparing for tournaments and focusing on your practice? You're always learning what's best for you and trying to figure out the best way to go about it. You've just got to keep learning and keep trying to get it right. But I love the support and I love giving my time to the fans. If they didn't turn up, we wouldn't have golf tournaments. Yes, there have been times when it’s tipped over the other way too far. At the US PGA I played a few practice holes and then stopped and signed a lot of stuff, when I probably shouldn't have done as much on the course and waited till after. But it was the first time where I'd had that much attention. I came off the course and I was like, that was crazy. That was mad. But at the same time, you've got to get your practice in, as well. I've just got to try and get the balance right and keep enjoying it and keep

AT THE US PGA I PLAYED A FEW PRACTICE HOLES AND THEN STOPPED AND SIGNED A LOT OF STUFF, WHEN I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE AS MUCH ON THE COURSE AND THEN WAITED TILL AFTER. BUT IT WAS THE FIRST TIME WHERE I'D HAD THAT MUCH ATTENTION. I CAME OFF THE COURSE AND I WAS LIKE, THAT WAS CRAZY. THAT WAS MAD interacting with the fans, because that's just me. That's just my personality. If someone walks past in the locker room, I'll have a bit of fun with them or say hello or whatever, even if I don't know them, so I'm going to keep it that way. You seem to really enjoy interacting with younger fans. Is it important that top golfers are seen to be actively encouraging the next generation to get involved in the game? Yeah, I guess so. People pick up on it how they want to. Some kids will go, "Oh, I really like him. I really like him," and stuff like that. As long as I can sort of affect people in a positive way, you know. I’ve had so many

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ANDREW JOHNSTON | DEC/JAN 2017 [29]

Yeah, I guess so. A lot of the guys are good people, but obviously everyone's different and some guys are quieter than others. I don't know. I just enjoy having a laugh. So I guess it comes across as a bit different, yeah. That's just me.

■ THE FACE THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND BURGERS: JOHNSON IS AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE ARBY'S RESTAURANT CHAIN IN AMERICA

Is there ever any concern that you might become better known for being ‘Beef’ and the genial character that you are, than the seriously good professional golfer, which you also are? It might come across like that to some people, but as I've said before, it's all about the golf. First thing's the golf. That's what I grew up doing. That's what I grew up watching and where I wanted to be. So now I'm here, it's like I want to keep pushing forward, and the first thing, the most important thing is the golf before anything else. I want to come away and look back in so many years, and think, yeah, that's been a great time on the golf course – not going, oh, yeah, well, it was good for that period of time, but we had a good laugh. No, it's all about the golf. That's the most important thing. What kind of feedback have you had in the locker room from other pros? They just kind of look at me and just laugh. They walk past me in the locker room and I just hear a "Beeeeeeef". I get on well with most of the guys. It's just general chitchat, a bit of banter. You’ve got the names of nine types of beef stamped on your wedges. For the record, what’s your favourite cut? Porterhouse or brisket – they’re both pretty special.

JUST HAVE FUN, MAN. JUST PLAY WITH YOUR MATES, DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. YOU SEE IT AT MY GOLF CLUB – A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD A HARD WEEK AT WORK AND THEY WANT TO GO OUT THERE AND PLAY, HAVE FUN ON THE COURSE AND HAVE A FEW BEERS AFTERWARDS

How much would you like to make it onto the 2018 Ryder Cup team? Did you have any conversations with Darren Clarke before Hazeltine this year? No, I didn’t speak to Darren, or rather he didn’t speak to me. Of course, everyone wants to be on that team, but I didn’t play well enough to get on it. But I go from day to day and week to week, you know, so 2018 is quite a way away for me to be thinking about the next one. We’ll just have to see. How much did you enjoy playing in the British Masters at The Grove? Yeah, it was massive. It's a great event, and it was so good being at home and playing in front of the home crowds – it was brilliant. Quite a few members from my home course, North Middlesex, came along, and lots of friends and stuff like that. It was good. Just looking ahead to next season, how much are you looking forward to playing on the PGA Tour? Yeah, of course. I’m very pleased. I sort of went over and got a card and I think it's going to make for a good year next year. I enjoy it. They have got some great tournaments, as well, and some great tournaments here. If I can play all the best tournaments, it's great, man. Could you see yourself being based in America in the future? You want to play in the biggest and best tournaments in the world, and they happen to have a lot of them over in the US, so naturally I'm going to be over there more. It's quite straightforward. As I said, no matter where in the world the biggest tournaments are, those are the ones you want to go and play, whether they’re in Australia, Europe, America, wherever it is – and I'll be there if I'm in.

nice messages on Twitter saying like, ‘After watching you, I went out a played golf’, ‘My wife's gotten into golf. My boy's love it" and stuff like that. I think that's the most important thing. I've had like people posting videos of their kids playing and stuff like that. One kid was hitting a cheeseburger and I was like, ‘No, no, no, make him hit a golf ball, please’. But if I can get people playing golf and enjoying it, wanting to get out there, that means the world to me. Do you think part of your appeal is that you’re just so different to most people’s idea of what a tour pro should look, sound and behave like?

Who were your golfing idols when you growing up? When I was growing up I was watching guys like Tiger, Sergio [Garcia] and Phil [Mickelson] and players like that, and I'd try and imitate shots they’d hit. But as regards to my personality and stuff, I just try to be myself. Because the more I'm myself, the more comfortable I feel out on the golf course. You've got to be comfortable in who you are and what you do. Don't be ashamed to be different or anything, you know. And no matter who you are, where you are, or where you're from, people should respect that. What’s your advice to amateur golfers out there? Just have fun, man. Just play with your mates, do what you want to do. You see it at my golf club – a lot of people have had a hard week at work and they want to go out there and play, have fun on the course, and have a few beers afterwards. And I don't think that's a bad thing either. As long as everyone's playing and having fun in their own way, that's what you've got to do.

[30] DEC/JAN 2017 | NEWS

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DAVIES ADDS STAR APPEAL TO WEST BYFLEET PRO’S SEND OFF

HERTS DUO TAKE TELEGRAPH FINALS Two of Hertfordshire’s top young amateurs took a major step forward in their careers following victories in the Telegraph BMW Junior Championships in Portugal. England internationals Harry Goddard and Hannah Screen won their respective titles at the 54-hole UK finals held the Quinta do Lago in the Algarve. Goddard fired a courserecord 66, followed by rounds of 77 and 67 to win the title by nine shots from Jamie Wilson from Close House, Newcastle. Meanwhile in the girls' event, Screen, from Berkhamsted, beat Essex’s Lily May Humphreys by two strokes following an epic battle over the back nine of Quinta’s North Course.

FLYYN COLLECTS PGA COACHING AWARD Kevin Flynn, the head PGA professional at Tournerbury Golf Centre on Hayling Island in Hampshire, has won The PGA in England (South) Coach of the Year Award. A Full member of the PGA since 2001, Flynn became a Fellow of The PGA in 2014, is a Plane Truth golf Instructor, a registered disabled golf coach and a European Golf Development Consultant. He is squad coach to both the Hampshire Ladies and Hampshire Girls, and is also head coach of the Latvian Ladies Golf Federation, guiding them to a silver medal in the 2016 European Ladies' Team Shield Championship.

etiring West Byfleet PGA Professional David Regan’s sendoff event had more than a hint of star quality to it, following the appearance of Dame Laura Davies. The 53-year-old legend of the women’s game was a member at West Byfleet as a junior, and was inspired to pursue her ambitions in the game by PGA Professional Regan, who is retiring from the club after 45 years of service, 34 as head professional. To mark his retirement, Davies

RUTHERFORD

RECOVERS FROM CAR CRASH TO WIN TOUR CARD

CLUB SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS STABILISING MEMBERSHIP The results of the 2016 Golf Club Membership Questionnaire showed that the average number of members at golf clubs in England has stayed largely the same over the last two years, with an average of 460 in 2016, compared to 466 in 2014.Among other key findings revealed that the number of members aged 65-plus had increased by 13 per cent, while 30 per cent of clubs increased their memberships. Clubs also reported that their new members are playing more frequently. The biennial study was carried out by Sports Marketing Surveys for England Golf and was based on responses from over 600 clubs.

ertfordshire tour pro Jamie Rutherford capped off an incredible year at the Final Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School – one that began with a horrific accident and finished with graduation to the European Tour. The 24 year old, who came through the First and Second Stages to be in the field at PGA Catalunya Resort in Spain, finished on the bubble at five under par to earn his card for next season, posting rounds of 72, 72, 70, 66, 68 and 75.

However, the year could have turned out very differently following serious injuries sustained in February that left him bed-bound for eight weeks. “At the start of the year, I was hit by a car and fractured my spine, broke my foot and did some damage to my knee,” said Rutherford, who is attached to Brocket Hall Golf Club. “I didn’t actually think I’d play all season. I was hopeful to be back at the start of next year. But recovery went well, so I thought I’d go for the First Stage just to see how it’d go, and played nicely. At the Second Stage I just kept the ball rolling and played well. “I played a tournament at the end of August. I had eight weeks of being on a bed, just lying down and recovering. I didn’t expect to play at all. I’m so pleased just to be here.” Rutherford believes he can compete at the next level when he steps up to the tee for the first time as a European Tour player. “I’ve just got to enjoy next season as much as I can,” he said. “I’ve got to put some hard work in, but I know my game’s good enough. If I can keep progressing in the right way, then hopefully I’ll have a good year."

along with members, friends and guests, took part in the David Regan Farewell Pro-Am, and showing that she had lost none of the skills that saw her win over 90 worldwide titles, Davies shot a one-under-par 69 around the 6,200-yard course to record her first ever sub-par score at West Byfleet. Davies played alongside Regan, who couldn’t match Dame Laura’s score, but he left his own mark on the Pro-Am with a birdie-par-eagle finish for a respectable 73. “It’s been a fantastic journey here at West Byfleet,” said Regan. “And I leave with some fantastic memories at a club growing in stature. The condition of the course has improved dramatically, particularly over the last few years, and it’s always a pleasure to play whenever I get the time.” Davies added: “It was great to come back here and play here. The course has really improved and I was made to feel really welcome.”

STOKE PARK DUO BAG HISTORIC LONDON FOURSOMES TREBLE

toke Park golfers Kevin Freeman and Luke Rusher have become the first pairing in over 50 years to win the London Amateur Foursomes for the third time. Freeman, who plays off plus one, and Rusher, a plus-two handicapper, played five rounds of scratch foursomes at the Berkshire Golf Club in mid-October. The final, however, was postponed owing to bad weather and subsequently completed last month, when Freeman and Rusher returned to the Berkshire to see off the challenge of Moor Park's John Ambridge and Doug Cameron, to secure the title, and its accompanying oversized trophy, with a 3&2 victory. This year’s championship was contested by 64 teams from 62 clubs - with the final rotating between the Berkshire, Moor Park and Walton Heath. All three victories for the

Seaford Head Golf Course

We are oﬀering some great Society and Golf Day packages.

Stoke Park pair have come at the Berkshire and such is their liking for the venue that they have won 21 of 22 matches they have played over the club's Red and Blue courses in this event. The historic competition is open to any club within a 40-mile radius of Charing Cross and dates back to 1907, when it was won by Woking, for whom legendary golf writer Bernard Darwin was one of the two competitors. Other well-known golfing names on the winners' roll of honour include renowned course designers CK Cotton - for Stoke Poges in 1927 - and, his onetime partner in the firm of Cotton, Pennink, Lawrie and Partners, JJF Pennink for Royal Ashdown Forest in 1936.

NO B W UG jec t t AV G IE o we A at IL S he r c AB on LE di tio ! n

The View at Seaford Head Golf Course oﬀers more than just golﬁng occasions.

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Available for weddings, pa ies and business meetings. It really is the place to hold any function. With over 100 possible covers for large groups and a smaller separate room for a more personal gathering.

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

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FEATURE | DEC/JAN 2017

[31]

WHY AN ARTIFICIAL PUTTING GREEN IS A MUST FOR ALL GOLFERS Costing as little as £2,000, all golfers should consider installing a Home Golf Design putting & chipping green

hanks to the UK’s shockingly inconsistent weather, keeping a lawn looking tidy at any time of the year is a tough job, but even when it does resemble the Centre Court at Wimbledon, grass is just, well, grass at the end of the day, and good for very little except looking at, interspersed with the tiresome jobs of weeding and cutting. Which is why more and more people are choosing to give up the national obsession with firing up the Flymo every Sunday afternoon in favour of pulling out the putter for a spot of practice on the latest generation of artificial greens. While a high percentage of Tour players have converted their enormous estates into full-scale replicas of the greens at Augusta, there are also plenty of regular golfers that are choosing to dig up

their smaller domestic lawns and replace them with something altogether more interesting to look at and fun to play on. Thanks to massive leaps in technology, the current ‘crop’ of artificial golf greens are far removed from the stuff you used to see behind the fruit and veg in your local greengrocers, and more akin to the carpetlike putting surfaces you’ll find on a championship golf course. And while a tour-standard setup can be expensive, a more simple design, featuring a few carefully constructed holes, can an affordable, yet equally effective option, for the amateur golfer. This is the type of customer that Home Golf Designs is currently working with to fulfill their domestic dream layouts. Set up ten years ago by experienced greenkeeper Andy Brown, who enjoyed spells at Nizels and Croham Hurst, Kent-based Home Golf Greens aims to

BEFORE

AFTER

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

“BRILLIANT! A SHADY SPOT WITH NO GRASS HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A GOLFERS’ PARADISE!”

“CLEAN AND PROFESSIONAL. NOT ONLY CAN I HONE MY GAME AT HOME, BUT IT'S GREAT FUN WHEN WE HAVE FRIENDS AROUND”

“POLITE, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL. MY SON IS OUT THERE ALL HOURS PRACTISING AND PLAYING WITH HIS FRIENDS”

MR K.WANG, WOKING

MR L.SCOTT, BEXLEY

MR N.BULGIN, CHIDDINGSTONE

meet the needs of the keen golfer looking to sharpen up their short game skills in the comfort of their own home. Rather than driving to their local club every time they want to put in a bit of work on their lag putting or greenside chipping, owners of a Home Golf Design green can simply open the back door and, hey presto, they’re on the first hole and sinking putts for fun. One of Home Golf Design’s earliest customers was three-time European Tour winner Andy Sullivan, who had a three-hole course built in his back garden in the Midlands. While the company can’t take full responsibility for Sullivan’s impressive performances on tour, having somewhere to practice his putting stroke at home clearly hasn’t harmed his form on the greens as he builds towards a potential Ryder Cup debut this autumn. “While it’s nice to work with tour players, and those will sizeable budgets, most of our projects are on a much smaller scale, where customers are looking for a few straightforward holes to practice on,” says Brown. “But no matter how big or small the project is, our attention to detail is exactly the same. We work closely with the client through every step of the process to make sure they get exactly what they want, and work within their budgets to achieve their ambitions.” The son of a golf professional, and with his experience as a greenkeeper, Brown prides himself on knowing the demands golfers have when it comes to replicating greens, as well as what is required to landscape holes into a domestic setting, where greens are often competing with the other requirements of a traditional garden. “Home owners don’t want a green just to be simply plonked down in the back garden,” says Brown. “So we work closely with the client to make sure it blends in with what is already there, and, if required, carry out sympathetic landscaping to ensure that it doesn’t dominate the setting.” Often taking less than a week to install, and requiring next to no maintenance, other than brushing off the leaves in autumn, a Home Golf Design green is a great addition to any golfer’s garden. And with chipping-length surfaces and custom-designed bunkers available to surround the putting green, as well as full-size practice driving nets, golfers can work on all aspects of their game at any time of year. So whether you’re looking to win next year’s club championship, set your children on the road to Open glory, smarten up your golf club, or simply want to have somewhere to challenge your mates to a few holes over a drink, a Home Golf Design putting green should be your very next step.

