Golfnews June 2014 by Golf News

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Issue 223 | June 2014

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INSIDE: OPEN PREVIEW 6-PAGE GUIDE TO ENGLAND’S GOLF COAST JUSTIN ROSE COLIN MONTGOMERIE KEN BROWN TONY JACKLIN

UP FOR THE JUG US Open winner Kaymer eyes up third major title at Royal Liverpool P42-43

INTRODUCING MILLED VARIABLE DEPTH GROOVES.

June 2014 / Issue 233

Read the UK’s No.1 Golf Paper online at www.golfnews.co.uk

Issue 223 | June 2014

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

For Advertising enquiries please call 01273 55637707885 673258 or matt@golfnews.co.uk Design www.yotedesign.com Photography Kevin Murray (kevinmurraygolfphotography.com)

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INSIDE: OPEN PREVIEW 6-PAGE GUIDE TO ENGLAND’S GOLF COAST JUSTIN ROSE COLIN MONTGOMERIE KEN BROWN TONY JACKLIN

UP FOR THE JUG US Open winner Kaymer eyes up third major title at Royal Liverpool

PLAY SEVE’S MASTERPIECE THIS SUMMER

2014 GOLF OFFERS SUMMER

VALID MAY 1ST – SEPT 30TH 2014

P42-43

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

Public golf at the crossroads

aving spent much of my student days playing Richmond Park Golf Course, I know only too well the important role that public courses play in getting young people into the game, as well as allowing those on low incomes to get a game in. For £15 or so – this was 1988, don’t forget – my friends and I could tee it up in a royal park, have a laugh, and hopefully hole a few putts. Augusta it wasn’t, but we loved it all the same.

But while Richmond is thankfully in rude health – see the story on page 5 – the same can’t be said of a lot of other council-owned courses which have suffered from decades of underinvestment. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions, but many of the venues that have remained in public control have been left to wilt on the vine, as limited leisure resources have been channelled elsewhere, while others have been sold off for private housing. Having lost its funding

from Sport England a few months ago, it looks as if golf has been cast adrift from the public purse altogether, which is as lamentable as it seems irreversible. Thankfully, the private sector has stepped into the breach, as it is often required to do when the state falls short, and private golf clubs have never been more accessible and affordable than they are today. But it remains a shame that some our oldest and most cherished public venues have been hung out to dry.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

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Advance discounted tickets for the first Volvo World Match Play Championship to be played in the UK since 2007, over the acclaimed International Course at London Golf Club in Kent, are now on public sale. The return of the event to UK soil in its 50th anniversary year looks certain to create an exciting atmosphere, as a high quality 16-man field, including defending champion Graeme McDowell, and world No.2 Henrik Stenson, tackle the head-to-head format which captured the public’s imagination when Arnold Palmer won the inaugural title at

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Wentworth in 1964. This year’s championship will be played from October 15-19, with a prize fund of €2.25 million and a first prize of €650,000, and anyone making their ticket purchases before September 22 will be able to take advantage of big savings on gate prices. Single day adult tickets cost £22 for weekdays (£30 on the gate), with £17 for the weekends (£25 on the gate). Daily concessions are £17 on weekdays (£25 on gate) and £20 weekends (£12). Adult season tickets are £70 (£55 concession) before September 22, and £90 on the gate (£70 concession). General tickets are available from www.europeantour. com/tickets. Hospitality packages in the deluxe Match Play Club overlooking the 18th green are also now on sale, with packages starting from £250. For bookings email lauren.fyfe@img.com. The elite field will qualify via a new set of criteria, and will be split into four groups of four in the group stages, before the leading two players from each group proceed to the knockout phase to be played over the weekend. The tournament will now be held over five days, starting on Wednesday. Last year the championship was the first full European Tour event to be played in Bulgaria at Thracian Cliffs, with the three previous editions held at Finca Cortesín in Spain.

