golfnews june issue by Golf News

read the UK’s no.1 golf paper online at www.golfnews.co.uk

Issue 200 | JUNE 2011

200th Issue Open preview inside special supplement - see pages 33-42

Rory McIlroy marches on to St George’s after record-breaking US Open win

Majestic McILroy full story - See page 51

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terms & conditions: Offer is valid on bookings made and taken by 28th February 2012 at UK Hotel & Country Clubs excluding Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & County Club. Offer only applies to residential golf bookings made directly with Marriott. Offer, courses and tee times are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Offer valid for maximum of 2 night stay and 2 people per room only. Resort credit of £25 per person per night is available for food and beverage, golf retail items and spa charges during the current stay only. Items purchased with the resort credit must be charged to the hotel room bill. Cash payments will not qualify. Unused resort credit is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash or applied to the residential package rate. Resort credit is only available in Marriott operated outlets.

June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 05

‘Improve your swing’ and ‘play more consistently’ Join Brian Sparks, author of Positive Impact Golf, on the UKs most effective 3-day residential coaching course.

These courses are tailored for golfers over 50 and 15+ handicap!

www.positiveimpactgolf.co.uk or call 01843 590005 Positive Impact Golf, Manston Golf Centre, nr. Manston, Ramsgate, Kent CT125BE

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

Rory roars loudest The King is dead. Long live the King. OK, so Tiger Woods isn’t dead, he’s just got a bad knee, but the shot that rang around the golfing world following Rory McIlroy’s demolition job at the 111th US Open, has sent out the clearest of messages. There is a new champ in town, and he’s here to stay. Any doubts that we may have had with regards to the young Irishman’s mental fortitude were swept away in four magnificent days in Maryland, where, bar two or three holes, he seemed to have his golf ball tied to the

end of piece of string. Barely out of short trousers himself, the 22-year-old made some the game’s best players look like journeymen, while bringing a course measuring over 7,500 yards to its knees. If the US Open had been a boxing match, the referee would have stepped into to stop the fight after 36 holes, but the memory of Rory’s Masters Meltdown ensured that the contest was allowed to continue until he had birdied the first hole of the final round. Any nerves that he might have had melted away, and the rest of the round was a procession. The

Mixed Open

SUNDAY 7th AUGUST 2011

Congressional Procession is perhaps what the 2011 US Open might become known. And now, what price young Rory adding an Open Championship to his major trophy cabinet? I can hear the bookies running for cover already. On a slightly more mundane note, I hope you enjoy the 200th edition of Golf News, and also the new-look design. Let’s hope our milestone is reflected in another milestone being achieved out on the fairways of Royal St George’s – although an English winner wouldn’t go amiss!

www.golfnews.co.uk/greensaver/

read the UK’s no.1 golf paper online at www.golfnews.co.uk

Golf News, The Studio, 14 Deanway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6DG. Tel: 01273 556377. email: info@golfnews.co.uk. Website: www.golfnews.co.uk Managing Director Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk Editor Nick Bayly editor@golfnews.co.uk Advertising Production Kath Perry ads@golfnews.co.uk

Design www.71degrees.com Photography Kevin Murray (kevinmurraygolfphotography.com) Action Images, James Cheadle Published by BlueGreen Media

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

200TH ISSUE OPEN PREVIEW INSIDE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT - SEE PAGES 33-42

Rory McIlroy marches on to St George’s after record-breaking US Open win

MAJESTIC MCILROY FULL STORY - SEE PAGE 51

SCOTTSDALE PuTTErS

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© Copyright Golf News 2011. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

18 HOLE MIXED TEXAS SCRAMBLE l Teams to consist 2 gentlemen and 2 ladies l Stableford 10% handicap allowance l Gentlemen to take minimum 4 drives each l Ladies to take minimum of 3 drives each l Played over the west course l Shotgun start 11.00am

ENTRY FEE: £55 PER PERSON to include golf, catering & prize fund

OR £110.00 PER PERSON to include all the above plus overnight accommodation & breakfast (assuming 2 people sharing Double or Twin Bedded Room Entries Close 24th July 2011 (Entries accepted on 1st Come 1st Served Basis)

Green fee reservation: 01825 880256 (less than 12 people) Society reservations: 01825 880191 (12 or more people)

06 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

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Reeves test drives ‘speed’ golf at Dukes Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves has been spotted working on his short game on the driving range at Dukes Meadows Golf Centre in West London during the last month. The 47-year-old star of hit films such as The Matrix, Speed and its longawaited sequel Speed 2, is a regular visitor to the popular golf centre in Chiswick, which is shortly to host the Leuka Mini Masters, a CelebAm event hosted by Scottish actor Dougray Scott. Reeves, whose hat and beard disguise failed to prevent him being recognised at the range by surprised hackers, is currently working in London filming 47 Ronin, a large scale epic recounting an 18th century Japanese story based on a band of samurai warriors who set out to avenge the death of their master. We wonder whether Keanu wields a golf club better than he does a sword?

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Davis books Open ticket

London-born Tour professional Brian Davis booked his place in the Open Championship at Royal St George’s after winning the US qualifying tournament held at Gleneagles Country Club in Texas. Davis shot an eight-under par 64 to secure one of just eight available positions for the event, which was reduced from 36 holes to 18 because of bad weather. The 37-year-old had an extra incentive to advance to his first Open Championship since 2007, as Royal St George’s was the site of his best Open finish in 2003, when he tied for sixth. “My ball-striking was awesome,” said Davis, who now lives in Florida and is currently ranked 64th on the PGA Tour money list. “Any mishit I had went straight, so you know you are playing well when that happens.” The highlight of Davis’ round came at the 15th, where he holed a 25-footer from off the green for one of six birdies. “I’m regarded as a good putter, but it has been my weak link this year,” said Davis. “Once I get that ball rolling, I’ll be back in the ball game.” Davis, who has made seven cuts in his last eight tournaments, famously conceded a play-off against Davis Love III at last year’s Heritage Classic at Hilton Head, where he called a two-stroke penalty on himself after inadvertently grounding his club in a hazard. It cost him the tournament, but won him many fans. Somewhat appropriately, Love will also be teeing it up alongside Davis at Royal St George’s, after finishing second in the qualifying event. The 47-year-old will be making his 25th consecutive appearance in the Open when he tees it up at the Kent links venue, where he finished tied fourth in 2003. Others to qualify were Chad Campbell, Nathan Green, Spencer Levin, Chris Tidland, Bob Estes and Jerry Kelly.

Seaford Golf Club Bookings now being taken for our Dormy House open March to November 2011

Twin bed en-suite rooms with a five course dinner, bed & full english breakfast, including two rounds of golf from £80 in March to £138 in high summer per person per night Green fee visitors welcome Green fees from £32 County Cards £25 Twilight Tickets £20 For a brochure and more information call Sue on: 01323 892442 Website: seafordgolfclub.co.uk e-mail: sue@seafordgolfclub.co.uk

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Littlestone is one of three Kent courses hosting final qualifying

Kent links set to test the best Golf fans looking to get an early form guide for the 140th Open Championship at Royal St George’s should head down to the Kent coast later this month to watch some of the world’s top players take part in Local Final Qualifying. Local Qualifying is the traditional way for nonexempt players to win a place at The Open. This year it took the form of sixteen 18-hole Regional Qualifying

competitions held around the UK on June 20, with successful competitors moving on to the four 36hole Local Final Qualifying tournaments on June 28. Every year some of the great names in golf who have fallen outside the elite, as well as some up-andcoming talent, take part in this annual race to win one of just 12 places available for the Open Championship.

This year will see Prince’s, Littlestone, Royal Cinque Ports and Rye all host local final qualifying events, with entry to watch the action free for all spectators. Play-offs are often required to sort out the final four places at each venue, with Ian Woosnam famously winning a place in the 2003 Open Championship at St George’s after chipping in for birdie at the final hole of a five-way play-off at Prince’s. Regional qualifying venues in the South East included Abridge, The Buckinghamshire, East Sussex National, The London Club and Hankley Common.

June 2011 / Issue 200

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08 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

Paddy pays homa Prince’s new bun

the ridge golf club

summer Golf Packages 1st April 2011 – 31st October 2011 (minimum of 12 players on each package)

Diamond Bronze EMERALD Silver Gold Platinum

Coffee, bacon rolls, 18 holes of golf English breakfast/light lunch, 18 holes of golf Coffee, bacon rolls, light lunch, 18 holes of golf Coffee, bacon rolls, 2 course dinner, 18 holes of golf Coffee, bacon rolls, light lunch, 2 course dinner, 28 holes of golf Coffee, bacon rolls, light lunch, 2 course dinner, 36 holes of golf

£25 £29 £33 £37 £52 £55

Weekend bronze: £35 Weekend Silver: £44

ladies day every monday

reduced green fees to visiting ladies on Monday’s, only £15 instead of £24

Join The Ridge & Play 26 Courses Free of Charge

Membership Available from just £179.00 Contact us for more information

PLAY & PAY EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY Play the Course any time for £18 (60+ £15). After 2.30pm £14, Loyalty Cards extra savings

Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington was in Sandwich earlier this month, not to get some practice in for the Open at Royal St Geroge’s, but to officially unveil a new bunker at Prince Golf Club. The hero of the 2008 Open Championship hit several ceremonial shots from the new Sarazen bunker on the club’s Himalayas course, which was named in memory of the legendary Gene Sarazen, who won the 1932 Open Championship at Prince’s with the help of a club he invented especially for the event – the modern sand wedge. The original hickoryshafted club used by Sarazen to win his only British Open title was held by Harrington in the bunker in front of club members, Club Captain Paul Last, Director of Golf Robert McGuirk, and the staff who built the bunker, including Head Greenkeeper

Harrington unveils the new Sarazen bunker at Prince’s

Nick Chidwick and project manager Sean McLean, who were also present for the official opening. The new bunker is located on the left edge of the ninth green and covers a bunker played by Sarazen on his way

Seve Pro-A

The Ridge Golf Club, Chartway Street, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, ME17 3JB. Tel: 01622 844382. Web: www.theridgegolfclub.co.uk

Frilford to host Euro Tour qualifier

Played Broke Hill Yet?...

to a five-shot victory over fellow American Macdonald Smith nearly 80 years ago. From that day, the Gene Sarazen Sand Iron was born and, as the R-90, became one of Wilson’s best-selling golf clubs. Sarazen captured six

Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire has been invited to host the first stage of the 2011 European Tour Qualifying School. The 36-hole venue near Oxford joins an already impressive roster of championship courses to host the opening salvos in the bid to win a coveted card on the European Tour. Frilford Heath’s Red Course, which was designed by five-time Open Champion JH Taylor, will host the First Stage Section D from October 4-7. The historic heathland track, which has been designated a site of Special Scientific Interest, is also hosting the English Amateur Championship from July 29. Alistair Booth, Executive Director of Frilford Heath, said: “Frilford Heath is delighted to be chosen by The European Tour as one of its venues for the First Stage of the Qualifying School. We feel privileged to make our Red Course available, which at just under 7,000 yards will present a suitably tough challenge for the professionals. Our members are also excited to be supporting The European Tour, and I’m sure many of them will come along to attend the event.”

The golfing world paid a handsome tribute to one of the game’s greatest champions at Wentworth last month, when the Olé Seve! invitational event raised over £600,000 in aid of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. The one-off event brought 24 tour professionals and their amateur teams together for a celebration of the life of Seve Ballesteros, who died last month aged 54. The pro-am and subsequent auction in Wentworth Club’s magnificent ballroom raised a grand total of £618,168. The sum helped swell the total amount now raised to over £1.3 million since Ballesteros launched his foundation and formed a strong partnership with Cancer Research UK. Ross Fisher and his

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Golf News’ Ultimate Guide to Society & Company Golf 2011 is now available. This has been a must-have publication for every golf society organiser for many a year, and now it’s even bigger and better than before, with a new look, size and style. Featuring many of the regions finest clubs and courses, predominantly located in the South East, this indispensible, handy, full-colour booklet provides all the information you’ll ever need to make your golf day a success. Among details included are up-to-date prices and packages for societies and visitors, information on tee time restrictions, comprehensive directions and local accommodation tips, as well as detailed descriptions of all the courses, with full colour photographs. For your free copy of The Ultimate Guide, please email your Society or Company name to: info@golfnews.co.uk.

June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 09

age to nker Alliss tees up Croham centenary celebrations

more Majors during his career, becoming one of only five players to have won all four grand slam events. Prince’s is one of four clubs in Kent hosting local final qualifying events for the Open Championship on June 28.

Peter Alliss got Croham Hurst Golf Club’s centenary celebrations off to the best possible start last month, when taking time out from his commentating commitments to launch the Surrey venue’s summer of special events. The veteran broadcaster, who has a long association with Croham Hurst, dating back to his formative years in the game begin the Croydon-based club’s centenary celebrations by unveiling a specially-commissioned book chronicling its history. It promises to be a year to remember for the club, having already hosted the Surrey Amateur Championship on June 3, while a series of special events will take place throughout the summer to commemorate its anniversary, including the Straker Salver – a special centenary medal to be awarded to the player with the best four-round nett aggregate from eight rounds. Designed by five-time Open champion James Braid, Croham Hurst has been played by some of the leading professionals of their generation. Ex-Ryder Cup player Harry Weetman was the club’s professional for six years during the 1950s, while Welsh star Dai Rees first played there in 1951 and said he was ‘surprised by the hidden difficulties’ while, most recently, victorious European Ryder Cup-winning captain Colin Montgomerie described it as ‘one of the nicest courses in the south east’ following a visit.

-Am raises over £600,000

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team of Galib Virani, Francois Joseph Fury and Steven Ho won the proam competition, before auctioneer Jonny Gould took the stage to help engineer a rousing finale to an evening which also had its sombre moments in the form of a moving video about the devastating effects of brain cancer. Nine of the top lots in the auction raised just under £350,000, with Ian Poulter

bidding £65,000 for a Rolex Daytona wrist watch once owned by Ballesteros, while a gold Ping Putter, a replica of the iconic model used when he won The Open at St Andrews in 1984 fetched £55,000. Another top lot was the ClubCar buggy used by Colin Montgomerie during the 2010 Ryder Cup. Signed by all the European team, it went for £50,000. It was left to Ballesteros’s great friend and confidant,

José Maria Olazábal, to close the function with an emotional speech in honour of the five-time Major Champion. He said: “When cancer struck Seve had two goals – the first was never to give up, and the second was to help as many people as possible. That’s why he started up his Foundation. Seve couldn’t be here, but I am sure he would be proud of what everyone has achieved.”

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Davies does her bit for charity Tour legend Laura Davies lent her support to a charity golf day held at Sutton Green Golf Club last month, by supplying a haul of memorabilia from her Solheim Cup career to the silent auction that was held after the golf tournament. Davies, who is attached to the Woking-based club, saw her items placed alongside a host of sporting lots, including signed Manchester United shirts and tickets to various top sporting events, all of which helped to raise over £6,000 for The Fountain Centre, the charity of club captains Sue Taylor and Alan George.

Park Wood Golf Club is also available for Weddings, Conferences and Functions.

If you are interested in becoming a member of a friendly club or would like further information please call 01959 577744.

10 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

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Last month saw 61-year-old Tom Watson beoame the second oldest winner of the US Senior PGA Championship, capturing his sixth senior major, and he will now turn his attention to becoming the outright most prolific winner of The Senior Open Championship. Watson has won the prestigious title three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2007, making him the joint most successful player in the championship’s history alongside Gary Player. Now, 30 years after he was part of what was arguably the greatest American Team in the historic 1981 Ryder Cup at Walton Health, Watson will return to the Surrey venue to attempt to win a record breaking fourth Senior Open crown. “I understand Walton Heath is in marvellous condition,” said Watson. “I remember one of the traits of the course is the heather

Tom Watson has set his sights on further Major success when he returns to Europe for The Senior Open Championship at Walton Heath Golf Club from July 21-24 rough. At the 1981 Ryder Cup, I was playing with Jack Nicklaus in an alternate-shot match and I was hitting it all over the place. I put him in the heather five times and he put it on the green every time except for one where he was just off the green and I could still putt. “Our team did very well but I lost to Howard Clark in

my singles match. I’m looking forward to going back there this year and trying to win another Senior Open.” Walton Heath’s place in history was sealed in 1981 when it became the first European venue to host a Ryder Cup between a combined European Team – rather than Great Britain and Ireland – and the US.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

mood eath Watson, went on to captain America to Ryder Cup success in 1993, was a focal point of the 1981 United States team, picking up three points alongside Nicklaus in the 18½-9½ victory.   Tom Kite and Jerry Pate, who were teammates of Watson 30 years ago, will also return to Walton Heath next month, as will German Bernhard Langer, who will defend the title he won at Carnoustie last year.   Langer made his Ryder Cup debut in the 1981 contest, as did Sam Torrance, the 2009 Senior Tour Order of Merit winner who came fifth the last time The Senior Open was played in the south of England, at Sunningdale in 2009.   Advance tickets are now on sale. Tickets booked before July 1 cost £60 for a season pass and one-day passes at £16.50. Visit www. europeantourtickets.com or call 0800 023 2557.

/ 11

Kingswood toughens up course for seniors

The new 14th tee at Kingswood

The Senior tour pros taking on Kingswood Golf & Country Club next month will face a tougher challenge than in previous years, following the completion of several significant changes to Surrey course’s design. With the James Braid layout due to host qualifying for the British Seniors Open on July 18, Kingswood is set to provide a stiff test for those wishing to play in the main event at nearby Walton Heath.

Among the key changes is a new back tee on the parfive 14th hole, which required the purchase of additional land to make the extension possible. Previously the shortest par five on the course at less than 500 yards, the 14th marks the start of a three-hole stretch known by the members as ‘Murder Mile’. All three holes play slightly uphill into the prevailing wind, with each providing a different but

exacting challenge. Now, with the 14th becoming tougher still, the journey home will become all the more testing. The changes take the overall yardage up to just short of 7,000 yards. Kingswood is currently in the middle of a major renovation programme, which first began in 2008 with the overhaul of the course’s bunkering on the front nine, as well as changes to the 16th green. The work is being carried out by Essex-based architect Swan Golf Designs, which has built up a reputation for remodeling James Braiddesigned courses. Other courses in the region set to hold Senior Open qualifiers on July 18 are Burhill Golf Club and Betchworth Park.

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Addington wins Golf Foundation award The Bonallack Award for a great schools’ programme was presented to the Croydon Schools and Addington Court Golf Centre. Twenty-four schools within Croydon were offered structured activity sessions, festivals and coaching at Addington Court and over 900 school children took part. Among other projects, the PGA professional delivered blocks of coaching sessions using Tri-Golf and Golf Xtreme equipment, and emphasis was placed on promoting ‘Skills for Life’.

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12 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

Luke Donald stole the BMW PGA Champi right under the nose of Lee Westwood fo still controversial West Course. Words by

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Pitching the world’s top two players against each other on a heavyweight course such as Wentworth was always going to produce a bruising encounter. And so it proved, with Lee Westwood and Luke Donald, the world’s No.1 and No.2 respectively, going blow for blow down the West Course’s brutal closing stretch, in search of not just the BMW PGA Championship, but the right to call themselves top dog, not just in Europe, but the world. It may not have been pretty at times, with the weather and the West Course doing it best to ruffle the feathers of the finest golfers in Europe (and mostly the world), but the dénouement could not have been scripted any better. And it was Donald, The Golfer Formerly Known As Mr Plod, who emerged the victor following a somewhat anti-climatic play-off, which saw Westwood’s almost inch-perfect approach spin back into the water-filled ditch that many players would like to see filled in. The unflappable Donald stood his ground amid all the excitement and calmly stroked in his birdie, following an immaculate approach of his own, to take the £650,000 first prize and title, for now, of Best Golfer in the World. Victory represented a double redemption for Donald, having come so close to winning the PGA title last year, while it he was third time attempt at wrestling the world No.1 spot off Westwood, following near misses in America and the Volvo World Match Play. It was a sweet moment for the man once seen as one of the game's great underachievers – a hugely gifted strokemaker, who did not win enough tournaments for many

Last ma standin people’s liking. But any concerns that Donald doesn’t deserve to be where he is have been fully banished, after his victory in the Accenture World Match Play, runner-up in the Volvo Match Play, and his fourth at the Masters, one of 14 top-10 finishes he has notched up in his past 15 events. That said, Donald came through the PGA Championship without playing his very best. His win was largely set up with a stunning opening 64, achieved in gusty and rainy conditions, which

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YONEX.CO.UK Westwood lost his No.1 status after losing to Donald in a play-off

he followed up with three over-par rounds to end up almost where he had started after 18 holes. Living up to his reputation as the master of recovery, Donald got up and down from any number of tricky situations, and had to chop out sideways from the woods on more than one occasion during each round. "It is something you always dream about," he said, when asked about his status as the new world No1. "You never know if you will get there. This took a lot of hard work and a lot of effort. I have been the runner-up a few times

June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 13

ionship and the world no.1 title from ollowing a titanic tussle on Wentworth’s y Nick Bayly

an ng

in my career, so to come through in circumstances like this, with so much at stake, is pretty special. I am not sure if the world No.1 and No.2 have ever been in play-off with so much on the line. It was a bit of history, and I was glad to be a part of it." For Westwood, there was only the minor consolation of knowing he played brilliantly for much of his final round, reeling in Donald's twoshot overnight lead and opening up an advantage he maintained until the very end. He was two shots ahead with just three holes

“I am not sure if the world No.1 and No.2 have ever been in playoff with so much on the line. It was a bit of history, and I was glad to be a part of it.” to play, but three-putted the 16th, while Donald hit his approach stone dead on the same hole five minutes later. Both players had chances to win outright. On the final hole of regulation play, Westwood had a five-footer for birdie to take a one-shot

THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS SHIFTED

Donald celebrates his biggest win

lead, but his putt never touched the lip. Ten minutes later, Donald – playing in the group behind – had his chance, albeit from 40 feet. But his effort slipped past

to set up a play-off down the 18th, a matchplay hole if ever there was one. After safe drives, both players laid up with their second shots to set up a battle of the wedges, which Donald won, just as much as Westwood lost with his trip into Ernie’s

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Trench of Doom. "It should never have gone to a play_off," Westwood said. "I had a good chance at the 17th hole but if you are going to miss your chances and go into a play-off, well, you know they can be vulnerable." The week was notable in many ways, with 18-year-old Matteo Manassero leading the tournament after 54 holes, only to fade away, while someone operating at the other end of the age spectrum, 47-year-old Colin Montgomerie, showed that he still knows his way around here, although his putting frailties prevented him from improving on a gutsy seventh. The crowds came in their thousands, enduring gales, showers and blistering sunshine, and all went away happy in the knowledge that they had witnessed an event quite unlike any other before.

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14 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

Nick Bayly catches up with actor and Hollywood ‘A lister’ Dougray Scott, who is hosting his own charity golf tournament, the Leuka Mini Masters, at Dukes Meadows Golf Course next month

How often do you get to play? When I’m filming at home I don’t get a lot of time to play, but I take my clubs with me on location. When we were doing Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde in Montreal, my driver was a golfer, so we’d play before filming. But you haven’t had it written into your contract, like Samuel L Jackson, that you must play every week? No, although when I was shooting the vampire film Perfect Creature in New Zealand they gave me a golf trip as part of the deal, which was a complete surprise. I went to this amazing place in the Bay of Islands called Kauri Cliffs, which was one of the most spectacular courses I’ve played. Golf is great exercise, and it’s good for my head. It helps me focus and find calm.