For more details on Home Golf Design's range of artificial greens, or to book a site visit, call freephone 0800 7837188, email info@homegolfdesigns.co.uk or visit www.homegolfdesigns.co.uk To follow the latest projects follow Home Golf Designs on Twitter @homegolfdesigns

[32] DEC/JAN 2017 | RORY MCILROY

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RORY REBOOTED

After a second blank year in the Majors, Rory McIlroy is pressing the reset button for 2017, with a new putting stroke and some new clubs in the bag, as he bids to regain his world No.1 spot and add to his haul of top honours MAIN PHOTO BY JAMES CHEADLE

ow are you going to look back on the 2016 season? On the whole, it was good. I won a couple of things that I hadn't won before. I won the Irish Open, which was a huge thing for me personally. It mightn't be the biggest tournament in the world, but for me it is one of the most important events I play in all year. So it was nice to be able to knock that off, while obviously winning the FedExCup was also a big thing for me. That was something that I hadn't won before, and to win that, and in the fashion that I did – winning two of the last three playoff events – was very satisfying. My play in the majors was disappointing. Missing the cut at the US Open and the PGA Championship were low points. I had a top five at The Open, but that was soon forgotten because of what Henrik and Phil did. Apart from majors, I feel like it's been a pretty consistent year. But going into next year, I'd like to think that my performances in the majors are going to be a lot better. The Irish Open might not have been a big tournament this year, but it's going to be a big one next year, now that it’s part of the new Rolex Series, with a $7 million prize fund. What are your thoughts on the series in general? First and foremost, I'm very grateful to the European Tour and Rolex for including the Irish Open in the Rolex Series. The Irish Open has been given a great date, as well. It's two weeks before The Open, and is being held on a links course. I’m really excited about it. In general, I think the Rolex Series will be fantastic for European golf. It will hopefully give the guys an incentive to maybe play a little bit more in Europe leading up to the Open Championship, and hopefully they’ll get some great fields in June and July, and at the other events throughout the series. Keith Pelley [European Tour chief executive] has given the European Tour a different energy, and he has really moved everything forward. Rolex have stepped up big time, and they have been a great partner for golf for many, many years, so

all the players should be grateful to them for what they have done. Because the Irish and the Scottish are back to back, and with bigger prize funds, do you think that will increase chances of players playing both before The Open, where in the past it might have been two out of three? I certainly hope so. There's no reason why not, if people want to get some links golf in. And there's some guys that might choose to play the Irish Open and there's some guys that might choose to play the Scottish Open. You're not going to get everyone playing two events leading up to a major, but it gives both tournaments an opportunity to get some of the best players of the world there, and that should be celebrated. How might the Rolex Series affect your schedule next year? I'm going to play a pretty busy run up to Augusta, and then I'll take a few weeks off, and start up again at The Players in May. But then, I'll play a pretty similar schedule to what I played this year, so I don’t see myself adding a whole lot of new events. As one of the game’s top players, there are obviously a lot of commercial and political pressures for you to play in certain events. How hard has it been to balance the demands of the various tours and the need to set up a schedule that works best for you? The big consensus among the top players is that it's getting more and more difficult to play two tours. With the regulations that the PGA Tour is putting upon us, and with how great the events are becoming over here in Europe, it's very hard to jump back and forth and play tournaments. It is very difficult, and you've seen players that have tried it before, and it just doesn't quite work for them. It takes a certain type of player, and a certain type of mentality, to be able to do it. So I think you might see more guys spending more prolonged periods

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RORY MCILROY | DEC/JAN 2017

on either tour, because jumping back and forth might be ok for a while, but in the long run it doesn't really work out. I’m in the fortunate position of being able to pick and choose where and when I play, but you’ve got to find a schedule that works for you. Of course, there are events that you want to play in, and others that don’t quite fit, and sometimes things happen that upset your plans. I wasn't expecting not to play in the Turkish Airlines Open this year, but then things happen, things change, and you have to adapt. There’s a lot of travel involved over the last few weeks of the season, and it’s draining both physically and mentally, which affects some players more than others.

I’M GOING TO TRY A WHOLE LOT OF CLUBS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND SEE WHAT FITS ME 100 PERCENT. I MIGHT FIND A NEW BALL THAT WORKS, I MIGHT FIND A SET OF IRONS THAT WORK. IT COULD BE A REAL MIX OF CLUBS IN MY BAG COME EARLY 2017

Looking at the way Danny Willett has played after his Masters' win, how difficult is it when you become a Major winner to plan your schedule? It's an adjustment, it really is. I felt it at the back end of 2011, when I was trying to chase Luke [Donald] down to try and win the Race to Dubai. I went to a few places that maybe I wouldn't normally have gone. Jordan [Spieth] did the same after his great year in 2015. It's tough. It's a long year. But you know, a lot of great opportunities come along after you win a Major; you get invited to play in different parts of the world, and you try to expose your brand, if you like, to different markets. Danny’s a Masters' champion; he's got a green jacket. There are loads of places in the Far East and Asia that love that. So it's a great opportunity for him to do that, and while he has it, he may as well take advantage of it.

Looking back on Rio and your decision to give the Olympics a miss, how do you reflect on those events, and is any part of you thinking about Tokyo in 2020? Whenever I see players or peers achieve something that I haven't achieved, yes, of course that stings a little bit. But my participation in the Olympics was just a little more complicated for me than it was for some other people. It's a difficult subject for me, as there were a lot of politics involved. That aside, I was really delighted with how the golf event went in the Olympics. I tuned in for the final afternoon, and to see how many people were out following the players, and the whole atmosphere, was fantastic. And to have two of the best players in the world battling it out for a gold medal was great for the game. And honestly, I was happy to be watching it on TV. Four years is a long way away, so we'll see what happens. Right now, I'll concentrate on the 16 majors that we have between now and then, and go from there. Missing cuts is clearly not something you’re used to, but what effect did missing those two in the majors this season have on you? Missing the cut hurts, although the extent to which it hurts obviously depends on the tournament. It also depends how you were feeling going into that tournament, and what your expectations were. For example, when I missed the cut at Baltusrol, it was my first time not playing the weekend at the PGA Championship. And I actually felt going into the tournament that I had a good chance. I was hitting the ball well. There was nothing in my game in the practice days, or the weeks leading up to it, to suggest that I was going to have such a disappointing week, but these things happen. As long as you can learn from them, you can turn those disappointments into something more positive; I feel like for me this year, missing the cut at Baltusrol was the turning point in my putting. I felt like I needed to go find something new, and I did, and I've been able to turn it around over the last few months. But yeah, missing cuts hurts. I remember missing the cut at The Open at Muirfield in 2013, and I’ll say that up until this point, it was the lowest I've ever felt in my professional career, because of how special The Open is and how much it means to me. It was really tough. ■ MCILROY WITH ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTER CONOR MCGREGOR AND ONE DIRECTION STAR NIAL HORAN (RIGHT)

[33]

Do you remember what you did after that round at Muirfield? I went over to a friend's house and had a few drinks to try to forget about it, but I just felt really down. It wasn't just that I had missed the cut, but it was the way I missed the cut, as well. I think I missed it by six or seven shots, so I really wasn't into it. But again, these things make you want to fight back and be stronger because of it. All of the difficult times I've had in my career, I've always tried to learn from them and come back stronger, and thankfully, for the most part, I've been able to do that. Do you ever think we’ll see one player dominate to such an extent that Tiger

■ MCIRLOY SHOWED A STEELIER SIDE TO HIMSELF AT THIS YEAR'S RYDER CUP

did, or has the game changed so much that it’s going to be hard to do that? Tiger is a once-in-a-lifetime player, not just a once in a generation player, so it was always going to be a tough act to follow. I think with technology and with the knowledge that's in the game nowadays with coaching, it’s getting harder and harder to separate yourself from the pack. It seems like anyone that tees it up has a great chance of winning because of a number of factors. I think overall for golf, that's not a bad thing. But for pure entertainment, for people watching the game, and wanting to get into the game, they like rivalries. They like guys going head-to-head. You've had it in golf in the past. It used to be sort of two or maybe three players, and all of a sudden we had the Big Four, the Big Five, the big whatever. It seems like that's the way it is in golf nowadays because it has become just that little bit more difficult to separate yourself from the rest. You changed your putter before Nike’s decision to pull out of the equipment business, and have changed a few other clubs since. How is your bag shaping up for next year? There were nothing wrong with my putter to be honest – it was my stroke that was the issue, and once I had sorted that out, I could have putted with anything and putted better. It's more to do with my technique. But I decided to switch to a mallet putter because I felt my tendency was to miss it left. A blade tends to close on you at impact, while a mallet helps keep the clubface square for longer. So that's the reason that I went to that. As for the Nike announcement, it was good and bad for me. I felt bad for the team at Nike that put so much time and effort into building really good golf clubs. I think that from when I signed in 2013, to the improvements that they made year-in, year-out, were really good. I've had a lot of success with the clubs that I've played with Nike, so I felt bad in that respect. But on the other hand, it's given me a little bit of freedom to see what else is out there. I've tried out a couple of things. Obviously I put TaylorMade woods in the bag in China, but nothing is permanent yet. I’m going to try a whole lot of clubs over the next few weeks and see what fits me 100 percent. I might find a new ball that works; I might find a set of irons that work. It could be a real mix of clubs in my bag come early 2017. But it's nice to have the option. How impressed have you been with Henrik Stenson this year, playing both tours and winning the Race to Dubai? It's a great achievement, especially for someone who plays both sides of the Atlantic. You have to have those big wins, and obviously winning The Open was huge for him. Henrik has been one of most consistent players in the world over the last ten years. I remember when he won the Dubai Desert Classic in 2006. I was still an amateur at the time, and he was winning then. It’s been great to see his consistency rewarded, especially with a major. He really deserves it. How important is it for you to get back to world No.1? It's been a while since I've been in that spot, but it’s not something you can really focus on as a target – it comes from playing consistently a high level of golf for a long time, so you have to keeping playing well and the No.1 spot will look after itself. What are your plans over and New Year? I’m going out to Dubai for maybe eight or nine days in the middle of December to test some equipment, and then I’m back home again for Christmas. And then back out in Dubai for New Year, and then I'll head down to South Africa at the start of next year for the South African Open, and that's where I'll take it back up again.

[34] DEC/JAN 2017 | FEATURE

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DISTINCTIVE TIMEPIECES FOR GOLFERS

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

A LOOK BACK IN TIME PETER THOMSON • 1956 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP • HOYLAKE

WHENEVER THE TOPIC of great Open champions rears its head, the one name that often slips people’s minds is that of Australia’s Peter Thomson. The reasons for his lack of headline status are many and varied, chiefly that he hailed from the golfing backwaters of Melbourne, rather than America or Scotland, while the modest way that he went about his business, both on and off the golf course, failed to draw much attention from the masses or the media. Regardless of his lack of fame, Thomson, now aged 86, must rank among the greats on account of being one of only four players to have won five Claret Jugs. JH Taylor, James Braid and Tom Watson all won the same number, while the only six-time champion was Harry Vardon. But it was his hat-trick of Open titles between 1954-56 that was unquestionably Thomson's greatest achievement. He dominated on the British links during a seven-year spell between 1952 and 1959 in which he finshed no worse than first or second. Having grown up playing the sandbelt course around Melbourne, Thomson was in his element on fast-running courses, where judging the bounce and run of the ball was more important than long hitting. His low, running game was ideally suited to the hard links of Britain's coastline, while his best result on America's target-golf layouts was fourth at the 1956 US Open and a fifth in the 1957 Masters. By temperament and design, Thomson indeed seemed

pressure-proof. His grip was light, his manner at address brisk, and his motion through the ball graceful and devoid of much physical effort. He was a reliable and occasionally brilliant putter. Thomson finished sixth on his Open debut in 1951, but his stunning streak began with second at Royal Lytham in 1952 behind South Africa's Bobby Locke, the only other player that could live with him in his Open pomp. A four-way tie for second at Carnoustie the following year behind the legendary America Ben Hogan prepared

WINTER GOLF DAYS

Thomson for his reign. With a brand new set of borrowed John Letters irons, the 24-year-old Thomson carded a final-round 71 at Royal Birkdale to win by one from Locke, Syd Scott and Dai Rees in 1954. The following year he beat Johnny Fallon by two shots to win at St Andrews, and he completed his hat-trick with victory by three strokes over Belgium's Flory van Donck at Hoylake in 1956. Having succeeded Locke as pretournament favourite, he lost by three to his arch-rival back at St Andrews in 1957, but he hit back with victory in a 36-hole play-off to beat 23-year-old Dave Thomas at Royal Lytham in 1958. Throughout his period of success, Thomson was dogged by critics who suggested he was winning in an era when the world's best players avoided the Open because there wasn’t enough prize money on offer – but Thomson silenced these claims 11 years after his first win when he landed the 1965 Open at Royal Birkdale, when Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player were all in the starting line up. Thomson ended his career with 89 tournament wins, and after a brief dalliance with the Senior Tour – he won a record nine events in 1985 – he moved into the golf course design business, helping to develop more than 180 courses in over 30 countries. Last month, due to declining health, he announced his retirement from his practices around the world, including his partnership with architects Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb in London.

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NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

RELIEVED REID EARNS US TOUR CARD

‘GHOST TOWN’ OLYMPIC COURSE FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE

io’s Olympic golf course was meant to convert a nation to golf, but reports coming out of the Brazilian capital suggest that the Gil Hanse layout, which was built at a cost of $20million, is only being played by a handful of players, and is in danger of falling into ruin just four months after the games finished. Although it was always likely that few locals would ■ FEW LOCALS CAN AFFORD THE GREEN FEES AT THE OLYMPIC COURSE be able to afford the $75 green fee, the reason for the course’s sudden decline is a dispute between the Brazilian Golf Confederation and the course's maintenance company, Progolf. Progolf has been forced to pay up front costs for maintenance, but has yet to sign an agreement with the Brazilian Golf Federation to meet those costs. If an agreement cannot be reached soon, Progolf will cease looking after the publicly-owned facility, which could result in it being left to grow over. Facilities at the club are already very sparse, with the clubhouse being almost entirely unfurnished, while the café has just one waiter and one other employee assigned to collect greens fees. There is no professional’s shop and no head professional. Progolf spokesman Neil Cleverly claims that his company had not been paid by the Brazilian Golf Confederation for two months, and, without compensation, Progolf could pull out next month, leaving no-one to care for the course. “It’s so frustrating for us to get as far as we did. A lot of people said you’re never going to do it,” Cleverley said, referring to the delays that were faced in the construction of the course. “I’m disappointed, and it’s mixed up with a lot of frustration.”

MUIRFEILD STALLS ON VOTE TO ALLOW WOMEN MEMBERS

second ballot on allowing female members at Muirfield Golf Club will not take place this year. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers had been expected to hold a second ballot before the end of the year, according to a club spokesperson. That came

after members voted in May to reject proposals for women to become members at the club in Gullane – the oldest golf club in the world. An independently scrutinised postal ballot recorded a vote of 64 per cent in favour of the resolution and 36 per cent against, on a turnout

[35]

of 95 per cent of members eligible to vote, with a two-thirds majority required for change. The decision to continue not to accept female members was widely condemned, including by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and local politicians. The R&A, which organises The Open Championship, also stated that Muirfield would no longer host the event – which last came to the county course in 2013 – until it changed its policy. In July, the club committee announced a second ballot would be held, with a decision expected before the New Year. However, last month, a club spokesman said there would be no decision until 2017.

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elissa Reid will be playing fulltime in America next season after winning her LPGA Tour card at Qualifying School in Florida. Needing to finish in the top 20, the 29 year old from Derbyshire tied eighth after firing rounds of 69, 64, 75, 72 and 72 at the LPGA International in Daytona Beach. A five-time winner in Europe, Reid said she would have ‘considered her future in golf’ had she failed to earn her card. Currently ranked 140th in the world, the Solheim Cup star is now expected to move to the United States and begin playing a full schedule on the LPGA Tour. She said: "I'm just super, super relieved. I'm hoping my life is now going to run a little bit smoother. Nothing worth having comes easy, does it?" Bronte Law, England’s top-ranked amateur, finished two shots shy of the qualifying mark in 24th, and although she missed out on a full card, she will receive invitations to play in a limited number of events on the LPGA Tour next season.

Pyecombe Golf Club’s Matt Harper and Andy Barnes have been crowned Daily Mail National Foursomes Knockout champions after coming through 11 rounds of match play golf at local, regional and national level. After winning their club qualifier, the Sussex pairing went on remain undefeated through seven rounds against other South Eastern teams prior to qualifying for the final stages, which were held at the Marriott St Pierre in Wales. In Round 8, they were fortunate to receive a bye over Weymouth Golf Club, before beating Temple 3&1 in the quarter-final. They went on to beat Manor of Groves in the semis 4&3, to set up the final against Oak Park Golf Club’s Ian Hawker and Ken Meister, which they won 2up.

EAST HONOURS FOR HERTS’ GIRLS Hertfordshire won the 2016 East Region Junior Girls Trophy after beating teams from Norfolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire at Bawburgh Golf Club in Norfolk. Each county was represented by six girls, who each played an individudal Stableford round, with the best four scores counting. Herts finished on 154 to win by 11 points from hosts Norfolk, with Essex a further five points back in third.

FAIRWEATHER GOLF GEARS UP FOR WINTER FairWeather Golf, one of the UK’s most high-tech indoor training academies, has installed a new Huxley Golf synthetic turf green at its Camberley-based site in order to allow golfers to work on all aspects of their game throughout the year. The new putting green features four practice holes. The venue, which is staffed by a team of professionals, also features six golf simulators, two RoboGolfPro training robots, a custom fitting studio, and a licenced bar.

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[36] DEC/JAN 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

HOEBRIDGE UNVEILS NEW FUNCTION ROOM

oebridge Golf Centre in Surrey has unveiled the first of a host of new facilities set to open at the Woking-based venue over the coming months. The completion of a brand new ‘party room’ function suite marks the first stage of an ambitious £500,000 investment project being rolled out by Burhill Golf & Leisure, which operates the pay-and-play facility, which also boasts 45 holes of golf and a pirate-themed adventure putting course. The plans include the construction of a new, adult-only lounge area to be used during peak times, and a complete refurbishment of the gym and studio areas, which will include the provision of new gym equipment.

The new function suite, which cost £90,000, will offer a convenient and purpose-built area for both children’s parties and business conferences. It can accommodate up to 40 people, but can be split into two sections to allow smaller groups to use their own spaces. The new facility will be ideal for hosting business meetings and private parties “It’s incredibly exciting for us to see the developments starting to take shape, and over the next few months we will see the centre enhanced to provide an even better experience for our members and visitors,” commented Mike O’Connell, general manager at Hoebridge. “The new party room offers privacy from the rest of

■ THE NEW 'PARTY' SUITE AT HOEBRIDGE GOLF CENTRE

the centre, as it is completely separate from the main clubhouse, and can cater for both celebrations and business conferences."