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The organiser of the London Golf Shows has announced new dates for the 2014 London Golf Show, along with a brand new venue that is sure to prove popular with shoppingloving golfers in the South East. The 10th Annual London Golf Show is taking place from 14-16 November at Glow, an exhibition centre based at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, one of the region’s leading leisure destinations, which attracts over 27 million visitors a year. Bluewater was chosen over several well-established exhibition venues due to its ease of access by car, combined with free parking and regular trains to and from central London, which will provide exhibitors and visitors with convenient access to the popular show, which has previously been held in Earls Court and the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands. Commenting on the new venue, the Golf

Show Group’s managing director, Damian Benstead, said: “Glow has been on the radar for a number of years now, and its team have worked hard to be able to provide us with the necessary platform to hold what will be a great landmark in the history of the London Golf Show. “For the first time, we can now offer all visitors the opportunity to park for free when they attend the show, which in London, and the South East area in general, is a difficult thing to achieve. We look forward to working closely with the Glow events team to put on a great show, which meets the needs of all of our exhibitors and provides visitors with a great golfing experience.” Visitors to The London Golf Show 2014 will also be able to enjoy Bluewater’s wide choice of retail outlets, with over 55 bars, cafés and restaurants all in close proximity to the venue, and its own dedicated dining plaza.

June 2014 / Issue 233

Royal opening for Richmond’s new clubhouse The new clubhouse at Richmond Park Golf Course in Surrey was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra last month. The Queen’s cousin cut the ribbon at the clubhouse, which was built following a £3m investment from coperator Glendale Golf. The investment coincided with Richmond Park’s 90th anniversary last year, and also included a new driving range and academy courses, as well as the redevelopment of the two 18-hole courses. Jon Dummett, general manager of Richmond Park, said: “The investment into the courses, clubhouse and driving range is part of Glendale Golf’s long-term commitment to improving golf facilities in Richmond Park. Working in conjunction with the Royal Parks, one of the most important aspects of this project was sustainable building design and the use of renewable energy sources, which are especially important considering our green location. The newly-built driving range and four-hole academy course is also an important

Princess Alexander tours the new facilities

development, which will support our strategy to bring new people into the game from the local community.” Simon Richards, manager of Richmond Park, said: “We’re excited to see the new clubhouse completed, and we look forward to welcoming existing and new visitors to experience the golf course. We have been working for a number of years alongside Glendale Golf to create a space that will give golfers the best possible start before they tee off, and we feel we have achieved that with the new café and pro shop. The relocation of the clubhouse from Roehampton Gate to Chohole Gate is also an added benefit, allowing visitors to reach the site via the A3, which will reduce the impact of traffic in the wider park.” The Princess also unveiled a commemorative plaque and was presented with a framed picture of the opening of the original courses by a pupil from The Richmond Academy.

Richmond has received massive investment since being managed by Glendale Golf

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Sunningdale steps in to host Open qualifier Sunningdale’s New Course has been asked to step in at short notice to host one of four final qualifying events for this year’s Open Championship. The Berkshirebased course will replace Royal Cinque Ports in Kent as one of the four venues, after the links course was affected by the severe storms that caused widespread flooding in the South East over the winter. Sunningdale has previously played host to International Final Qualifying for the Open Championship and will join Gailes Links, Hillside and Woburn as the four venues for

final qualifying, which takes place on July 1. The format for final qualifying has been changed for this year’s Open Championship, to include events at venues covering Scotland and the north west, central and southern regions of England, with a view to providing a more accessible route into The Open for competitors qualifying from the 13 regional qualifying events around the country. Three places in The Open, which takes place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club from July 17-20, will be available at each of the four events.

Wallis is an official record breaker Kent professional Richard Wallis is now officially a world record holder. The 33-yearold has recently received a certificate from Guinness World Records confirming that his 14-under-par round of 59, which he shot to win the PGA Southern Open Championship Pro-Am on the par-73 course at The Drift in Surrey last June, is the lowest below-par score in a single round of a professional tournament ever recorded. There have been other rounds of 59 shot in professional tournaments, but none of 14-under-par. Wallis said: “I’m chuffed and the bit I’m proud about is that it covers all the major golf tours in the world – Europe, America, Australia and the rest. The reason it took Guinness so long to ratify the record was that they had to contact all the different tours across the world to find out if anyone had ever shot 14-under in one round before.”