Mission Possible Above: The Leuka Mini Masters, which has raised over £100,00 for charity since launching in 2008, regularly sees big stars taking part

So tell us about the Leuka Mini Masters, how did it come about? A friend of mine, Dan Davies, came up with the concept of creating a tournament that combined the atmosphere of the par three tournament at the US Masters with an English summer garden party. It’s been going for three years, and it has just roller-coastered into this massive event. I’ve been a patron of the Leukaemia Trust at Hammersmith Hospital for a number of years, and it just seemed like the perfect fit. We’ve raised over £100,000 so far for research into the causes and treatment of leukaemia, and hope to raise even more next month. Why did you choose Dukes Meadows to stage to the event? We needed a nine-hole short course near London, and the guys at Dukes Meadows really bought into the concept of what we were trying to achieve. They always present the course in superb tournament condition – the greens are about the best I play on – and it has the kind of intimate atmosphere that we need for a party. Everyone can see what’s going on, and there’s a real buzz about the place.

So you’re not an angry golfer? I stay pretty calm, even when I play badly. I get frustrated, but I’m not a club thrower. It takes too long to get them back. Golf keeps me fit and I play wherever I’m working. I love it for the game, the exercise and the escape. I find it very Zen-like. When I’m playing, I’m concentrating so much that everything else just disappears. Where do you play when you’re based in the States? We live in Los Angeles, so I’ve played LA Country Club and The Riviera quite a few times. They’ve just spent a lot of money a few mates. The greens were fearsomely quick, but I really enjoyed the golf course, and shot something like 77. I’m a big fan of Kyle Phillips, who designed the course. He also did Kingsbarns up in Scotland, which is another of my favourites. I also played at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent a few days ago. Had a great day there, and really enjoyed the course. Growing up in Scotland, you must be a big links fan? Yes, I love it. I love the invention required, and the fact that the same hole can play and be played in so many different ways depending on the wind. I also like the wildness and the untamed nature of the layouts.

“Dukes Meadows has the intimate atmosphere we need for a party. There’s a real buzz about the place” love the King’s Course at Gleneagles, Kingsbarns and, of course, Carnoustie, which is the toughest course I’ve ever played. But my absolute favourite has to be the Old Course at St Andrews. It’s not the hardest course in the world, but you always feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of champions there. It has so much history.

Do you use your Hollywood clout to draw in the celebrities? I do call in a few favours, but they all love to get involved and it’s above all about raising money for the charity, and you can’t say no to that. We’ve got a great event planned this year, with some great bands lined up for the postmatch party, so I strongly recommend everyone comes to watch!

When did you start playing? I started when I was six. We lived in Fife and my dad taught me. It was a way of spending time with him. He travelled all over Scotland in his job as a sales rep, and he’d take me with him in my summer holidays. At the end of his working day we’d go and play nine holes and it was a great way to be introduced to the sport.

Are you a member of a club? Yes, I’m a member at Richmond Golf Club in London. I live in Hammersmith when I’m in the UK, so it’s nice and close. I played there a few weeks ago, and am hoping to get back for the club championship if my filming schedule allows. Nobody bothers me there – I just get on and play.

Where and when did you last play? I had a game at The Grove last week with

Do you have a favourite course up there? We’re spoilt for choice, but I

What’s your handicap? I play off six, although I have been down to three.

renovating LACC and it’s in great nick. I’ve also been lucky enough to play Pebble Beach and Cypress Point, both of which are beyond amazing. Are you hoping to play in the Dunhill Links again this year? I’ve played in it twice now, and really enjoyed the experience. I’d love to play again if invited, but I’m not sure where I’ll be in November, as I have a couple of film projects coming up that might make it difficult. It’s a wonderful tournament, and I love all three courses. The Leuka Mini Masters takes place at Dukes Meadows Golf Course on July 15. There are a limited number of tickets available for spectators, costing £20, with all proceeds going to charity. To order tickets visit www.leukaminimasters.com.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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The second Golf LIVE event took place at a sun-drenched London Golf Club last month and proved a big hit with golfers from all over the region. Words by Nick Bayly

Above: David Howell’s short game clinic was a big hit with the crowds

Below: Colin Montgomerie showed his skills during several on-course shoot-outs held on the London Club’s Heritage Course

With the early summer sun blazing down on the fairways of The London Golf Club’s Heritage Course, Golf LIVE had the most important, yet least controllable element to staging a successful outdoor event in place. Rain could have washed out the whole show, instead the 12,000 or so visitors who attended the show over the three days were able to stroll about the stands and various sideshows in shorts and polo shirts, with many going home with a touch of sunburn to go with their goodie bags. The organisers expressed delight at the attendance, which was up by a thousand compared to last year’s launch event at Stoke Park, and although The London Club doesn’t quite have the film set history of the Buckinghamshire venue, it more than passes muster in terms of the quality of its facilities, which are, of course, Tour standard, with the space required to stage such a large-scale event. Although there were rumblings that the Poulters and Caseys of this world were missing from the list of pros attending the show, the talismanic figure of Colin Montgomerie, boosted by the presence of legends such as Ian Woosnam, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, ensured that those of a certain age piled in to see whether their heroes still had the old magic in them. Which, of course, they did, with Monty and Woosie wowing the crowds with their shot-making during

Golf LIVE hits the right notes

the various on-course clinics, shootouts and masterclasses that were held throughout the event. Nineteen-yearold Carly Booth, an exciting new talent on the Ladies European Tour, proved popular with young and old alike, and wasn’t at all overawed when playing alongside some of the greats of the game; while young Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal and talented Welshman Rhys Davies provided another injection of youth to the proceedings,

demonstrating the skills that have seen them both win on tour. Former European Tour No.1 David Howell, who is quietly building himself a media career when he’s not competing, raised his profile yet further with a polished display at Cleveland/ Srixon’s short game masterclass, where he was seen interacting superbly with the crowd and providing some great tips and excellent entertainment for those watching. Elsewhere, trick-shot king Jeremy Dale showed off his remarkable skills and world long-drive champion Joe Miller did what he does best and blasted balls into the ether with alarming regularity. The driving range was a hive of activity throughout the event, with visitors queuing up to try out the latest technology from many of the major brands, including Nike, Callaway, Wilson and Cleveland. The Junior Golf Area proved a big hit with the youngsters, all of whom were

able to attend for free with a paying adult, while everyone enjoyed listening to the familiar voices and opinions of broadcasters Iain Carter, Andrew Cotter, Shane O’Donahue and Diana Dougherty, whose husdand, Nick, also played a key role in the event. Inside the merchandise tents, where temperatures soared in the midday sun, the stands reported good business, with clothing retailers such as Trendygolf doing a brisk trade in bright-coloured polo shirts for the summer season. Although a large number of visitors had managed to get significant discounts off the headline gate fee entry of £45, and everyone seemed that they had got value for money, which should be music to ears of Golf LIVE Event Director James Goode. He said: “Golf LIVE 2011 was an absolute success. The feedback we’ve received from the public in attendance and the players that were involved has been second to none. Everyone really enjoyed a superb weekend of golf. The developments we have made to this year’s show have really paid off. It gives us great encouragement and impetus to take 2012’s event to another level.” Lynne Fraser, marketing manager at the English Golf Union, was one of many industry insiders who were impressed with how the event turned out. She said: “Saturday’s crowds were extraordinary. It was great to see so many people getting involved and taking part in all the opportunities to play. The feedback from our England Boys’ team that got to take part in the Pro Celebrity Three-Hole Challenge was fantastic, and I am sure the experience will stay with them forever.”

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These days it’s not unusual to see several British players in contention at a Major, but it was a very different 40 story years ago, as 64-year-old former tour pro Craig Defoy recalls. “Back then, it was just assumed one of the Americans would win, or, failing that, an Australian, usually Peter Thomson. That’s why it was such a big deal for me, a young guy from Wales, to be in with a shout of winning the Open Championship on the final day.” Royal Birkdale hosted the Open Championship in 1971, a tournament that enjoys a special place in Open history, as it was the 100th renewal of golf’s oldest major. It also holds extra special memories for Defoy, because, aged just 24, he was right on the shoulder of giants such as Lee Trevino, Tony Jacklin and Jack Nicklaus. “I was level par after two rounds, then shot 68 to put myself in the hunt,” recalls Defoy, who retired from the game just five years ago. “I’d played nicely all week, and was thoroughly enjoying myself. It was warm, sunny, and breezy, and the course was hard and bouncy. “On the Sunday, I set off four shots behind Trevino, who’d been fighting it out with Jacklin from the start. I had a pretty good front nine, shooting 34 or so. After playing the 10th, I walked towards the 11th tee, which overlooks the eighth green, and looked down and saw Lee, who had this horrible bunker shot. He didn’t play it particularly well, but got out, and then holed this monster putt. A spectator said it was about the sixth huge one he’d made, and that’s when I knew it was going to be his day.” Defoy ended up shooting a very respectable three-under par 69, and finished fourth, on seven under, behind Trevino, Lu Liang-Huang and Jacklin (at 10, nine and eight under, respectively), and ahead of, not just the Golden Bear, but Billy Casper, Doug Sanders, Gary Player and Thomson. “I played in 13 Opens altogether,” says Defoy. “My first was in 1966, at Muirfield. I needed a birdie at the last to make the cut. I remember Jacklin watching from the back of the green, knowing that if I made the putt, he’d

Dazley Photography

Former Coombe Hill professional Craig Defoy casts his mind back 40 years to the 1971 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where he nearly upset the odds and had some famous names trailing in his wake. Words by Kevin Nash

Finest hour with...

craigdefoy be going home. I made it and he packed his bags.” Birkdale, though, was his Open highlight. “I enjoyed being on the big stage. I was nervous, sure, but I loved it. It inspired me. For me, Birkdale is right up there with Turnberry, Muirfield and St Andrews. “It was a very fair course. You had to play well there, you couldn’t just smash it. A lot of my best golf has been played on the harder courses. I always had a good short game, which helped.” Defoy was partnered by Argentinian Roberto De Vicenzo on the final day. “Aah, what a wonderful player, and a lovely man, a real gentle giant,” recalls Craig. “I remember thinking on the first tee how I just had to get a decent shot away. Roberto then proceeded to hit an absolutely perfect drive, a towering draw, but he didn’t hole too many putts that day. On the first fairway he said to me, ‘Hey, we play two holes quick’, and that was good advice. He was very encouraging. He should have won more, a great player, made it look so easy, but sadly signed for the wrong score at the Masters in 1968.” Defoy also has fond memories of the late, great and utterly charismatic

Above: Defoy mixed it with the best during his career, but believes he didn’t quite have the mental power to take him to the very top

Seve Ballesteros. “It was at Gleneagles, and I played beautifully, shot five under, but it was only enough to halve the match. I remember looking at him and realising he had another gear, if not more. It was the same with Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo. I actually beat Sandy in a tournament

at York, but he would hit it 50 yards further than me, no problem.” Defoy managed three runner-up places on the European Tour during his career on the main circuit, without ever quite getting his head in front, although he did bag five wins on the Safari Tour in Africa. “I had some nice moments, but if I’m honest I wasn’t single-minded or talented enough,” he says. “I wish I had been good enough, to be more a part of it all. I never

played in the Ryder Cup, for example, but I should have.” Although a proud Welshman, Defoy was actually born in Pennsylvania, and spent the first six months of his life in the United States. His father was a sergeant in the US army who had been based in Wales during the Second World War. He learned to play at Ashburnham, near Llanelli, but his first job in golf was as an assistant to Dick Burton at Coombe Hill, Surrey, where he regularly played with Neil Coles, Hugh Boyle and Tony Grubb. “Imagine playing with those guys for a pot of tea and some cake!” he laughs. “What an education that was. Colesy was one of my favourite people to play with, along with Christy O’Connor, with his lovely sense of humour.” Defoy was the first pro at Bryn Meadows, South Wales and returned to Coombe Hill – via Calcot Park – where he remained for 25 years. He played over 100 tournaments in 11 years on the Seniors Tour, represented Wales in seven World Cups, and played twice for GB & Ireland in the PGA Cup. After retiring in 2005, he now lives in Dorset, where he’s an active member and committee man at Ferndown Golf Club.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

Hayling sets it on top champi

News in Brief Mattsson on the move EGU Director of Coaching Peter Mattsson is to leave his position at the end September to take up a job as the Director of Elite Performance for Swedish Sports. Mattsson has been at the EGU since 2005 and led the restructure of England’s elite player training programmes, as well as establishing a new national coaching structure that provides a proven player pathway for England’s talented golfers.

Saunders in charge Michael Saunders from Dartford Golf Club won the Kent County Amateur Championships for the second year running after beating Rob Gardiner (Kings Hill) 5&3 in the final held at Chart Hills Golf Club. Saunders beat the in-form Charlie Wilson (Littlestone), as well as England International Max Orrin (North Foreland) en route to the final.

Billy Turrell

Turrell takes Ports by storm on TP Tour The newly-created TP Tour Series swung into action again last month with a host of events all over the South East. Prince’s, Stoke Park and Royal Cinque Ports all held events on the national tour, which launched in April, and is designed to act as a staging post for professional golfers looking to take their careers to higher levels. Stoke Park pro Jeremy Kavanagh made the most of his home advantage to take the Stoke Park event with a level par 71, while over at a windy Royal Cinque Ports it was local players that dominated again, with Billy Turrell, who is attached to East Sussex National, shooting a fabulous 69 to beat Prince’s Francis McGuirk by two shots. Not to be denied, McGuirk went one better over his favoured Prince’s course, firing a superb six-under-par score to take the £2,000 first prize, and finishing three shots ahead of runner-up Mike McClean. Next month sees tournaments held at Berkhamsted (July 6), Royal Ashdown Forest (July 11), Coombe Hill (July 19) and The Berkshire (July 31).

Fresh from successfully hosting a second event on the popular Jamega Pro Tour, officials at Hayling Island Golf Club are hoping to take the popular Hampshire club onto a bigger stage after receiving rave reports from many former European Tour players. The club, which was founded in 1883, has long boasted a challenging 18-hole links layout, meandering through gorse and wild dunes in equal measures, but it also boasts among one of the finest playing surfaces in the country, with its springy links turf making it playable throughout the year. The 6,531-yard course has received the attention of some of the game’s most revered architects over the years, with J H Taylor and Tom Simpson having both had a significant input in the design and presentation of the course, which was

Hayling Island hopes to attract top-flight tournaments

designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2001 in order to protect the native species of flora and fauna that occupy the site. With the club looking and playing at its best following a series of major investment programmes to restore some of the old links surfaces and stunning views over The Solent, the club is looking to attract some top

amateur and professional tournaments in the not too distant future, with Challenge Tour events and possibly a stage of Open Qualifying, being very much on the agenda. Managing secretary Ian Walton said: “This is our second year hosting the Jamega Pro Tour. It was pretty wild last year – in fact, it was probably the

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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toughest conditions I have seen down here. But thankfully it didn’t put them off from coming back this year and we had some wonderful comments from many of the players that took part.” He continued: “The idea of hosting the Jamega Tour was to see if we could host a professional event and whether we have the

appetite for it. The answer was ‘yes’ on both counts. In the hardest conditions, we delivered 36 holes of quality tournament golf. I will be writing to the Egnlish Golf Union to see if we can attract a high-profile amateur event. We’ve hosted the Logan Trophy and the English Ladies’ Closed Championship in the past, but we’d love to pull a big amateur event like the Brabazon or maybe a Challenge Tour event in the future. “We’re also thinking about putting the club forward as an Open qualifier venue. It’s within the realms and we just need to let the R&A know we’re interested. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t. The golf course is a good test, our greens are at Championship standard and our members enjoy the course being used for highprofile events. It would be great to see something like that happening at Hayling.”

Hardy bags fifth ace! Surrey golfer Carol Hardy is celebrating after notching the fifth hole-in-one of her career during a recent round at Hoebridge Golf Centre. Hardy, from Long Ditton, bagged her latest ace at the 12th hole at the Surrey venue. Two of her previous aces have been scored in competitions on the Hoebridge Course – on the 2nd and 6th holes, while a third on the 72-yard 16th of Hoebridge’s Maybury Course. Mike O’Connell, Hoebridge Golf Centre’s General Manager, said: “Many golfers go through their entire careers without even coming close to achieving a hole-in-one, so to complete a quintuple of aces certainly takes more skill than luck. I know Carol’s playing partners were particularly pleased on the day, as it meant she had to buy the postround drinks in the clubhouse. I think she should consider taking out insurance against it happening again – it could save her a lot of money in the long run!”

Faldo Series success for Sussex student Aspital Eighteen-year-old Tom Aspital from Selsey claimed victory in the fourth Faldo Series UK Championship of the season held at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in Sussex. Aspital, a student at The Golf College in Lindfield, earned his win following a play-off against Hayward Heath’s Alasdair Dalgliesh, who is a former student at the college. Aspital led at the end of day one after equalling

the course record of 67, but carded a second round 77 in windy conditions to allow Dalgliesh to catch

him with a pair 72s. Aspital birdied the second extra hole to clinch both the Boys’ U21 division and the overall victory. His reward is a place in the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland in September. The girls’ section was won by Bexhill’s Chelsea Masters (Highwoods), who fired rounds of 74 and 76 to finish four shots clear of Dorset’s Sophie Keech.

News in Brief King rules in Middlesex Sudbury’s Tommy King won the Middlesex County Championship after defeating Tony Ginn 4&2 in a high quality final at West Middlesex Golf Club. He beat defending champion Louis Dunn-Allen (Bush Hill Park) 8&7 in the semifinal, with Ginn defeating Ross Dickson (Crews Hill) 4&2.

Doherty treble Worthing’s Joe Doherty won his third Sussex Amateur Championship title in 11 years after defeating 18-year-old Jonathan Grey (East Sussex National) in the 18-hole final held in driving rain at Seaford Golf Club on June 3. Doherty was five up at the turn, but was reeled in over the closing holes before clinching the title 2&1. Three of the four semi-finalists were Worthing players, with Scott Nightingale and Peter Tarver-Jones filling third and fourth places.

24 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

Nick Bayly reveals what happened he tackled Wentworth’s fearsome West Course playing alongside big-hitting Alvaro Quiros in the Pro-Am at the 2011 BMW PGA Championship

Mi amigo, Alvaro One of the great things about golf is that virtually every week of the year, we (and I mean amateurs) get the chance to play with our heroes. When are tennis fans allowed to have a knock-up with Rafa Nadal or football supporters offered the chance of a kick about with the Man Utd squad? Never. Yet every tournament on the European Tour schedule is preceded by a Pro-Am, where event sponsors get the chance to repay favours by pairing their best clients with 40-odd pros in the field. When the message finally came through that I had been allotted Alvaro Quiros to partner me – or should that be the other away around – in the pro-am that precedes the BMW PGA Championship, I breathed a sigh of relief for several reasons. Firstly, in recognition that he is one of the best players in the world (24th to be precise), and I would have a ringside seat to witness the longest hitter in the game. Secondly, because I knew from previous interviews on the telly that he speaks good English (my Spanish is limited to ordering beers and crisps); and thirdly because he looked like the happy-go-lucky sort of chap who wouldn’t mind waiting a few minutes on every hole while I thrashed around in the bushes. Pro partner secured, the next job was to assign a caddy, a key figure for The seams of Team Bayly look to be falling apart. “Your’re sacked,” I said. “No, you’re sacked,” was Carl’s swift reply

any professional golfer, and even more so for an amateur who has barely the strength to put one foot in front of another under such pressure, let alone carry a set of clubs, and heaven forbid, clean a muddy 7-iron. Wentworth kindly offers caddies for all amateur competitors, but I already had my bagman in mind, following months of extensive vetting. It was to be former European Tour professional Carl Watts [runner-up in the BMW International in 1997, no less], who is now fulfilling the role of resident teaching professional at Mannings Heath Golf Club in Sussex. Carl had kindly been giving me lessons, or rather I’d been taking them, over the winter, in some crazed attempt to improve my game at the tender age of 42. The early results had been positive, with some good scores and consistent ball striking, but the proof of this particular pudding was whether this new swing would stand up to the pressure-cooker cauldron of the BMW PGA Pro-Am, where crowds of at least 300 could be expected on some tees and greens. The day of the Pro-Am dawned rather early, with a 5.15am alarm call, and a 6am rendezvous in Crawley with Carl and one his pupils, Tom Hayward, before heading up to Wentworth as ‘Team Bayly’, or ‘Team Bayley’, as it turned out, as they spelt my name incorrectly on the caddy’s bib. Arriving too late to eat breakfast, and finding the driving range packed with

pros, none of whom I felt like turfing off citing greater need, all that was left for me to do was pick up the impressive goodie bag (FootJoy shoes, Hugo Boss belt, six Pro V1s, BMW weekend suitcase, BMW tees and Wentworth headcover). A quick shoe change, and I headed off to meet my teammates at the pick-up point in front of the clubhouse, where a shiny new BMW 5-Series Touring car (from £29,205 at all good dealers) was waiting to take us to the 6th tee for the 8am shotgun start. Carl, meanwhile, was marched off to the caddy shack to be fitted for his Augusta-style boiler suit amid much protestation on his part given the rising temperature and his desire to show off his golf club’s logo in a blatant piece of free advertising. The ‘Am’ group traditionally also includes a handful of celebs to crank up the media interest. Thus, as we pulled into the car park at Wentworth, the first four people we saw unloading their kit were Jamie Redknap, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Sir Steve Redgrave and Vernon Kay. My fellow amateur conspirators in this Pro-Am crime were Paul and Andrew, two competition winners from inferior golf publications who had brought along dad and brother respectively to carry out bag duties. Both were a bundle of nerves and, as we slipped into the leatherseated Beamer, I casually threw in the fact that I’d played with Masters champion Angel Cabrera in this event two years ago, as if I was some sort of seasoned Pro-Am guru. On arrival at the tee, I cranked up the pressure further with stories of lightening fast greens, narrow fairways and huge galleries, while both players looked at the sea of bunkers that faced them. Soon enough, up popped Alvaro with his caddy, Gareth, lugging his massive tour bag behind. We were now into the beating heart of the pro-am, with five hours ahead of us in the company of greatness (that’s not you, Carl). It’s always a rather awkward moment when someone famous, whose name and face is widely known to everyone present, comes up and goes “Hi, I’m so and so, nice to meet you.” Yes, we know who you blinking

A testing approach to the 18th led to a rare par

well are. We’ve been talking of nothing else for the last two weeks. We’ve been on your website, we’ve followed you on Twitter, we’ve tried to become your ‘friend’ on Facebook. But such is life, so we go through the pretence of not knowing. “Alvaro. Nice name. Do you come here often?” As the hooter went to start the event, the atmosphere quickly turned tense, as we all watched in awe as Alvaro unleashed a tracer-like 3-wood down the centre of the fairway with a gentle draw. A polite ripple of ‘Nice shot’ came forth from us appreciative onlookers, which was to be the recurring soundtrack to the morning, at least whenever Alvaro hit a shot. Marching 100 yards forward to

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early, with a nett birdie on the tricky parfour 7th, where, after finding the trees with a vicious duck hook off the tee, I managed to get up and down from 140 yards to earn our team the first point of the day. And I almost doubled my tally on the controversial 8th, after finding the green in regulation, only to threeputt from 45 feet for a nett par. My fellow amateurs took a bit of time to lose their first tee nerves, but they soon got into the rhythm, with Andrew, who plays off six, earning plaudits from an appreciative Alvaro, while Paul, off 15, was also soon on the

being able to stand within five feet of a man whose raw power off the tee is combined with incredible touch on and around the greens, was a lesson in itself. Playing alongside such talent only goes to show how wide the gap is between good players and these titans of the game. It’s humbling, yet thrilling in equal measure. The sound off the clubface was like nothing I’d ever heard, and on more than one occasion during the round I feared for the face of his Callaway RAZR Hawk driver (£329 at all good pro shops), which seemed in danger of imploding

“As the crowds got bigger and bigger, my swing became less a work of art and more the work of the devil” our tees, I was elected first up and managed to nurdle one just short of the bunker on the right side of the fairway, while both my partners found sand with nervy first efforts. A thinned 8-iron found the back of the green, and a chip and a lipped out eight-foot putt later, and I’d racked up a bogey five. The scoring format for the day was called ‘par is your friend’, which basically means that unless you have a chance of scoring a birdie, you should pick up. Although designed to speed up what can be agonisingly slow Pro-Am rounds, it also means that if you lose one off the tee, you’re out of the hole before you’ve started, and can go for holes without having a putt. Thankfully I got on the scoreboard

score sheet. It was impossible to take the smiles off their faces. As Alvaro seemed in a chatty mood – helped by the fact that Carl knew his caddy from his playing days – I walked alongside him and asked about his memories of Seve. At 28, it seemed unlikely that he would have seen him play during his heyday, but he told me about the time he played the great man in a 9-hole invitation match at San Roque when he was just a boy, but was perhaps too young to have taken inspiration from the meeting, as Seve’s career was on the downward slide. While Alvaro was clearly leaving his ‘A game’ for the remaining four days of the tournament – he managed only two birdies in the round – just

under the thunderous impact of carbon composite on ball. Talking of imploding, my own game took a dramatic turn for the worse shortly after our fourth hole, the 10th, and as the crowds got bigger my swing became less a work of art and more the work of the devil, with a succession of hooks, thins and cutty slices undoing all my early good work (OK, the first three holes). Carl did his best to calm my nerves and remind me of the basics of set up and alignment, but my feet were planted to the floor as if set in concrete, and I did well not to miss the ball completely at times. Maintaining his professional distance, Alvaro finally stepped in as we walked down the 18th fairway (our 13th), and put me

right on a few technical aspects of my swing. “Don’t think of all the little parts that are breaking down, think of the swing as a whole,” he suggested helpfully, before unleashing a 3-iron from 232 yards to within six feet of the cup on the treacherous 18th. On the plus side, I did get a round of applause when I got up and down from 40 feet after I’d missed the green on the par-3 second, and the galleries behind the 14th also went wild when I chipped up from the bottom of the valley to two feet to rescue another unlikely par. And I saved the best for the huge crowd on the 18th (our 13th), when I putted from the fringe to within gimmee distance for a nett birdie. We finished our round all too quickly out on the fifth, where a 40-foot attempt at par lipped out, to the disappointment of the gallery. And with that it was all over. We shook hands, said our thank yous and goodbyes and he was gone. What a nice bloke, we all said. I hope he wins, we chimed. [He finished 18th]. Suffice to say, our team score of nine under didn’t feature in the prize-giving ceremony (thankfully, I’ve already got a Nintendo Wii), with Paul Lawrie’s team knocking it round in 16 under to take the spoils. Our day was capped off by sitting next to John Daly and his wife in BMW’s luxury pavilion for our post-match lunch. And while I tucked into roast beef and profiteroles, John chatted away amiably while taking small sips from his glass of diet coke. Was this all some surreal dream? If it was, I didn’t want it to end. Perhaps a gastric band will help my game too, I thought to myself as I wandered over to the driving range to work out where it all went so wrong.