STUDLEY WOOD TO HOST EUROPRO TOUR

LUKE’S BANG ON TARGET AT WILDWOOD

ome of the best young golfers in the country are on course to tackle Studley Wood Golf Club next summer, after it was revealed that the popular members’ club near Oxford is to host a Euro Pro Tour event in June. The club, which first opened in 1996, boasts an 18-hole championship course designed by architect Simon Gidman, and the challenging parkland layout looks sure to provide a good test for the game’s rising stars.

The club, which boasts extensive practice facilities and is a Srixon/Cleveand Centre of Excellence, has continued to invest both on and off course this YEAR, with the bunkers on the par-73 layout currently undergoing a major refurbishment programme, while the clubhouse has recently benefitted from an extension to its patio area with a glazed surround. A fleet of ten new GolfCar buggies has also recently arrived to ease golfers around the 6,709-yard course. The club’s managing director, Ken Heathcote, said: “Studley Wood is committed to investing in the clubhouse and course for the foreseeable future.” ■ STUDLEY WOOD GOLF CLUB

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The overall developments at the centre are expected to be complete and open for use within the next few months.

edhill Golf Centre’s Luke Bangerter delivered a stunning nine-under-par performance to walk away with the Wildwood Invitational ProAm’s top prize. His 63 took the winner’s prize by a wide margin, beating the 67s of nearest rivals Christopher Rodgers (Richings Park) and Billy Hemstock (Beaverbrook) by four shots and pushing them into the runners up spot. Bangerter is feeling much more positive about things after his first win in 2016. “I’ve been putting together some good scores in the past ■ REDHILL'S LUKE BANGERTER few weeks,” he said. “I shot a 65 at King’s Hill in the PGA Southern Professionals’ Championship, and one round that could have been a lot lower in the PGA Farnham Finale OOM.” He added: “Last year was a really poor year, so 14 months ago I started with Clive Tucker at Wildwood. I told him I didn’t care how long it took to get results, but this season was starting to stretch my patience. On the other hand, as Clive pointed out, wining here with a 65 is as good a sign as any I could want to stick at it, rather than quitting and getting a full-time job. “Going into the winter period now, I’ll have time to mull things over and make plans for 2017. I’m getting a lot of encouragement from all sorts of people right now, and I hope that it really is a sign of things to come.”

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017

[37]

GOLFING4LIFE: KEEPING THE STARS OF TOMORROW ON COURSE TODAY

Matt Nicholson reports on the continuing success of GoLfing4Life, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at helping talented young golfers stay on the path to success

■ SOPHIE LAMB IN ACTION AT CENTURION

■ GOLINF4LIFE'S JAMES BYERS IN CONVERSATION WITH MATT NICHOLSON

alented golfers’ ambitions should not be limited by financial constraints. That’s the belief of Golfing4Life, a charitable organisation that supports the development of young golfers who have the ability, and the desire, to reach the pinnacle of the game. Formed five years ago by the parents of some of the country’s most talented young golfers, G4L utilises its network of contacts to identify talent that has the potential to reach the very top. The concept was first conceived back in 2009, when the founders came to a common realisation that the majority of talented young golfers were finding it difficult to attain the funding that was necessary for them to compete, while many were struggling to maintain their participation in the sport. G4L identified critical areas of need that far exceeded basic golf tuition. They then drafted an action plan, commissioned one of the most respected law firms in London to ensure that the adopted practices were transparent, and in keeping with the R&A guidelines, and then engaged early adopters who were friends and close associates of the founders and shared the vision. All of the first tranche of G4L students have become regular England internationals, and with all funds channelled through the respective golfing unions, G4L is now in a position to expand its model and support many more talented youngsters and help them to achieve and maximise both their potential and golfing ambitions, as well as enabling them to flourish and develop as people. Partnerships with the likes of Swedish clothing brand J. Lindeberg, premier UK golf venue Goodwood, and leading golf marketing agency GMS, help provide additional support for the players, while close relationships with some of the most well-respected coaches in the UK helps the organisation to make informed decisions when awarding bursaries. Crowded tournament schedules, allied to the demands of school, college and university, also means that young players need to learn to manage their time to avoid burn out and peak at the right time. G4L’s coaches have designed a series of events that are aligned to these requirements and enable it to enhance its current offering and help many more youngsters. G4L recently held its inaugural Media Invitational at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire, on a day that saw 25 of the most talented young golfers from around the country play alongside journalists from the golfing media, including myself. I had the privilege of being with Thomas Plumb form Sherborne Golf Club in Dorset and Nathan Longley from Worthing Golf Club in West Sussex, both

ALL OF THE FIRST TRANCHE OF G4L STUDENTS HAVE BECOME REGULAR ENGLAND INTERNATIONALS ■ BEN JONES WON FIRST PRIZE AT THE INAUGURAL GOLFING4LIFE MEDIA DAY

■ THOMAS PLUMB (LEFT) AND NATHAN LONGLEY (RIGHT) GAVE GOLF NEWS' MATT NICHOLSON A DRIVING LESSON

WEBUYANYGOLFCLUB

of whom played off plus two. Although no slouch off the tee myself, it was quite unnerving to have two skinny young lads knocking it 50 yards past me with every drive, while their short game, as you’d expect, was also very impressive. Despite my ineffectual efforts, both Thomas and Nathan were the very model of politeness, and a pleasure to spend four hours with on such a superb course, and were superb ambassadors for Golfing4Life. Other notable players in the field included current English Amateur champion Daniel Brown and England Men’s Squad member Marco Penge, while it was 17-year-old Ben Jones who took first place, winning in a playoff after being one of three players who shot five-underpar rounds of 69 – which is some going around Centurion. Golfing4Life is lucky to be able to call upon the services of England Coach of the Year Steven Orr, who said: “I believe when talented junior golfers are exposed to the right information and training, as well as sound mentoring in their early years, it can make a big difference in how they can progress in the game. Those involved in G4L have created this environment, and along with it an amazing opportunity for aspiring juniors golfers as well as supporting dedicated juniors who might not have such opportunities normally. It is a project I’m delighted to be involved in.” In 2017, G4L plans to include warm weather training, which will be conducted by internationally acclaimed coaching staff, as well as a variety of tournaments and events, such as the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters, that allow young golfers to compete with their peers and experience some of the structure of professional tournaments. There will also be several invitational and pro-am events held, enabling players to play with accomplished Tour professionals and interact with key components of both the golf and sports infrastructure such as media, sponsors and golf stakeholders, as well as outreach programmes that help young golfers develop a sense of community.

For more information visit www.Golfing4Life.com or call James Byers on 0201 7205236.

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[38] DEC/JAN 2017 | ALEX NOREN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

RED HOT SWEDE Victories in this year’s Scottish Open, European Masters, British Masters and Nedbank Challenge have made Sweden’s Alex Noren the hottest player in golf. Here, the 34-year-old Swede, who is now ranked ninth in the world, talks about how he got on his winning run, his new practice routine, becoming a dad, and the Ryder Cup...

I NEVER IMAGINED going into this season that I would win four times, so it’s been unbelievable and a lot of fun being up there in those tournaments and being able to pull it off over the back nine. It’s definitely been the best season of my career winning-wise, but also the best season playing-wise – I feel like my ball is going much straighter than it was before, and I’ve been much more consistent than I was in the past. Winning is an amazing feeling which I’m never going to get tired of. Nothing will ever be able to compare to your first win, but winning any tournament is still an unreal experience. Golf is such a tough game, and winning is such a hard thing to do. It’s what I play for, but more and more I’m enjoying being in contention down the back nine on Sunday. Getting in the mix, being under pressure, and then managing to pull off a win, gives me such a proud feeling. I’m trying to stay humble though, as it can all so quickly go away. This year has taught me that you don't have to hit every shot perfectly to win. I used to believe that you had to do that, but it’s not the case now. I've learned to play with what I have, which has worked out great. As long as you manage your game, and miss it in the right places, hole enough putts, and chip well, you've got a chance. I’ve changed my approach to practice this season. Now I’m trying to play more actual golf on the course, focusing on getting the ball round in good scores, rather than spending hours on the range working on my swing and technique. I’ve dedicated more time to my whole game as well – so I’m practising wedges and my short game a lot more, rather than just getting stuck out on the range hitting drivers. I became a father for the first time at the beginning of the season, and it’s changed everything. I took some

time off in February and after that, but having a baby has actually helped my golf a lot. It’s just relaxed me a bit, and it’s been fantastic. Looking after my little one has made me focus on something other than golf, which has been beneficial to my overall game. The 2018 Ryder Cup isn’t really on my mind. Now that I’m inside the world’s top 50, there are so many good tournaments for me to play, and I’m just trying to focus on them and my game, rather than looking too far ahead. Of course, it would be amazing if I could make the team in 2018. I watched the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, and I think it’s an extraordinary event. You don’t see the guys that pumped up at any other event. I got the goose bumps when Rory made his putt against Patrick Reed in the singles. It affected me a lot, and you can see how much it means. It’s about so much more than yourself when you’re playing in a team, and I think that brings an extra dimension to it.

It’s been great to see so many Swedish players performing well this season. I hang out with a lot of the Swedish guys all the time, so it gives me a lot of pleasure to see them doing well. Henrik [Stenson] is obviously our flag bearer, winning The Open, the Race to Dubai and winning silver at the Olympics, but there are lots of other guys getting good results. Rikard Karlberg is going well, and so is Joakim Lagergren, while Robert Karlsson is coming back into form too, and then there’s Kristoffer Broberg, whom I’ve known for years. I really want him to do well. He had a fantastic year in 2015, so I’m sure he’ll be back. I’ve got to keep on improving. I’ve played with a lot of good players this year, and I see them hitting shots that I can’t hit, so it encourages me to keep on working to try and get better. I know there are still lots of weaknesses in my game, but I’ve got a lot of confidence in my ability.

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[40] DEC/JAN 2017 | GOLF TUITION HOLIDAY

TUITION HOLIDAY

■ GOLF NEWS PROFESSIONAL STUART SMITH

■ COSTA BALLENA RESORT

SHARPEN UP YOUR GAME

UNDER SUNNY SPANISH SKIES! October saw leading PGA coach Stuart Smith host the first Golf News Tuition Holidays at the stunning Spanish resort of Costa Ballena, where a select group of readers enjoyed of week of world-class tuition and top quality hospitality under warm Andalusian skies

t’s hard to build up much enthusiasm for working on your game when it’s pouring with rain, it’s dark, or when you’re shivering in the cold, so it makes perfect sense to change up your environment if you want to change up your game. That was the thinking behind the launch of Golf News Tuition Holidays, whose first ‘students’ have recently returned from a week’s fun – and plenty of hard graft – under sunny Spanish skies. Hosted by short game guru Stuart Smith, a qualified PGA professional with over 20 years’ experience of working with all levels of players, the trip saw a group of ?? players, of varying ages and handicaps, enjoy a seven-night stay at the superb Costa Ballena Resort in Andalusia. All arrived with a common purpose: to improve their game, whether it be driving, iron play, pitching, chipping and putting – and, of course, to have a relaxing holiday at the same time. The trip featured morning tuition sessions with Smith, followed by five rounds on Costa Ballena’s 6,800-yard championship Ocean Course, a regular venue for the European Tour’s Qualifying School, and five rounds on the resort’s excellent nine-hole par-three layout. Golfers could play as little or as much golf as they liked, but very few missed a minute of the lessons, with many putting in hours of overtime

on the range – to which they had free access to unlimited balls – as they sought to put Smith’s tips into practice and play. The trip covered all aspects of the short game, from putting and chipping, to bunker play and pitching, while all students came away with personal report on areas for future development, along with a free short game booklet explaining the drills, how to practice, and advice on developing pre-shot routines. After a morning on the range and an afternoon on the golf course, guests were able to relax and unwind at the 4-star Elba Costa Ballena Beach & Thalasso Resort, whose spa proved an extremely popular destination for all those aching muscles and bones, while the resort’s restaurants and bars were also a popular haunt for discussing the day’s activities, and swapping stories of successes and failures! The next Golf News Tuition Holiday out to Costa Ballena is scheduled for February, so if you’re looking to sharpen up your all aspects of your game ahead of the new golfing season, then make sure you book up today!

GOLFERS’ REVIEWS . . . “The balance between coaching, practicing, and playing was superb, and Stuart’s short game group lessons were brilliant. He breaks down his teaching into manageable chunks, so that you’re not overloaded with informations. He’s also a great motivator, extremely patient, and has wonderful sense of humour.”

Rosie “I really enjoyed Stuart’s golfing ‘holiday’. We had to work hard, but it was all worthwhile, and I also met a lovely group of people at a fantastic golfing venue.”

Sylvia I’m so glad we went on this trip. My game is already seeing improvements and I’m so much more confident with my lob wedge. The coaching was brilliant, the practice facilities were ■ GOLFERS ON THE MOST RECENT TRIP ENJOYED TUITION IN THE MORNINGS FOLLOWED BY AFTERNOONS ON THE GOLF COURSE

fantastic, and the hotel was superb.”

Peter and Laura “First class from start to finish – I will definitely be coming again!

Alan The short game lessons were spot

GOLF NEWS TUITION HOLIDAY ITINERARY February 24 - March 3, 2017

on; while the practice facilities were among the best I've ever seen. Stuart has a relaxed teaching style, but his

• 7 nights’ half-board accommodation at the 4-star Elba Costa Ballena Beach & Thalasso Resort,

tips are easy to follow and bring about

• 5 rounds at Costa Ballena Ocean Course; 5 rounds on Costa Ballena’s 9-hole, par 3 course; free pull trolley

instant results.”

Michael

• All tuition provided by Stuart Smith • Use of the driving range with unlimited balls and free use of the Tour-standard practice facilities • 1 thermal circuit at the Elba Thalasso Spa, full use of the gym, plus 15% discount on all treatments • Return flights on British Airways from Gatwick to Seville, plus all transfers •Welcome cocktail; free energy snacks every day The total cost for the trip is £895pp* for two people sharing a twin room, and £1,035* for a single room. *Subject to change according to flight availability

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Spaces are limited to just 28 for this great value tuition break, so for bookings and all other enquiries, visit www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com, email stuart@stuartsmithgolfacademy. com or call 07799 088786.

“The golf facilities, and the lessons were very well structured. Stuart was always on hand to offer extra oneto-one help to those who wanted it. I learned so much, and also made some great new friends.”

Norma

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[42] DEC/JAN 2017 | COMPETITION & NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WINTER GEAR

Golf News has teamed up with stylish Danish golf outerwear brand BACKTEE to give away two complete winter outfits, worth over £400 each. This generous prize includes a full wet weather outfit, including a lightweight rain jacket, a pair of waterproof trousers, a thermal base layer, and a waterproof hat. There is one set on offer for men, and one set for women. BACKTEE – CHALLENGING ALL CONDITIONS BACKTEE designs and manufactures simple and elegant golf wear for all seasons, ensuring high performance in all conditions. Its capsule collections – Windy, Sunny, Cold and Rainy – tackle the complete range of climate conditions that golfers face all over the world, and its latest range for Autumn/Winter ’17 ensures that all wearers will be able to play their best golf whatever the weather throws at them, thanks to its latest innovations in moisture management, breathability and water repellency.

BACKTEE ULTRALIGHT PERFORMANCE RAIN TROUSERS The Ultralight Rain trousers combine with the jacket to create the complete suit. Also made from a four-way stretch material for easy movement, it features a fully adjustable waist, slanted waterproof and laser cut zippers at front and on back; long zippers at side seams for easy dressing, and Velcro straps at bottom for adjustment. The innovative 4-way stretch material is both waterproof and breathable, while a Teflon coating makes the trousers dirt and water resistant.

BACKTEE ULTRALIGHT PERFORMANCE RAIN JACKET The all-new Ultralight jacket is BackTee’s lightest ever rain jacket. Weighing just 220g, it is fully waterproof and windproof, and is ideal for those damp winter rounds when the breeze is up. Made from a unique four-way stretch Teflon fabric that allows complete freedom of movement, it is also breathable so that a comfortable climate is maintained in all conditions. Features include a detachable hood; taped seams; laser cut pockets with seamless waterproof zippers; adjustable neck and sleeves; and a hidden drawstring at the waist. And just as importantly, it folds down to virtually nothing for easy storage in your golf bag.

BACKTEE FIRST SKIN BASE LAYER Made from a lightweight, breathable and stretchy material that keeps you dry, warm and comfortable, the super soft First Skin base layer features a turtleneck collar and has a good, tight fit to insulate the body and keep muscles warm. BACKTEE RAIN HAT A practical rain cap for those all-too-common wet days out on the golf course, the 360-degree brim keeps the rain off your head and out of your eyes. Fully waterproof, it can be adjusted for an individual fit.

For more details about the complete BACKTEE range of outwear, including polos, jumpers, trousers, jackets, hats and accessories, or to find your nearest stockist, visit www.backtee.com. TO ENTER: To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, simply answer the question below correctly, and email your name, address, contact details, and details of where you picked up your copy of Golf News, to 'info@golfnews.co.uk' with ‘BACKTEE competition’ in the subject line. The closing date for entries is January 30, 2017. QUESTION: How much does the new BACKTEE Ultralight Performance Jacket weigh? A 220g B 270g C 310g

EQUIPMENTNEWS

TWO SETS OF

TIGER RETURNS WITH NEW GEAR TIGER WOODS put several new clubs, a new golf ball, and a new bag sponsor into play for his long-awaited return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Following Nike’s exit from the equipment business in the summer, Woods switched to a Bridgestone B330-S ball, and also put TaylorMade’s M2 driver and M1 fairway woods into the bag, along with his trusty Titleist Scotty Cameron putter. The 14-time major champion’s caddy was carrying a new bag sponsored by energy-drink makers Monster Energy. It was the seventh logo Woods has displayed on his bag in his career, following Titleist, Buick, AT&T, Nike, Fuse Science and most recently MusclePharm, which paid Woods $2.5 million to terminate its bag sponsorship earlier this year amid reports that the company was being sued for $65 million for breach of contract. Woods fired 24 birdies during his four rounds in the Bahamas, but finished 15th in 16-man field, nine shots behind winner Hideki Matsuyama.