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Richard Wallis at last year’s Southern Open

The former Walmer & Kingsdown professional, who is now attached to North Foreland, thought he might have set two world records, with the second for the lowest-ever single round score on a par-73 course. He added: “Guinness initially thought it could be two world records, because they didn’t think that anyone had ever shot 59 on a par-73 course before, but they weren’t able to verify that, because there are no existing records for par-73 courses.”

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June 2014 / Issue 233

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Far East consortium set to buy Wentworth Wentworth Club looks set to change hands for the first time in 10 years, after being put up for sale by owner Richard Caring (pictured left). The Virginia Waterbased club, which is home to the BMW PGA Championship, is expected to be sold for up to £160 million, with a consortium of businessmen from China believed to be favourite to snap up the luxury leisure resort. It is understood that Caring has received three potential bids for Wentworth, where members pay an annual fee of £8,000 on top of a £15,000 joining fee. The 64-year-old hospitality entrepreneur bought Wentworth

for £130 million in 2004, so the sale would represent a healthy return on his investment. Caring has recently sold a £100m stake in North London’s Camden Stables Market, and he is understood to be looking to develop his portfolio of London restaurants, which currently includes Scott’s, The Ivy and Annabel’s, with the proceeds of both sales. Caring once described Wentworth as ‘to golf what Wimbledon is to tennis’, and its sale will not have been an easy decision to make. At the time of buying the course in 2004, he said: “It’s priceless. There’s only one Wentworth in the world.” However, following a diving injury in 2008, he is no longer able to play golf, a fact that may have hastened the sale. Caring’s decade-long ownership of Wentworth has included some significant changes at the iconic venue, including the redevelopment of the West Course by Ernie Els in 2010, which included the controversial addition of a water hazard to the par-five 18th hole. Wentworth is expected to fetch over £160 million

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Rose passes on Major-winning tips to Goodwood’s young golfers US Open champion Justin Rose proved a major draw when he spent the afternoon at Goodwood on May 15, passing on tips to young players and showing members a few tricks of the trade. The world star is an ambassador to Golf At Goodwood, and has built up close links with the club over the past year, and it was clear to see when a large crowd of invited guests watched him lead a coaching clinic on the first tee of the Downs course. He watched as members of Goodwood’s junior academy, including Marco Penge, the England Boys’ U16 champion, play some shots, and challenged Penge to a drive-off, which showed the teenager is already a force to be reckoned with. Rose exchanged sporting tales with Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Sarah Ayton – who also works with Goodwood – and said he’d love the chance to follow in her footsteps when golf becomes an Olympic sport in 2016. He then answered questions from Goodwood coach Ryan Fenwick and from members of the crowd.

Talboys scoops Titleist award Burford Golf Club’s Richard Talboys has been voted the Titleist PGA assistant of the year. The 38-year-old finished top of his second year peers on the PGA foundation degree at the University of Birmingham. Talboys was recognised for his achievements at the annual PGA graduation ceremony, where he collected the Lord Derby trophy and a £1,000 cheque. Having quit golf at least twice, Talboys said the support of his wife, Helen, and his boss, PGA professional Mike Ridge, had been vital. “I have been playing golf since I was 13, but I gave up two or three times. The last time I gave up it was for eight years. I got back playing again when having worked in finance for 15 years, which I didn’t really enjoy, I

Richard Talboys with PGA South Region chairman Rob Edwards

decided to do something I wanted to. I started at a hotel course and rose to golf manager after 18 months, at which point they put me through the PGA course. After a year I moved to Burford to work with Michael, and he’s been fantastically supportive.”