Alvaro dishes out some much needed swing advice as I find yet another of the West Course’s shoulderdeep bunkers

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June 2011 / Issue 200

Freak frisbee injury costs Howell dea David Howell has resumed his quest to book a spot at the season-ending Dubai World Championship after falling victim to another bizarre injury. Howell, 36 this month, has ‘previous’ when it comes to unusual setbacks. Indeed he once tripped over his laces and broke an arm when out jogging. But the one-time World No.9 arguably trumped even that unfortunate injury with an ankle setback that occurred in Dubai – where he lives for part of the year – during the spring. “It was the most innocuous visit to the beach with some

friends,” Howell told Golf News during his appearance at the PGA Championship at Wentworth last month. “The frisbee came out for a little game with the lads. They are both teaching pros, so they could afford to sprain their

ankle and they were fine. I’m a touring pro and I can’t afford to sprain my ankle – and I did. So that was it, a six- or seven-week injury; a fateful trip to the beach. It was really upsetting to have another silly injury that kept me away from

four tournaments that I was due to play in. “I had worked really hard at the start of the year – it’s a year for me to get back on track and turn my career round again. For that to happen was really frustrating.” Prior to that setback, Howell had shown glimpses of some very good form. He was fifth in the Qatar Masters and was also just outside the top 10 in both the Dunhill Masters and the Open de Andalucia. “I’ve played some nice golf, put some good rounds together and the finish in Qatar was a big boost for the

confidence,” assessed the 2006 BMW champion, who bases himself in Virginia Water through the summer months. Howell enjoyed two or three superb seasons around the time of his Wentworth triumph, lining up in Europe’s Ryder Cup side in 2004 and 2006. But things haven’t flowed as smoothly since – doubtless in part to those injury woes – and so he has identified what appears to be a level-headed key objective for the current season. “Having fallen so far from the highs of ninth in the world a few years ago, goal-

setting has been pretty tricky,” explains Howell, who is in his 16th season on the circuit. “But at the start of this year, I thought a very sensible, and I’d like to think modest goal, was to make sure I made it to the Race To Dubai final (top60 on the money list). “I think I’ve only missed the season-ending event three times – once through injury back in 2001, and then the last two years, when ironically, it’s gone to Dubai, and I can almost see the course from my apartment. “That’s my first goal. If I’ve done that, that will be a step

Dinosaur fails to scare junior talent

Two forward-thinking Surrey golf pros have been given a national award after using some unusual props to encourage thousands of youngsters to try golf for the first time. Jon Woodroffe and Richard Morris, both PGA professionals at the World of Golf in New Malden, have been using scaled animatronic models of dinosaurs, including a fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex, to add a bit of fun to their coaching initiatives, which have not only proved a smash hit with the kids, but also the Golf Foundation. The pair won the 2010 Laddie Lucas Award, which is presented to the local development project that has created access opportunities within a particular facility or locality, at the recent Golf Foundation awards held at

Wentworth on May 25. Woodroffe said: “The animatronic roaring dinosaurs coupled with golf is a totally different experience for the children. So they go away having had a go at golf and associating the sport with fun. The scheme is going from strength to strength. We had a thousand kids take part in the first year, 2,000 in the second year and 3,000 this year. We’re also rolling the programme out at our Sidcup branch and we’re also building a new adventure course in Croydon.” Commenting on the award, Mike Round, the Golf Foundation’s chief executive, said: “We all know that there are ‘dinosaurs’ in golf clubs up and down the land, but the ones in Kingston are being used to inspire youngsters to take up the sport.”

Archibald blows away Burhill rivals Hampshire pro Stuart Archibald won the Kerry London PGA Europro Tour event held at Burhill Golf Club after shooting oneunder-par for three rounds over the Surrey club’s 6,940-yard Old Course. Competing again following a back injury that took him out of the game for five months last season, Archibald, who is attached to Blackmoor Golf Club, had the luxury of firing a final round of 74 to take the title, and the £10,000 first prize, by a single stroke from Doncaster’s Graeme Clark. The club recieved plenty of plaudits for the quality of the course, with the greens coming in for special praise. Europro Tour operations manager Danny Nickless said: “One player who had competed in the BMW PGA Championship event the week before, said the greens at Burhill were even better than those at Wentworth – which is praise indeed.”

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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arly

Drift promises ‘greener’ course

back in the right direction. It’s tough out here and you can take nothing for granted. Better players than I have really fallen by the wayside. But I do think the top-60, if I’m staying healthy and playing reasonably, is a modest goal. That will be a step back up the ladder.” Currently ranked 65th after finishing tied 39th at last month’s BMW PGA Championship, Howell also bagged a coveted spot in the US Open at Congressional, after finishing fifth in the qualifying event held at Walton Heath on May 31 but unfortunately missed the cut.

Members at The Drift Golf Club in Surrey can look forward to enjoying their favourite game in altogether greener surroundings in the not too distance future, following the decision to invest significant sums in the installation of a new state-ofthe-art irrigation system. The investment marks the biggest single financial commitment by the current board of directors, which took over the running of the East Horlsey-based club in 2001. Jonathan Connell, the Drift’s managing director, said: “It is essential that our members see improvements in their

The playing surfaces at The Drift have improved dramatically

club each and every year. In 2011 the main investment is the installation of a fullyautomated irrigation system. “Clearly the course is our first priority, and all of the team at the Drift are committed to its improvement and development. Not surprisingly, the existing irrigation system, which is 30 years old, struggled to cope with the exceptionally dry summer we encountered in 2010, so we have chosen to do something about it.” Ben Beagley, The Drift’s newly-appointed general manager, added: “Work started just after Christmas to improve the water storage capacity by enlarging some of the existing lakes, and

GET READY TO

in March the irrigation contractor began the 16 weeks of work necessary to install what will be the latest state-of-the-art irrigation system to all greens, tees, approaches and, most importantly, the fairways.” The work, which is now nearing completion, comes in response to the results of a strategic review of the entire course conducted by former Ryder Cup player Ken Brown back in 2008, which lead to the formation of a short, medium and longterm development plan. To date, the plan has seen significant improvement in the woodland management, a complete overhaul of all the bunkers, and the creation of new tees. Major improvements have also been made in the clubhouse, including the refurbishment of the changing rooms and an upgrade to the patio area that overlooks the course. The par 73 course at The Drift was originally created in the mid-1970s by Sir Henry Cotton and architect Robert Sandow. The tree-lined layout winds its way through mature oak woodlands, with strategically-placed water hazards and bunkers making accuracy a premium, while at the same time providing a rewarding challenge for all standards of play.

Record-breaker Mason reigns in Spain

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Oxfordshire’s Carl Mason became the most prolific winner in the history of the European Senior Tour when lifting his 24th title at the OKI Open de España Senior sponsored by Cleveland/Srixon. The 57-year-old from Adderbury broke the record previously held by Tommy Horton with an overwhelming performance at the El Vale Golf Resort in Murcia, winning the title by four shots with a display befitting the most successful player to play on the Senior Tour. Holding a one-shot lead over Bill Longmuir going into the final round, Mason put on a ruthless front nine display of 32 to take a stranglehold on his record-breaking victory. Four birdies in the space of five holes allowed him to cruise home in 36 for a final round 68 and a four-shot winning aggregate of 13 under par. “It has to be the highlight of my career,” said Mason, who added another €30,000 to his record Senior Tour career earnings of €2,183,751. “I will be having a couple of beers and enjoying the victory. It has been a great day for me. It was very tough out there, with a lot of crosswinds and a tricky course, so to make the start I did with four birdies on the front nine was a great effort. That meant I could take it easy on the back nine and not make any silly mistakes. I managed to do that and actually was able to enjoy the victory – there haven’t been too many like that in the previous 23!” Mason’s trophy-laden Senior Tour career took off during his maiden season on the circuit in 2003, when he won four times en route to winning The John Jacobs Trophy, as he established himself as a dominant force in Europe.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

Stevens sets sig high for Trailbla The latest qualifying event on the 2011 Trailblazers Tour which took place at Blacknest Golf and Country Club earlier this month, saw an impressive turnout at the popular Hampshire venue, with sisters Charlotte and Olivia Heard being among the winners in the youngest two age categories. The other winners for the day were Alfie Davies (11-13 years), Albert Whymark (8-10 years) and Shergo Kurdi (5-7 years). Charlotte Heard won the girls’ section for 8-10, while her younger sister took the title in the 5-7 age bracket. The Tour, which is for young golfers between the ages of 5-13, is hosting its next qualifying event is at Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Buckinghamshire on July 10.

The Trailblazers Tour has proved a big hit

Now in its second year, and going from strength to strength, the Trailblazers Tour’s founder, Kent-based PGA professional Scott Stevens, is excited about the future for Trailblazers Tour is shaping up. “My ambition is to make every Trailblazers Tour event look like a mini

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The Surrey Open, one of the oldest tournaments on the PGA South Region’s calendar, takes place at Gatton Manor Golf & Country Club next month, with many of the region’s finest players bidding to win the coveted trophy. The 54-hole tournament, which began in 1926, and

boasts an impressive roll call of previous champions, including Neil Coles, Max Faulkner, Dai Rees, has a prize fund of £15,000 attracting a quality field limited to 132 players. A pre-tournament Pro-Am takes place on July 4, with the main event concluding

European Tour event,” he said. “We’d also like to broaden the tour to cover the whole of the UK.” The Tour, which is supported by Titleist and Footjoy, sees competitors receive a members bag tag and a free Titleist NXT ball. Each competitor also

on July 6. Lager brand Kronenbourg is once again the headline sponsor, entering the second year of a three-year commitment to the tournament. St George’s Hill’s Andrew Raitt is the defending champion, following his impressive performance last year, where the 2009 South PGA Order of Merit winner was eight-under par for three rounds. He said: “Gatton is a super course, and the greens and pin positions were beautifully set up to ensure a great test of golf for all of us. I’m really looking forward to coming back to defend my title.” There is a maximum of 42 teams competing in the ProAm on July 4, where teams comprising three amateurs and a professional will play for some fantastic prizes. A team entry costs £350. For more details call 01306 627555.

Upchurch’s bus arrives early! The lives of 200 Kent children are set to take a turn for the better as a result of the generosity of the members at Upchurch River Valley Golf Club. Members at the Kent-based club set out to raise £20,000 by 2012, but reached the figure ahead of schedule due to an extraordinary fundraising effort, which saw the Meadowfield School in Sittingbourne – one of the leading special needs schools in the country – get the keys to a new minibus much earlier than had been expected. Upchurch captain Forbes Cutler said: “We are delighted to have been able to help the pupils at Meadowfield. The minibus will help the children enjoy a better quality of life and participate in the kinds of activities that making learning fun. I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity and pay particular tribute to John Cliff and Geoff French for their outstanding fund raising efforts.” Among the key fundraising events was the Tesway Ryder Cup, which was held in April.

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ghts azers becomes a member of the Trailblazers Tour for 2011 and receives a Trailblazers Tour members bag tag and a Titleist NXT ball. There are prizes for the top three competitors in each of the six categories of all Tour Championship Events, while they work towards qualifying for the grand final in September. “The standard of golf has yet again been excellent,” adds Stevens. “With so many British players leading the world rankings, and The Open around the corner, now is the time to capture that enthusiasm and give budding golfers an outlet and taste of competitive golf.” To find out more visit www.trailblazerstour. com or email info@ trailblazerstour.com.

Treat Yourself...

Matt Prior with Mannings Heath’s General Manager Steve Slinger

Prior bowled over by Mannings England stars Matt Prior and Luke Wright look set to become regular sightings at Mannings Heath Golf Club following the announcement of a sporting partnership between Sussex County Cricket Club and the Horsham-based golf club The one-year partnership will allow the Sussex squad to enjoy the facilities at the 36-hole venue, while Mannings Heath members will receive executive passes to all of Sussex’s home matches this season, including Twenty20 games. In addition to leading lights Prior and Wright, Sussex’s team includes Murray Goodwin, Chris Nash, Ed Joyce, Monty Panessar, Lou Vincent and Wayne Parnell. Prior, who plays off a nine, recently paid a visit to Mannings and was one of the first to play from the newly-built tees on the 6,683-yard Waterfall Course, which opened for play last month. The club has invested more than £100,000 rebuilding 13 sets of tees on the 100-year-old parkland course over the winter. A total of 52 new tees, encompassing championship, medal and ladies tees are now open for play.

Broke Hill gets a fix

The new 11th tee

Members and visitors at Broke Hill Golf Club in Kent face the prospect of a tougher, longer and more picturesque round of golf from this month. Following three months of renovation work, including tree clearing, tee building, turfing and irrigation,

the par-three 11th at the Halstead-based club is set to become the signature hole. The greenkeeping team has transformed the 153-yard hole, which now takes on the entire lake. This alteration means that the 368-yard 18th hole could be increased by 30 yards, making the

water in front of the green a real danger, and providing a very daunting finish to the round. Broke Hill’s general manager, Jon Pleydell, said: “We are very pleased with the results of the greenkeeping team’s hard work. The course is now standard scratch 72, which offers lower handicap golfers more of a chance to better or maintain their handicap, while toughening up the course for the rest of the golfers. The course is in great condition, and we are planning a big competition this month to celebrate the re-opening of the 11th hole. The pro shop is also looking forward to selling a larger number of balls, as clearing the lake is a real challenge!”

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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The opening event of the Jamega Tour’s 2011 season was won by rising European Tour player Sam Hutsby in thrilling fashion, with the locally-born star shooting rounds of 70 and 66 to win by a single shot from the red-hot Richard Wallis. A full field took part in the tour’s opener, which was once again held at Hayling Island Golf Club, with players facing fine weather and typically stiff South Coast breeze. Super-fast greens and fast-running fairways made for superb playing

conditions for the quality line up, which included former BMW PGA Champion Scott Drummond, US Champions Tour member Mark Mouland, and several Challenge Tour players, including Kyron Sullivan, Zane Scotland, Dan Brooks and defending champion James Busby. But it was Hutsby who held all the aces during the second round, firing two eagles in a five-under par 66, which saw him edge past Walmer & Kingsdown’s Richard Wallis to take the £5,000 first prize.

White wins at Palace Chipstead’s Josh White reclaimed the Surrey Amateur Championship he last won in 2009, when beating former tour professional Keith Waters in the final held at Croham Hurst Golf Club in Croydon. White came through the strokeplay stages, which were held at Addington Palace and Croham Hurst, before beating Lee Heaton, Andy Devonport and Ben Taylor in the matchplay section to set up his clash with ex-Tour pro Waters, whose day job is Director of International Policy for the European Tour.

High-flying Wallis cruises to Open title Walmer & Kingsdown’s Richard Wallis secured the second PGA South Region Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit event of the season after defending the PGA Southern Open title with a stunning 14-under-par score at The Drift Golf Club in Surrey. Despite a brilliant opening 66, Wallis only lead by one stroke from Leatherhead’s Adrian Stuart, but he piled the pressure on his rivals with a second round 68 to go five shots in front. Despite a few dropped shots early in the final round, Wallis looked to be cruising to victory with birdies at 13 and 14, but a bogey at the next hole, followed by a double at the 17th put his title hopes in jeopardy. Thankfully, he steadied the ship with a closing birdie to seal an impressive win over Mike Mclean. Speaking after his win, Wallis said: “I putted pretty well and created plenty of opportunities around what is a challenging course. This is my fifth win of the season and proves the changes I’ve been working on with my coach, Paul Page, are paying off. It’s lifting my game to new levels and it’s very exciting.” Wallis took the winner’s cheque for £2,500 and two tickets to any of Virgin Atlantic’s worldwide destinations.

Wright on cue at St Pierre www.nailcotehall.co.uk

Hampshire’s Darren Wright secured his biggest victory since winning the Brabazon Trophy last year when he won the wind-ravaged Welsh Open Stroke Play Championship at St Pierre. The 22-year-old England international from Rowlands Castle carded a closing 71 for a fourunder par total, finishing four strokes ahead of runner-up Ben Stow from Wiltshire and six clear of another England cap, Ben Loughrey, also from Wiltshire. In windy conditions that dominated proceedings at the Chepstow club, Wright was near the top of the leaderboard from the start, after opening with 71, followed by rounds of 72, 70 and 71 to take the title. Six English players filled the leading seven places, with Tyrrell Hatton finishing fourth, Andrew Sullivan sixth and Neil Raymond seventh.

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The winning team at last year’s Swing for Sammy event at Muswell Hill

Teams are being sought to take part in the fourth Swing for Sammy golf tournament, which is taking place at Muswell Hill Golf Club in north London on July 29. The tournament, which has raised almost £50,000 for Cancer Research since it was launched in 2008, celebrates the life of primary school teacher Samantha Trow, who died of bowel cancer three years ago, aged 26. Samantha was married to Ben

Trow, who came up with the idea for the tournament with the help of his father, Paul, who is a former editor of Golf News. The main beneficiary of this year’s event will again be Cancer Research UK, and further donations will also be made to the Hospice in the Weald, the Royal Marsden Hospital, St Mark’s Hospital Foundation, MacMillan Nurses and the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. Open to amateurs and professionals playing

in teams of four, it costs £50 a head or £200 per team, with the day including coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, lunch or afternoon/evening BBQ, dozens of prizes, auction, raffle and disco. Trick-shot specialist Jeremy Dale will again be the day’s star attraction, and will give one of his famous clinics at the end of play. To enter a team, call Adrian Hobbs, the general manager at Muswell Hill Golf Club, on 020 8888 1764.

Wallis proves the master at windy Worthing

MORE THAN THE NE T GENERATION RANGEFINDER™ MUCH MORE! THE TG

GOLD AWARD THE TEST - GPS DEVICES ISSUE 279

Kent professional Richard Wallis carded a three-under-par total of 139 to win the Caffyns Audi PGA Worthing Masters. The Walmer & Kingsdown ace cruised to victory with six birdies in his second round on the Lower course at Worthing Golf Club to take the winner’s cheque for £1,750 and the first points in the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Region Order of Merit for 2011. Fellow Kent professional Jamie Harris secured second place with a brilliant 66 to earn £1,200 after a disappointing opening round of 74. First round leader Jon Le Roux (Alresford) battled the second day windy conditions for third spot. The trio were the only players to break par around Worthing, a testimony to the difficulty of this Harry Colt-designed course. With the Lower course in top condition, strong winds made the second round much more challenging, and Wallis made a bad start dropping shots on two and three. “I made two silly mistakes, but got through the next four holes without any further damage,” he said. “Then I made four birdies on the trot through eight, nine, 10 and 11, to really turn things around. I knew that the first round leaders were struggling, and reckoned that three or four-under would probably post a winning score. I made a birdie at the parfive 16th to reach four-under and by the time I was coming down 18 I knew I was fairly safe. “Worthing’s greens were rolling really well, and the amount of nap made judging speed and lines trickier. I’ve never played Worthing before, but a couple of members in the Pro-Am were able to give me some really useful pointers. It’s very similar to my own course as well, with lots of wind and firm conditions, so I felt pretty much at home.”

“...the most functional, packed with options, and offered at-a-glance yardage details” Today’s Golfer issue 279

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TOUR CADDIES WALK EVERY YARD OF THE COURSE TO PROVIDE DISTANCES THEIR PROS CAN TRUST. SKYCADDIE DOES THE SAME FOR YOU.

NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE™ www.skycaddie.com © 2011 SkyHawke Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. The SkyGolf, SkyCaddie, SGX, and X logos and the phrases “Next Generation Rangefinder” and “Nothing Else Comes Close” are trademarks owned by SkyHawke Technologies, LLC. U.S. Patent No. 7,118,498 & 6,456,938.

29421 SkyCaddie_SGX_Autoview__A4 May 2011.indd 1

19/05/2011 13:46

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June 2011 / Issue 200

NickBayly Christian wins sack race Just as football clubs are quite prepared to sack their managers after drawing the opening game of the season, professional golfers are quick to dump on their caddies should they happen to be carrying their clubs while they themselves are going though a dodgy patch of form. Unable to sack themselves, or blame their clubs, it is the poor old caddy, who is often the sacrificial lamb to the golfing gods when players look for a scapegoat for their wretched short game. The pro-caddy contract is about as tenuous as you are likely to find in the world of employment, and explains why you don’t often see caddies in industrial tribunals arguing their case for unfair dismissal. It just goes with the territory. Most caddies don’t take it too personally and just move on to the next future ex-boss. Which is why I couldn’t fail to raise a cheer (an inner one, at least) when I heard that Christian Donald had sacked world No.10 Paul Casey, following their exit from the Volvo World Match Play at Finca Cortesin. It was so refreshing for the boot, or trainer, as in this case, to be on other foot. “Paul can be great to work for, and we had plenty of good times, as well as bad,” said the diplomatic Donald. “Unfortunately, this week came into the second category.” For a caddy to give up working for one of the world’s top players is a rare thing indeed. But Christian, whose 10-year stint carrying his brother Luke’s bag came to an end in 2009, is clearly not one to be messed around with. Having worked for the nicest man in golf for so long, he wasn’t going to put up with having Mr Grumpy on his case every time his employer missed a shot. It’s a measure of the thickness of a caddy’s skin that Casey was able to call on Craig Connelly to carry his bag at Wentworth last month, as this was the same Craig Connelly that he had sacked after the US Open in 2007.