SPIETH BAGS FIRST WIN FOR NEW PRO V1 JORDAN SPEITH became the first player to win a tournament playing with Titleist’s latest update of the record-breaking Pro V1 ball following his play-off victory at the Australian Open. Protoypes of Titleist’s best-selling ball have been tested on tour since the Shriners Open in Arizona in the autumn, but 22-year-old world No.3 became the first tour player to win with at Royal Sydney Golf Club on November 20. The new Pro V1, and the lower-spinning Pro V1x, are expected to go on sale in January, although exact details on the improvements over previous model, which have been sale since 2000, have yet to be released. Spieth also had a new set of Titleist 716 AP2 irons in play in Australia, following a switch from the 714 version he had been using previously. Spieth had the 716 irons in his bag once before, at last year’s Barclays Championship, but the latest model is now understood to be a permanent fixture in his bag for the new season.

CALLAWAY RECRUITS NIKE BALL DESIGNER CALLAWAY has strengthened its golf ball research and development team with the addition of industry veteran Hideyuki ‘Rock’ Ishii as senior director of advanced golf ball research. Ishii, who will be based at Callaway’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California, boasts over 25 years of golf product development experience, including 15 years with Nike Golf, during which he was responsible for the design of every Nike ball since 1999. To date, 25 Majors have been won by players Ishii worked with on golf ball design and fitting. While Titleist leads the market share in the premium golf ball category, Callaway has been the fastest-growing ball brand since 2013, according to Golf Datatech, with recent products like Chrome Soft and Supersoft proving popular with club golfers around the world. Dr Alan Hocknell, Callaway’s senior vice president of R&D, said: “Adding Rock to our already exceptional ball team will strengthen our ability to investigate new construction methods and improve our evaluation of golf ball performance, leading to better products for golfers at every level.”

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FEATURE | DEC/JAN 2017 [43]

CAMERON’S CROWNING GLORY

The latest range of putters to come out of Scotty Cameron’s prolific California workshop draws inspiration from the performance benefits enjoyed by using a shorter-shafted putter. Welcome to the Cameron & Crown.

hat inspired your new Cameron & Crown putter line? I spend a lot of time in Japan and the standard length for putters there is 34-inches versus our 35-inch standard in the United States and Europe. This difference in standards got me thinking about what golfers need, in general. And, I felt there was need for a 33-inch putter line made for players who prefer, or need, a shorter putter. Not something manipulated. A purpose-built line of putters made at 33 inches. In our Custom Shop, a lot of people send in putters and have us cut them down. And, we do it right. We take a 34-inch or a 35-inch putter and make it a 33-inch putter by balancing it correctly with the right sole weights. Cameron & Crown putters have been designed from the get-go to be 33-inch putters. The thought was, instead of having to manipulate the design so the head is heavier, the grip is smaller, and the length is shorter, let's just design it to be 33 inches from the start. This is a growing market, whether for guys, ladies or juniors, who prefer a shorter putter. I just thought it was time to do it and do it right.

that not only could I solve the problem of adding weight, but also I could walk around with adjustable weights and a wrench, rather than lead tape and a razor blade. Also, adjustable sole weights allow us to experiment, because the weights can be removed and interchanged. I've included this option on Cameron & Crown putters, because you never know how someone may want to experiment with weight.

■ SCOTTY CAMERON IS ALWAYS LOOKING TO PUSH THE DOUNDARIES OF PERFORMANCE WITH HIS PUTTER DESIGNS

How important is putter length in determining setup? Putter length sets a lot. Balance. Path. The length of a putter sets the eyes. For example, if a putter is too long, we stand back, and our eyes are set inside; the toe of the putter comes up and the stroke comes inside. This results in a path for a right-handed player that starts too far inside and putts get pushed to the right. If a putter is too short, the eyes go over the ball, you can start looking to the left, and the path can go outside and putts get pulled to the left. I’ve always said the eyes set the path. Length sets the eyes. So, the length of the putter is critical when we talk about the stroke. There’s a recipe for determining the proper length, weight and grip for a putter, as well as the overall balance, which includes the proper shaft flex, too.

How did you determine the models for the range? I chose some of my favourite models. We have blades, mid-mallets and larger mallets, with variations along the spectrum. So, from the three ranges I actually selected four models, plus a lefty. We have the Newport 2, in right- and left-handed, and the Newport M2 Mallet from the Select line. Then we have the GOLO 5, a mid-mallet, and the Futura X5R mallet. It's a well-rounded line, for every type of golfer. Whether you're a blade player and you like toe-flow in your stroke, or you're more of a mallet person and you have square-to-square stroke, there's a putter set up at 33 inches for everybody and for every stroke. How are Cameron & Crown putters different than other 33-inch putters? We've really balanced these putters to be made correctly at 33 inches. From head weight to shaft type and length, to grip size. Most of the time, when someone buys a 33-inch putter, it starts as a 35-inch putter and is simply cut down. Usually, the head weight isn't adjusted at all. So, we designed this Cameron & Crown product line not to manipulate it from a 35-inch design. It's designed to be 33-inches with the proper head weight, shaft length and size, including a smaller, properly sized white Matador grip. What types of players will benefit most from these putters? It could be a shorter person, or someone who sets up with their arms and hands lower in the long ‘V’ style. Here at the

Putter Studio, we see players come through who could be 5'9" or 5'10", but the way they set up, they like their arms down low, and they want a shorter length putter.

Titleist Cameron & Crown putters are available in Select Newport 2, Select Newport M2 Mallet, GOLO 5 and Futura X5R models, and have a RRP of £320. For more details, visit www.titleist.co.uk.

How does weight come into play with different putter lengths? Length and weight work together to create balance. If you don't accommodate for this, you're going to have either a stiff or soft putter. We're looking for that perfect balance to get the putter to its proper weight and feel. Shorter putters demand a little more weight in the head, while the longer the shaft, the lighter the head will need to be. So, we adjust the head weight relative to the length to keep the rhythm and balance in the stroke. When I started making putters with Titleist over 20 years ago, even though some requests came in for 34-inch and even 33-inch putters, we made putters at a then-standard length of 35 inches. When I was out on Tour, I’d have a roll of lead tape in my pocket. And, if a player wanted his putter heavier, I’d grab my roll, cut off a length and attach it to the sole. I went on to develop our adjustable weight system so

Can you tell us about the grip choice? We've developed a style of grip we call the Matador. Normally they are red and come as standard on our in-line putters. We have three different sizes (small, medium, large) and offer them in other colours in our custom shop. The trends show that grips are getting bigger in diameter, but we've also noticed that the grips are getting so big that people with smaller hands are now getting uncomfortable. So, to go with our Cameron & Crown line, we went with a small Matador grip in white, which in my view is the best grip to complement the design, weight and length of these putters. How important is design in the overall package of your putters? It’s a vital component. I spend a lot of time focusing on looks, feel and performance. There’s no point in having a sports car with a matt paint job – you want something that elevates the performance with the look. Similarly, no one likes using an ugly putter, no matter how well it performs. We’ve seen some ugly designs out there over the years, but they tend not to last. The materials, the look, and the shape are all key parts of the overall performance. I designed this Cameron and Crown's graphics and overall cosmetics to be simple, classic and clean. But, we really wanted it to stand out and show that it’s different. Grey, gold, black and white with misted stainless steel finishes and the muted hues of our anodised aircraft aluminum inlay and sole components. My art department and I went universal to appeal to each of those player groups. Elegant and classic, so not too flowery, playful or dark. As always, we tried to design with sophistication that is cool and very playable, too. What putter is currently in your bag? I have two putters in the bag. I have an M3 GSS with a black crocodile grip and a milled stainless steel shaft ring. It's 34-inches, D-5 swing weight, at 3.5° loft and 70° lie. And, when I feel like my setup is getting hunched, and I'm grinding to make putts, I go to my Futura X5 Dual Balance at 38-inches with our Dual Balance grip. I go to this when I'm trying to get my posture better. When I get into a real handsy stroke, I go to a Dual Balance to get more robotic and mechanical. Carrying two putters is ok, too!

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[44] DEC/JAN 2017 | WATCHES

ETIQUS GOLF TIMEPIECES With so many people using their mobile

With Christmas coming up, a lot of people

phones to tell the time these days, what made

will be buying watches for their partners.

you think that a traditional wristwatch could

What is the turnaround from ordering

make an impact?

online to delivery?

If we only bought watches to tell the time there

Over 80% are delivered in the UK the next

wouldn’t be a watch industry! Timepieces can

working day. We’ll be taking orders for

say a lot about the wearer and, as one of the few

Christmas delivery in the UK right up to

jewellery items a man will own, are often bought

December 21st – that is, of course, assuming

to celebrate a special occasion: birthdays,

we’ve got some left!

anniversaries, a year as a captain, and of course, Christmas. To make an impact and to stand out

Etiqus has already raised £15,000 for the

from the crowd you need a unique proposition.

Golf Foundation after donating £5 from

Etiqus has granted patents as a golf timepiece, so

every purchase. It’s a very magnanimous

if you see a stranger wearing an Etiqus you might

gesture, but do you have any say in how

not know much about them, but unlike any other

that money is spent?

watch, you do know they’re a golfer.

No, but I do understand the difference that can be made from our donations. The Golf

What was your background before you got

Foundation appreciates our support, and

into the watch business?

is increasingly aware of the need to work

I worked in the IT and communications sector

with new funders and be more innovative in

and have run businesses involved in the

fundraising. I was only able to take up golf as

technology that supports e-commerce solutions,

a youngster through a charitable gesture, so

hence my commitment to launch Etiqus as an

raising money to get more kids into golf is very

online brand. I believe it enables me to offer

important to me.

the golfer a good quality product at a very competitive online price, and to ship them direct

On your sport models, the most distinctive

to the customer almost anywhere in the world.

feature is the now iconic Butler Golf Bezel.

The future of retail is online, so in most respects

Why is that so important to your design?

the market is moving in my direction.

The pocket book ‘Rules of Golf’ extends to over 200 pages, whereas the spirit of

With most of the top professional golfers

the game founded in the principles of golf

sporting Rolexes, Omegas and Audermar Piguet

etiquette are written in just a few words, ‘show

watches, how hard has it been to break through

consideration for others, take care of the

into a market dominated by big brands?

course and play at a good pace’, which I think

We don’t compete with the luxury brands, we

captures the most important aspects of being

differentiate from them. Other watch companies

a ‘good golfer’. The bezel algorithm of the

use golf and famous golfers to market their

hole numbers one to 18, which was originally

brand in order to sell watches at prices beyond

inspired by pace-of-play guidelines published

the reach of many golfers, which bizarrely

by the R&A, is the distinctive feature that

actually promote sports other than golf. We

unmistakably identifies the wearer as someone

use our brand to exclusively promote golf and

with a love of golf.

its core values, and sell affordable timepieces specifically created for golfers. Etiqus is unique in

How much time do you get to play golf, and

that it’s our watch for our game – golf!

where are your favourite places to play? Unfortunately a severe spinal injury has

You’ve brought out a number of different

restricted my time on the golf course this year,

models themed around the colours in golf.

and I need to learn a new technique in order

Which has been your best seller?

to play competently. So I’m looking forward

The best sellers in each collection have been the

to playing regularly again, and especially links

Summer White dial models.

golf, which I absolutely love.

Which Etiqus watch do you wear? Or do you

If you had the power of time travel, which

switch models according to the occasion?

era would you move back to and why?

Each morning I choose one watch to wear from

I wouldn’t – I’d only want to travel forward in

my 50 or so men’s models, depending on what

time. It would be interesting to travel 100 years

I’m doing or wearing that day. The silicone strap

into the future to see if people are still playing

models are great for casual wear, leather straps

golf, out on the course, preferably with ‘lark

are good as a smart/casual option and I wear the

song and sea sounds in the air, and splendour,

steel bracelet ones for a more formal business

splendour everywhere’, or will golf become a

look. On the golf course, like most golfers, I rarely

virtual reality only sport you can play from the

wear a proper watch, but as soon as I leave the

comfort and isolation of your solar-powered

course an Etiqus is back on my wrist.

life support pod?

Golf News was in conversation with Etiqus founder Gary Butler. To see the latest Etiqus range, visit www.etiqus.co.uk

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT NEWS | DEC/JAN 2017 [45]

EQUIPMENT NEWS

THE GEAR EFFECT WHAT THE WINNERS WERE PLAYING ON TOUR MATT FITZPATRICK

G/FORE UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION GOLF BAG

DP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The Transporter stand bag features weatherproof matte black leather, quilted patent leather front pockets, and onyx black logos.

DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 (10.5°) FAIRWAY WOODS: Ping G (15°, 21°) IRONS: Ping i25 (3-5), Ping S55 (6-9) WEDGES: Ping Tour Gorge (47°), Titleist Vokey SM5 (54°, 58°) PUTTER: Yes! C Groove Tracy II BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

Priced at £260 and weighing 2.7kg, the bag can also be customised with embroidered name or initials on the front pocket for an extra £20.

ALEX NOREN

GOLF BRAND G/FORE has launched a new limited edition golf bag designed to appeal to style-conscious golfers.

NEDBANK CHALLENGE

Manufactured in collaboration with Vessel, it is also brimming with features, including a cooler pocket, an inner valuables pocket with two-combination lock, magnetic tee pocket, patented Rotator Stand technology and a double strap.

DRIVER: Callaway XR 16 Sub Zero (8.5˚) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway XR (15˚) HYBRID: Callaway Apex Hybrid (18˚) IRONS: Callaway Apex Pro (4-9) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (47˚, 52˚, 56˚, 60˚) PUTTER: Odyssey Works #1 BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft

Having forged its identity in brightly-coloured gloves and eye-catching footwear and apparel, the G/FORE brand was created by fashion-industry pioneer Mossimo Giannulli in 2011. To view the company’s full range of apparel, gloves, shoes and accessories, visit www.gfore.com

STARS WARSTHEMED ACCESSORIES HAVE TAYLORMADE LAUNCHED

PRIDESPORTS LAUNCHES HYBRID TEE

GOLFERS can now indulge their love of all things Jedi, Storm Trooper and Yoda, following the launch of a complete range of golf accessories featuring characters from the popular Stars Wars films. The range includes Pom Pom driver headcovers, putter head covers, golf balls, gloves, umbrellas, and pitchmark repairers. There’s something for every price level from £9.99 up to £49.99, from a sleeve. The range is available at TaylorMade stockists throughout the UK, with prices between £9.99 and £49.99. Go to your nearest pro shop you must…

PAT PEREZ OHL CLASSIC

DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 (9.5°) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M2 (15°) HYBRID: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 (18°) IRONS: PXG 0311 XF (3-5), PXG 0311 (6-9) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 3 (48°, 52°) Callaway Mack Daddy PM Grind (58°) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa Jailbird BALL: Titleist Pro V1

JORDAN SPIETH AUSTRALIAN OPEN

PRIDESPORTS has expanded its Professional Tee System Evolution range with the introduction of the PTS Evolution Hybrid. Made from a unique blend of wood and plastic, the Evolution Hybrid features a banded design to help golfers insert the tee at a consistent height, while the construction of a thicker shank provides added durability. Available in lengths of 2¾” and 3¼”, it also features low-resistance tips to reduce friction at impact, while the tees are colour coded (blue 3¼, yellow 2¾) to allow for easy identification of optimum length.

DRIVER: Titleist 915 D2 (9.5°) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 915F (15°) HYBRID: Titleist 816 H2 (21°) IRONS: Titleist 716 T-MB (4), Titleist 716 AP2 (5-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM6 (46°, 52°, 56°, 60°) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron SC-009 prototype BALL: Titleist Pro V1x prototype

ROD PAMPLING

PING SIGNS HATTON TO TOUR STAFF

SHRINERS HOSPITALS OPEN DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 (10.5°) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M1 (14°) IRONS: Ping G Crossover (3), Srixon Z Forged (4-PW) WEDGES: Cleveland RTX 2.0 (50°, 54°), Cleveland 588 (60°) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Mid-length BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

PING has announced the signing of Buckinghamshire tour pro Tyrrell Hatton to a multi-year equipment contract.