June 2014 / Issue 233

News in Brief ENGLAND CONQUER FRANCE England completed a thrilling 13-11 victory over France in the biennial contest at Fontainebleau, erasing the memory of the same scoreline in favour of the French at Chantilly four years ago. After three series of intense rivalry, the teams were level at 8-8, so it all came down to the final day singles, which England secured 5-3 to complete their 28th victory in the event.

TAYLOR TAKES TSG MASTERS Kent-based Matt Taylor triumphed in the inaugural The Social Golfer’s Masters Championship held at Warley Park Golf Club in Essex on May 3. He scored 38 points off a 12 handicap to pip Andy Flynn (Essex) by a point, with Damian Benstead (Sussex) taking third with 34 points. The tournament was open to members of the online social network The Social Golfer, with players coming from all parts of the South East.

Appeal court approves Cherkley development Plans for an exclusive £30 million hotel and golf course development on the Surrey estate that was once home to press baron Lord Beaverbrook have been given the green light after a lengthy legal battle. The proposals for Cherkley Court near Leatherhead were scrapped when a High Court judge quashed planning permission last August. However, the Court of Appeal has now ruled that plans to turn the historic greenbelt estate into a golf resort can go ahead after all. In a hearing on May 8, Lord Justices Richards, Underhill and Floyd unanimously agreed that the quashing order and costs order should be set aside. High Court judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave had ruled that there was no need for the high-end golf course, which would have a membership restricted to approximately 400 members. He found that the council, in approving the development by a majority of 10 to nine councillors, were guilty of ‘paying lip service to green

Construction of the new course will begin again after the court rulling overturned an earlier suspension of works

the son of the famous chocolate company’s founder. Longshot plans to convert Cherkley Court’s 30room manor house An aerial view of how the course into an upscale resort, at Cherkley will look once built which will include an belt policy’, but not applying 18-hole private golf it properly. However, club. The course will be a allowing the appeal, Lord co-design between five-time Justice Richards said: “I see Open champion Tom Watson no reason why a planning and David McLay Kidd, whose policy should not lay down recent projects include The a requirement of need Castle Course at St Andrews which is capable of being and the ultra-exclusive met by a private demand for Queenwood in Surrey. the facility in question.” Speaking after the Appeal He concluded that ‘very Court’s ruling, Longshot special circumstances director Ollie Vigors said: clearly outweighed the “We do not feel elation or harm, including economic jubilation. It’s more of a benefits to the area and sense of liberation that facilities for visitors’. you are not mad after all The 370-acre property is and were right to fight owned by Longshot Ltd, a it all along. The council group led by Joel Cadbury, has been proven right to

Harris emerges victorious from Wildernesse support their democratic process, and they had the guts to stand up for local democracy. It is time to stop wasting the council’s time and money. We feel enough is enough. We have had five different decisions on this now, and we have won four of them, so we think it’s time to move on.” With a target opening date of mid-2016, Vigors added: “We just want to get on with it. Cherkley has an exciting future which will honour the building’s history, protect the precious landscape, and ensure that this unique location is enjoyed by many people for many generations to come.” The £50m development will create up to 200 jobs across all the estate’s facilities, and will include two restaurants, a health club and spa, a cookery school, cottage bedrooms and a herb and vegetable garden. Minor works are also due to be carried out on the house to make all the bedrooms en suite, while construction is to be completed on the 18-hole golf course.

The Nevill’s Jamie Harris secured a long overdue victory on the PGA South region schedule following a lengthy play-off in The Wildernesse Order of Merit tournament. The Kent star opened up with a new course record 63, but slipped to a 74 in the second round, but still had a four-foot putt to win, despite his playing partner, Lewis Atkinson, holing an eagle putt on the last green to tie his 137 total. Convinced his short putt was straight, Harris watched it lip out to force a play-off, which took three trips down the par-five 18th, before Harris finally emerged victorious with a birdie, after both players had eagled the first extra hole. Jamie Harris

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Luke who’s dropped into Bearwood.... Luke Donald shows off his short game skills