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

It is somewhat ironic that a number of so-called celebrities who have guarded their private lives so vigorously over the years are now quite happy to give up the most intimate details of their daily lives to the public via the various social networking sites that have sprung up. Yet some of them, and I add a handful of high profile professional golfers to this category, seem to think that Twitter and Facebook are nothing more than one-way platforms from which they can issue forth their views on the world without expecting something to be thrown back at them in return. Equally, when engaged in a bit a online laddish banter between fellow micro-celebrities, they appear to wonder why Joe Public should be able crash the party by adding their pennies worth into the conversation. It’s enough to drive you cuckoo. If these people want to ‘engage’ with the public, then they have to be prepared to suffer the metaphorical slings and arrows, as well as the proverbial pats on the back. Professional golfers – Tiger Woods aside – have enjoyed a rather cosy relationship with the mass media for many years – and yes, I am guilty of this as much as the next hack –

If you just can’t stand the tweet… but as soon as the barriers to normal polite behaviour are brought down – i.e. the creation of websites inhabited by faceless individuals operating under assumed names – then the floodgates to criticism and muck-throwing are well and truly open. So it comes as no surprise that a number of leading golfers are reconsidering their use of social media sites following the torrent of personal abuse they have experienced during recent months. Lee Westwood, who has more than 200,000 followers on his Twitter site, described one of his detractors as a ‘sad little person that needs to get a life’.

“It’s social media, not social slagging,” he whined. I think Lee, and any other media figure that complains about negative reaction from the public, has completely missed the point of these sites, and should probably step out of the kitchen. And besides, anyone who has time to fart around on their mobiles all day, telling strangers about what they had for breakfast, should perhaps also think about getting a life of their own.

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Special 10-page Open Championship Preview

The Open Championship, Royal St George’s, Kent 10th - 17th July 2011 Sponsored by

l Win tickets to the 2011 Open Championship l Hole-by hole guide to Royal St George’s l Sandy Lyle looks back at his victory in 1985 l Thomas Bjorn relives his bunker hell in 2003 l Louis Oosthuizen: ‘My year as Open Champion’ l Open Betting Preview

Major Appeal Don’t miss your chance to see the world’s best golfers battle it out for the 140th Open Championship

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[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

Royal St George’s by numbers

JH Taylor

1894 The year Royal St George’s became the first course outside Scotland to stage The Open.

14 Founded in 1887, the club has

England expects

hosted 13 previous Opens, the most recent in 2003.

326 The highest four-round total to win the Open recorded by JH Taylor in 1894.

JH Taylor shot a four- under par round in 1904 to become the first man to break 70 in The Open.

70 The par for the course has been reduced from 71 for the 2011 Open Championship, with the 495-yard fourth hole being changed from a par five to a par four.

64 Greg Norman produced a near-flawless seven-under par final round to win his second Claret Jug victory in 1993.

-1 Ben Curtis was the only player to finish under par when he won The Open in 2003.

7 The number of club professionals since the club was founded. The current incumbent, Andrew Brooks, has been there since 1995.

150 The cost of a summer 18hole visitor green fee.

Are we standing on the edge of a major breakthrough for British golf, or another false dawn? That is the question on the lips of thousands of golf fans as they prepare to either settle down on the sofa or make the pilgrimage to Sandwich to witness the action unfold at the 140th Open Championship. With Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the two most talented players of their generation, playing the golf of their lives, are we about to witness a seismic shift in the golfing firmament and see one of them finally crowned Champion Golfer on the Year? You have to go back to 1938, when The Open was also held at Royal St George’s to find an Englishman, Reg Whitcombe, winning the Claret Jug on home soil, while it has been almost two decades since Nick Faldo lifted the famous trophy at St Andrews in 1992. Twenty years of hurt and pain, tears and the occasional tantrum, have been endured. But history tells us that golf’s top prizes often go unclaimed by those who deserve

Bill Rogers was a surprise winner in 1991

With English golfers leading the world ran Open Championship been more eagerly anti renewal at Royal St George’s, which gets und

Henry Cotton won the Open at St George’s in 1934

them, and The Open is no different, having thrown up more than its fair share of shocks over the years. The twists and turns of Royal St George’s have also produced some of the most surprising results, with 2003 champion Ben Curtis and Bill Rogers, the hero of 1981, being among the most unheralded winners of recent memory. But then again, it also has a habit of rewarding some real champions, with Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman, and before that, Bobby Locke, Henry Cotton, Walter Hagen, and Ben Hogan, all having triumphed among the dunes at this stunning Kent links. It’s a measure of the changing nature of the game that only three players currently in the world’s top 10 have a major to their

name. Phil Mickelson has four, while Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer have one apiece. Such is the lack of a dominant force at the top of the world game that the last nine Majors have been won by nine different players from six different countries. Tiger Woods, the elephant in the room who is currently languishing at 12th in the rankings, has amassed 14 majors, and is the only one to have won The Open, taking the title twice at St Andrews and once at Hoylake. With medical reports suggesting that his injured knee is going to give him trouble for the rest of his life, the stage may well be set for another young star to make a name for himself, with the likes of Rory McIIroy, bruised but not battered from his Masters collapse,

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[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

Sandy's Sandwich memories

Lyle in action at Sandwich in 1985

nkings, never has an icipated than the 140th der way on July 14 and Italian sensation Matteo Manassero, both well placed to mount a major challenge. And while the players that make up the cast list will bring in the crowds, the star of the show will undoubtedly be the course itself – a majestic links that provides a stunning setting within which to watch the action unfold. To stride towards the first tee at Royal St George’s is to embark upon one of the sternest tests in the world of golf. In mid-July, fairways are firm and running, and greens are fast and true. Teeing-off towards the south, the front nine is characterised by blind shots, imposing dunes and terrifying bunkers, like the enormous, railway-sleeper-surrounded hazard on the fourth, which is set into a sand hill that rises almost 50 feet into the air. The elevated fifth tee offers the chance to catch one’s breath and enjoy a magnificent view of the coast, before striking the tee-shot towards the sea. The back nine is largely duneless on the outward half, though the fairways feature no fewer undulations and the greens are arguably trickier. Holes 14 to 16 are possibly the most daunting. Indeed, the 15th, along with the perhaps more famous 17th at St Andrews, can stake a claim to being the toughest hole in Open golf. And then comes the home stretch, by no means respite from what has gone before, but offering the opportunity for those in contention to realise their dreams. Some will falter, while one will grasp the opportunity and play his way down, past the clubhouse, to the amphitheatre of the 18th green, before lifting the famous Claret Jug.

andy Lyle's 1985 Open victory at Sandwich was the first by a Brit since Tony Jacklin's at Lytham in 1969 – Scotland's barren spell went back to James Braid's triumph in 1910. A regular winner on the European tour since turning pro in 1977, Lyle's Sandwich win catapulted him into the game's higher reaches. Lyle said: "I didn't go into the week as one of the favourites. "I had missed the cut in Ireland the week before by miles, so I went to Sandwich with a very open mind, not really knowing which way my game was going to turn. But it turned out to be a very exciting week and that win probably changed my whole life." The key for Lyle was his ability to keep the ball in play off the tee. With its choking rough and skinny fairways, Royal St George's is merciless to those who stray from the beaten path. The Kent course also boasts perhaps the most devilish final four holes of any venue on the Open rotation.

"If you are two or three over par coming down the last few holes you are really struggling to keep your score in the low 70s," said Lyle. "It's tight and breezy, and quick in places, but luckily I was always around par or better going into the stretch, so I was always in good fettle there." And so it proved, as a bogey five on the last - which could easily have been worse after he fluffed a chip with his third shot - was just enough to leave Lyle one shot

better off than Payne Stewart. Lyle remembers standing over that last putt - a three-footer - thinking that he was due a miss after sinking similar putts to save par on the previous holes. "I had already made a couple of short ones for par, so I thought it would be sod's law if I miss," he said. "But I holed it for a five, waited about 45 minutes for the rest of them to finish and ended up one ahead." Three years later Lyle cemented his place in golfing history when he became the first British player to win the Masters. Coming in a year when he also won two other events in the US and two more on the European tour, Lyle could reasonably claim to be the best golfer in the world. But the next 10 years witnessed a decline that was at first gradual and then headlong. A missed cut on his next Open visit to Sandwich in 1993, and no professional win since 1992, tells its own story. The last few years have seen something of a Lyle revival on the Seniors Tour "My game is as good now as it has been for some time," said Lyle. "I'm playing solid, and my confidence is reasonably high. It all depends if I can make the right start, make some putts and get in contention." One thing is for sure, you can’t take that victorious afternoon in July 1985 away from him.

Sandy Lyle Factfile 1958 1977 1978 1980 1985 1988 1992 2001

Born in Shrewsbury, 9 Feb Wins English Amateur Stroke-Play for second time, turns pro Wins Nigerian Open, his first pro title Wins European Order of Merit for 2nd straight year Wins Open, claims Order of Merit for 3rd time Wins Masters and four other events worldwide Wins twice on European Tour, his last pro victories Returns to European Tour after poor stint in US

Visitor Guide to The Open Championship TICKETS: Season Ticket (July 10-17) £240; Adult Daily Tickets: Sunday 10, £15; Mon 11, £25; Tues 12, £30; Wed 13, £40; Thurs-Sun 14-17, £60. Concessions (65+), £45. 16-21 year olds, £25. Children under 16 with a paying adult go free.

located off the A256 at Barville Farm, with free shuttle buses running to the course at regular intervals. By Rail: A new high-speed rail link between St Pancras International London and Sandwich will take just 80 minutes during Open week, cutting almost an hour off the usual journey time. The South Eastern High Speed service will operate at half hourly intervals between July 14-17. The adult return fare is £38.20, while children under 16 travelling with an adult pay just £1, with free entry to The Open.

GRANDSTANDS: Approximately 17,000 seats are located around the course and at the Practice Ground. Tickets for 18th green reserved grandstand £240. International Marquee, £40 (must be used in conjunction with a course admission ticket). HOURS OF PLAY: 14 July — 1st Tee Time: 6.30am, Last Tee Time: 4.21pm 15 July — 1st Tee Time: 6.30am, Last Tee Time: 4.21pm 16 July — 1st Tee Time: 9am, Last Tee Time: 3pm 17 July — 1st Tee Time: 8.30am, Last Tee Time: 2.30pm

GETTING THERE: By Road: Travelling from the M25: Exit the M25 at Jtn 2 and follow the A2(M2) coast bound. At Jtn 7 of the M2, take the left hand slip lane and follow the signs onto the A2 towards Canterbury/Dover. Park and Ride or allocated car parks are signed via either the A256 or the A258. There will be restricted access through

Sandwich itself, so drivers travelling from south and east Kent are advised follow the signs to avoid the town centre. A Park and Ride facility is to be located off the A256 at Barville Farm. Parking: Weekly labels cost £50 (in advance), daily parking during tournament days costs £10 (at the gate). A Park and Ride facility is

No Mobile Phones: No mobile phones will be allowed on the course. Anybody coming to the Open with a phone will have to leave it at the storage facilities at the various entrances. The same rule applies to cameras and stepladders. For the very latest information visit www.opengolf.com

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[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

As The Open Championship returns to the scene of one of his most celebrated capitulations, Thomas Bjorn recounts the story of the major victory that almost was

The one that got away Words by Paul Mahoney

oor Thomas Bjorn. Like Jean Van de Velde standing helplessly in the Barry Burn at Carnoustie in 1999, everyone remembers Bjorn bungling in the bunker at Royal St George’s in 2003, as Ben Curtis, from Kent, Ohio, won in Kent. As the Open Championship rota comes around once again to Royal St George’s, everyone wants to talk to Bjorn more than they do Curtis. Van de Velde and 1999 champion Paul Lawrie know just how it feels. Everyone wants Bjorn to wake the ghosts of 2003. Everyone wants him to relive not his greatest triumph, but his most gut-wrenching failure. Poor Bjorn. The deep-thinking, likeable 40-year-old Dane is happy to oblige. He says resurrecting his worst nightmare does not bother him, but you get the impression that August can’t come along quick enough. “People want to talk about that Open because it’s returning to Royal St George’s. That’s only natural,” Bjorn says. “I have always been fine with everything I did that week. I played the best golf of my life. And I made a mistake. Things just didn’t go my way.” Everything was going his way until the 15th tee. “I’d been playing really well all week and felt good,” Bjorn recalls. “Then I hit a drive slightly off line, found a fairway bunker, missed a par putt and made bogey.” But the Claret Jug was still within his grasp. Bjorn stood on the tee of the parthree 16th with a two-shot lead. And then disaster struck. The pin was placed right, perched on the top of a ledge. The plan was to aim for the middle of the green and twoputt from 40-feet for par. “It was almost a perfect 6-iron,” Bjorn says. “But I pushed it a little, and it trickled down the slope of the green into the bunker.” When he found his ball, mental alarm bells began ringing in his head. “It’s hard to imagine ever having to play a tougher shot. There was loads of sand under the ball,

and I had an uphill lie to the flag, which was on top of that slope.” It took three swipes to get out and onto the green. All credit to him for holing a four-foot putt. “What cost me the Open Championship was I got a little too cute with that first bunker shot, and it rolled back into my footprint,” he says. “I knew then that I was in trouble. It was a miracle that I made five and not more. It could have been so much more. I tried to win the Open on the 70th hole instead of the 72nd hole. That was my mistake.” “Looking at the leaderboard on Sunday morning, there was Davis Love, Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh,” Bjorn adds. “People certainly weren’t expecting me and Ben Curtis to be in there with a chance to win.” Bjorn’s final round had been moving along effortlessly for hours on a breezy Kent afternoon. It took just minutes to unravel. “You don’t really want to go on a bogey run, but that’s what I did,” he says. “I was playing well and then made a bogey at the 15th out of nowhere.” Then came that calamitous double bogey on the 16th and a fourth dropped shot at the 17th. “The 18th was a blur,” Bjorn says. “I knew I had to make three to get into a play-off, but just had this feeling that my chance had gone. I didn’t feel embarrassed by what happened, but I did feel like I had just gone from an extreme high to an extreme low. It was difficult to deal with. I was drained. I think it took me a whole year to get over it.” St George’s wasn’t Bjorn’s only near miss at the majors. He was runner-up to Phil Mickelson at the 2005 USPGA Championship at Baltusrol, and runner-up to Woods at St Andrews in 2000. But Bjorn knows Royal St George’s in 2003 was the one that got away. “When I finished second at St Andrews, Tiger was in a different league. I didn’t have a chance,” he says. “I feel to this day that St George’s was my biggest chance. I have put myself into position to win majors, but for as long as I don’t win one, that will always stick

with me. You’ve got to deal with it. The next time I stand on that 16th tee, I’m sure it will feel awkward. But when it gets to Sunday at St George’s somebody will win and somebody else will have a chance to win, but won’t. Then it will be in the past. That’s professional sport. Sometimes you win; sometimes you just can’t get over the finishing line. I just haven’t been good enough to win one yet.” The ‘yet’ is important. Bjorn hasn’t given up hope. He knows how to win. He just has to do it on the right week. He has has 13 tournament victories in 18 years since turning professional in 1993, and won the Qatar Masters earlier this year. In a career of soaring peaks and desperate troughs, Bjorn’s confidence is rising again. “I’ve had a better start to this year than I’ve had for a long time,” he says. “I need to get back into the world’s top 50. It is the magic number. Then I can start to compete in major championships again.” Bjorn is smart enough to appreciate that while golf is his job and he is serious about it, he is fortunate to be paid millions

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

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Below: Bjorn surveys the wreckage of his final round in the 2003 Open, after taking three shots to get out of the bunker at the 16th hole

“I tried to win the Open on the 70th hole instead of the 72nd hole. That was my mistake” of pounds for playing a game. There are worse anniversaries than his capitulation at the 2003 Open. His father passed away in May after a long illness, as did Bjorn’s close friend, Seve Ballesteros. This year is the 35th anniversary of Seve’s declaration of intent of what was to come from him at the 1976 Open. Bjorn remembers the impact of Seve. “You didn’t need to turn around to know he was on the range,” he claims. “I remember when I first came out on tour there was such a special feeling in the air when Seve was around. He was magical. He had everything you could wish for in a sportsman. He had charisma, the talent, that competitive edge. I loved watching him. Hated playing against him. I don’t think in his day he got the respect he deserved, because everything that the European Tour and the Ryder Cup is about, he has such a big fingerprint on them. I never got to feel Seve’s sharp elbows. I got a lot of support. I feel so fortunate to have been close to such a great man. People like him don’t come along too often.” While this year’s Open will begin briefly with recollections of Bjorn’s bunker folly in 2003, come Thursday it will be forgotten and fade into golfing history. Yet throughout the entire week in Kent, and beyond, the memories of Seve’s magical Open glories will always be remembered and celebrated. Bjorn knows that, too.

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[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

A major year Interview by Matt Nicholson

hat has the last year been like for you, touring the world as Open Champion? It’s been a fun year, but it’s had its ups and downs. It has mostly been positive things, such as being announced on the tee every week as ‘Open Champion’, as well as getting to play in some new events, and qualify the majors. It’s been a good year and I’ve learned quite a lot. Travelling by private jet now really helps and is so stress free. Can you elaborate on the ‘ups and downs’? My game was in good shape at the start of the year, winning the South African Open in January, but since then my form has started fading away a bit. My confidence is still there, so I’m just working on a few things in the swing and it’s getting there again. It’s just a matter of being patient. I knew it was going to be a tough season, playing both tours. It’s a lot of travelling and a lot of new courses to deal with. Hopefully next year will be a bit easier, once things have settled down.

Louis Oosthuizen reveals what life has been like FOR the holder of the Claret Jug for the past 12 months, as he prepares to defend his title at Royal St George’s Have your own expectations changed because you’re the Open Champion? Of course. I always like to raise the bar, and to have big goals, and it’s probably just a matter of getting back to playing and to have small goals, weekly and monthly, and get back into the rhythm of playing good golf and having a bit more consistency. What has being Open Champion done to your life off the course? It’s taken quite a lot of adjusting to. Normally every week I would sneak under the radar, play my practice round, hit a few balls, and no one would even know I was here. All of a sudden, you’re looking at a full day’s work, playing golf, doing bits and pieces off the golf course. But once you get used to it, it’s fine. It was a whole new thing getting used to that. I think

I’m used to it now, and I know what people expect from me, and I understand that. It comes with the package. What did you do to celebrate your win at St Andrews? I did drink some Champagne out of the Claret Jug during a party at home with some friends one evening – they kept egging me on, and finally I gave in. I also remember waking up in the middle of the night and phoning my manger, Chubby Chandler, and telling him this strange old jug was staring at me. How long did it take to understand the significance of your win? I played in a tournament in Sweden the week after The Open, which didn’t give me any time to dwell on what I had done. I think it only really sunk

in during the six weeks I had off at home with the injury at the end of the year. I watched a DVD of The Open, and kind of sucked it all in. It probably sunk in a lot more then than it did within the immediate weeks after the win. Have you taken any advice from anyone regarding handling a major win? Ernie [Els] has been a great mentor since my amateur days. I’ll always ask him if I’m really stuck in something. It’s difficult to say what the best advice was. I’ve got it from a lot of people, but I think I’ve tried to follow my own advice and just keep on playing and keep on trying to be the same guy that I was before I won The Open. To me that’s the big thing, keeping your feet on the ground and not thinking you’re better or bigger than anyone else. This is a great game, but it can bring

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

have friends and family around – although my wife gets more nervous than I do during tournaments! What clubs will you have in the bag at Sandwich? I will be playing with the same 14 clubs that I had at St Andrews, with the possibility of a Ping putter change and maybe a switch to Ping’s G15 driver. I can’t wait to play Royal St Georges. It’s well documented that you bought a new tractor with some of your winnings. What else have you spent your money on? My brother and I just started cattle breeding. It’s something completely different. Something I don’t know much about, but he does, so it’s good fun. It’s something completely away from the game.

you back down to earth pretty quickly. How confident are you of mounting a serious defense of your title? I just want to feel like I’m playing a bit more consistently going into The Open. Having said that, I wasn’t playing too well two weeks before The Open last year, having missed the cut at Loch Lomond, but everything came together at St Andrews. It can happen so easily in this game. and it’s just a matter of staying positive, knowing it can happen and being ready to capitalise on it when it does. Do you have much experience of Royal St George’s? I’ve never played the course before, and it looks like I won’t due to my schedule. My first round will be the Monday of The Open. I love the all the shotmaking required

on a links course, I think it really suits my game. The 100yard pitch-and-run with a seven-iron on one day, to a lob wedge on the same hole the next. Where are you going to stay during the tournament? I’m renting a house very close to the course, and will have all my family staying for the week. It helps me relax to

You’ve known Charl Schwartzel since you were young. How much rivalry is there between the two of you now that he’s also a major champion? The first time we ever played together, he was ten and I was 12. A year later, we started playing in junior events, and then played in teams together. We soon became friends. We’ve always played against each other, and just it’s a good rivalry and you need that sometimes. We still go out and play practice rounds together, play for a few bucks and just have a good game.

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Prize guy: Oosthuizen has taken time to adjust to his celebrity status as Open Champion; his first purchase with his winnings was a new tractor for his family farm

We both want the other one to do well, but when it comes down to both trying to win an event, it’s every man for himself. I think the rivalry, such as it is, is healthy for our golf, but we’re still good friends. The whole ‘Shrek’ nickname became a big talking point at last year’s The Open. Has it died down since then, and do you get a bit fed up with the reference? Look, it’s a lot easier to say ‘Shrek’ than saying Oosthuizen. It’s a nickname that goes back to my amateur days, so I don’t mind it. There aren’t many people that call me that, just a few friends, like Hennie Otto. It’s just one of those things. I take it on the chin. Have you dispensed with the Shrek head covers then? Yes I have, although they were actually falling apart, so I needed to replace them. I’ve got South African rugby head covers on now. I’m a big Springboks fan. Who have been the biggest influences on your career? My wife and little girl are the biggest influences on my career, they go everywhere I go, my dad also. He used to drive miles and miles to take me to golf tournaments when I was a kid. I grew up with the help of the Ernie Els Foundation, which supported me financially during the early part of my career. I’ve recently started my own foundation, and we currently have six kids from the Mossel Bay area in South Africa, who are receiving the same kind of support that I had. Who knows, one of them might go on to be Open Champion one day!

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[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

Nick Bayly assesses the runners and riders in contention for the Claret Jug in one of the most Open betting heats in years

Under Starter’s Orders

Following Rory McIlroy’s unchallenged romp to victory in the US Open, the betting market for the Open Championship has been turned on its head, with the young Irishman installed as low as 9/2 favourite with leading bookmakers. Those odds have been slashed from a generally available 16/1 before his majestic performance at Congressional, and the bookies are taking no chances on the ability of the new world No.3 to win back-to-back majors. If he plays anything close to the way he did at the US Open, then Royal St George’s, and the Claret Jug, is there for the taking, but there’s many a slip ‘tween cup and lip, and to write off the rest of the field before a ball has been struck would be sheer folly. However, it’s clear that McIlroy has been able to banish the demons that beset him at Augusta, and with that all-important first major in the bag, the door is well and truly open for him to step through and take over as the dominant force in world golf. It may be placing too much weight on such young shoulders, but McIlroy’s no naïve teenager now, with three years under his belt as a pro and a hatful of experiences of contending in major tournaments. It’s extraordinary to comprehend that he has led the field at the beginning of the last eight days of major championship golf. McIlroy aside, the US Open showed once more that Europe, and indeed all countries outside of America, are very much in the ascendency in world golf. The betting market is dominated by Europeans, with the aforementioned Irishman providing a slightly lop-sided look to the odds.