CODY GRIBBLE

The 25 year old from Harleyford, who is currently 24th in the world rankings, finished runner up at the just-completed DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and won October's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews en route to finishing fourth in the Race to Dubai rankings. He amassed nine top-10 finishes on the European Tour this year, including a tie for fifth at the Open Championship and a tie for 10th at the US PGA Championship. “Tyrrell has had an outstanding year and we’re delighted he’ll be representing Ping going forward,” said Ping chairman John Solheim. “We’ve watched him very closely since he joined the European Tour two years ago, and we’ve been impressed with every aspect of his game. He had two top-10 finishes in major championships this year, which says a great deal about his ability to compete against the best players. He’s a great addition to our global tour staff and we look forward to supporting him as he continues his rise in the game.” En route to his maiden European Tour title, Hatton set a course record equaling 10-under round of 62 at the St Andrews Old Course using a Ping Vault Oslo putter for the first time. He also had a Ping G driver and Ping i irons in the bag. “I’m delighted to be officially representing the Ping brand," said Hatton. "I’ve chosen to play their equipment in the past, and I’m excited to become part of the Ping family. I believe I have the finest tools available to perform at the highest level. Each club is precisely built to my specifications, which gives me great confidence on every shot.” As part of a multi-year agreement, Hatton will wear a staff hat, use a staff bag, and play a minimum of 11 Ping clubs, including a driver and putter.

The tees, which go on sale next month in all good pro shops, are priced at £5.99 for 30.

SANDERSON FARMS CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Nike Vapor Fly (12.5°) FAIRWAY WOOD: Nike Vapor Fly (15°) HYBRID: Nike Vapor Fly (17°) IRONS: Nike Vapor Pro (3-9) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (48°), Nike Engage (53°, 59°) PUTTER: Nike Method Prototype 006

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA WGC-HSBC

DRIVER: Callaway Great Big Bertha (9.0°) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 (15°) IRONS: TaylorMade M2 Tour (3), Srixon Z 945 (4-PW) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (52°, 56°, 60°) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Timeless BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

[46] DEC/JAN 2017 | PRO SHOP

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

CALLAWAY TOUR 3.0 JACKET £179.99 CALLAWAYEUROPEAPPAREL.COM Callaway puts an equal amount of emphasis on the performance on its apparel range as it does it award-winning equipment, so it will come as no surprise that many of its staff players wear the brand, including Masters champion Danny Willett. Its Tour 3.0 jacket, which is fully waterproof and extremely breathable, is made from a soft poly rayon spandex material, which allows unhindered four-way stretch for complete ease of movement. It is available in S-XXL in black/blue/white or tango red/black/white.

PING LIMITED-EDITION ANSER £850, PINGEUROPE.COM Ping has launched a limited-edition version of the iconic Anser putter model made from the original moulds used in 1966. The manganese bronze putter, of which just 1,550 will be made, feature a sole that has been hand ground by Ping chairman John Solheim, just as he did 50 years ago in his family’s garage in California. It will be sold exclusively through Ping retailers and comes in a commemorative presentation box, with a leather putter cover and a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Mr Solheim. Staying true to the manufacturing process from 1966, the limited-edition model is sandcast using the original tools at East Bay Brass Foundry in California – the company that sand-cast the original Anser. True Temper has supplied the high-step shaft, and Golf Pride moulded the Ping PP58 grip, both with designs used in the original model. 3M, which supplied the grip tape in 1966, is the manufacturer of that used in the new model. The putters will be distinguished by either a ‘K’ (Karsten’s mold) or ‘A; (Allan’s mold) in the serial number on the inside of the hosel.

YONEX EZONE XPG £249, YONEX.CO.UK Combining high-quality materials with innovative Japanese technology and design, the EZone XPG continues Yonex’s practice of using premium materials to produce maximum performance. Slightly heavier than the previous XP driver, the XPG has a lower and deeper centre of gravity features thanks to its lightweight carbon graphite crown and an 8g weight that has been added the head. This extra weight is counterbalanced by adding 20g of tungsten powder into the butt of the grip, which makes the shaft feel lighter. An adjustable hosel allows the loft angle to be altered +/-1.5° and club face angle through eight settings for the ideal launch trajectory.

GEAR

£36 FOR 12, TRENDYGOLF.COM Max Golf Protein’s range of drinks and energy bars is a healthy and convenient alternative to the traditional golfers' diet of chocolate and sugary drinks, which, while providing a short burst of energy, will inevitably result in tiredness and reduced concentration. Each vanilla-flavoured 330ml Max Golf Protein drink contains a unique blend of ingredients which provide a slow release of protein (25g), balanced with just the right amount of carbohydrates to keep golfers at their best around 18 holes. Low in fat, and containing just 165 calories, it is the tasty way to boot your stamina and your concentration. The new Max Golf Protein bars (£24 for 12) are packed with 11g of protein and only 1.3g saturated fat, and combine natural peanuts, dates, apple-pear concentrate, soy protein and organic ingredients for a tasty, energy-boosting snack at any time of the day. Buy them in the pro shop or online at www.trendygolf.com.

GUIDE

MAX GOLF PROTEIN

PRO SHOP LEICA PINMASTER II PRO £499, LEICAGOLF.COM Leica’s new Pro laser rangefinder features Angle Compensated Distance technology, which takes the slope of the terrain between ball and target into consideration, thus helping with club selection. It also boasts FirstTarget Logic, which locks the laser onto the first target sighted, ignoring distant objects such as trees behind the flag. Offering 7x magnification, the Pro is accurate to within one yard at distances of up to 400 yards. Automatic brightness regulation ensures easy reading of the red LED digital display in all light conditions, while the lens is protected by Leica’s proprietary water-repellent AquaDura coating. An adjustable rubber casing ensures no distracting light enters the eyepiece, while the entire unit, which weighs just 220g, is housed in a durable carbon fibre shell, and comes with its own protective carry case. It is powered by a CR-2 lithium battery which promises up to 2,000 measurements.

COBRA ONE-LENGTH IRONS KING FORGED TOUR £849; KING F7 £549/£649, COBRA.CO.UK The King Forged One and King F7 irons were developed following consultation with PGA Tour player Bryson DeChambeau, who has been playing with a set of single-length irons since he was at college. The shafts are all the same length as a 7-iron, and have been engineered to offer a consistent feel and trajectory, as well as uniform distance gapping. Built with a five-step forging process for improved consistency and feel, the Forged Tour irons feature include tungsten weighting (4-7) for optimum centre of gravity positioning, TPU inserts (4-8) for vibration dampening, and increased perimeter weighting and forgiveness. The F7 irons feature a thinner face and sole structure for a larger effective hitting area, increased ball speed, and more distance. A lightweight polymer badge in the cavity moves the centre of gravity low for enhanced forgiveness and launch conditions, while milled grooves provide optimum spin and trajectory for each individual iron. Combo sets with hybrid long iron replacements are also available.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PRO SHOP | DEC/JAN 2017

[47]

CHERVO MIGLIO JACKET

MIZUNO JPX900 FAST TRACK DRIVER

£195, CHERVO.IT The sporty Miglio jacket features synthetic padding with the same thermal insulating properties as down feathers to keep the wearer warm and snug. Easier to care for, and a more hygienic and ecological product, it is breathable and extremely lightweight, yet provides the same core heat retention as natural feathers. It is available in a choice of six colours, including black, navy and grey, in sizes S-XL.

£399, GOLFMIZUNOEUROPE.COM Challenged by its tour staff to create a driver that performed like the JPX850 on centre strikes, without the drop off in ball speeds on miss-hits, Mizuno engineers have responded with a very different driver. The JPX900 boasts a raft of features engineered to propel the ball to its maximum landing point, even when miss-hit. A new multi-thickness face significantly boosts ball speeds, while a centre track with a pair of 8g adjustable weights allows players to precisely dial in spin and launch. Moving the weights to the ports on the toe and heel can alter trajectory, while the adjustable hosel provides the opportunity to move loft plus or minus two degrees, as well as switch in an alternative shaft. Another addition is a lightweight aluminum chip on the sole that allows players to manipulate the face angle without changing the loft. The JPX900 has a longer, wider and shallower profile than its previous tour models, while internal tuning forks ensure the sound remains pure regardless of the weight positions.

KJUS DWEIGHT JACKET £229, KJUS.COM This softshell jacket from high-tech Norwegian outerwear brand Kjus is made using Polartec’s Windbloc fabric, a breathable micro-porous laminate slotted between a durable outer layer and lofted inner fibres, which blocks out 100% of the wind. As well as providing maximum weather protection, Windbloc helps to retain warmth, while also being breathable. It is water and dirt repellent, fast drying, and the four-way stretch fabric offers complete freedom of movement. Washing machine-friendly, the jacket features a raised collar, a flat front zipper, front zippered pocket, and elastic sleeve hems. Choose from black, sky blue or olive green in sizes S-XXL.

STUBURT CYCLONE BOOTS £69.95, STUBURT.COM British golf footwear brand Stuburt’s sturdy Cyclone Boot is built to withstand the harshest conditions under foot, and deliver great comfort and support, without breaking the bank. The mid-cut golf boot features waterproof microfibre uppers, a padded collar and tongue, an EVA midsole and PU heel support, and a rubber outsole with 6mm studs for high levels of grip. The uppers are made from Stuburt’s eVent fabric system, which features billions of microscopic pores that are too small to let water through, but large enough to be air-permable, meaning feet stay dry and at a comfortable temperature.

FOOTJOY PRO/SL £140, FOOTJOY.CO.UK Worn by a host of top tour players, including Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Kevin Na, Andrew Johnston and Lee Westwood, FootJoy’s new Pro/SL shoes combine a soft, waterproof upper with a midsole/outsole unit that features three distinct layers for underfoot comfort, ultimate perimeter stability, and performance spikeless traction. A dual density polymer outsole material called Fine-Tuned Foam, which is 10 per cent lighter than conventional EVA foams, provides enhanced cushioning and shock absorption for added comfort. The top layer of FTF, which cradles the foot, is softer to provide all-day comfort, while the outer portion is firmer in order to deliver stability around the foot for maximum support throughout the swing. TPU nubs are strategically placed on the sole to offer more points of contact with the ground to improve grip and stability.

tried + tested ECCO COOL £220, ECCO.COM/GOLF Following a joint venture between Ecco and technical materials company WL Gore, the Cool shoe is a result of several years’ worth of research and development by both companies with the aim of creating a golf shoe that keeps a golfer’s feet feeling comfortable, cool and dry in all climates. To achieve this combination of performance properties, the Cool introduces a number of industry firsts, including Gore-Tex Surround. This sees an air channelling system housed within the grid-shaped sole structure of the shoe that provides breathability, not just through the uppers, but from all sides, including the sole, but without compromising

on waterproof protection. Gore-Tex membranes feature 1.4 billion pores per square cm, which mimics the human skin to allow moisture to escape, but is totally impervious to water trying to get in. In its application with the Cool shoe, excess moisture and heat is not only able to escape through the upper membrane, but also laterally and vertically through the breathable midsole, ensuring feet stay dry and comfortable even in warmer conditions. The uppers are made from a Hydromax-treated leather that is naturally soft, breathable, and strong, under which is placed a Gore-Tex membrane that prevents water from entering the shoe. The midsole, which is topped by

a breathable and removable inner sole, offers high levels of cushioning and comfort. Traction is provided by a Champ’s Slim-Lok cleat system, while the moulded sole provides a solid yet flexible platform from which to swing with confidence. After thorough testing in driving rain and sodden fairways, we can report the Cool to fulfil all of its bold claims, with socks remaining dry, feet cool, and the shoes offering out-of-the box comfort. The leather uppers are the softest we've ever come acrooss, further adding to in-shoe comfort, while the overall lookis bold, yet stlyish, with plenty of colour options to chose from, including white/red, white/black, black, concrete and camel.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[48] DEC/JAN 2017 | UTILITY IRONS

THE REALLY USEFUL CLUB

All good players should have at least one utility iron in their bag. Here are seven of the best

TITLEIST 716 T-MB

£169/£189, TITLEIST.CO.UK The 716 utility irons feature high-density tungsten in the sole, which delivers a combination of high launch, long carry and forgiveness in a muscleback frame. The frame surrounds a thin, unsupported stainless steel face that increases ball speed and launch angle, while up to 80g of tungsten weighting inside the body drives the centre of gravity low and deep, allowing for stronger lofts and increased MOI over the previous generation 712U. The result is high launch, low spin and high speed to offer increased carry and distance. Lofts: 17°, 20°, 23°, 26°.

SRIXON Z U65

CALLAWAY APEX

COBRA KING

A carbon steel hollow construction body allows weight in the clubhead to be repositioned low for a higher initial launch resulting in further overall carry. The same ‘Ripple effect’ can be found in the Z 65 series driver and fairway wood. It’s the most advanced innovation that Srixon has ever made, and offers maximum distance and a more forgiving launch. It features larger grooves for more spin and control on longer shots into greens. Lofts: 18°, 20°, 23°, 25° Choose from satin chrome or matt black finishes.

While aimed at better players to whom hybrids don’t necessarily appeal, the Apex has bags of built-in forgiveness thanks to its hollow body construction and forged cup face design. The latter allows the face to flex slightly at impact to create higher ball speeds across a wider area at impact, while increased sole weighting lowers the clubhead’s centre of gravity, increases spin, and helps to get the ball airborne with ease. Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24°.

Featuring a large sole with a hollow head, the King Utility boasts a cup face and a 67g tungsten weight that is positioned low and back in the head to deliver increased speed and higher launch. Using MyFly8 technology, the head can be adjusted for eight different loft and lie settings, which is a unique feature for this club category, and helps to close up any loft gaps between your irons and woods, as well as being adaptable to suit different playing conditions. Lofts: 18°, 18.5°, 19.5°, 21.5°, 22°.

MIZUNO MP H5

TAYLORMADE RSI TP UDI

The MP H5 range is designed to look and feel like one of Mizuno’s traditional blade designs, but offer more ball speed and higher launch. So while the topline and sole width is thinner than some other utility irons, they are easy to launch courtesy of a progressive head design, which moves from a half-hollow construction in the more lofted models, to a full-hollow design in the lower lofts. This drives weight low and deep in the head to improve launch conditions. Lofts: 16°, 18°, 20°, 22°, 24° and 26°.

Cast from high strength carpenter steel, the UDIs feature a hollow head construction that moves the centre of gravity lower and further back to get a higher launch than the equivalent lofted long iron. The mid-size head features a thick topline and small amount of offset. The Advanced Speed Pocket found in the RSi irons helps increase ball speed from low centre strikes on the face, although there are no face slots due to the hollow head. Lofts: 16°, 18°, 20°, 23°, 26°

£159, SRIXON.CO.UK

PING G CROSSOVER £180, PINGEUROPE.COM

Featuring a generous-sized head with an iron-style face insert made from very thin steel, the Crossover’s hollow construction is coupled with a tiered internal sole located just behind the face, which enables it to flex more at impact and generate extra ball speed. Tungsten weights in the heel and toe expand perimeter weighting to maximise forgiveness. Lofts: 18°, 21° and 24°.

£169, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

£115, MIZUNOEUROPE.COM

£169/£149, COBRAGOLF.CO.UK

£149, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU

YOUR GUIDE TO GOLFING TRIPS AT HOME AND ABROAD

TRAVEL AND BREAKS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

SPAIN'S

ISLAND JEWEL TENERIFE: A GOLF DESTINATION READY TO ERUPT

ALSO IN THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL: SPECIAL FEATURE ON DAYTONA BEACH SARAH STIRK VISITS MEXICO WIN A GOLF BREAK IN DEVON ME & MY TRAVELS WITH NICK FALDO SEVEN REASONS TO VISIT BULGARIA TRAVEL NEWS + LATEST PACKAGES

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BELFRY

GREAT VALUE BREAKS AT

THE VALE

BAGS ‘EUROPE’S BEST GOLF HOTEL’ AWARD

hile 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor is justifiably one of the most popular destinations for a golf break in Wales, there are plenty of other quality resorts in the Principality that are well worth a visit. Top of the list of alternatives should be The Vale, a luxury hotel, golf and spa resort nestled in over 650 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside just a few miles west of Cardiff. Featuring 143 bedrooms, two championship golf courses, and a spa that has just been voted the best in Wales, The Vale has all the right ingredients for a golf break to remember. The National course has been considered good enough to stage several top-flight tournaments of its own, with the European Senior Tour, Challenge Tour and EuroPro Tour all having held events here since it first opened in 2003. This swiftly maturing inland championship layout has developed a fearsome reputation, mainly due to it measuring 7,433 yards from the back tees, although there are forward tees to make it playable for club golfers. Despite the 600-yard second hole being the longest par five in Wales, the course isn’t all about big hitting, with a selection

I of superb par threes and a reachable par-four providing a welcome change of pace. The Lake Course lives up to its name, with water coming into play on 12 holes, although its shorter length makes it more playable for the higher handicapper, while still being a serious challenge for better players. Away from golf, the Vale Spa – which was voted the best spa in Wales at the 2015 World Travel Awards – offers a range of more than 50 treatments, has 19 treatment rooms, six bespoke relaxation zones, a 20-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. In addition, the spa has double suites so that two people can share a spa experience together. The resort has a range of great value golf breaks available, starting with one night’s B&B and 18 holes of golf from just £69pp. For bookings and more details, visit www.vale-hotel.com or call 01443 667800.