A trio of the European Tour’s most talented players dropped into Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Berkshire ahead of competing in the BMW PGA Championship. Former World No.1 Luke Donald was joined by fellow European Tour stars Chris Wood and Daan Huizing to dazzle members and invited guests with a ‘Mizuno Masterclass’, which saw all three players show off their skills with a variety of challenges at the venue. Donald kicked off proceedings with a demonstration of his chipping prowess, while former top-ranked amateur Huizing wowed the crowds by holing his first bunker shot of the day. Finally, Wood, who last year collected his first tour title at the Qatar

Masters, showed off a deft touch from the back of the 18th green to a tricky pin. The players were fitted with microphones and described in detail the techniques required to re-create perfect shots from around the green. Following the masterclass, the players took to the course, where a group of members played a handful of holes with the stars, followed by a large gallery of supporters. There was some superb golf on show, with Wood holing his last five putts to collect birdies at the final four holes. All three tour stars were quick to praise the quality of the Bearwood layout on their respective Twitter feeds, sending the club’s own Twitter account to go into meltdown when the retweets started coming in.

Woking unveils new-look 16th hole Woking Golf Club has unveiled the first significant development on its historic course for over 50 years, following the opening of the new-look 16th hole. The dramatic par-three hole, which was designed by architect Tim Lobb, Londonbased principal of Thomson Perrett & Lobb, represents the most significant change to the heathland venue in over half a century. The new hole measures 147 yards – around ten yards shorter than the previous version – although it is now a far more intimidating tee shot, with golfers required to hit over the pond to a new green, which is 40 yards to the left of the old one. In keeping with the rest of Woking’s putting surfaces, the green is heavily contoured, and protected by three deep bunkers, although there is room to run the ball up onto the green. Working with club agronomist Bruce Jamieson and head greenkeeper Jon Day, Lobb created a bespoke rootzone mix for

SPENCE WON’T BE CAUGHT AT HAMPTON Woking’s stunning redesigned par-3 16th

the new green, designed to match as closely as possible the soil found under the existing greens. “It was very important to us that the new hole fitted into the existing course, and that Jon didn’t need to use a completely different maintenance regime,” said Lobb. The club opened the new hole last month, and was first put into competitive play at the club’s Spring meeting, where less than a fifth of the 100 players managed to find the putting surface – and no birdies were recorded.

Tour pros take time out to meet Surrey’s future stars Young amateur Surrey golfers were treated to a rare insight into what it take to become a professional golfer at a unique event held at the Golf Studios in Surbiton last month. A group of boys and girls from Surrey Golf’s youth teams were invited to meet five stars of the Ladies European Tour, including Solheim Cup player Melissa Reid, Holly Clyburn, Sophie Walker, Hannah Burke and Holly Aitchison. The youngster took on the pros in a number

of challenges on the Golf Studio’s state-of-the-art indoor simulators, and enjoyed coaching clinics, one-on-one tips, and played a fun putting challenge. The professionals also took part in a questionand-answer session, where they offered insights into the world of professional golf, discussing the day-to-day trials of playing on tour, college golf in America, how they started their careers, diet and fitness, psychology and time management.

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News in Brief

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Sussex stalwart Tim Spence (The Golf College) and Surrey newcomer Chris Rodgers (Drift), shot fourunder-par 67s to share victory at the Hampton Court Pro-Am supported by Chaka Travel. The pair finished two strokes ahead of Jamie Savory (TopGolf), Adam Taylor (West Surrey) and Gary Marks (World of Golf), who all carded 69s. Marks’s round included five birdies and an eagle, but five bogeys didn’t help his cause.

SOUTH EAST TITLE IS TAYLOR MADE Fifteen-year-old Josh Taylor enhanced his already glowing reputation by winning the South East Region Schools Boys’ Championship in style at Letchworth. The 15-year-old from Mill Green, who won the Hertfordshire boys’ title in April, shot rounds of 71 and 70 to finish one shot ahead of Joe Brooks (Hanbury Manor), with William Aldred (Brocket Hall) a further shot back in third.