Rory McIlroy is hot favourite for The Open following his US Open win

Manassero is hotly-tipped to go well at St George’s

With Woods in the golfing wilderness, the men who have replaced him as No.1 over the last year or so – Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer – are alongside each other behind McIlroy in the betting, generally available at odds between 10-1 and 14-1. The latter of this trio showed a glimmer

of the form at the US Open that saw him win the PGA Championship last year, but previously had been enduring a poor run of results and cannot be backed with confidence. Donald, enjoying his lofty position as the new world No.1, is in the touch of his life, and looks a strong contender to bring English golf the title that it so badly needs, while fellow Englishman Westwood looked as solid as ever in the US Open, and will take the good fight to St George’s. His consistency off the tee will serve him well, and he has the fire in his belly to regain that No.1 spot, and more importantly, to bag the major he so richly deserves. Two-time Open Champion Padraig Harrington (33-1) shouldn’t be discounted from calculations, but probably will be while he

continues to work through his swing changes and tries to regain the golden form of 2008. With the American contingent in general disarray, it seems that this year, more than any previous year, looks to a European, or as current form has shown us, a South African, to claim the Claret Jug. My own ‘three off the tee’ include Donald, for all the reasons stated above, and two talented Italians, Francesco Molinari and Matteo Manassero. The latter knows the course, having played well at St George’s in the British Boys in 2009, while his amateur career saw him pick up valuable links experience at tracks all over the UK. Leading the BMW PGA Championship after three rounds last month, he found it tough going under the spotlight of the world ‘s top two going head to head, but he’s certainly not afraid to win, as he already shown with two tour wins before his 18th birthday.

Three off the tee MATTEO MANASSERO

40/1

LUKE DONALD

12/1

FRANCESCO MOLINARI

66/1

Open Odds: 9/2 Mcilroy, 8 Westwood, 12 Kayme, 14 Woods, Donald, 25 Mcdowell, Casey, Mickeslon, Garcia, Day, 33, Poulter, Harrington, 40 Rose, Ogilvy, Els, Manaserro, Scott, Stricker, Watney, Johnson D, Watson B, 50 Furyk, Mahan, Fisher, 66 Clarke, Choi, Oosthuizen, Quiros, Kim, Goosen, Molinari F, Wood, Fowler, 100 Curtis, Bjorn, Singh, Jimenez, Villegas, Laird, Holmes, Crane, Immelman, Allenby, Clark T, O’Hair, Ishikawa. For Latest odds visit www.paddypower.com

Key holes at Royal St George’s Lengthened by 100 yards and its par reduced to 70, don’t expect anyone to go to far into red figures at one of the toughest venues on the Open rota

st Hole - 444 Yards, Par 4 Setting the tone for any round, it’s a difficult opener into the prevailing wind to a fairway that throws everything right. A drive down the left leaves a second shot with a mid-iron over a cluster of three bunkers to a green that slopes from front to back. 4th Hole - 495 Yards, Par 4 The hole that will provoke the most controversy, having been switched from a reachable par five to a brute of a par four. Players must carry their drive 260 yards to clear the huge ‘Himalayas’ bunker guarding the middle-right side of the fairway, which then dog-legs left. Players then

require a long iron for an uphill second to a raised green, with out-of-bounds at the back. 7th Hole - 564 Yards, Par 5 Probably the best birdie opportunity, despite being one of the longest holes on the course. The drive must be threaded between two prominent dunes to a fairway below, which then dog-legs left along a rolling fairway towards a flattish green. There are seven pot bunkers along the fairway, with two more digging into the front right of the green. 11th Hole - 243 Yards, Par 3 The longest par-three on the course, it is generally played into a prevailing win, and any shot landing short or left of centre tends to collect into one of three small pot

The wind will have a huge effect on the destintation of the Claret Jug

bunkers. Anything drifting right may catch one of two other bunkers protecting the front of the green.

The Himalaya bunker on the 4th hole

15th Hole - 496 Yards, Par 4 An extremely tough par-four that is usually played into the prevailing wind. The driving area on this long, straight hole is fraught with danger, mainly from sand hazards. Any errant tee shot inevitably brings the three cross-bunkers lying short of the green into

/ 41

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p s p ec ial p r evi ew ]

my whole career that I have played a round and not missed one shot, but that day I never mis-hit a shot. I hit every drive perfectly, every iron perfectly, and only made a mess of one putt, that very short putt on the 17th. I was enjoying the championship so much, I wished it wouldn’t finish. I knew I had to play well because of the caliber of golfers around me -- Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo, Corey Pavin, Nick Price, Peter Senior, Fred Couples and the rest, people whom we all regarded as the best players in the game. I loved that competition. We knew from the first round that this would be one of the best Open Championships ever, and the best that anyone could ever win. I was never thinking of setting records, only of staying focused and wanting to win, and this was the best I ever played in my life. To win this championship, the most important golf title in the world, and to win against those players, meant everything.

Shark Bite Royal St George’s, the scene for the 122nd Open Championship, and arguably the most demanding of all the Open courses, was tamed by Greg Norman in a way which thrilled all who watched him and which conclusively re-established him as one of the game’s great champions. The following excerpts tell the story of Norman’s extraordinary four days. Norman, who last one a major in 1986, did not start as one of the favorites. Despite the course’s fearsome reputation, Norman proceeded to outplay the entire field, shooting the best first round, final round and the lowest aggregate score of any Open champion. Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Corey Pavin and Peter Senior tried to stay in contention, but throughout the tense final day Norman held firm, clinching victory to

become an enormously popular champion and reclaiming the trophy he last won at Tumberry seven years earlier. To think that I started at Royal St George’s with a six, a double bogey on the first hole, it goes to show that you should never get too discouraged when some thing doesn’t go as you planned. I have always been a believer in being positive, in life and on the golf course, and I have always believed in my ability to do anything I wanted to do. My thanks go to my wife, Laura, who has shared the bad times and the good; to my coach, and to many friends and supporters who have always been behind me. That final round was one you just dream about. I cannot say in

16th Hole - 163 Yards, Par 3 The shortest and best known of the par threes, thanks to some famous scenes of self-destruction as well as moment of brilliance. The exposed green is protected all around by eight bunkers, necessitating a

18th Hole - 459 Yards, Par 4 A great finishing hole that appears to dogleg left to right, but is in fact fairly straight. The drive should fly over the big mound that eats into the right side of the fairway. The approach should then carry the deep bunker tight into the front right of the green. A ridge runs down the left side and anything drifting that way will gather either into a small bunker or ‘Duncan’s hollow’ so named because George Duncan, needing a four to tie Walter Hagen in 1922, took three to get down and lost by one. Sandy Lyle did the same thing in 1985, but still won by a shot.

Card of the course - 7,211 yards, par 70 Hole Par Yards Hole Par Yards

1 4 444 10 4 415

2 4 417 11 3 243

3 3 240 12 4 381

4 4 495 13 4 459

5 4 419 14 5 547

Key holes is sponsored by:

6 3 178 15 4 496

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tee shot flighted into the heart of a putting surface that slopes uphill from front to back. A precise strike is required if a strong crosswind is blowing.

play. For good measure, the green is long, narrow and slightly raised, and will deflect any shots that are slightly off-line.

competition

7 5 564 16 3 163

8 4 453 17 4 426

9 4 412 18 4 459

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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Storybehindthepic Jack Nicklaus: 1981 Open Championship at Royal St George’s

Nightmare: Jack Nicklaus’s hopes of victory in the 1981 Open went up in smoke following his first round 81

ometimes a picture does indeed paint a thousand words, and rarely has it been truer than in this stunning shot of Jack Nicklaus, taken by the late Phil Sheldon. With the shadowy outline of the iconic cooling towers at Sandwich’s power station providing a suitably gloomy background, we see the unmistakable figure of the legendary Jack Nicklaus with his head in his hands – or rather his hands to his head – as he faces up to one of the worst rounds of his major career. Aged 41, and with 17 majors to his name, Nicklaus was made to look like an ordinary hacker as he stumbled his way around the famous links at Royal St George’s, amassing a 12-over par 83 for his opening round. It got so bad that even the spectators, such as there were, couldn’t bear to watch, as the man reading his newspaper with his backed turned to the action clearly shows. Many lesser pros would have been tempted to check out from their hotel and head for the airport, but Nicklaus was made of stronger stuff.

Immediately after signing his card, he marched off to neighbouring Prince’s Golf Club, where he spent the afternoon working on his game, stopping to chat to all and sundry as he tried to rediscover the magic. The next morning he came back to the scene of the crime and fired a majestic five-under par 66, making the cut by a stroke and going on to finish tied 23rd behind surprise winner Bill Rodgers, who knocked it round in four-under par. The late Ian Woolridge, a legendary sports journalist with the Daily Mail, summed up the turnaround in the Golden Bear’s fortunes in pithy fashion: “The only equivalent plunge from genius I could think of was Ernest Hemingway’s tragic loss of ability to write. Hemingway got up one morning and shot himself. Nicklaus got up the next morning and shot 66.” Let’s hope that Jack’s story gives hope to anyone who has a shocker in the opening rounds of The Open when it returns to St George’s next month. But then again, the story has it that you can’t win a major in the first round, but you can certainly lose it.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

News in Brief Hicks on top at Cowdray Bognor Regis’s David Hicks fired rounds of 73 and 78 to claim the Sussex Seniors Championship after defying strong winds at Cowdray Park to fend off the challenge from Cowdray captain Chris Dormer. Tom Hilton (Lewes) finished a further four shots back in third.

Lewes pro wins Lotto

Sanders signs up for Par 3 Champs Legendary US Tour player Doug Sanders is flying in from Texas to take part in this year’s British Par 3 Championship, which takes place at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire on August 9-12. The 77-year-old, who famously missed a twofoot putt to win the 1970 Open Championship at St Andrews, is one of the most colourful characters to play the game and is sure to live up to his nickname of ‘Peacock of the Fairways’. Sanders, the winner of 20 PGA Tour events, will be joined by a host of stars from past and present at the short course tournament,

An assistant professional at Lewes Golf Club is celebrating after winning £135,000 in the national lottery draw. Jimmy Dean, 24, from Uckfield, was told the news over the telephone while he was chasing a rabbit out of the pro shop at the Sussex-based club. “I jumped about a bit in excitement, but there was no-one else in the pro shop for about an hour, so I had no one to tell,” said Dean. ”It was also raining hard outside, so I couldn’t really run about and say I had just won.”

including dual major winner and tournament host Tony Jacklin, former US Open Champion Larry Laoretti, Gordon Brand Jnr, Tommy Horton and Maurice Bembridge, while European Tour players Graeme Storm, David Dixon, Gary Boyd and Oliver Fisher are among the representatives of the younger generation of professionals taking part. The three-day tournament comprises a Celeb-Am and two Pro-Ams over Nailcote Hall’s stunning par-three course. For more details and tickets please visit www.britishpar3.com.

Doug Sanders with former Open Champion Paul Lawrie

Moor Park

Ladies line up for Golf Cup An amateur ladies tournament that offers the tempting prospect of an all expensespaid trip to Spain for the winners of three qualifying events held in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire looks like proving a hit with the ladies this summer. Following on from its successful launch in the UK in 2010, The Ladies Golf Cup offers the chance for the finalists to represent England and take on teams from Spain and Portugal,

where the tournament has been running since 1998, in a European Final. The three qualifying events will take place at Moor Park on June 22, Stoke Park on July 4, and Brocket Hall on July 7. There are two handicap categories available to play in (0-18 and 19-30), with one winner from each category from each event going forward to represent England in the final. Last year, England won the grand final held at La Torre

Golf Resort in Murcia. Entry fees are £75 per player, which includes green fees, all food and drink, a luxury goodie bag and complimentary subscription to Women & Golf magazine. Tournament Director Ben Lambourne said: “This event captured the hearts of so many lady golfers in 2010. Given the great venues and support of our fantastic sponsors this event has a very bright future and will

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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Sawgrass thriller ends in stalemate There was nothing to split pros Jason Levermore and Simon Lilly at The American Golf Holiday Company’s Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am after an epic duel over the spectacular closing holes of TPC Sawgrass’s Stadium Course. Both players showed fine form as they competed in the Florida sunshine over some of north Florida’s finest courses, including a final round at the venue for The Players’ Championship. However, the tough 18th hole at the Pete Dye masterpiece got the better of both players, as neither of them were able to par

grow year on year.” The tournament is being supported by a host of big name brands, including Callaway, Glenbrae, Inkerman, Dorest Cereals, The Body Shop, Moyes Stevens and Paul Wayne Gregory chocolates, while the latest to back the event is bespoke jewellers Pandora Jewellery. To register, please call 01491 412967, email ladiesgolfcup@ ompremium.com or visit www.ladiesgolfcup.com.

Jason Levermore tees off on the 18th at Sawgrass

the last hole for outright victory and after an exciting week’s golf. Frilford Heath’s Tom Fleming finished third, but had the consolation of leading his team to victory. In fact, the team event was equally exciting,

with a different team having the best score every round, however Fleming’s team were able to take advantage of their great start and edge Levermore’s team by a single shot. Lilly’s team were a further two shots back in third.

During the Pro-Am, a Challenge Day was also held at the Stadium Course, where tournament organiser John Hooper challenged the pros to break 80 from the tournament tees. The Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am is just one of several events on The Pro-Am Tour organised by The American Golf Holiday, which offers tournament holidays at the world’s greatest destinations, including Pinehurst, Dubai, Pebble Beach and Whistling Straights. For details call 023 8046 5885 or visit www.pro-amtour.com.

Darenth digs deep for Daren The 8th Mick Prosser Memorial Charity Golf Day, held at Darenth Valley Golf Course in Kent on June 3, helped raise £2,600 for charity. Held in memory of Mick Prosser, who played at Darenth Valley since it first opened in the 70s, the event saw 112 golfers take to the fairways of the Shoreham-based club in fine sunshine. Organised each year by Daren Johnson, a long-standing friend of Mick Prosser, the day’s events helped contribute towards the £100,000 target that has been set to raise for chosen charities Help for Heroes and the Retired Greyhound Trust. Clubhouse Manager Deborah Terry said: “It’s always nice to be able to support such a wonderful event and to have so many of our regular players, as well as their guests. The sun has always shone on this annual event, and this year was no exception. A great bunch of people doing great things for the two wonderful charities.”

summer sizzlers

News in Brief Freddie on fire Coombe Hill’s Freddie Copestick won the Surrey U14s championship after beating Scott Murray (Foxhills) in a play-off. Both players fired gross 72s to take the tournament into extra-time, with Copestick scoring a nett 59 off his 13 handicap.

tunnel on schedule Golfers travelling out of London to clubs in Hampshire will enjoy much faster journey times when the Hindhead tunnel opens in July. The four-year, £370 million construction project includes four miles of new road diverted from the existing A3, including a 1.2-mile dual bore tunnel – the longest underland tunnel in Britain – that by-passes the traditional bottleneck at Hindhead crossroads. The tunnel, which is routed under the scenic Devil’s Punchbowl, is expected to significantly cut journey times to the south coast.

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46 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

EwenMurray

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

y learned friend Professor David Purdie, known universally as ‘The Major’, who assisted the Ryder Cup speeches of both Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie, recalls a tale about this year’s Open venue. Dr Laidlaw Purves was dispatched from ‘Auld Reekie, Scotland's capital, and sent to Sandwich to find a Kentish Muirfield. The excellent Dr Purves ascended the tower of St Clements church with a telescope and peering around this magical coastline, there is no doubt that he found it. Royal St George’s is one of our national treasures and recently ranked sixth in Britain's top 100 courses. It's hard to believe that it's eight years since the Open was played there and then, as it has always done, provided a tough examination. Greg Norman's win in 1993 was an exhibition of brilliance, and who can forget Sandy Lyle sinking to his knees after his chip at 18 came back to him. This grand course was also the scene of the first televised hole-inone, when Tony Jacklin aced the short 16th in the 1967 Dunlop Masters. There is nothing like the Open Championship. If our summer continues to be dry, St George’s

St George’s provides one of the toughest examinations on The Open rota

All the magic of The Open will be fiery and the fairways will be hard to find, as some of them are like driving along a hogs back. Thankfully, the rough will be sparse to counteract that. So much depends on the

weather, and you have you have to be lucky with the tee times, as Tiger Woods found out at Muirfield nearly a decade ago. I remember being exempt for the 1984 Open at St Andrews and thinking at last I

would get decent tee times, but, to my horror, my second round was to begin at 4.26pm. That, however, is part of the Open, and you have to deal with it. I remember the greenstaff waiting behind us at 17 to prepare the course for the next day, while the cleaners were waiting to empty the bins at various points of the course. The Open is a proper championship, run brilliantly by the Royal and Ancient, with everyone teeing off at the first. I think all of our majors should be the same, but with today's

Testing Wentworth serves up a true champion The BMW PGA Championship lived up to its billing as the world’s top golf event outside of the four majors. Record crowds of 80,000, four current major champions in the field, and, at the end of four pulsating rounds, we had the two top-ranked players in the world, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, fighting out a play-off on the final hole. It was a script that even Steven Spielberg would have been proud of. The only thing that took the shine off an otherwise glittering event was the criticism aimed at the West Course by one or two players. It was a pity, as to my mind Ernie Els’s £6.5 revamp is only just short of excellence. Any golf course that has undergone changes of this magnitude was always going to need a few tweaks, and Wentworth is no different. I’ve tried to look at the arguments from a player’s perspective and I understand some of their suggestions, but certainly not all of them. The intention was to bring Wentworth into the modern era, a nd make it the same tough proposition for today’s players as it was for those playing back in the 60s and 70s. Modern technology has added yards to tee shots and, to some degree, accuracy. This event is now the showcase of the European Tour, so I believe it should be a difficult examination. The first seven holes are magnificent. Yes, they are tougher than before, but Ernie has kept the character that was put together by Harry Colt all those years ago.

The cream rose to the top on the demanding West Course

They are also fair. The 8th is the first talking point, and I would agree by having the green as raised as it is, it’s arguable if it is in keeping with Wentworth. The 9th is perhaps one of the top ten par fours in England and 10 and 11 are superb. I think the green at the parfour 12th is more suited to a par five. Going in with a three or four-iron, maybe a bigger target is required or, at very least, a wider entrance to the green. The 13th and 14th are pretty much as they were so up to now, I’m of the opinion that two changes could be discussed. The 15th is perhaps the best par four in the south of England, a real masterpiece. I would say the entrance to the green should be wider, an easy job that could be completed in one day. I don’t like the front bunker at 16,

as it hides the green from the player. I don’t mind blind holes if nature dictates, but I’m not sure you should create them. I like the fall-off area right of 17, which incidently leaves an extremely hard pitch, but there is also a fall-off area left. I would return the left to what it was, so that the brave player who flirts with the out-ofbounds will be rewarded by a run-in. That would also bring back eagles to the 17th, something that was not so evident in this year’s championship. The 18th is a par five, so the green is designed to receive a wedge or short iron. I’ve always thought it would make a far better hole if the dip at 300 yards off the tee was filled in and the stream piped below. If the players work a driver around the corner, then their reward for that would be a five or six iron from a level

lie to a green that is hugely improved from last year. Having played Wentworth on the Monday before the BMW, there is no doubt it is an exacting test. The 8th and 16th used to be what I call respite holes, a chance to get something back. If Ernie is guilty of anything, it’s the fact he has toughened up every hole and I have always believed you must have two or three easier holes. It was a bold and brave decision by Richard Caring to revamp one of our national golfing treasures, but he had the right man to make the changes in Ernie Els. About 95% of the changes are first class, but with minor softening they will have what they set out to achieve – a truly world class venue worthy of a worldclass championship.

big fields, I understand why they are sometimes forced to use two tees. My first memory of the Open was at Muirfield in 1966. Having got on the bus to Edinburgh, then another one to Gullane, I took the short walk to the course and watched Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus at close quarters for the first time. They were magical days and on your first visit to an Open it's easy to fall in love with the atmosphere. Many of you will remember your first experiences. The roars from around the course, as one shot is cheered after another, the groans when a ball tumbles into a bunker, and the respectful silence when a shot simply doesn't come off. A quick visit to the merchandise exhibition tent to pick up a few mementos is always a must, while the smell of fish and chips wafting across the course will force you to seek out the source. The practice range is a good place to watch the players as they prepare for their rounds, as well as work out where it all went wrong a few hours later. And, if you’re looking for an Open bet, my outsiders are Darren Clarke and Matteo Manessero. And how about another rank outsider…Tiger Woods. Who would have thought he’d be 14-1 to win an Open?

Warming to the Manor While on the subject of courses, Celtic Manor was not one of my favourites at first sight, but in a short space of time ‘The Manor’ has come into its own. European tour designer Ross McMurray created this one and, like Finca Cortesin, venue for the recent Volvo World Match Play, the topography is undulating, yet once you descend to the valley, it is quite flat. The two nines are distinctly different, the first half difficult, where level par is a good score. After some testing holes at the start of your return home, the last four are sporty to say the least, and produced some stunning action during the closing moments of the recent Wales Open. Eagles at 15 (as well as sixes), two holes in one by Elliott Saltman at 17, and anything from an eagle three at the last, to several triple bogeys. To be fair, we had a North Easterly wind during the week, so it was the opposite of the prevailing wind, but it made for exciting golf. Many believe Celtic Manor was built just for the Ryder Cup, but it has a great future and in the years ahead will host many more top golfing events, of that I’m sure.

London Golf Club Jack’s Inspiration

Jack Nicklaus’ success and vision as the greatest golfer in history is peerless, and was the inspiration for his two championship courses at London Golf Club. Jack’s vision demands the best in tournament golf, which is why we are excited to be part of the oldest Championship of all – this year proudly hosted by Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, only 1 hour from us. Welcome to London Golf Club, host to The Open Championship Regional Qualifying.

To find out more call 01474 879899, or email us at info@londongolf.co.uk www.londongolf.co.uk

London Golf Club, Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch, Kent TN15 7EH

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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With Matteo Manassero’s second tour win coming two days before his 18th birthday, the Italian sensation has plenty to celebrate

Matteo the Man

Italian Job: Mannessero has enjoyed a rapid rise up the worl rankings since turning pro in 2009

When in Rome: Manessero has settled into tour life, but loves to return home to his native Italy whenever he can

As birthday presents go, picking up a cheque for €288,465 and collecting your second tour win is pretty hard to top. OK, so many coming-of-age presents may involve a second-hand car, or a trip to the pub with your mates, but Matteo Manassero isn’t a big one for parties, doesn’t drink, and generally has people to chauffeur him around these days. Already a star in his own right, Manassero confirmed that his constellation is firmly in its ascendency by adding March’s Malaysian Open to the Castelló Masters title he won in October. Well accustomed to breaking records, the youngster from Verona added a few more pages to his burgeoning CV by triumphing in Kuala Lumpur aged just 17 years and 363 days. Tiger, eat your heart out. Last season’s Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year already looks like the finished article, and although he knows he still has a lot to learn, his slender frame has already hauled itself up to 30th in the world rankings following his seventh place at last month’s BMW PGA Championship – an almost unimaginable achievement for someone whose ability to vote and drink only became legal on April 19th.