KENT'S

CLASSIC LINKS ARE CALLING

t’s about this time of year, when many inland courses are suffering the effects of too much rain, that a trip to the seaside to pay a free-draining links course becomes very appealing. And where better to go in search of great links golf than Kent. The county has hosted 17 Opens over the years, the first of which – Royal St George’s

in 1894 – marked the first time the prestigious major had been held outside Scotland. Since then, The Open has returned to Royal St George’s 13 times, while Royal Cinque Ports staged the global event in 1909 and 1920, and nearby Prince’s hosted it in 1932. Littlestone and North Foreland have also played their part in Kent’s rich golf history as venues for numerous

■ ROYAL ST GEORGE'S

Open Qualifying tournaments and various notable amateur championships. Golfers visiting the Kent coast can take advantage of a number of itineraries that take in a mixture of these courses while staying in local hotels. Staying The Bell Hotel in Sandwich,

golfers can play Cinque Ports, Prince’s and Littlestone for £412 (£430 w/e), or if you stay at The Lodge at Prince’s can pay £299pp (£325 w/e) to play Prince’s, North Foreland and Littlestone. For bookings call 01637 879991 or visit www.golfinkent.co.uk.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort was voted Europe’s Best Golf Hotel at the 2016 World Golf Awards in Portugal. The Warwickshire-based four-time Ryder Cup venue also retained the titles for England’s Best Golf Hotel and England’s Best Golf Course for a third successive year.

The awards' ceremony took place at the Conrad Algarve Portugal on November 12, where The Belfry fought off strong competition from some of Europe’s leading resorts. The popular Midlands resort was acknowledged for its first-class hospitality and golfing facilities, from the state-of-the-art custom fitting at the PGA Academy, through to the extensive golf shop, and its three championship layouts, including the world-renowned Brabazon course Launched in 2014, the World Golf Awards reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations from across the globe. The awards, voted for by golfers worldwide aim to raise the bar for golf experiences. James Stewart, The Belfry’s Resort Director commented: “We were absolutely delighted to have retained our titles as the Best Golf Hotel and Golf Course in England for the third consecutive year, but to have taken the European crown and be recognised alongside some of the world’s leading resorts is a huge honour. We are constantly striving to deliver the very finest standards of hospitality for every guest, and this pays testament to the efforts of our team across the whole resort. Their hard work and dedication really helps to set us apart from the competition and supports the fantastic facilities we provide for our guests.” “In this Ryder Cup year, I also wanted to highlight the fantastic work of Angus MacLeod and his greenkeeping team, who have done an incredible job on the Brabazon course to ensure it is presented in pristine condition all-year round."

2016 12 Golf News - Golf Breaks 2_163mm h x 142mm w 29/11/2016 14:24 Page 1

2017 Golf Breaks from £70

Wish you were here

Ufford Park Woodbridge

Looking for the perfect all year round venue for your golf break? Set in the heart of Suffolk and located just off the A12, our 18 hole, par 71 course is ideal for the beginner or the experienced player. Book your tee time online, visit the on-site AmericanGolf superstore and practice your swing on our 2 tier floodlit driving range, all before you even set foot on the lovingly cared for, award-winning, top winter course.

CORNWALL GOLF BREAKS Winter 2016/17 & Spring/Summer 2017 1 Night Golf Break including B&B plus 2 Rounds of Golf starts from just £70pp!! Book NOW for 2017 and secure with only 10% deposit For further information, please call Club Reception on 01566 86903 or email: reservations@trethornegolfclub.com

1 night Golf & Spa Breaks from only £95* per person Trethorne Golf Club Kennards House Launceston Cornwall PL15 8QE

01566

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includes complimentary use of the Health Club with it’s gym and pool. *Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

t 0844 847 9408 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road| Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017

[51]

COMPETITION

WIN A GOLF BREAK TO THE ENGLISH RIVIERIA!

STAY AT THE FIVE-STAR CARY ARMS & SPA AND PLAY AT HISTORIC TEIGNMOUTH GOLF CLUB

Golf News has teamed up with the renowned Cary Arms & Spa in Babbacombe and nearby Teignmouth Golf Club, to offer one lucky winner and a guest a luxury golf break on Devon’s stunning south coast. STAY Owned by Lana de Savary, the Five AA Star Cary Arms & Spa is an award-winning country inn spa that enjoys a spectacular setting beneath the cliffs on the beach at Babbacombe Bay, near Torquay. Accommodation is offered in 10 en-suite bedrooms, three self-catering cottages, and six one-bedroom luxury beach huts, and its in one of the latter that the prize winners will stay. Straddling the water’s edge, each hut boasts a spacious mezzanine bedroom with a porthole window overlooking the water, a sitting room with a stylish modern fireplace, and wall-to-wall glass doors that fold back onto a sunbathing deck. Other facilities on site include a comfortable lounge, billiard room and a recently-opened spa, which offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Dinner, which is included in the prize, will be prepared by head chef Ben Kingdon, who is passionate about fresh, local produce – so expect superb Devon beef and line-caught seafood, including Brixham hake and chips battered with Otter Ale. In finer weather, guests can dine outdoors on the manicured Garden Terraces or at the raised Captain’s Table while watching life in the bay unfold.

PLAY After a relaxing night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, the winners can take the short drive to Teignmouth Golf Club, where 18 holes await on a course that was designed by the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie. Opened in 1924, some nine years before he completed his most famous work at the Augusta National, Teignmouth boasts a 6,000-yard heathland track that offers spectacular views of the sea and nearby moors. MacKenzie's signature multi-tiered greens are much in evidence on a course that has changed little since it first opened. The yardage may be modest, but par is a lowly 69 from the whites, and with wind almost a constant factor on this exposed layout, birdies are not always easy to come by, especially on the six parthree holes.

For more details about the Cary Arms, visit caryarms.co.uk. For information about Teignmouth Golf Club visit teignmouthgolfclub.co.uk

TheManor House

& Ashbury Hotels

- The Only Sport, Craft & Spa Hotels in the UK

The prize includes an overnight stay for two people in a beach hut at the Cary Arms, with dinner and breakfast, and two green fees at Teignmouth Golf Club. TERMS & CONDITIONS

Accommodation and tee times are offered subject to availability. The prize must be taken before March 1, 2017. No cash alternative is available. The closing date for entries is January 15, 2017. TO ENTER

Simply answer the question below correctly, and email your name, address and contact details to info@ golfnews.co.uk with ‘Cary Arms competition’ in the subject line. Please also include where you picked up your copy of Golf News. QUESTION

How many beach huts are offered at the Cary Arms?

FREE GOLF at

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[52] DEC/JAN 2017 | UK BREAKS

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DORSET

DISCOVER

DARTMOOR'S

RESORT GEARS UP FOR ANOTHER ‘OPEN’ WINTER SEASON

olfers seeking a UKbased winter golfing break without the winter playing conditions should head for the Dorset Golf Resort, which promises year-round golf thanks to its continued investment in drainage and irrigation, and its underlying chalky subsoil. The 27-hole Bere Regis-based resort enjoyed another year of uninterrupted golf in 2016, and is promising more of the same in 2017. All three nine-hole loops of the Woodland, Parkland and Lakeland courses remained fully open at the popular South Coast venue, with grass tees and main greens in action throughout the winter, without a temporary playing surface in sight. Graham Packer, Dorset Golf Resort’s general manager, said: “There is no great secret to our success. We undertake new work every winter

GOLFING DELIGHTS

A ■ DORSET RESORT IS A SUPERB WINTER GOLF VENUE

to improve the course in general; we’re not fighting to maintain standards, we’re always increasing them. Each year the course looks better and that carries through into the winter. Having been rated as one of the top 150 courses in England, I’d say we’re achieving that.” The resort has always been a popular breaks destination, with its 14 Scandanavian lodges providing a luxury retreat. Capable of sleeping up to eight, each lodge boasts a kitchen, lounge with a wood burning stove, sauna and veranda. Stay and play packages start from just £73.95pp/pn in the lodges, and from £64.95pp in the Dormy Golf Hotel, which boasts 16 twin en-suite rooms. For bookings call 01929 472244 or visit www.dorsetgolfresort.com.

MAKE A DATE WITH

DALE HILL W tith two magnificent courses set deep in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Dale Hill Golf & Country Club is widely recognised as one of the leading resort venues in the south of England. The Woosnam Course was created by the former US Masters Champion, Ian Woosnam, and is his first European design. It is a particularly challenging layout, constructed to USGA specifications, and at 6,512 yards

demands and rewards accuracy off the tee. The 5,856-yard Dale Hill 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. The hotel boasts two restaurants, a lounge bar and a spike bar. The award-winning Wealden View restaurant

■ DALE HILL

offers a fine selection of dishes, many made with local ingredients, while the informal conservatory-style Eighteenth Restaurant serves a range of popular dishes and bar snacks. The 35 en-suite bedrooms are all tastefully decorated in a modern, yet comfortable style, with separate shower and plasma televisions, while free Wi-Fi access is available.

Guests can also make use of the four-star leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, sauna and gym, tennis courts and snooker room. Packages start from £99 per person, to include two rounds of golf, a two-course dinner, bed and breakfast. For details on the latest breaks, call 01580 200112 or visit www.dalehill.co.uk.

Southern Counties

HEATHLAND GOLF TOURS

s well as being home to one of the UK’s most scenic National Parks, Dartmoor is also the venue for a handful of ■ BOVEY CASTLE stunning moorland golf courses, each of which enjoys its own unique and stunning setting. Exclusive Golf Breaks has put together a ■ YELVERTON GOLF CLUB great value short break packages that give golfers the chance to choose from the delightful layouts to be found at Yelverton, Tavistock, St Mellion and Bovey Castle. The Jack Nicklaus-designed St Mellion needs little introduction to the golfing public, having hosted numerous tour events over the years, while the magnificent Bovey Castle, located in Moretonhampstead, is fast gaining a reputation as a challenging tournament venue, having hosted several EuroPro Tour events in recent years. Designed to rival its sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry, the JF Abercombie-designed course at Bovey meanders through the undulating estate, with winding streams and large Dartmoor rocks adding to the challenge at every turn. Tavistock and nearby Yelverton are both classic moorland tracks, with golfers required to share the generous fairways with herds of grazing sheep and native Dartmoor ponies, while enjoying fine views over the stunning Devon landscape. Yelverton staged the Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2006, and presents a serious test of golf, although it remains playable for all skill levels providing you don’t mind chipping out from the gorse bushes and bracken from time to time. The fastdraining Dartmoor soil not only provides tight, links-style lies, and quick putting surfaces, but it also ensures year-round play. There is a choice of accommodation options, including the Bedford Hotel in the historic market town of Tavistock, which has earned a reputation as a foodie’s paradise, while the Apple Tree Bed & Breakfast, a Grade II Victorian house also located in Tavistock, is also a recommended venue for travelling golfers. Packages start from £109 per person, for one nights’ B&B and two rounds of golf for breaks taken before February 28, 2017. For bookings, visit www.exclusivegolfbreaks.com or call 01822 618181.

To enquire call:

01822 618181 Website:

Email:

schgt.co.uk

info@exclusivegolfbreaks.com

Five of England’s finest heathland courses have joined forces as Southern Counties Heathland Golf Tour Blackmoor, Hankley Common, Hindhead, Liphook and West Sussex Staying at top quality hotels and Inns.

Packages start from just £339 playing three rounds of golf and two nights B&B at a top venue

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017

[53]

■ THRACIAN CLIFF’S

REASONS TO QUALITY

BULGARIA

In Thracian Cliffs, BlackSeaRama and the Lighthouse Resort, it’s hard to think of three more stunning championship courses located in such close proximity to each other than perhaps the holy triumvirate of Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Spyglass Hill in California. Located on a breathtaking stretch of coastland on Varna Bay, these three cliff-top gems are world-class facilities, with the Gary Player-designed duo of Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama among the most photogenic and exciting courses opened anywhere in the world in recent years. The former hosted the World Matchplay in 2013 and offers hole after hole of golfing brilliance, especially the holes located by the water’s edge, which offer heart-in-mouth ■ BLACKSEARAMA shots that you will remember for a lifetime, while the latter overs a 7,200-yard course where each hole is self-contained between towering hillocks that almost perfectly re-create an authentic links. The Light House Resort, which enjoys a cliff top location overlooking the Black Sea, is an Ian Woosnam-designed championship layout that has also been designed to resemble a links, with numerous bumps and hollows, inviting fairways, striking white bunkers and five lakes.

QUANTITY There are around a dozen courses spread between the suburbs of Sofia and the Black Sea coastal resorts, providing ample choice for lengthy golf holiday, mixed in with some rest and relaxation. Golf resorts at Pirin and Pravets are located closer to the Bulgarian capital, and are both worth playing if you’re flying in or out of Sofia.

QUIET

CLIMATE While sub-zero temperatures are the norm in the depths of winter, autumn and spring are very mild – averaging 20-25 degrees – and offer a perfect climate for golf. Temperatures in the peak summer months of July and August can reach 30-35 degrees, although coastal courses enjoy cooling sea breezes.

VALUE With Bulgaria outside of the Eurozone, the pound goes a long way. Green fees at the top-end courses vary between £50 at Lighthouse to £85 for Thracian Cliffs during high season, while a nice meal at a local restaurant will cost less than £10, and a bottle of beer no more than a pound.

TRANSPORT

SAMPLE PACKAGE: Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort May 2017: 7 Nights + 4 Rounds - Early Booking Offer 1 May - 31 May 17: 7 nights double room + bed & breakfast 4 rounds (1 x BlackSeaRama + 1 x Lighthouse + 2 x Thracian Cliffs) + airport and golf course transfers + trolley and range balls included + free buggy included at Thracian Cliffs Early booking discount just £589 per person T: 01342 811777 W: www.golf-escapes.com

Voted the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in 2011, Bulgaria has since been discovered, but there are still plenty of people who are unaware of its charms, so tee times are readily available on weekdays, although things get busier over the weekends, when Sofia’s elite heads for the coast for a bit of play time. Don’t expect much in the way of local nightlife, however, so be prepared to make your own fun.

Bulgaria is only three hours away by air from the UK, with British Airways and Bulgaria Air serving Varna International Airport, which is just 20 miles from the main golf resorts. Wizz Air also offers regular flights to Varna from Luton, with return flights costing from £195pp during the summer months. For bookings visit wizzair.com.

BEACHES

The main coastal resorts have all been built alongside blue flag beaches, where soft sand, clear waters, and plenty of restaurants and bars make for a relaxing beach holiday. If you want to get away from the seaside resorts, it’s only a short drive to dozens of unspoilt places, including the peninsular walled town Nesebar, where cobbled streets, old churches and ancient monuments provide a welcome change of pace.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT BULGARIA’S TOURIST OFFICE WEBSITE AT WWW.BULGARIATRAVEL.ORG.

[54] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL REVIEW TENERIFE

TENERIFE ROCKS Matt Nicholson flies out to the volcanic island of Tenerife, where luxury hotels and stunning golf courses rub shoulders with the wilder elements of this most dramatic of landscapes

■ BUENAVISTA WAS CREATED BY THE LATE SEVE BALLESTEROS AND IS ONE OF HIS FINEST DESIGN PROJECTS

■ THE BLACK VOLCANIC SOIL MAKES FOR A DRAMATIC BACKDROP TO A GAME AT GOLF DEL SUR

lthough I’ve enjoyed a few great ‘bucket and spade’ holidays to Tenerife with the family over the years, I have to admit that I’d never really considered taking my golf clubs along with me, despite the superb year-round weather that the island enjoys. However, I’d heard from a couple of friends who had taken their sticks over there that the island’s nine courses were worth a look, so it was with a good deal of interest that I boarded a Monarch flight in late October from Gatwick, to sample three hand-picked courses and enjoy some sightseeing on this dramatic island located off the west coast of Africa. Our flight from London departed mid-afternoon and landed at Tenerife South some four hours later. We were picked up in our minibus to transfer to our hotel for the next two nights – the Ritz Carlton Abama, which was 45 minutes away along the south west coast. Arguably the best – and newest – resort on the island, Abama raised the stakes for both hotels and golf in Tenerife when it first opened in 2005. Styled on a Moorish village, the five-star resort occupies a 400-acre clifftop location overlooking the island of La Gomera. Adult guests are likely to be won over by its choice of 10 restaurants, spa, seven tennis courts,

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017 [55]

■ THE FIVE-STAR ABAMA RESORT IS THE JEWEL IN TENERIFE'S GOLFING CROWN

changes, buggies are essential (and are included in the green fee with built-in GPS). Thomas’s brief was to give the owners the ‘Augusta in the Atlantic’, and he certainly did this with regard to the speed of the greens, as they initially ran so fast that the women pros playing in the first Tenerife Ladies Open were putting off the greens with alarming regularity. Our group didn’t fair much better, with numerous four-putts recorded, and, dare I say it, one five-putt. The pick of the holes was the stretch of three from the fifth, which climbs to the peak of the course and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The ninth and 10th are also stunning holes, with the latter being a par-five that plunges downhill from a high tee near the clubhouse. All told, it’s a truly memorable course played against the backdrop of equally memorable scenery. After our round, we had lunch on the clubhouse terrace with Abama’s director of golf Brendan Breen, before heading off to the marina to set sail for some afternoon whale and dolphin watching. If you plan your trip carefully, an early tee time will allow you to get a game in before you set sail in good time before sunset, and seeing such stunning creatures right up close is something that will live long in my memory. Once back at the marina, we headed up the road to dinner at the Hotel Jardin Tropical’s Los Rocas restaurant. It claims to be the closest restaurant to the sea on the island, and on discovering that our table was only a few feet away from the crashing waves, I certainly wasn’t going to argue with that assertion. After another excellent meal, it was time to spend our final night at Abama. Following an excellent breakfast, we headed off to Golf Del Sur, probably the most famous course on the island. Opened in 1987, the iconic layout is renowned for the volcanic black sand that lines its huge bunkers. It has hosted numerous European Tour events over the years, with José Maria Olazabal and Mark James among those on its honours board, while Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els also played here in Shell Wonderful World of Golf series in the year it first opened. Boasting three loops of nine – Links, North and South – the course features wide fairways lined with palm trees and cactus plants. We played the South and North nines, which have many notable holes, with the par threes being particularly strong, while the finish is also particularly memorable. After the round we organised a trip to Mount Teide, the island’s impressive – and active – volcano, which dominates the skyline from every part of the island. Before reaching the summit, we stopped off for lunch as the Altos De Trevejos Vineyard, where a quick tour, and a sample of the latest vintage, was enjoyed by all. We then continued our journey up to the volcano summit, through the winding roads and the thick lush ➼

GOLF DEL SUR, PROBABLY THE MOST FAMOUS COURSE ON THE ISLAND. OPENED IN 1987, THE ICONIC LAYOUT IS RENOWNED FOR THE VOLCANIC BLACK SAND THAT LINES ITS HUGE BUNKERS

private beach, suites and private villas, while kids can run wild in an all-inclusive kids’ club during the peak holiday season. After checking into an extremely comfortable room, we met up for a quick drink at the hotel’s sports bar, before heading to the newly-opened TXOKO restaurant, where Spanish celebrity chef Martin Berasategui specialises in traditional tapas. After a very nice meal, it was time for a good night’s sleep ahead of our first round of the trip on the resort’s own championship golf course. In the morning we were taken by the hotel’s courtesy shuttle bus to the clubhouse, where we picked up our buggy and tried out the club’s impressive practice facilities. Host venue for the Tenerife Ladies Open in recent years, the 6,850-yard layout, which was designed by the late Dave Thomas, winds its way through thousands of palm trees and cacti and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and La Gomera. There are 22 lakes, joined by a series of waterfalls, while numerous large bunkers, filled with brilliant white sand, add to the challenge. With dramatic elevation

■ WHALE AND DOLPHIN-SPOTTING IS A POPULAR ACTIVITY FOR VISITORS TO TENERIFE

[56] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

➼

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

forests of the Teide National Park, which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view from the upper slopes was simply awe-inspiring, with the terrain looking like something you would expect to find on Mars. At 12,198ft above sea level, it’s Spain’s highest point, and consequently is a lot cooler than the 75 degrees we had been playing golf in. Given the nature of our trip, I couldn’t resist hitting a tee shot from the peak. Perhaps not strictly within the Rules of Golf, but a unique experience nonetheless. We then started our descent to the north side of the island, and while driving above the clouds, and then through them, the beauty of the coastline was laid out before us as we made our way to our next destination, Hotel Melia Hacienda de Conde in the north west of the island. Located hard by the sea, the boutique-style ■ MOUNT TEIDE DOMINATES THE SKYLINE FOR ALL PARTS OF THE ISLAND ■ TEEING OFF AT SPAIN’S HIGHEST POINT hotel overlooks Buenavista Golf, one of the late Seve Ballesteros’s most cherished designs. After checking into our elegant suites, we enjoyed a late dinner in the hotel’s Restaurante Salazar, and again couldn’t find fault in the food, so much so that we asked for the chef to come out from the kitchen to give him a well deserved round of applause. Our final day arrived, and we were transported down to Buenavista’s stylish clubhouse, where we soon discovered that the course truly lived up to its name. With stunning panoramic vistas from every hole on a course that is framed by the crashing waves of the Atlantic on one side and the Teno mountain range on the other, Seve has weaved his magic to create a superb holiday track that has a unique mix of six par threes, six fours and six fives. With many holes seemingly hanging out over the water’s edge – especially the ■ COSTA ADEJE par-five 13th, and the stunning par threes at 15 and 17 – it requires the touch and imagination of the great man himself in order to score well, especially when the wind is up. The closing holes near the ocean on the back nine wouldn’t look out of place at Pebble Beach, while the service is first class both on and off the course. AMARILLA GOLF After our round we gathered at the club’s private swimming pool carved out of the LOCATION: SOUTH COAST volcanic rocks next to the sea, before heading off back to the airport at the end of what Right next to the ocean, the landscape had been a few memorable and action-packed days. designer Donald Steel created an 18-hole With just a four-hour flight, a small, but excellent stock of memorable courses to play golf course overlooking the sea where you and luxury hotels to stay in, I’d strongly advise reassessing any preconceptions you may are sometimes obliged to drive the ball hve of Tenerife. I certainly have, and will be going back for more. over the waves onto the next green. ■ LAS AMERICAS AMARILLAGOLF.COM

THE VIEW FROM THE UPPER SLOPES WAS SIMPLY AWE-INSPIRING, WITH THE TERRAIN LOOKING LIKE SOMETHING YOU WOULD EXPECT TO FIND ON MARS. AT 12,198FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL, IT’S SPAIN’S HIGHEST POINT

OTHER MUST-PLAY TENERIFE COURSES

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LOCATION: SOUTH COAST Golf Costa Adeje is surprising because it is superbly adapted to its surroundings. Pepe Gancedo designed an unusual layout respecting the old farm terraces that slope down to the sea, framed by the original dry stone walls, with really beautiful views of the ocean.

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LOCATION: SOUTH COAST In the centre of Playa de Las Américas, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the south of the island, Golf Las Américas stands out for its fantastic location in a natural amphitheatre facing the sea, with superb ocean views of the island of La

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LOCATION: SOUTH COAST This nine-hole, par-27 course and is luxuriant, colourful garden. Virtually on one level and featuring refreshing water obstacles of lakes and streams, it's perfect for beginners or for improving your short game. Designed by José María Olazábal, make sure you finish with a drink on the terrace which boasts a lovely view overlooking the entire course.

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Gomera. The designer, John Jacobs, gave priority to the hazardes on this 18-hole, course, which measures 6,039 metres. The clubhouse is an architectural gem, with comfortable balconies offering excellent views of the golf course.

GOLFLASAMERICAS.COM REAL CLUB DE GOLF DE TENERIFE

LOCATION: NORTH EAST COAST Founded in 1932, this is the second oldest golf club in Spain and still preserves a typically British air of distinction. Situated at 600m above sea level, it boasts 18 holes in undulating fairways that ascend with a spectacular view of Mount Teide. The dry stream beds play a part in several holes.

RCGT.ES TECINA GOLF

LOCATION: LA GOMERA At La Gomera, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Tenerife, Donald Steel designed a striking 18-hole course perched on a cliff and overlooking the sea and Teide, boasting impressive views. The native vegetation in the upper areas becomes more exuberant as the course slopes down to the sea, until it reaches a beauty spot full of tropical and fruit trees.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ALL THESE COURSES AND EVERYTHING TENERIFE HAS TO OFFER TO GO: WEBTENERIFE.CO.UK

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL COLUMN | DEC/JAN 2017

[57]

A popular stopover with PGA Tour pros during the autumn, the Mexican golfing hotspot of Cancun has all the right ingredients for a golf holiday to remember – providing you don’t overdo the magaritas, says Sarah Stirk

■ EL CAMALEON MAYAKOBA HOSTS THE PGA TOUR'S OHL CLASSIC

■ DON'T MISS THE WONDERFUL MAYAN TEMPLES

■ MARGARITAS ARE NEVER IN SHORT SUPPLY AT CANCUN'S ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY HOTELS

GOLF IS STILL REGARDED as something of an elitist sport in Mexico and, although the numbers are growing, it’s not yet that popular among the locals. But lack of domestic enthusiasm hasn’t slowed the rapid expansion in the course-building programme. Some of the best are concentrated around Mexico’s most popular tourist destination, Cancun, which is right on the easternmost tip of the the Yucatan Peninsula. Having spent a year at an American university, I know too well the appeal of Cancun with fun-loving spring breakers. However, that part of the world isn’t just about late night shenanigans and days spent topping up the tan – it’s also an exceptional golfing hotspot, home to some 15 courses and counting, which continue to receive rave reviews. The area is known as the Riviera Maya, and it stretches about 75 miles from the high-rise bustle of Cancun, down to the far quieter village of Tulum, famous for its Mayan ruins. There are about 150 hotels in Cancun, with more than 24,000 rooms that accommodate four million visitors a year. The hotels are strung out along both legs of an island that is shaped like the figure ‘7’. There are bridges at both ends that straddle a lagoon and connect it to the mainland. Nearly all the golf courses are right along the main highway, Route 307, running between the two towns, the most famous of which is El Camaleón Mayakoba, a Greg Norman design that hosts the PGA Tour's OHL Classic in November. Having covered the event for the previous three years, I know how much the players love the vibe there. Its position in the schedule adds to the appeal, as part of the Fall Series, it always feels like a working holiday. They have it tough those PGA Tour pros, don’t they? The course itself is an interesting design, full of variety, as it meanders through an ever-changing landscape of lush mangroves, dense forest and out along the coastline. The indigenous design is evident from the opening hole, with an imposing cenote – an ancient underground cavern – located slap bang in the middle of the fairway. A round here is pretty punchy – $199 if you're a guest at one of Mayakoba's three hotels, and $299 if you're a visitor – but for the spectacular views out over the Caribbean Sea, it’s worth every penny. One of my favourite things, however, is the unique canal system, where you can step out of your hotel room straight onto a thatched roofed boat, which will whisk you to the first tee. Door-to-door service at it’s finest! Mayakoba has three hotels: the Fairmont, Rosewood and Banyan Tree, and sits almost halfway between Cancun and Tulum. It's also just a quick drive from Playa del Carmen, a fun little beach town with great shopping, an excellent choice of restaurants and, by all accounts, some rather lively nightlife. The pedestrian-only

Fifth Avenue is a great hangout for some after-dinner drinks and a spot of people watching. When you’re done golfing or lounging on the beach, the most popular activities are touring the Mayan ruins and snorkeling the many coral reefs. The natural limestone sinkholes are big with the scuba crowd, and if you have a few hours to spare, the 45-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen to the island of Cozumel is well worth it, as the scenery is spectacular. In terms of other golf, there‘s plenty on offer, the nearby Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club is an enjoyable test. What this fun P.B. Dye course lacks in gulf views, it makes up for with dramatic undulations and lots of visual variety. It's definitely worth buying a yardage book here, because the course is tricky for first-timers. Its pedigree is highlighted by the fact it’s a host venue for a Canadian Tour event. The area's southern-most course, at Tulum's Bahia Principe resort, is also highly regarded. Known as Riviera Maya Golf Club, it's a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with a lot of water, dramatic stone-lined fairways, and greens of smooth paspalum, a saltwater-tolerant grass. Coatis and raccoons are a familiar sight as you meander around. Pok Ta Pok Golf Club has a central location in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, between the Nichupte Lagoon and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This 18-hole golf course was designed in 1976, also by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and is a fair test for midto-high handicappers. It was built on land sacred to the Mayans, and you can still see some of the archaeological treasures and ruins dotted around the golf course. Because they are principally aimed at the US market, they have the look and feel of American courses. Having passed through the security gate, you will be warmly greeted, your clubs will be strapped to the back of a buggy and you will be well looked after. The green fees, too, are broadly equivalent to what you would expect

THE HOTELS OPERATE A CANAL SYSTEM THAT LETS YOU STEP OUT OF YOUR BEDROOM ON TO A THATCHED ROOF BOAT WHICH WILL WHISK YOU OFF TO THE FIRST TEE to pay in the States ■ A SINK HOLE HAS TO BE AVOIDED ON THE OPENING HOLE AT EL CAMALEON MAYAKOBA and so, if you’re looking for a cheap alternative to Florida, you may be disappointed. However, if the sound of swaying palm trees and endless hours of sunshine appeals – and you don’t mind a 12-hour direct flight from the UK – then I’m sure you need little persuasion to add it to your bucket list of winter golfing destinations. As PGA Tour pro Jason Bohn enthused during this year’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba when asked about his favourite part of the week, he replied: ‘The margaritas!’ I’ll drink to that.

[58] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

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TRAVEL REVIEW DAYTONA BEACH

DRIVING IN

DAYTONA BEACH Famed across the world for its beaches and its adrenaline-fuelled speedway circuit, Daytona Beach also boasts some of Florida’s finest golf courses, where a world-class golf vacation is as thrilling as it is affordable

■ THERE ARE PLENTY OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITES IN THE DAYTONA BEACH AREA

hen you close your eyes and think of Florida, what comes to mind? Great weather? Tick. Beautiful beaches? Tick. World-class golf? Tick. All this, and more, awaits at Daytona Beach, one of Florida's fastest growing golf destinations. The area is covered in famous fairways that offer challenges for every skill level, all designed by legends of the sport. And it's why Daytona Beach has been repeatedly named one of America’s most popular places to play. Daytona Beach’s central location on Florida’s Atlantic coast makes it the perfect spot to stay and play. With more than 20 golf courses within a short drive of each other, and discounted golf packages offering unrivaled rates, the hardest decision might be where to play first. Want to play where the pros play? Then take a swing at the LPGA International, a worldclass resort located right on the doorstep of the headquarters of the LPGA Tour in Daytona Beach. Its two championship courses designed by Arthur Hills and Rees Jones, are distinct in design and play, but both are great for all handicap ranges. At 6,984 yards off the competition tees, the Hills features superb

natural wetlands, narrow pine corridors, small greens, and strategically-placed water hazards and bunkers. The signature Rees Jones layout is a favourite of the tour players and offers 7,088 yards of linksstyle golf. The creative player is rewarded with multiple options on nearly every shot, while after a round, visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner or sunset drinks overlooking the course and lake at Malcolm’s Bar and Grill. Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club, also in Daytona Beach, is a challenging 18-hole 6,900-yard course set among a gated fly-in residential community. Boasting a beautiful layout, with recently renovated greens and bunkers, Spruce Creek is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the area. Another must-play in the area is Venetian Bay Town & Country Club in New Smyrna Beach, just 15 miles south of Daytona Beach. Offering a 6,918-yard championship course designed by Ezell and Clifton Design, the layout is for everyone, from experienced players to newcomers. It also boasts excellent practice facilities and a modern clubhouse, with a full restaurant and bar. A short 45-minute drive to the west of Daytona Beach, nestled among Florida’s lush inland landscape, and winding around its fresh

■ LPGA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS COURSE

water lakes, several courses offer relaxation and intrigue. Victoria Hills Golf Club, in DeLand, preserves the natural flow of the area’s rolling hills and foliage, while providing golfers with plenty of challenges. This Ron Garldesigned course at Victoria Park, surrounded by hundreds of oaks and Augusta pines, is meticulously carved from a sandy terrain and buffered by pristine lakes and greens. Amenities include a golf shop, Mulligan’s Tavern and Grille, equipment rental and more. Sandhill Golf Course, also in DeLand,

■ LPGA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CLUBHOUSE

offers a relaxed atmosphere that promotes a challenging game for all abilitiies, with greens surrounded by majestic oaks. DeBary Golf & Country Club is consistently chosen as a US Open qualifying venue, and is a four-star rated course, while Glen Abbey, also in DeBary, winds through gently rolling landscapes and around lakes and tree-lined fairways. The Deltona Club boasts an award-winning unique course design featuring varying elevation changes. Daytona Beach offers golfers travelling

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017 [59]

OPTION 1 PACKAGE STAY 5 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY (HILTON DAYTONA BEACH OCEANFRONT RESORT), WITH 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF IN DAYTONA BEACH (LPGA HILLS AND JONES AND VICTORIA HILLS)? INCLUDES RETURN FLIGHTS FROM LGW INTO ORLANDO WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS (MANCHESTER SUPPLEMENTS APPLY) DAY TICKET TO THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AT SAWGRASS ** FREE GOLF CLUB CARRIAGE WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS ** BOOK WITH YOUR GOLF TRAVEL - DEPARTING 11 MAY - FROM £1049PP BASED ON 2 SHARING

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with families a fun-filled playground, with its 23 miles of sparkling coastline to explore and enjoy. And while it’s possible to tee up 18 holes in the morning at one course and play 18 more at a different course before the sun sets, there are so many off-the-course options that it’s hard to decide how to spend the afternoon. Imagine teeing off in the morning on a world-class course and being at the Daytona International Speedway, the world centre of racing, in the afternoon. Home of the Daytona 500, the iconic speedway track completed a stunning $400 million ‘reimagining’ project. Known as 'Dayton Rising', this project transformed the Speedway into the world's only pure motorsports stadium, a facility that provides fans with premium amenities and unparalleled conveniences. The popular guided Speedway Tour allows visitors to experience the 31-degree high banks for themselves, before walking in the footsteps of legends past and present and climbing the podium in Victory Lane. Tours now include a visit to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which opened in 2016, where spectacular displays honour all forms of motorsport. The whole experience provides a long list of exclusive sights that even non-race fans will appreciate.