And, after just missing out on an invitation to the US Masters, Manassero can now look forward to playing in the three remaining Major Championships, a stage where he looks certain to play a leading role in the years to come. But for now he is content to celebrate his coming of age as he looks to the bigger events that surely lie ahead. “Turning 18 is a big moment in everyone’s life,” he says. “You can get your car, your bank account and everything else that comes with it. But I didn’t make a massive deal out of it. It’s just a birthday. I’m not one for partying, but I did spend the day with my friends and family and we had a nice dinner. It was great to be able to celebrate with them all, as I’m away from home so much these days.” Ah yes, the perils of the travelling golfer, hopping from airport to airport, staying in faceless hotels and trying to catch a glimpse of whatever country you are in before jetting off to the next continent. Exciting stuff for any youngster, and even more so when someone hands you a large cheque at the end of it. “The travelling side of things has been difficult at times,” admits Manassero, who is being schooled by a tutor between tournaments. “You can be alone sometimes, which isn’t easy, but my mum and dad often travel with me – they like to see these places too – and, if not, my physio or my coach, Alberto Binaghi, come along. It’s nice to have someone to spend time with. I enjoy travelling and I like seeing new places.” Such an unassuming and grounded nature has become the trademark of a teenager who displays maturity beyond his years and a youthful talent that is already drawing comparisons with his idol Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods at a similar age. Born in 1993 in Verona, Manassero

first picked up a club at just three years old. Like the early footage of Woods, it was immediately clear that golf was in his blood and a rare talent was innate. Manassero first nudged the attention of the wider golfing world when aged 16 years and 63 days he became the youngest winner of the Amateur Championship in 2009. That honour earned him a place at the Masters, where he became the youngest player to make the cut, and prior to that The Open Championship, where he played the first two rounds alongside Tom Watson, and eliciting glowing praise from the five-time major winner. Manassero went on to finish a remarkable 13th, taking the Silver Medal as the lowest amateur. “Winning the Amateur Championship was massive,” he recalls. “It changed everything. I got the chance to play in The Open and the Masters, two of the

youngest pro to make a European Tour cut, finishing 29th. After playing in a handful of Challenge Tour events, including finishing runner-up in the Rolex Trophy, Manassero was third in the European Masters in Switzerland before his making history in Spain when he broke Danny Lee’s record as the youngest Tour winner by more than a year. He also shaved a record held by his idol Ballesteros, as the youngest full European Tour member by 12 days. “Your first win is a great achievement, and something you always remember,” he recalls. “You don’t really know when it is going to come, so it is a tense moment. That helped me manage the pressure in Malaysia. I wasn’t as nervous on Sunday as I felt in Spain. Each win helps you grow as a player. The first one helps you maybe more than the other ones. They were different victories. That first one was by four shots, my second was tight from the start to the finish,

“Winning the Amateur Championship was massive ... I got the chance to play in The Open and the Masters” biggest tournaments, which really changed my life in terms of making it as a professional. The Open was a great experience. It was my second professional tournament as an amateur, so it was a big deal for me. Playing with Tom was really special. You can learn so much from him. He spoke to me and made me feel relaxed. He’s been playing for more than 40 years and every time he is nice to everybody – that is something I learned from him.” Manassero made his professional debut in May last year at the BMW Italian Open, aged 17 years and 17 days, and promptly became the

but the feeling is the same, because there is so much competition and so many good players.” Mannasero remains remarkably modest in his assessment of the where his career will take him. “To get in the top 50 is a great achievement after just 11 months of pro golf,” he says. “It gets me into the Majors – I just missed Augusta, but playing the other three will be fantastic. I’m really proud of that and the next target will be winning another tournament and keeping the momentum going. It’s going well and we’ll see what happens.” Indeed, we will.

June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 51

Rory McIlroy erases the memory of his Masters’ meltdown with a recordbreaking victory in the US Open. Words by Nick Bayly Rory McIlroy produced one of the most clinical four days of golf ever witnessed in the history of the majors to turn the 111th US Open into a virtual procession. The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland missed the cut at Pebble Beach 12 months ago, when fellow countryman Graeme McDowell took the title, but he showed what a difference a year makes when breaking no fewer than 12 records on his way to winning what is traditionally regarded as the toughest major of the four by a massive eight shots. In complete control of his emotions and his game, McIlroy shot rounds of 65, 66, 68 and 69 to finish the tournament on 16-under par, eight shots ahead of Jason Day and four shots better than the US Open scoring record formerly held by four players, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. All week, McIlroy’s performance was compared to Tiger Woods’ 15shot victory at Pebble Beach back in 2000. The margin at Congressional may not have been as impressive, but the performance certainly was. “I was trying to go out there and emulate him in some way,” McIlroy said. “I played great for four days and I couldn’t be happier.” McIlroy now has his first major championship, two months after a collapse so comprehensive, many wondered if he could ever recover. He took a four-shot lead into the final day of the Masters. But after hitting his 10th tee shot near a cabin on the grounds of Augusta National, he melted down, shot 80 and finished 15th. His shot on the 10th hole during the final round at Congressional was hardly comparable. On the 214-yard par-3, a downhill shot over water, McIlroy knocked the ball above the hole, then watched as it stopped for a split second and started spinning backwards to the hole, before stopping two inches from the cup. He tapped in for a birdie that got him to 17-under par. “That was the point in the round that I really felt it was mine to lose,” McIlroy said later. He ended up at 16 under par, coming short of the all-time major record of 19-under par set by Woods at St Andrews in 2000. But McIlroy

McIlroy salutes the crowd after his emphatic eight-shot victory

one man show put plenty of ink in that record book nonetheless, breaking 12 US Open and major records. McIlroy’s youth, his dominance and his charisma invite obvious comparisons with Woods, who was 20 when he won the 1997 Masters by a dozen shots and turned the world of golf upside down. But as with most sporting contests, comparisons aren’t particularly useful or relevant. Woods is Woods, and McIlroy will, hopefully, always be McIlroy. They might both bomb the ball miles and hit imperious iron shots, but the way they were taught the game, and the way they conduct themselves on and off the golf course are polar opposites. McIlroy has already earned a level of popularity on the golf course in America that Woods has never been able to achieve. They may have loved his ability to make eagles and birdies, but the galleries never fell in

love with Woods the man, and have even less reason to do so following his recent fall from grace. You could admire his talent, of course, but you were never going to route for him like you would your own football team. In Rory McIlroy, golf has found a player who most people, regardless of their nationality or creed, are willing to do well, and that is going to give him a few shots on the field in every major that comes along. Colin Montgomerie, commentating for Sky Sports during the tournament, said that he knew McIlroy was on the driving range without having to turn around, as the sound of his ball-striking was like no other player he had ever heard before. That ball striking was I evident throughout the US Open, with the youngster flushing long irons off the tee and the fairway in almost effortless fashion. While Tiger is all muscle and

physical aggression, McIlroy appears to sweep the ball with the effortless grace of a ballerina. There are no lunges, no sudden shifts in weight, just one, long rhythmical swing that ends in perfect balance. It is poetry in motion, and quite rightly judged by many experts to be the best in the game. And more importantly, when it comes to the record books, it looks like a swing that can hold up over time. McIlroy’s victory, while a huge personal achievement, also further cements the view that there has been seismic shift in the golfing firmament. The generations are moving on, and the era of Woods, Mickelson, Singh

and all those players who dominated the leaderboard at these events is at an end. Golf, it appears, is now a young man’s game these days, with the last four majors having been won by players in their 20s. McIlroy’s the youngest, of course, but Charl Schwartzel was 26 when he birdied the last four holes to win the Masters two months ago, Martin Kaymer just 25 when he took the 2010 PGA Championship in a playoff, and Louis Oosthuizen the old man at 28 when he took the Old Course apart last year. The stage is now set for McIlroy, and ‘Generation Next’, to take the fight on to Royal St George’s next month for the 140th Open Championship. The bookmakers are already running for cover, and have installed the new US Open champion as 9/2 favourite, down from a widely available 16/1 just a week ago. Let’s hope weight of expectation doesn’t turn his feet to clay, and instead we witness the rise and rise of a new champion.

2011 US Open Leaderboard Congressional Golf Club, June 16-19 1 2 T3 T3 T3 T3 T7 T7 T9 T9

Rory McIlroy -16 Jason Day -8 Kevin Chappell -6 Robert Garrigus -6 Lee Westwood -6 Y.E. Yang -6 Peter Hanson -5 Sergio Garcia -5 Charl Schwartzel -4 Louis Oosthuizen -4

65 71 76 70 F75 68 72 69 68 69

66 72 67 70 68 69 71 71 74 73

68 65 69 68 65 70 69 69 72 71

69 68 66 70 70 71 67 70 66 67

268 276 278 278 278 278 279 279 280 280

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June 2011 / Issue 200

Lewis stuns his rivals at St Andrews

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Hertfordshire’s Tom Lewis added yet another top amateur title to his burgeoning CV when winning the prestigious St Andrews Links Trophy over a wind-beaten Old Course. The 20-year-old former British and English boys champion from Welwyn Garden City posted closing rounds of 70 and 67 to record a four-shot victory, with an eight under par total of 279. Daan Huizing, Rhys Enoch and Sebastian Maclean all tied for second. Lewis, whose girlfriend Lara Cornell caddied for him, said, “It is a really big tournament to win. This is the third year in a row I have played here and I really enjoy these courses. You have to try and go right on the Old Course to get the best angles for approaching the greens, but you have to avoid the bunkers. I think I was only in one bunker all week and that was important.” Lewis, who has his sights set on Walker Cup selection this year, finished tied fourth in last year’s St Andrews Links and was joint second in the recent Lytham Trophy. Warwickshire’s Andrew Sullivan further enhanced his growing reputation by finishing tied sixth, while two more English players, Craig Hinton (Oxfordshire) and Jack Senior (Lancashire) ended equal tenth.

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Swedish golfer Caroline Hedwall was the surprise winner of the inaugural professional PowerPlay Golf event held at Celtic Manor Resort last month. The 24-year-old LET player won the tournament in dramatic fashion, claiming a late barrage of six-point PowerPlay birdies to triumph over a star-studded field that included Gary Player, Graeme McDowell, Paula Creamer, Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, John Daly, Ian Woosnam and Helen Alfredsson. Played over nine selected holes on Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, and in front of a large crowd, the early pace setters were Creamer and young French European Tour rookie Victor Dubuisson. When Creamer

failed to convert a last-hole PowerPlay birdie, attention turned to Hedwall, who amassed 18 points on the final three holes with three successive six-point birdies, including a brave 15-foot putt on the final hole. Alfredsson and Poulter – who almost eagled the last after driving the green – both came with a late charge, matching Hedwall’s last-hole birdie, but the young Swede prevailed to take the title. “That was a lot of fun. I was in the middle of the pack with three to play, but knew I still had a chance with PowerPlays in reserve,” said Hedwall, after picking up the £100,000 first prize. “I was very nervous on the first tee, but playing with

Ian and Helen was a great experience.” The victory capped a memorable few days for Hedwall, who secured her first Ladies European Tour victory

June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 53

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Brocket Hall without a longterm commitment. For the beginner, or for those who wish to sharpen their skills, there is now also a range of membership packages available for the Palmerston Golf Academy, incorporating either V1 Swing Analysis sessions, green fees or Titleist SureFit Club fitting sessions. The exceptional practice facilities comprise a 300-yard driving range complete with Titleist NXT tour balls; short game zone with two pitching/chipping greens; a large putting green; six-hole par 3 course; an indoor V1 Video Analysis studio; Titleist SureFit club fitting; a Flightscope launch monitor and expert tuition from PGA Professionals; the Academy; coupled with Brocket Hall Golf Club, promise a complete solution to improve your golf.

Andrew Oldcorn was the runaway winner at the De Vere Club PGA Seniors Championship, carding an impressive final round 70 to post an 11-under total and an impressive nine-shot victory. Fittingly, it was 10 years since Oldcorn famously won the PGA Championship at Wentworth, completing a rare double that only Neil Coles and Brian Huggett have previously achieved. Oldcorn was in fine form all week, completing the final 63 holes in 15-under and sprint clear of the field. Brand was the only player in the star studded field, to mount a challenge, but his two-under

par total was a distant second. Following his win, the former PGA Championship winner was full of praise for the tournament and the host venue, which once again proved a stern challenge, with only Oldcorn and runner-up Gordon Brand Jnr finishing under par. “This is a very special moment and it couldn’t have happened at a better place. Slaley Hall is in incredible condition – as good as I have ever seen. This is a magnificent tournament. It has been a real pleasure to play the Hunting Course and stay in the hotel this week, so a big thankyou to De Vere for their hospitality.”

Allanson enjoys first taste of victory at Farnham Sandmartins’ professional Matthew Allanson shot a two-underpar 70 to bag his first PGA South Region victory at the Farnham Charity Pro-Am. Using a three-iron off the tee for accuracy, Allanson opened up with a birdie and an eagle two and never looked back, bagging three further birdies over the testing parkland layout. After picking up his £1,000 first prize, Allanson had high praise for the Farnham layout, as well as some kind words for those who have supported him during his carrer. “The course was in fantastic condition, with challenging greens, pin positions and subtle borrows that caught me out a few times. Using my 3-iron off the tee really paid dividends, and I think I was inspired by Seve - my short game got me up and down from all over the place.” He continued: “I also want to thank two people, both PGA Professionals: Andrew Hall, the owner of Sand Martins and a top coach, and the Sand Martins Professional Steve Cox. They’re both mentors to me, and this result will show them it’s worth the effort!”

for PowerPlay launch The inaugural televised PowerPlay event attracted an all-star field

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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The repercussions from Ernie Els’s changes to Wentworth’s West Course continued last month, with the South African accusing Ian Poulter of ‘damaging’ the European Tour’s flagship event by openly criticizing the controversial par-five 18th hole. Poulter made headlines with his suggestion that the course was unfair in places and was ‘not fun’. He was speaking at the end of his second round, just minutes after double-bogeying the final hole, where his approach shot from just over 100 yards spun back into the water. Els’s changes to the iconic course came in for criticism from a wider number of players in 2010, when the newlook layout was first revealed, but his skin doesn’t appear to have thickened in the last 12 months. “It’s difficult not to take things personally,”

Ernie fights back over West Course critics said Els, “especially when it’s coming from a guy who double-bogeys the last hole because he doesn’t hit the right shot, and then he blames the golf course for his bad shots. I don’t take that lightly and its hard not to take it personally. We’ll have a word when it’s suitable, when he’s calmed down a little bit. He’s done a lot of damage to the flagship event. He’s a Ryder Cup player, and to come out with things like that is uncalled for. He should think twice when he does that.” Els praised the condition of the West Course, pointing out that the best two players in the world, Luke Donald and Lee

Westwood, had finished at the top of the leaderboard and had provided one of the best tournaments staged at the venue in years. “We’ll take stock,” he said, when asked if there would be any further changes. “But instead of players getting on a stage and talking to the world, come up with constructive criticism and we will listen. I’m not going to take this craziness. It’s uncalled for.” The 18th hole played a huge part in the destiny of the BMW PGA Championship, with Lee Westwood spinning his ball back into the water during his play-off against eventual winner Luke Donald. The green had been extensively remodeled last year to make it more receptive to second shots, which it succeeded in doing this year, with a lot more players going for the green in two than did in 2010.

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Brilliant Sullivan denies Brown England international Andrew Sullivan produced a spectacular birdie-eaglebirdie finish to win the Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship at Blairgowrie. Sullivan closed with 69, for a six-under par total, finishing a shot ahead of Wentworth’s Steven Brown, with Scotland’s Paul Shields third on 286. The lead changed hands several times in the closing round at Blairgowrie, with Brown looking likely to lift the trophy after birdies at the 16th and 17th, but Sullivan staged that dramatic finale, holing from ten feet for birdie on the 16th before drilling a rescue club 263 yards to 20 feet to set up an eagle-three at 17. That left the Midlander needing a birdie at 18 to win and he fired a seven-iron to

four feet before calmly rolling in the putt. “I saw Steven had moved to five under, so I knew I had to go for it and managed to pull it off,” said Sullivan. “Hopefully, this will get me back to Scotland for the

Walker Cup in September.” Sullivan has now won eight titles over the last 18 months, and finished in the top six in virtually every event he has entered, including the tour of Australia earlier in the year.

Littlehampton to stage RAF charity event

£20 for 18 holes

for the week of 11-17th July

For more information or to book call the Pro Shop on: 01797 321201 www.lyddgolfclub.co.uk

There is still time to enter the annual RAF Benevolent Fund charity golf day, which takes place at Littlehampton Golf Club in West Sussex on July 8. More than 100 golfers are expected to take part in the charity event, with team prizes, plus other prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive. The event begins with a shotgun start at 9.30am.

The event will raise vital funds for the refurbishment of a seaside cottage which will offer the opportunity of recuperating breaks for serving RAF personnel and their families at The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund’s short break centre in Rustington. To secure a team place, please contact Shirley Steeples on 01903 788071 or email shirley.steeples@rafbf.org.uk.

Bright Sparks ‘goes live’ at London Club Among the many gameenhancing exhibitors at Golf LIVE golf show at the London Golf Club last month, was Kent-based golf coach Brian Sparks, whose Positive Impact Golf training concept has changed the games of countless amateur golfers over the years. Although Brian concentrates his efforts on amateur golfers, he is impressed with the way Golf LIVE ambassador Colin Montgomerie makes aspects of his swing easy for less able golfers to understand. “Colin always tells amateurs that they would be amazed at how lightly he grips the club,” said Brian. “Positive Impact Golf will demonstrate why he’s right and tell you more about how to relax your whole swing.” Visitors to Brian’s coaching bay were able to buy a copy of the Positive Impact Golf book, signed by the author himself. Sparks, who has a coaching academy at Manston Golf Centre in Kent, has a philosophy that moves away from the technical aspects of the game, and concentrates on a more natural, holistic approach to the swing fundamentals, doing what feels comfortable for the individual, rather than making golf more difficult than it should be. For more details visit www.positiveimpactgolf. co.uk or call 01843 590005.

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ARE YOU UP TO THE CORPORATE CHALLENGE?

The World Corporate Golf Challenge brings together golfers from over 20 countries

If your golfing temperament is as good as your business brain, you could be heading for glory in the world finals of the 2012/2013 World Corporate Golf Challenge The World Corporate Golf Challenge is sponsored by:

Broadcast on:

Previous Companies who have played in the World Corporate Golf Challenge: Price Waterhouse Lloyds TSB Royal Bank of Scotland

If you thought the recession had dented the importance of golf as a means of oiling the wheels of industry then you probably haven’t heard of the World Corporate Golf Challenge, or been one of the one million-plus amateur golfers who have taken part in the world’s largest and longest established intercompany golf event. Set up in 1993 with the intention of providing companies with a tool that would help to foster and develop relations within businesses and with their clients, the inaugural event involved just seven countries. Since then, the World Corporate Golf Challenge has grown dramatically, and in 2010 had 24 countries participating. Over one million golfers have now taken part in the event around the world, with a host of new countries, including several in the Far East, set to stage qualifiers for the 2012 World Final. The annual winners from each country compete in the World Corporate Golf Challenge Final, representing not only their company, but also their country. The World Final has been held at a number of prestigious international venues over the years, including Half Moon Bay in Jamaica, Le Touessrok in Mauritius, La Manga Resort in Spain, and most recently at the Simola Golf & Country Estate in South Africa, where

Challenge ambassador: Tony Jacklin

Northern Ireland bagged its first ever victory on May 6 thanks to the efforts of Tim Johnston and John McBurney, representing Northern Ireland Civil Services Sports Associated. The pair amassed 67 points in the final, which has a Stableford format with both player’s scores counting, finishing just one point clear of India, with Botswana two points further back in third. The top three teams all received their trophies from twotime Major champion Tony Jacklin, who is an ambassador of the World Corporate Golf Challenge. Tim Johnston, one of the winning pair, gave an insight to what it’s like to take the title in such a prestigious

event. “Coming from a small country like Northern Ireland, it is a source of great pride to win such a high profile event, particularly against a field of high quality fellow competitors from all around the world,” he said. “Meeting and socialising with a golfing legend in Tony Jacklin only added to the experience, and receiving his heartfelt congratulations on our win was a personal highlight. We truly felt like world champions, and I will dine out on this proud experience for years!” He added: “Competitors in the WCGC are treated as I would imagine pros are treated at European Tour events. The professionalism of the organisation was beyond anything I have experienced before and made the whole trip a pleasure. Simola was simply spectacular, with immaculate greens and a breathtaking location, with magnificent views at every turn. A wonderful location for such an event to be played.” Jacklin, no stranger to playing in all the best events during his 40year career as a professional, and a successful entrepreneur in his own right, is equally glad to be a part of the WGGC experience. “I am delighted to be involved with the World Corporate Golf Challenge as the global ambassador,” he said. “It’s a great event for businesses to entertain customers and network with decision makers across a variety of industry sectors both domestically and globally. The event has a great heritage.”

Vodafone Deloitte & Touche HSBC Bank BNP Paribas Allied Irish Bank Canon plc Ericsson Toyota Peugeot

Sign up to the challenge So why not mix business with a bit of pleasure and sign up for the World Corporate Golf Challenge. You never know, it could be you being crowned world champions in 2013! Teams of two players, entry fee, which includes 18 holes of competition golf and refreshments. The format for the qualifiers is a three-quarter’s handicap Stableford competition with scores for both team members counting. The maximum handicap for men is 24, and 32 for women. For more information visit www.worldcorporategolfchallenge.org or call Ben Lambourne on 01491 412967.

Format of the 2012/2013 Qualifying Stages & World Final n Qualifying rounds to be held at regional golf courses across England n Timing: Qualifying rounds to be played during the months of April/ May/June/July/August 2012 n Qualifying rounds will be covered by Golf News, one of the official media partners to the event n The winning team of two from each regional qualifier progress to the National Final n Timing: National Final to be played in September 2012 n National Final is covered Sky Sports n Winning team from the National Final will represent both their company and country in the World Finals in 2013 n Timing: World Final to be played in May 2013 n National Final is covered by Sky Sports and broadcasted into 64 countries

Want to become a World Corporate Golf Challenge venue? The host clubs for the UK qualifying stages for next year’s event are currently being considered, and clubs wishing to put themselves up as potential venues are being asked to get in touch with the organisers. For more information on how club’s can apply to host a UK qualifying event and for details on entering a team, visit www. worldcorporategolfchallenge.org or call Ben Lambourne on 01491 412967.

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p r o m ot i o n

June 2011 / Issue 200

Cleveland/Srixon PGA Professional Ben Cleveland’s Mashie hybrid club from a v

E T A M I T L U E TH E C N A M R O F R UR PE

PONSIV R ATION, RES E L E C C A Y, R SPIN, TRA JECTO

ENESS

Graeme ‘G-Mac’

One of the great pleasures of the summer golf season arriving is the extra roll that you can get from a good drive. However, turn this around and one may argue that golf can be made more difficult in the hot months, due to the fact that the rough is longer and the firm fairways mean that it’s easier for a ball to find its way in there.

mash it up! As a way to combat this, golfers must have a tool and a technique to escape from awkward lies, to get back in regulation play, and use

the firm conditions to their advantage once more by getting a clean shot down the fairway and on to the green. Enter the Mashie

McDowell

From the rough

PIECE

ALSO AVAILABLE IN TOUR YELLOW

* S N I TOUR W S Z-STAR SERIE

HE IN 2010 FOR T

* AS OF 1st DECEMBER 2010

AL INTERNATION

When playing from the rough, golfers should seek to strike a more descending blow, in order to ensure clean contact with the ball. This means moving the ball position further back in the stance, similar position to where the 6-iron would be and near the middle. By doing this, a player’s weight will therefore be distributed evenly across both feet, further encouraging a descending blow and helping to ensure a better strike. The trajectory of the shot will then largely be determined by the quality of the lie. Should the ball be sitting reasonably well, then it should come out on a higher trajectory. However, should it be sitting badly, then you must allow for the ball to come out lower, and adjust your game plan accordingly.