Venture to one of many beachfront parks to mix a beach day with spotting wildlife. Stroll nature trails and enjoy scenic vistas from observation towers, and spectacular 360-degree views of the Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway and more at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Completed in 1887, the lighthouse is a fascinating piece of Florida history. It towers above others as the tallest lighthouse in Florida. This majestic facility, tucked away in the charming town of Ponce Inlet, stretches 175 feet into the sky. Feeling adventurous? Climb the 203 steps to the top for some truly breathtaking scenery and oneof-a-kind photo opportunities, and explore the on-site museum. Visitors come year-round to swim in sparkling waters and scuba dive at offshore reefs – but there's even more to do off the beach. Be sure to enjoy the extensive collection of state and local parks, and hiking and biking trails for inland experiences that are guaranteed to excite. From November to March, visitors can witness hundreds of manatees seeking the warm water refuge at Blue Spring State Park. Take the whole family on an eco-tour adventure to experience a truly unique environment firsthand. For some excitement that’s also educational,

the Museum of Arts & Sciences, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate in Daytona Beach, offers a children’s museum, planetarium shows, and a 90-acre nature reserve. Next door is the allnew Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, the largest collection of Florida art in the world. Another fascinating learning experience awaits at the Marine Science Centre in Ponce Inlet, where there are shark and stingray touchtanks, and opportunities to hold sea urchins and see newly-hatched sea turtles in the sea turtle hospital. On Daytona Beach, splashing in the waves and building sandcastles is just the beginning. The fun continues at Ocean Walk Shoppes, a colourful dining, shopping and entertainment complex set by the ocean. It features a cinema and a wide variety of dining options, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Mai Tai Bar, Cold Stone Creamery, Sloppy Joe’s, Johnny Rocket’s and more. Or dine on the Daytona Beach Pier at Joe's Crab Shack, where the seafood is as delightful as the oceanfront view. Daytona Beach’s culinary scene is experiencing a steady influx of exciting options – from off-the-beaten-path eateries to independent restaurants serving specialty fare from award-winning fine dining options from The Cellar, 31 Supper Club and Spanish River Grille, to vegetarian-friendly eclectic favourites such as Dancing Avocado Kitchen and Kale Café and Juice Bar. Whether it’s fresh seafood served in a casual atmosphere at an oceanfront restaurant or something on the fine side accompanied by an impeccable wine list, the variety pleases all palettes. Add exceptional craft beer to the itinerary with the growing ‘Daytona Beach Ale Trail’. Each location has a unique atmosphere -- and all are owned and operated by those who are truly passionate about their brews. The craft beer offerings are diverse; while some serve delicious tapas and meals, and others encourage visits to neighbouring eateries or welcome favourite dishes brought in, picnic-

style. The food truck scene is emerging, and on any given night a food truck or two will be parked nearby, ready to serve up a delectable dining experience to share with friends and family. If shopping is a favourite pastime, you’ll find bargains and treasures galore in Daytona Beach. The new Tanger Outlets opened in November and features over 75 of the most popular brands and designers. Volusia Mall recently completed a $5 million upgrade and is home to large department stores like Dillard’s and Macy’s, along with over 100 shops, restaurants and a food court. Opening in 2017 – One Daytona is a premier retail, dining and entertainment destination across from Daytona International Speedway. Head downtown to the historic Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach, where a wide range of independently-owned boutiques and authentic eateries offer a unique atmosphere. Other downtown areas in Ormond Beach, DeLand and New Smyrna Beach continue to add eclectic new shops and resturants. If flea market finds are up your alley, don’t miss the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market, recognised as one of the largest flea markets in Florida. Getting to Daytona Beach is easy. There are direct flights into Daytona Beach International from New York (JetBlue), Atlanta (Delta) and Charlotte (American Airlines), and the airports in Orlando and Jacksonville are just an hour’s drive away. In fact, Daytona Beach is just a 90-minute drive south of TPC Sawgrass, the home of The Players Championship – golf’s unofficial fifth major. Jason Day returns in 2017 to defend his title at the renovated Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass May 9-14, which presents an ideal opportunity to watch the world’s best in action, and then try your own hand at creating a bit of golfing history.

CONTACT DETAILS DAYTONA BEACH AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU WWW.DAYTONABEACH.COM FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/ DAYTONABEACH TWITTER: @DAYTONABEACHFUN INSTAGRAM: @DISCOVERDAYTONABEACH TEL: (386) 255-0415

[60] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

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ENJOY A VINTAGE BREAK WITH

BORDEAUX’S GOLF PASS

■ GOLF DU MEDOC BOASTS TWO SUPERB LAYOUTS IN THE HEART OF FRANCE'S MOST REVERED WINE REGION

olfers visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux can now take advantage of a great value green fee package following the creation of a partnership between two of the region’s top golf clubs. Grand Saint Emilionnais Golf Club and Golf du Médoc Resort have joined forces to launch the Bordeaux Signature Golf Pass, which offers three green fees for an all-inclusive price of €230 during the high season (Apr 1–Oct 31) and €169 during the low season (Nov 1–Mar 31). The pass, which also includes a complimentary pull cart and a welcome gift, is valid for seven

■ THE STUNNING NEW CITÉ DU VIN MUSUEM IN BORDEAUX

days, starting with the first round and playing at least one course in each club. The recently-opened course at Grand Saint Emilionnais is the first Continental European design by renowned American

architect Tom Doak, who other projects includes Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and the Renaissance Club in Scotland. Located just six miles from St Emilion, the 18-hole course occupies a stunning

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1989. Playing very much like a Scottish links, it is a past host of the French Open and earned the award of ‘best golf course in France’ at the 2014 World Golf Awards. The Vignes course is the work of Canadian architect Rod Whitman – the man behind Cabot Links in Nova Scotia – who produced a beautiful layout that perfectly blends heathland holes with the local maritime pines. Standout holes include the dogleg par fives at 11 and 16, while the short holes at 13 and 17 are equally memorable, with the former’s green ringed by pines, while the latter is protected by a crescent-shaped bunker to catch anything left short. Away from the golf courses and famous wine estates,

Bordeaux, the self-styled ‘Wine Capital of the World’, is enjoying something of a renaissance as a short break destination, with regular low cost flights from the UK servicing an increasingly vibrant city that has thrown off most of its industrial roots. The old shipyards have been cleared to make way for a more attractive landscape, buzzing with great restaurants and bars along the banks of the Garonne, while there is lots to see and do, including the new Cité du Vin, a striking wine museum which opened last year at a cost of €63 million. For more details about the Bordeaux Signature Golf Pass, visit www. signaturegolfdestination.com

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free-flowing site among a valley of centenary oaks framed by vineyards on all sides. Feature holes include short par fours at the 2nd, 7th and 8th, while the green at the par3 ninth sits teasingly behind a lake. The back nine is 300 yards longer than the front, and includes two par fives, which are played back-to-back at 15 and 16. An elevated clubhouse offers superb views over the 250-acre estate, while a small number of apartments have been built for guests to rent. Golf du Medoc offers two championship courses, the Chateaux and the Vignes. The former was designed by another leading US architect, Bill Coore, and first opened in

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ast month saw a team of 20 UK golfers travel over to America to try and restore some lost European pride by taking part in the 26th staging North Carolina International Tee Party. Organised by Sussex-based tour operator Eagle Golf Tours, the week-long competition pitted a team of 20 amateur golfers from all over the British Isles against a rival team of Americans on a selection of top-class courses in and around Brunswick Isles, North Carolina. A mixed competition, which is open to all amateurs with official handicaps, the North Carolina International Tee Party is a fiercely fought event, but is always played in the true spirit of good sportsmanship and friendship. Sadly, there was to be no turnaround in the result from the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, and the home side took the spoils 24-16, after proving too good for the visitors in the foursomes

■ THE SEA TRAIL RESORT (ABOVE) AND THE WINDS RESORT (RIGHT)

and fourball formats. The UK rallied in the final day singles, winning 11-9, but it wasn’t enough to claw back the USA lead established from the first two days. The competition was again superbly hosted by Winds Resort Beach Club and the Sea Trail Resort, while competitors stayed in a variety of accommodation, from onebedroom oceanfront suites to three- or four-bedroom town houses and apartments. In addition to the three tournament rounds, guests also enjoyed a pre-match practice round, followed by a welcome reception and an extra competition on the

wonderful Crow Creek course. While a few guests stayed just for the seven nights of the competition before returning home, the majority either added extra days at The Winds, or moved on to other golf destinations in the region, including Pinehurst, Myrtle

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017

CRUISE YOUR WAY AROUND EUROPE’S TOP TOUR VENUES CLUBS GO FREE WITH YOUR GOLF TRAVEL L

eading golf tour operator Your Golf Travel has formed an exclusive partnership with British Airways that will enable golfers to travel to over 180 long haul destinations around the world with free golf bag carriage. Golfers who book a package with Your Golf Travel can take their golf bags at no extra cost to far-flung golf destinations such as America, Bermuda, Africa, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Asia and Australia. While value is very much to the fore, Your Golf Travel also offers a range of exclusive premium holidays, including special hospitality and ticket packages to the Masters Tournament at Augusta, which next year takes place from April 6-9. Golf fans can choose between attending practice days, one of the opening two rounds, or a weekend package for the final two rounds, and throw in a round or two at local courses for as little as £2,495, including return flights to Atlanta and car hire. Bed and breakfast accommodation is offered between three and five nights depending in the package. For golfers who prefer to play rather than watch, the Mexican resort of Cancun is one of the fastest growing long-haul destinations, with plenty of top class courses and luxury hotels. YGT is currently offering seven nights' all-inclusive at the Playacar Palace resort and unlimited rounds on the Moon Spa and River Cancun golf clubs for just £1,449pp, with flights included. To find the latest long haul offers, visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head, all of which are within a two-hour drive. Anyone interested in joining the UK team for the 27th North Carolina International Tee Party, which takes place from November 1-8, 2017, should call Eagle Golf Tours on 01273 419111, or visit www.eaglegolftours.com.

olfers looking for a leisurely way to explore some of Eastern Europe’s little known championship golf courses should consider booking a berth on a new golf river cruises package hosted by AmaWaterways. The exclusive 10-night packages launch on the Danube in April, and combine seven nights on an AmaWaterways river cruise, with three nights in Prague, and the opportunity to play five rounds of golf on championship courses in five different

European countries. The clubs included in the golfing itinerary are the Albatross Golf Centre in Prague (Czech Open); Bad Griesbach, Germany (Porsche European Open); the Diamond Course, Atzenbrugg, Austria, (Lyoness Austrian Open); Legends Course, Senica, Slovakia (Slovakian Open); and Pannonia Country Club, Budapest, Hungary (Hungarian Open). Whilst on-board, guests will be able to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of their floating hotel and the delicious award-winning cuisine, which includes an exclusive dining experience from La Chaine de Rotisseurs. Free flowing wine, beer and soft drinks are included with every lunch and dinner onboard. Other AmaWaterways facilities include a gym, spa facilities and swimming pool on the Sun Deck with

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a swim-up bar. For guests travelling with non-golf playing partners there are numerous activities and excursions included in the standard river cruise fare. A seven-night cruise on the Danube, a three-night pre/post stay in Prague, and five rounds of golf, starts from £4,276pp. For more information call 0800 320 2335 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.

[62] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

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CLUBSTOHIRE LAUNCHES SPEEDY NEW WEBSITE

SAVOUR THE DELIGHTS OF EGYPT’S NEW-LOOK SOMABAY RESORT

olf club rental firm ClubstoHire.com has launched a brand new website designed to cater for around 300,000 visits per year from travelling golfers looking to secure quality clubs at many of the world’s most popular golfing destinations. The launch of the colourful, interactive site is the result

of six months of IT product development and an investment of €150,000 in back end infrastructure to speed up bookings and improve the customer experience. The new site features a welcome from the company’s new brand ambassador, European Tour player David Howell, and portrays key

locations such as Faro, Cape Town and Orlando. “We’re now dealing with up to 25,000 enquiries a month, so investing in our website was really important, as we continue to provide the best possible service and experience to our customers,” said ClubstoHire’s chief executive Tony Judge. “With the help of the new site, we now hope to grow the business by between 10%-15% over the next year, as more and more golfers appreciate the convenience

of renting top quality clubs at reasonable prices.” The Dublin-based rental firm offers the latest clubs on the market from between €35 and €60 per week at 23 locations around the world, including the United States, Thailand, South Africa and five different countries across the Mediterranean. It supplies current sets of clubs from brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno and Wilson. For more information, visit www.ClubstoHire.com.

he Red Sea resort of Somabay has recently announced the reopening of its Cascades Course following an extensive renovation over the summer. Designed by Gary Player, the newly-refurbished layout promises a unique and unforgettable golfing experience. Guests teeing off on the 18-hole course can enjoy panoramic views over the sparkling turquoise waters of the Red Sea as they play under the clear blue skies of Somabay.

■ GARY PLAYER'S SOMABAY ENJOYS SPECTACULAR SEA VIEWS

BRITTANY UNVEILS FERRY GOOD BREAK DEALS!

he 2017 Brittany Ferries golf brochure, offering breaks to golf courses and resorts all over Northern and Western France and Northern Spain, is now out. Packed with great value holidays in some of France and Spain’s most popular destinations, the brochure has all the details you need to plan a golfing getaway to remember. And with Brittany Ferries, getting there is very much part of the holiday,, and golfers can

make the most of their precious time by crossing the channel overnight. With a fleet of luxury cruise-ferries, offering en-suite cabins, fine French restaurants and stylish bars, they provide

a uniquely relaxing way of travelling. And getting to the continent couldn’t be easier, with five routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to western France, as well as two to northern Spain. Among the exclusive offers in 2017 is a special Ryder Cup package in June, which involves three rounds of golf at Le Golf

■ 2018 RYDER CUP VENUE LE GOLF NATIONAL

National, host venue of the 2018 Ryder Cup, and two nights in a local hotel. Other sample packages include the Dinan to Dinard, which includes one night on board in a cabin; two nights’ B&B at the Hotel Mercure Dinan Port; and three rounds of golf (Dinard, Val André and St Cast), from only £308 per person. Sailings are form Portsmouth to St Malo, with return trips from Caen or Cherbourg to Portsmouth or Poole.

For more information, visit www.brittanyferries.com/golf, call 0330 159 5418 or email golfdesk@brittanyferries.com.

Positioned at the heart of the destination lies the Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa. Featuring 166 rooms and suites, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the course, the Red Sea and rich desert landscape. All rooms are equipped with the technology, while Westin’s signature ‘Heavenly Beds’ will ensure that guests awake feeling renewed and energized. Just a stone’s throw from the hotel lies Africa’s largest Thalasso Spa, the Cascades Spa & Thalasso. With over 65 treatment rooms, the facilities span over an area of 7,500 m2 and there is an extensive array of services available, including traditional massages, beauty treatments and hydrotherapy sessions to rejuvenate tired muscles after a day on the fairway. Somabay is located 30 miles from Hurghada International Airport, which receives a large number of direct flights from the UK, which is just a four-hour flight away. Prices start from £759 per person for seven nights’ all-inclusive at Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa, based on two adults sharing a room, including flights and private transfers. A three-round green fee package at Somabay costs £165, or £280 for five rounds. For bookings, visit www.holiday-designers.com, or call 020 33840023.

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017 [63]

ME&MYTRAVELS

Six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo is happiest with a fishing rod in one hand and a glass of wine in the other when he’s on holiday

My favourite hotel is…the Crown Towers in Melbourne. It has really great suites, and the views are incredible. I like the Ritz-Carlton a lot too. I’ve stayed in many of them, and they’ve all been excellent. The service is superb and the staff really makes an effort to make you feel welcome. They’re good at remembering names as well, which is nice. My favourite holiday meal is… ideally anything Japanese or ■ ROYAL MELBOURNE

My favourite holiday destinations… all include water, the river, or being by the sea. I enjoy fishing and jet skiing and seascapes; just the peace of being waterside. I love to stand in a river waiting for the rise of the trout or quietly stalk the flats for bonefish. When you’re fishing, you’re not clock-watching. You get lost in time.

My favourite golf course in the UK is… St Andrews, Old

Course. That’s always an easy choice, given my history with the place.

My favourite golf course abroad is…Royal Melbourne in Australia, although all of those sandbelt courses, such as Kingston Heath, Huntingdale and Metropolitan, are fabulous. I love so many aspects of Melbourne’s design: the way it plays firm and fast; the way the bunkering frames the greens; the contours of the putting surfaces; the challenging mix of holes, and the ever-changing wind. In the States, I’d say Pine Valley in New Jersey, and Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles – both of which are classic designs.

My holiday hidden gem course is… Ballyliffin Old Links in ■ FALDO REELING IN A BIG TROUT

Donegal. I first played there in the 1990s, and instantly fell in love with

the place. The movement in the fairways is exceptional. I have a great relationship with the club and did some remodelling work for them a few years ago, which focused on the bunkering and some of the tee placements.

Italian, but I like anything with more than 1,000 calories and a dangerous sauce!

My favourite holiday tipple is… a nice glass of red wine. I also love a rare whisky, a chilled Russian vodka, or simply a lime and soda.

My favourite airline is…Virgin I’d like to play…Bandon Dunes

Atlantic. I like their beds, which

are long enough for me to fit into comfortably. I travel around 150 days a year, so you need a good bed. Emirates and Cathay Pacific are also very good, as, of course, is British Airways.

I always travel with… my GlobeTrotter suitcase. I have used one since the 1980s. It is a simple rectangle. It is a trunk. I also travel with my own orthopedic pillow and a foam roller to get the kinks out of my back after all the traveling. I always bring a set of mini speakers which I can set up my hotel room or wherever I’m staying and put on relaxing music. Sir Nick Faldo will be playing in his last ever Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July. For tickets, visit www.theopen.com. For details of where to buy Faldo Wines, visit www.winecellarclub.co.uk.

in Oregon. It’s one spot I’ve not got around to yet. I didn’t used to play golf on holiday when I was playing, because I was too competitive. Anytime I picked up a club, I went into tournament mode. But it’s different now. I’ll take the clubs wherever I go and have a couple of games. It’s just nice to go out and play, which I normally do with my son or friends.

My dream four ball would be… Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Lee Trevino.

■ THE OLD COURSE AT BALLYLIFFIN

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, Pawleys Island

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