For more information on the Mashie or any of the other 7011-Srixon-GolfNewsAdvertArt.indd 1

09/02/2011 11:16

June 2011 / Issue 200

p r o m ot i o n

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Clayton shows the versatility of variety of common lies Hybrid Club from Cleveland Golf. Available in five different lofts, and fitted with a dual rail design on the bottom of club for extra playability, the Mashie is designed specifically to help players of all levels escape from the rough with consummate ease. Fitted with an Ultralite shaft, the Mashie will also help create extra distance, whether being used

from the fairway or from the rough. But, like any piece of equipment, it is of little of use to anyone if they don’t know exactly how to use it. Therefore the most essential thing to do when it comes to using the Mashie well is getting the ball positioned

correctly in the stance. When using a Mashie golfers should be able to adapt to two different set up positions – one from the rough and one from the fairway. Read on to find out how they are different.

ONE WEDGE IS A START, TWO IS BETTER, BUT THREE IS A

SCORING SYSTEM

G-mac my LoFTs aRE 48°, 52°, 58°

When a ball comes to rest in a divot, it’s important to position the ball correctly in the stance. Players should move the ball slightly further back in the stance. A good way to measure how far back to go is to simply move it back ‘one club’. For example, if you are using a 4-iron mashie, move the ball back to where to where a 5-iron would be.

From the fairway & the tee When you find the fairway and have a perfect distance for the Mashie, you should take advantage of it by having the ball positioned in the same place as you would have the equivalent iron. The above picture demonstrates a 23 degree hybrid (equivalent to a 4-iron) being used with the ball positioned further forward in the stance, where a normal 4-iron would be. This encourages an ascending blow, therefore allowing golfers to use the Mashie technology to hit the ball on a higher trajectory, helping the ball to land softly on the firm summer greens, meaning more birdies and more fun.

Cleveland Golf products, visit www.clevelandgolf.com

Cleveland and the CG logo are registered trademarks of Cleveland Golf / Srixon, CG16 and Zip Grooves are trademarks of Cleveland Golf/Srixon

From a divot

TO FIND OUT WHAT WEDGES YOU SHOULD PLAY, GO TO YOUr LOcAL PrO SHOP AND

TELL THEm G-mac sEnT you! www.clevelandgolf.com

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June 2011 / Issue 200

GolfBuddy World GPS RRP: £279 Contact: www.gpsgolfbuddy.eu GolfBuddy’s new World GPS system has many of the features found in the company’s flagship World Platinum model, and also adds easy-to-use push-buttons to allow the user to quickly navigate through the unit’s interface. Among the key feature are a built-in database of over 35,000 courses in over 100 countries, touch-screen technology, instant distance measurement, overhead hole layouts, online statistics analysis and standard/Stableford scoring, moveable flag for accurate yardage measurement and dynamic green approach. The World, which has a 2.7-inch, anti-glare screen, has a 50-channel GPS satellite for super-fast position fixes and users can go online to receive new course uploads, with no subscription charges required.

Ping Collection Purify trousers RRP: £56 Contact: www.pingcollection.co.uk Ping Collection’s Spring/Summer range focuses on outfit coordination with a portfolio of polo shirts, slipovers, shorts, trousers and accessories in a diverse range of vibrant colours, including Purple Haze (White/ Amethyst/Black), No Limits (White, Blaze, Black) Oceanic (White/Atlantis Green/ Black) and On the Horizon (Electric Blue/White/Lime/Navy). Among the key items are the Purify trousers, which are made from a highperformance fabric that has moisture wicking properties to ensure they are quick drying, as well as lightweight and crease resistant. A contrasting colour yarn dyed stripe, along with piping detail on the side pockets and bold Ping embroidery above the back pockets, complete the design. They are available in Black Multi, Smoke Multi and White Multi colour options.

Powakaddy Deluxe IV cart bag RRP: £129.99 (Nylon), £149.99 (PVC) Contact: www.powakaddy.com PowaKaddy has unveiled a host of new colour combinations for its 2011 cart bag range. The collection has styles to suit all players; including the new feature-packed Deluxe IV, the stylish Sport III and the lightweight Ladies Deluxe. Designed specifically, but not exclusively, for use on trolleys and buggies, all the bags feature Powakaddy’s key lock system, which securely fastens it to the key plate, minimising movement throughout the course of play. The Deluxe IV features 13 full-length club dividers, water resistant zips and linings, a multitude of pockets, and is available in either a PVC or lightweight Nylon finish. Colour combinations include Black, White/Chilli Red, White/Sapphire Blue, Black/Silver/White in the PVC; or Black/Blue and Black/White in Nylon.

Motocaddy LitePower battery RRP: £249.99-£299.99 (18 and 36-hole) Contact: www.motocaddy.com/litepower Motocaddy has become the first trolley manufacturer to offer a replacement lithium battery designed for use on any powered trolley on the market. Under a new agreement with battery specialists LitePower Ltd, Motocaddy will distribute the lightweight 18- and 36-hole lithium batteries. With a lifetime five times longer than a standard lead acid battery, the LitePower Lithium weighs just 2.2kg. Designed to fit any mainstream trolley through a universal connector, the battery also comes with a charging unit that fully charges the battery from empty in less than five hours.

HayMax hayfever balm

RRP: £6.99 for 5ml Contact: www.haymax.b Hayfever is a blight on many golfer’s lives, causing itchy eyes, runny noses and general discomfort for long periods of the summer, just when the golf season is at its highest. Anti-hystamine pills, injections and nasal sprays all have their benefits, but providing an effective barrier to pollen is one of the most successful ways of fighting its harmful effects, which is where

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Heather and Links Scorecard Holders RRP: £44.95 Contact: www.heatherandlinks.com Put away your nasty mass-produced plastic scorecard holder and raise your game with one of Heather and Links’ exclusive range of handmade leather wallets, which will have your partners going green with envy as you flip it out nonchalantly from your back pocket and mark down their double bogey with the contempt that it deserves. Made from only the finest leathers, skins and silks, the range encompasses Italian calf leather, traditional bridle, and an even softer buffalo calf, with highend linings from contemporary coloured lizard and snakes skin, to silks and tartans. Each product can be personalised for the individual, or for golf clubs, corporate clients and societies, with linings and colours to match a customer’s specification.

Nike Air Range shoes RRP: £99 Contact: www.nikegolfeurope.com Lightweight, durable, and exceptionally comfortable, Nike’s new Air Range waterproof shoes include an integrated traction system, which provides the grip required to perform at the highest level, without the hassle of cleats coming loose or needing repair. Fashioned from a blend of durable synthetic leather and breathable mesh, Air Range shoes offer breathable comfort, with the flexibility and stability required for full-out swings, while a visible Nike Air Unit in the heel and a full-length sockliner and phylon midsole provide advanced cushioning across the whole foot. Available in sizes 7-13, including half sizes, with a choice of three colour options: White/Sport Red-Dark Grey, Dark Grey/Wolf Grey-Dark Grey, White/Blue Spark-Black.

Srixon Z-Star irons RRP: £599 Contact: www.srixon.co.uk Capitalising on the success of its ball brand, Srixon has rolled out a new range of hardware in 2011, with the new Z-Star irons being aimed at the low to mid handicap player who appreciates the feel provided by a forged head combined with the forgiveness of a small cavity back. The heads are forged from 1025 carbon steel, which helps maintain the integrity of lofts and lies, while the face is forged from 1020 soft carbon steel to provide ultimate feel. The NS Pro 1050GH steel shaft, which blends the playability of graphite with the stability of steel, increases distance while maintaining superior feel. Regular or staff-shafted irons are available in a seven-club, 4-PW set (with a 3-iron option).

biz HayMax comes to the rescue. Applied like a lip balm, but to the base of the nose, it prevents pollen from entering the respiratory system and stops it reaching levels that trigger an allergic reaction. Available in in three fragrances (Aloe Vera, Pure and Lavender), HayMax comes in a handy pot that can be permanently stored in your golf bag.

Under ArmourBite Mouthwear RRP: £49.50 Contact: www.bitetech.com You may have seen plenty of rugby players wearing a mouthguard when kicking two types of stuff out of each other on the park, but then anything that helps you to leave the pitch with the same number of teeth as you started out with seems like a sensible move. Golf, on the other hand, is a far more genteel pursuit, with few punches thrown in the heat of matchplay, although the odd locker room scuffle has been known. Under Armour’s mouthguards therefore aren’t much use in that respect, but where they do come into play is in the area of focus and concentration, a key skill requirement for all golfers. According to research, athletes have a habit of clenching their teeth in moments of stress, which is said to release chemicals that increase fatigue and decrease concentration – both of which are bad news for golfers. The ArmourBite, which sits on your lower jaw, prevents the jaw clenching, and subsequently prevents these hormones being released and allows golfers to focus on hitting the ball and hopefully, more fairways and greens. It also helps open up the airways to make breathing easier. There are two versions to choose from, one that is custom-fitted from dental impressions, and one that you fit yourself by plunging the product into very hot water which softens it up enough for you to create your own impression before it hardens again. Either way, you end up with something that fits snugly onto your gnashers, although it does tend to make holding an intelligible conversation rather hard. On my test round, I found it best to take it out between shots (and Mars Bars), and although it took some time to get used to, if nothing else, it helped take my mind off the stress of the situation (playing with my publisher) and focus on my swing. The jury is out as to whether the mouthguard was responsible for my pars and bogeys, but those people who really grind their teeth when they’re trying to grind out a score, and when they’re trying to sleep, it must be of help.

Galvin Green Ventil8 Polo RRP: £79 Contact: www.galvingreen.com Part of Galvin Green’s spring/summer 2011 range, the new Mapping polo shirt uses the technologicallyadvanced VENTIL8 fabric, which transports moisture and excess heat away from the body twice as quickly as a conventional polyester golf shirt. The textile fibres are designed to disperse perspiration and moisture over a larger area, ensuring sweat evaporates much more rapidly. The Mapping polo is available in five colours – vibrant green, blackberry, white, black and blue, all with contrast piping – to fit 36-50 inch chest sizes.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

TaylorMade TP MC

Cobra S3 Pro

RRP: £679 Contact: www.taylormadegolf.eu

RRP: £799 Contact: www.cobragolf.co.uk

One of three new Tour Preferred irons – the others are the MB (muscleback) and CB (cavity back) – the Muscle Cavity irons feature a shallow cavity that allows for more forgiveness, while maintaining the workability of a blade. A thin topline, straight leading edge and a moderate sole width combine to increase shot control, as does a new groove design. A weighting port ensures consistent swingweight through the set, without moving the centre of gravity closer or farther from the heel.

Combining two tour-proven irons into one set, the forged S3 Pros feature a cavity back design from three to 6-iron, while the 7-PW feature a muscleback. The long and mid irons benefit from a perimeter-weighed cavity that promotes a slightly higher launch and added forgiveness, while the short irons provide optimal shot-making and trajectory control. Minimal offset and narrow toplines will appeal to good players, while a soft satin finish reduces glare at address, and completes the clean, classy look.

Put some beef into your iron play with the latest muscleback designs 9

SHOW US YOUR MUSCLES

Nike VR Pro Combo

RRP: £720 (4-PW) Contact: www.nikegolfeurope.com Nike has combined the philosophy behind the original Pro Combo irons with the technology used to create its new forged VR Pro Combo irons. The set progresses from pocket-cavity long irons to split-cavity mid irons and bladed short clubs. The centre of gravity is different in each club to help produce optimum launch throughout the set. The long irons are noticeably more consistent on off-centre hits without giving up on a relatively low, piercing flight.

Callaway RAZR X Tour

Mizuno MP63

Ping S56

RRP: £699 Contact: www.callawaygolf.com

RRP: £105 per club Contact: www.mizunoeurope.com

RRP: £100 per club Contact: www.ping.com

Designed for low-to-mid handicappers looking for a balanced blend between playability and workability, the X Tour irons feature a compact head with a small undercut cavity that moves weight to the edges of the clubface for a slightly higher launch, while still retaining the feel and control required by good players. The rear of the sole is bevelled, so it still plays like a blade, while offering some of the forgiveness more commonly associated with Callaway’s RAZR brand.

The engine room behind the forged MP63s is the Diamond Muscle Design in the back of the head, which reinforces the face from heel to toe, and offers enhanced feel and ball control, as well enlarging the sweetspot. A 360-degree sole grind improves turf interaction, while making the sole and topline appear smaller than they actually are. The long irons have slightly larger heads than the short irons to increase forgiveness, while Harmonic Impact Technology refines the sound at impact.

Breaking the mould of previous Ping Tour offerings, the steel body of the blade-style S56 irons has variable tungsten toe weighting that positions the centre of gravity for higher-launching long irons and more penetrating trajectories in the short irons. The weight cartridge behind the face also absorbs vibrations and allows the swing weight of each club to be adjusted to match a golfer’s preferences.

Wilson Staff FG Tour

Cleveland CG16 Tour

Titleist CB 710

RRP: £549 (4-PW) Contact: www.wilsonstaff.com

RRP: £655 Contact: www.clevelandgolf.com

RRP: £109 per club Contact: www.titleist.co.uk

Featuring a design that combines classic looks and feel with the very latest cavity-back technology, the FG Tour irons are forged from mild carbon steel head comprising a relatively thin top line, a wider sole, and a cavity back with low muscle that lowers the centre of gravity and improves ground interaction. A mild camber on the sole minimises digging, while minimal offset offers trajectory control and improves workability.

Aimed at the better player who likes to work the ball through the air, the CG16 Tour irons feature a less pronounced cavity than that found in the standard CG16 set, but enough to produce a slightly higher ball flight than produced by many Tour level irons. Other design features include the laser-milled texture lines between each groove, which improve spin control on all shots. An eye-catching black pearl finish completes the look.

Aimed at low handicappers looking for a confidencebuilding player’s iron, the forged CBs feature a muscle cavity which puts extra mass behind the impact area and promotes a slightly higher ball flight than a pure blade, while delivering a really solid feel off the marginally longer head than those found on Titleist’s MB irons. A blunted leading edge works with the cambered sole for smooth turf interaction, while the bright chrome plating finish offers a classy look at address.

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presenting sophie

Golfnews talks to golfing fitness guru Sophie Horn following her debut as a player and presenter at Golf LIVE Above: Sophie is bringing out a calendar later this year which is sure to be a big hit with golfers

Right: Sophie joined in the action at Golf LIVE with some legends of the game... and Anton Du Beke

What was your experience of Golf Live? It was probably one of the best golfing experiences I’ve ever had. I hadn’t realised how big the event was until I actually got there. That was probably no bad thing though, otherwise I might have had second thoughts. I was luck enough to be involved in a couple of things on both Saturday and Sunday – I did a Q&A with world long driving champion Joe Miller about fitness and also the 3-hole ProCelebrity Challenge.

Being a Norfolk girl you must have played on a few top links tracks. What’s your favourite course in the UK? It’s hard to choose between Hunstanton and Brancaster from my part of the world, but I recently saw De Vere Slaley Hall, which looked magnificent. I would really like to play there.

How nervous were you taking on the pros? Exceptionally, to start with, but after I smacked the first drive down the fairway I loved every minute of it. When we’d first gone over to the tee there was literally a handful of people around, but by the time we teed off I reckon there must have been 1,000 around the tee and lining the fairway. I don’t mind admitting I was giving my manager looks as if to say ‘What have you let me in for here?’ We played greensomes – I was paired with Michael Campbell, Woosie was paired with Anton du Beke, and Rhys Davies was with the Junior Champion Daniel Lane. Cambo even took my drive on the second hole,

as he found the rough! On the second day I was paired with Pablo Larrazabal. All the guys were great and really friendly.

Did they offer you any advice? Cambo did, regarding my nerves. He basically said: ‘You get used to it’! What other things would you like to see at Golf LIVE in 2012. How might they improve on it for the paying public? Guarantee good weather! I think they’ll need to get some feedback from the public. My perception of it was very positive. I do believe there was a great mix of exhibitors, shows, clinics and discussions. I’m not saying there’s no room for improvement, because there always is, but I don’t think I’d change too much. Golf fitness is your bag. How can the average club golfer stop themselves from seizing up after a round? A few simple stretches will always help, whatever your age or ability. In terms of the types of exercises that you should do, I’d advise watching TV show Golfing World, who I’ve just started working with on some fitness elements to the programme. How did that come about and what have you been doing for them? I was approached by the producers of the show after I’d been engaging Lee Westwood with some fitness banter

on Twitter. They felt it would be good for them to have a golf fitness section within the show, given how important that is now for the guys on tour. So they’ll be a weekly fitness tip to help you with either creating more power, maintaining stability, etc, etc You’re an ambassador for Wilson Golf. What’s in the Horn bag right now? Wilson have very kindly supported me, and I therefore look to help promote them and their clubs. I’ve ccurently got a Wilson DXi driver and Rescue club, Wilson Staff FG62 irons and, of course, Wilson Staff balls. Who was your inspiration to take up golf? I grew up on a 9-hole course near Kings Lynn, so couldn’t escape it really! That was a great grounding for me, as I learnt all about the course as well, from raking bunkers to operating greenkeeper’s machinery. Who are your favourite players on the men’s tour? Who have you played with? I’m a big fan of Westwood, McIlroy, McDowell and Poulter. Luke Donald is pretty awesome at the moment, and I recently got the chance to hit some balls with Matteo Manassero.

Favourite golf resort? I was lucky enough to play Valderrama recently, which is just superb. But I also played a few of the courses in Vilamoura down in the Algrave, which were lovely. Los Angeles isn’t too shabby for golf either. I’ve got to be honest, it makes a big difference playing golf in the sunshine! How’s your own game right now? What are you playing goals? I’m hitting the ball pretty well. I’ve lost a little confidence on the greens, but that’ll come back I’m sure. I’d like to think I could get down to two or three by the end of this season. What other events have you got coming up this year? I’ve been invited to play in the Caudwell Celebrity Golf Classic, which is being hosted by Mikey Graham from Boyzone in September, up at Loch Lomond. Those events are usually great fun, and, of course, are for a great cause. I’ve been having a little bit of banter with Darren Gough on Twitter about it, as I know he’s attending. Not sure if he’ll be able to out-drive me! I’ve also got my own calendar coming out later in the year as well – should make a great stocking filler for all you golfers out there! For more information visit www.caudwellchildren.com

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June 2011 / Issue 200

Nick Bayly hits the Atlantic Highw links gems found on the north coas TENTERDEN, KENT.

CALLING ALL GOLF SOCIETIES

Enjoy great bargain breaks to The Wiltshire

London Beach Celebrates the British Open 2011 at Royal St. Georges Sandwich By offering this fantastic deal!

Book a Golf Society between now and the 31st July 2011 and 50% of your total spend will be donated to a charity of your choice. Minimum of 10 people required. For more information on this offer contact 01580 766279 or enquiries@londonbeach.com The London Beach Hotel & Golf Club, Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent. TN30 6HX

www.londonbeach.com

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Your Golf Travel.com’s £99 golf break is back, with Europe’s leading golf travel company offering unbeatable value at The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf & Country Club. Golfers can enjoy two rounds on the 6,642-yard Lakes Course at the Swindonbased resort, and one night’s bed and breakfast, for just £99 per person. The offer is valid Monday to Thursday in August, with the price being reduced to £85 for Sunday stays. At the heart of the 27-hole resort (which also offers the 9-hole, 3,300-yard Garden Course) is the hotel, a modern complex with facilities that include an 18-metre indoor swimming pool, air-conditioned gym and the Pavilion restaurant. For more information visit www.yourgolftravel.com.

www.welshgolfbreaks.com Experience golf, as it should be!

A fantastic 3 day, 2 night, golf break to include golf at any three of these championship venues: Ashburnham Golf Club • Machynys Peninsula Golf Club • Pennard Links Golf Club • Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club • Southerndown Golf Club Royal Porthcawl Golf Club And choose from the following quality hotels: The Dragon Hotel • Stradey Park Hotel Prices from

£220 per person

A fantastic 3 day, 2 night, golf break to include golf at the following three courses: Cradoc Golf Club • Builth Wells Golf Club Llandrindod Wells Golf Club And choose from the following local hotels: The Greyhound Hotel • Castle of Brecon Hotel Metropole Hotel Prices from

£140 per person

A fantastic 3 day, 2 night, golf break to include golf at any three of these following courses: Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club Woodlake Park Golf Club • Monmouth Golf Club The Monmouthshire Golf Club Alice Springs Golf Club And choose from the following local hotels: The Punch House • Bistro Prego • The Kings Head Prices from

£125 per person

A fantastic 3 day, 2 night, golf break to include golf at any three of these following courses: Royal St Davids Golf Club Nefyn & District Golf Club • Porthmadog Golf Club Pwllheli Golf Club And choose from the following local hotels: The Royal Sportsman Hotel • The Lion Hotel Prices from

AtlanticAh With Lancashire and the North West having annexed all The Open Championships held in England bar Royal St George’s, it’s not surprising that other parts of the country that boast fine links courses are feeling like they’ve not been invited to the party. While the royal triumvirate of Birkdale, Lytham and Liverpool get all the plaudits – and the visitors – it leaves large swathes of coastal England somewhat in the shade. Which, in many respects, is how those lovers of links golf in Norfolk and the West Country would like to keep it. Both regions boast some of the finest seaside tracks you could ever hope to play, with the added bonus that you won’t have to get to the back of a long queue – or pay three-figure sum – to play them. The South West has enjoyed a considerable resurgence as a holiday destination in recent years, partly buoyed by the trend towards ‘staycations’, but also because of the significant improvements in what the region has to offer by way of accommodation, attractions, restaurants and access. The opening of world-beating destinations like the Eden Project and Tate St Ives, the arrival of the ubiquitous Jamie Oliver, and the strength of the euro, have all served to put this previously ignored area of England firmly on the map.

£195 per person

Call us today to discuss your golf break requirements. We will not be beaten on price and service. Please visit our website for many other great offers.

Telephone: 01822 618148 Website: www.welshgolfbreaks.com 01971 Jan11 Centre.indd 31

The stunning links at Trevose 4/1/11 10:29:10

The golf courses, too, have also been hiding their light under a collective bushel for far too long, happy to host big English Golf Union amateur events over the years, but failing to capture the imagination – and wallets – of holiday golfers. Part of the reason for this has been down to a bit of nimbyism, with old-fashioned members’ clubs happy to plod along thankyou-very-much without visitor green fees, but it is also down to a collective failure to market themselves in a coherent fashion. Until recently, that is. Two years ago saw a group of the more forward-thinking venues join forces to present themselves as ‘England’s Atlantic Links’. A quintet of legendary clubs, comprising Burnham & Berrow in Somerset, Royal North Devon and Saunton in Devon, and St Enodoc and Trevose in Cornwall, came together to create a tantalising trail of ancient links golf that starts at the opening of the Bristol Channel and ends on the tip of North Cornwall. Working with tour operator London Golf Tours, the clubs put together a range of golf packages that provide a stunning introduction to the cream of links in this region. Breaks start from £300 per person to play three courses, rising to £690 for all five courses, and include all tee time bookings and accommodation, making a trip both hassle-free and extremely good value. Working our way from right to left, as we look at the map, we first

June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 63

way, otherwise known as the A39, to discover the hidden ast of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall St Enodoc

Just awarded Inside the Trevose lodges

Ahoy!

There are seven luxury eco lodges for golfers at Trevose

stumble upon Burnham & Berrow, or ‘B&B’ as members like to call this Harry Colt classic. Renowned for the towering sand hills that form such stubborn obstacles to par, and its omnipresent southwesterly winds, B&B is a purist’s links course that will test your mettle at every turn. A traditional nine-out, nineback layout, mixing views of the channel and Wales in the distance, it boasts a particularly strong collection of par threes (the 5th and 14th are brutes), while the last six holes, including the 18th hole – a dog-leg left over the dunes – is about a fine a closing stretch as you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles. With springy links turf from which to hit those crisp irons into superb greens, it’s a treat from beginning to end and thoroughly deserves to be ranked much higher than it is in lists that measure such things. After your round, an overnight stay in the club’s enchanting Dormy House has much to recommend it, before getting up the next day and heading down the coast to Royal North Devon, England’s oldest links. Westward Ho!, as it also goes by the name of, has hardly changed a jot over nearly 150 years, and to play it is like taking a step back in time into Victorian England.

The terrain undulates more gently than B&B, and is set on common land on which sheep are still free to roam, so watch out for the little blighters nibbling on your Pro V1s. While JH Taylor may have served as Burnham & Berrow’s first pro, it as here at Royal North Devon that the golfer started his career as a caddie and later finished it as club president. With such heritage, the clubhouse serves as a treasure trove of golf memorabilia second only to the R&A. Further down the Devon coast is Saunton, set in the remote shadows of the giant sand dunes of Braunton Burrows. When the club was inaugurated in 1893, its clubhouse doubled up as the local post office, yet now its two championship courses, East and West, are among the greatest links in the world. Although the West course is an exceptional challenge in its own right, and it is a mistake to consider it second best. It was here in 1997 that a 17-year-old Sergio Garcia won the British Boys Championship, just two years before making his Ryder Cup debut. Heading over the border – no passports required here – into Cornwall, we soon arrive at St Enodoc, another links that once trodden, is never forgotten.

Founded in 1890 and designed by James Braid, it has a fantastic setting among the dunes overlooking the River Camel estuary and with far-reaching views over the Atlantic. The Church course, so called because of the Norman Church in the middle of the course, is renowned for its towering Himalaya bunker that entirely blocks golfers’ view of the sixth green from all but a slither of fairway. Over the past four years, the course has benefited hugely from refurbishments that have included laying new greens and tees, and it’s a treat to play from start to finish. Across the Camel River from St Enodoc, and over the majestic Trevose Head that juts into the Atlantic, Trevose Golf & Country Club offers another brilliant links challenge. Complete with holiday flats and a newlybuilt septet of luxury lodges, Trevose conjures a relaxed holiday atmosphere to go with its classic Harry Colt golf course. With only a light breeze, the par 71, 6,863-yard Championship Course offers good scoring opportunities, particularly on some of the gentler inland holes and the three short par fives, but the character of the course is transformed when the wind blows in from the sea and the fog gets up, as it tends to do around these parts, making it a truly fearsome challenge. The course record of 66 stands testament to its difficulty, with the crumpled fairways and undulating greens only adding to the examination. There are dramatic holes aplenty, with the par-five fourth, with its views over the crashing waves, being hard to top, while the short holes, especially the third, are equally impressive. A charge of £50 for a day ticket, must be one of the best value greens fees going, so my advice is to get there early and play twice! The club boasts a further 18-hole course, and a 9-hole par 3 course, both of which are ideal venues for brushing up all elements of your game, as well as for introducing youngsters to the game before graduating to the Championship in the fullness of time. The club has made

significant investments in its off-course facilities in recent years, and is now a resort in its own right, with numerous accommodation options, tennis courts, and outdoor (heated) pool, games rooms and a restaurant that offers wonderful views over the course. Popular with families, societies and holiday golfers alike, Trevose is the epitome of relaxed English seaside golf. If time permits, I’d strongly recommend doing the trip in reverse for a second time, giving you the opportunity to rectify all those errors you made in your first rounds, and the chance to understand why this part of the world really is the cream of the crop when it comes to quality links golf.

British Tourist Board Gold Award

FREE GOLF Air-conditioned clubhouse facilities l Restaurant offering an extensive menu l On site accommodation in the Dorset Golf Hotel 16 twin rooms l From £55.95 pppn including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and FREE GOLF l One Day Society Packages from £25.00pp l l

For more information visit www.atlantic-links.co.uk.

Telephone No: 01929 472244

SURREY Blackwater Valley Bletchingley Chessington Chipstead Chobham Clandon Regis Coulsdon Court Dorking Epsom Farleigh Court Gatton Manor Hoebridge Horton Park Malden Merrist Wood North Downs Pachesham Park Redhill & Reigate Reigate Hill Rusper Surrey National Sutton Green Traditions Wildwood Wimbledon Commo Windlesham The Woldingham

KENT Broome Park Canterbury Cherry Lodge Chestfield Chislehurst Cobtree Manor Darenth Valley Fawkham Valley Hawkhurst Hever Castle High Elms The Hythe Imperial Leeds Castle London Beach Lullingstone Park Lydd Marriott Tudor Park Pedham Place Redlibbets Sheerness Southern Valley Sweetwoods Park Tenterden Walmer & Kingsdow Weald of Kent Westerham

SUSSEX Ashdown Forest Brighton & Hove Chartham Park Cottesmore Crowborough Beaco East Brighton Effingham Park Hassocks Horsham Golf & Fitn Lewes Lindfield Mannings Heath Mid Sussex Pease Pottage Rookwood Seaford Head Tilgate Forest West Chiltington

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ESSEX, NORFOLK & SUFFOLK Ballards Gore Barnham Broom Basildon Golf Centre Benton Hall Burnham on Crouch Channels Colchester Colne Valley Crowlands Heath De Vere Dunston Ha Elsenham Five Lakes Hotel Glen Lodge Great Yarmouth & Caister Hainault Forest Lexden Wood Lords Country Club Marriott Sprowston Maylands St Cleres Hall Stapleford Abbotts Stoke-by-Nayland South Essex The Essex Ufford Park Wanstead

BERKS, BUCKS & O Abbey Hill Badgemore Park Caversham Heath Chartridge Park Chiltern Forest Datchet Deanwood Park Donnington Grove Donnington Valley Feldon Valley Flackwell Heath Hadden Hill Hazlemere Hennerton Hinksey Heights Hurst Magnolia Park Mapledurham Newbury & Crookha Newbury Racecours Oakland Park Richings Park Sand Martins Silverstone Studley Wood The Springs Hotel Thorney Park Waterstock Wavendon West Berkshire

CORNISH CREAM

2 NIGHTS B&B at St Mellion or Trevose 3 ROUNDS St Mellion, Perranporth & Trevose

ONLY £225 pp Dinner option: £20pp per night extra

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MID WALES

2 NIGHTS B&B at Toorak Hotel, Torquay 3 ROUNDS Churston, Torquay & Teignmouth

2 NIGHTS B&B at either: Marriott Portsmouth 3 ROUNDS at any of these courses:

2 NIGHTS B&B at Th DAY 1 Cradoc G.C DAY 2 Llandrindod We DAY 3 Builth Wells G.C

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or Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa, Haslemere

Hindhead, Stoneham, Hayling or Liphook

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exclusivegolfbreaks.com

he Metropole Hotel 18 holes

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NORTH WALES

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2 NIGHTS B&B at The Royal Sportsman DAY 1 Porthmadog G.C 18 holes DAY 2 Nefyn & District G.C 18 holes DAY 3 Royal St Davids G.C 18 holes

2 NIGHTS B&B at Woodhall Spa Hotel 3 DAYS 1 x Hotchkin Course*

ONLY £225 pp

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1 x Bracken Course* 1 x Seacroft GC

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Weekend supplement: £17pp extra

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66 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

With 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 course, 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 more experienced golfers. Dale Hill is also a PGA Game Improvement Centre providing a team of teaching professionals ready to take your game to another level.

Play where the stars have played From e30 (£27)

1996-2009

...Arras Golf Club Hotel & Golf Club l 18-Hole Championship Course Par 72 - 6692 yards

Make a date with Dale Two-day residential golf schools include intensive tuition on the range and on the course, a night’s stay with breakfast, a champagne reception and three-course dinner and full use of the club’s indoor leisure facilities. Two days ‘stay and play’ packages, which include two rounds of golf, two-course dinner, bed and breakfast, are also proving attractive with couples and small groups, with prices starting from £150 per person. The 35 en suite bedrooms are all tastefully decorated in a modern, yet comfortable style, with separate shower and plasma televisions, while Wi-Fi access is available in all the hotel’s public spaces. The hotel hosts two restaurants, a lounge bar

Raise your game at St Mellion Golfers looking to test their game against a former European Tour venue, as well as other amateur golfers, should sign up for a 36-hole better ball pairs tournament being organised by Golfbreaks.com at St Mellion International Resort in Cornwall. The two-night, three-round package, which takes places from July 10-12 includes a practice round on the Kernow course, followed by a competitive round

over the same course the following day. Often seen as the little sister to the Nicklaus course, the Kernow is preferred by the members, as it can be slightly more forgiving. Opening up with a long

Stay & play in the

Garden of England

l Societies and visitors welcome reservation advisable l Luxurious 3 stars Hotel 64 rooms and 4 suites l Cosy Clubhouse with Bar and Brasserie l Driving range and Practice facilities l Golf Shop l Buggy and Trolley Hire

special summer offer

Green fee & meal @ 50€ Includes main course, 1/4 wine or beer, coffee & dessert

l Easy access from Calais by motorway A26 (Calais/Reims) l 5 mins drive from the centre of historic town

of Arras (Pas de Calais) l Special rates for parties of 12 or more l Societies packages and Stay and Play

packages on request Arras Golf Club rue Briquet Taillandier, 62 223 Anzin Saint Aubin-France Tel: 00 33 3 21 50 24 24. email: golf@golf-arras.com www.golf-arras.com

For more information please contact us Tel: 00 33 3 21 50 24 24. Fax 00 33 3 21 50 29 71 email: golf@golf-arras.com or visit our website

www.golf-arras.com

and a spike bar, and the award-winning restaurant offers a fine selection of dishes, many made with local ingredients, while the informal conservatory-style Brasserie and sun terrace serve a range of popular dishes and bar snacks. Guests can also make use of the four-star leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, sauna and gym, tennis courts and snooker room, while a £7 million conference and banqueting centre capable of hosting up to 200 guests was opened in 2004, which is perfect for hosting corporate days, as well as large scale functions. For details on the latest stay and play breaks call 01580 200112 or visit www.dalehill.co.uk.

Play one of the best courses in Kent while enjoying the very comfortable 4 star Ramada Hotel 1 night Bed & Breakfast, 2 Rounds of Golf

£85 £129

per person

2 nights Bed & Breakfast, 3 Rounds of Golf

per person

1 night dinner, Bed & Breakfast, 2 Rounds of Golf

£98 £155

per person

2 nights dinner, Bed & Breakfast, 3 Rounds of Golf

per person

Contact us today on: 01622 844382 www.theridgegolfclub.co.uk The Ridge Golf Club, Chartway Street, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3JB

par five, this course has numerous holes that adopt the risk/reward strategy. At the halfway house you’ll be able to take stock of your score and enjoy some light refreshments. After a relaxing evening in the four-star St Mellion Resort, competitors will take on the flagship Nicklaus Course. A regular feature in Golf Word’s Top 100 Golf Courses, the Jack Nicklaus designed course ebbs and flows through the Cornish typography to excite and delight. Halfway house refreshments will be on offer to allow competitors to draw breath as they go into the final quarter of the tournament. The break will also include a BBQ on the first night and a two-course farewell dinner, where prizes for the top five players on each day, and an overall winner, will be awarded. The package, which includes two nights’ B&B in a shared twin room, costs £299 (£199 for non-golfers). For more details call 0800 279 7988 or visit www. golfbreaks.com/st-mellionpairs-event.aspx.

On The Open Trail Open Championship venues and how you can play them! From Kent to Ayrshire, St Andrews to Southport, the courses to have hosted The Open Championship occupy the UK’s seaside golfing elite. Here’s your chance to experience some of the world’s most sought after courses in the coming months.

Approach to the 5th Hole, Royal St George’s

kent - the garden of england and home of the 2011 open championship

Prince’s Golf Club

Bundles of Open Championship history and a collection of truly outstanding seaside courses make Kent a fantastic option for a links golf tour.

prince’s & st george’s tour

the ultimate kent tour

Sandwich, Kent

Kent

2 Nights Bed & Breakfast

2 Rounds of Golf

3 Rounds of Golf

(Accommodation in Sandwich / Ramsgate) (Royal St George’s & Prince’s)

(The King’s Head Guest House)

(Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports & Prince’s)

from £309pp

from £469pp

(Valid 1-31 October)

(Valid until 31 October)

new! stay & play at prince’s Kent

The golfing scene around Kent’s eastern coastline is set to be transformed with the opening of new luxury lodge accommodation onsite at Prince’s Golf Club - check out our newly released stay & play packages! 1 Night Bed & Breakfast

from £99pp

2 Rounds of Golf

(Valid October - February)

(The Lodge at Princes) (Prince’s Golf Club)

2 Nights Bed & Breakfast

from £175pp

2 Rounds of Golf

(Valid 1 - 31 October)

(The Lodge at Princes) (Prince’s Golf Club)

Royal Cinque Ports

Royal St George’s

more open venues - and how you can play them! There is a common misconception that the courses hosting The Open Championship are out of reach for the average golfer. Not so; many of them are very welcoming, some are even public. Here’s a look around the UK at Open hosts that are visitor friendly and form the building blocks of truly outstanding golf tour packages. Go on, what are you waiting for?

the old course, st andrews

royal portrush

St Andrews, Fife

Portrush, County Antrim

Host every five years, St Andrews’ Old Course is truly one-of-a-kind, and a must play for any serious golfer.

The only Open host outside England or Scotland (1951), Royal Portrush ranks among the world’s very best.

1 Night Bed & Breakfast

2 Nights Bed & Breakfast

2 Rounds of Golf

3 Rounds of Golf

from £225pp

from £399pp

(Valid 1 November - 31 March)

(Valid until 30 September)

(Fairmont St Andrews)

(Ramada Portrush)

(Old Course, St Andrews & Torrance Course, Fairmont)

(Dunluce and Valley at Portrush & Portstewart)

royal birkdale

turnberry

Southport, Lancashire

Turnberry, Ayrshire

At the heart of ‘England’s Golf Coast’ lies Royal Birkdale, home to Open drama including Padraig’s 2003 triumph.

The ‘Duel in the Sun’ and Watson’s valiant charge in 2009 are just two of the highlights at the epic Ailsa Course.

3 Nights Bed & Breakfast

1 Night Bed & Breakfast

3 Rounds of Golf

2 Rounds of Golf

(Ramada Plaza Southport Hotel)

(Turnberry Resort 5*)

(Royal Birkdale, Formby Hall & Hillside)

(Ailsa & Kintyre Courses)

from £535pp

from £175pp

(Valid until 31 December)

(Valid 1 November - 29 February)

Call Now... 0800 043 6644 Email... info@yourgolftravel.com Click... www.yourgolftravel.com

ABTA NO. Y022X

Your Golf Travel.com is a member of ABTA

Your Golf Travel.com is an ATOL holder

68 /

June 2011 / Issue 200

rass C Sawg e the TP id s e b Gerard gends Mark & te Hole at Le bu 17th Tri

Gerard Watson recounts a recent golf trip to South Africa, where he and Chaka Travel colleague Mark Marais sampled many of the country’s finest golf resorts

South Africa has long been a popular destination for UK golfers, with a stunning array of championship courses mixed with quality hotels and guest houses, a wonderful climate, world class hospitality, and some of the most breathtaking scenery found anywhere, making it a veritable holiday paradise. Having just returned from a week-long trip to the country, I can safely say that all of the above is true, with all of the courses and places we stayed exceeding our expectations. The only thing that let us down was the quality of our golf, but then that was to be expected! Here’s a snapshot of our trip, highlighting the many highs we experienced, which may inspire other golfers to follow in our footsteps and find out what South Africa has to offer. Day 1: We were met at Johannesburg airport by the excellent Tamara, Chaka Travel’s representative in South Africa, and we knew we were in good hands for the start of our trip. We travelled up north to the Limpopo region, where we stayed and played at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa Resort. It was bizarre experience to be playing golf in the sweltering heat having left an icy Ireland under 24 hours earlier. Voted the best new course in South Africa when it first opened in 2004, the layout, which is located inside a 3,500-acre game reserve, is maturing nicely and makes for stunning holiday golf, providing you don’t mind sharing the fairways with zebra and kudu! The course is flat and fairly open, although numerous water hazards make for a challenging round. That evening we enjoyed a few sundowners and I tried biltong for the first time. As promised by Mark, it was the perfect accompaniment to a cold lager! Day 2: The following day we travelled onto the new Euphoria Golf Resort in Nylstroom and played its excellent championship course, which is designed by former women’s world No.1 Annika Sorenstam. The layout is a unique blend of bushveld golf with wide, undulating fairways, wild grasses and deep bunkers giving it a links-like feel. Mark taught me a few phrases in the local lingo during the round, including ‘in die kak’, which unfortunately I was to use on numerous occasions, due to a rusty swing! One of the off-course highlights here is the cable car that takes guests up to a restaurant on top of a mountain that overlooks the course. Day 3: Another fantastic sunny morning found us arriving at the Legends Golf Safari Resort, a spectacular destination that has gained many headlines – and awards – in recent years. Aside from its stunning accommodation and golf course, Legends’ fame is mainly due to the launch of its Extreme 19th, a par-three hole which requires a helicopter ride to the top of a mountain, from where you are required

Savouring SouthAfrica a off H hot ee s ds t s i ng h t Legen a nchi k lau me 19th r a M xtre E e th

tain

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pM gkli

Gerar d Extrem in the helic opt e 19th tee bo er on his w ay x

o the to launch a tee e s r Cou shot over the edge of t Golf cle Poin the escarpment to a green on the Pinna valley floor below. After jumping on board the helicopter, we were whisked in exhilarating of the world’s are only available fashion up to the top of the mountain and led best short holes, to guests staying to the tee box, which is precariously perched on including the at the resort, so its Legends Champio the edge of a 400-metre cliff face. 12th at Augusta, essential to check nship Go Hangkli p Mounta lf in in view Course with After taking in the magnificent scenery, the Postage in for the night here you then try composing yourself to drive six Stamp 8th at if you want to enjoy balls from the edge of the mountain to the Troon and the 17th at Sawgrass. these iconic layouts. green around 600 metres away. A driver is From the course we went straight out the only club that offers the slightest chance into the game reserve and while enjoying a Day 5: We visited George Golf Club in the of reaching the putting surface, but my radar few cold beers we saw lion and rhino, as well morning, which was in as good a condition was definitely affected by the situation, as plenty of other game – the perfect end to as any course I have been to, and one I will and all I can say is that there are probably a an unbelievable day, and definitely one I’d definitely make sure is in my itinerary next time few dazed baboons wandering around the recommend to all. I’m in the country. From here we drove west national park that surrounds the green! After to the Western Cape and the Arabella Golf & launching our half dozen balls, the helicopter Day 4: After our time in Limpopo, we caught Country Club, where the memorable finishing returned to transport us to the green so that the flight from Jo’burg to George in the Eastern holes on both nines are as good as it gets. we could finish out the hole. All told, it was an Cape, where we began our journey along the experience I will never forget. Garden Route. Our first port of call was the Day 6/7: We spent the next few days in The rest of the day was spent playing the luxurious Simola Resort at Knysna with its huge the stunning Winelands and in Cape Town. superb championship course, which features no rooms, top quality service and a manicured Cosmopolitan Cape Town is one of the great fewer than 18 signature holes designed by some golf course with picturesque views. Worldcities of the world, with so much to see and do. of the game’s current generation of players, class Pezula was next, rated by many as the We made sure we got full value for money by including Justin Rose, Colin Montgomerie, Jim best resort in South Africa. It’s one I’ll certainly being among the last people to leave an Irish Furyk and current world No.1 Luke Donald. We remember for a long time, as Mark drained bar on Long Street on our final evening! also had time to play the fantastic 10-hole par 3 a long putt on the last to stay in the game, The famous Garden Route and Western Cape Tribute course, where the holes are all replicas only for me to sink a 12-footer and claim the are awash with super accommodation and bragging rights! magnificent golf courses, so you will be well and truly spoilt for choice. All in all, this was Day 4: We visited a lot of different hotels and a superb trip, which I would recommend to guest houses in Plettenberg and Knysna and I anyone. Seeing is believing, and I have been soon understood why Mark had said the guest extremely lucky to experience this wonderful houses in this part of the world are more like country at its best. boutique hotels, with friendly owners always ready to share their knowledge. Next was the world-renowned Fancourt Resort, with its three world-class courses. The Links is spectacular, but one I’d only recommend to low handicappers (or golfing masochists), while the Montagu would be If would like to discuss an itinerary for better for all-comers, and the Outeniqua suits a golf holiday to South Africa please those wanting a fair, but not too tough game. email gerard@chakatravel.com or call All of these immaculately-maintained courses 0044 2890232112.

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June 2011 / Issue 200

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June 2011 / Issue 200

/ 71

Me&MyTravels

In association with...

with Dougie Donnelly – The former BBC golf presenter, who now works for the Golf Channel, loves playing Gleneagles and Turnberry with his fellow Scotsmen The thing I hate about travel is… flight delays. They're miserable, but unavoidable.

My first holiday was… to Scarborough. It was on that holiday that I first took an interest in cricket and became a Yorkshire supporter. I've loved cricket ever since and am now President of the Scottish Lords Taverners.

Paul Lawrie

see the cities. Avoiding the ‘airport-hotel-golf course trap’ can be heard, but it’s always worth the effort.

My most recent holiday was to…La Manga in Spain, where I played a lot of golf with Kenny Dalglish, Gavin Hastings and my brother-in-law. My favourite golf course in the world is… a toss up between Augusta National and Gleneagles. I love them both for different reasons, but because I’m Scottish, I’m going to have to plump for Gleneagles. It’s going to make a great Ryder Cup venue in 2014.

Gleneagles

Turnberry

My ideal travelling golf partners would be… Stephen Gallacher, Paul Lawrie and Alastair

Forsyth. And, if I'm allowed a fifth, good old Monty. My favourite golf resort is… La Manga.

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The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… gosh, that's tough, because I've stayed at so many. If you insist on just one, then it's got to be Turnberry. A great links and a superb hotel, what more do you need? My favourite city in the world is… Cape Town. It’s simply magnificent. Wherever I’m working around the world, I always try and get out and

My favourite place in the British Isles is… surprise, surprise, Gleneagles. We have a holiday home on the estate, and my wife and family love spending time there together. My most memorable meal abroad was… in Italy. I love Italian food. I can’t recall the name of a particular, but any food in Italy is generally a cut above anything you get back home. I’m planning a trip to… India.

The worst holiday I’ve ever had was… I honestly don't think I've had a bad holiday. You have to make the best of it, even if the weather's horrible or something unpleasant happens. You’re there to have fun. My dream holiday would be…to Sydney. I really like Australia and would love to spend more time there. I always travel with… my Amazon Kindle and my laptop. My top piece of travel advice is… pack light, and then buy whatever’s missing when you’re there. Dougie will be covering the Open Championship for the Golf Channel.

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HOT LIST GOLD WINNER 2 YEARS IN A ROW

The longest driver in golf is also one of the most popular. Bubba Watson, armed with his award-winning G15 Driver, continues to lead the PGA Tour in driving distance while leaving his competitors and fans in awe of his shot-making skills. Visit a PING Fitting Specialist or ping.com to find out which PING driver fits your game.

ÂŠ 2011 PING

Source: PGA Tour Statistics through 3/20/11