10 /

News in Brief MID SUSSEX GC RAISES 11K FOR MACMILLAN

Members and guests at Mid Sussex Golf Club raised over £11,000 at its third annual Macmillan Cancer Research charity day sponsored by Caffyns of Lewes. The day saw 19 teams take part in a shotgun start at the Ditchling-based venue, with funds raised from a raffle, sponsorship, an auction, and a ‘beat the pro’ challenge. The club has now raised over £35,000 for Macmillan over the last three years.

June 2014 / Issue 233

Windlesham Golf Club has become quite used to hosting elite golfers over the years, but last month saw the Surrey venue overrun with stars from a much wider range of sporting disciplines, as it played host to Oakley’s annual King of Greens tournament. Players in the exclusive field included Belgian base jumper Cedric Dumont, Norwegian freeski champion PK Hunder, and Australian wakeboarding star ScottyBroome, as well as a handful of other players with single figure handicaps, including

Kilner’s king of Windlesham’s greens!

Rafa Cabrera-Bello jpined in the action at Windlesham

Olympian snowboarder Konstantin Schad. But it was Scotland’s Ben Kilner, a pipe-riding snowborder, who rose to the golfing challenge the best, beating Tahitian surfer

SCREEN SAVES BEST UNTIL LAST Berkhampsteed’s Hannah Green shot rounds of 74 and 70 to win the South East Region Schools Girls’ Championship by a single shot from Sophie Madden (West Essex) at Letchworth Golf Club in Hertfordshire. The 14-year-old, who plays off five, had five birdies in her second round 70. Her score helped Herts to the team title, finishing just one point ahead of Essex.

Prize guys: Rob Kilner (centre) took the title

Alain Riou in a play-off after both players managed just 23 points over Windlesham’s testing parkland layout. In addition to the coveted King of Greens trophy, Kilner won a place in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am alongside Spanish tour star Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who turned up to take part in a special ‘beat the pro’ competition, while Kilner went on to taste further success when he won the Pro-Am at Wentworth with the help of his pro partner.

Atkinson hails Bucks move after sealing Glenmuir final Lewis Atkinson has hailed his move to The Buckinghamshire Golf Club as the catalyst for a fine display that secured his qualification for the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship. Atkinson, who has only been in his new job a matter of months, won the South qualifying event at Lambourne Golf Club after carding a five-under-par 67, finishing two shots ahead of East Berkshire’s Paul Newman. Both Atkinson and Newman will be joined by 17 other qualifiers, including 2008 champion Paul Simpson, at the £78,700 Peugeot-supported final at Blairgowrie in Scotland on August 5-8. Atkinson admitted the competitive side of his game had been revived after joining The Buckinghamshire last October. “My game has been inspired since moving to the club, and I couldn’t be enjoying it more. This is the first time I’ve tried to get to the Glenmuir final so I’m pleased to get there,” said Atkinson, who turned pro in 2000 and has enjoyed spells on the Challenge Tour and the South African Sunshine Lewis Atkinson has struck form Tour.

Panton-Lewis clinches Chestfield triumph Berkshire legend Catherine Panton-Lewis gave herself an early birthday present by winning the third WPGA One Day Series event at Chestfield Golf Club in Kent.

A founder member of the Ladies European Tour 35 years ago, the veteran Berkshire Golf Club member carded a level-par 71 to tie at the top of the leaderboard

with 16-year-old amateur player Charlotte West from Amersham. The pair finished two shots ahead of Keely Chiericato (Manston ) and joint WPGA Order of Merit

leaders Suzanne Dickens (Thorpe Wood) and Claire Duffy (Test Valley). For Panton-Lewis, these were her first One Day Series points of the season. “It’s my 59th birthday

in a couple of weeks, so I’m always aware that I’m having to outscore the younger players,” she said. “There was a 43-year age gap between myself and Charlotte!”

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Poulter unveils plans to revive Windmill’s fortunes Danny Poulter, the new director of golf at the Windmill Hill Golf Centre in Buckinghamshire, has been tasked by owner Milton Keynes Council with reviving its fortunes. While his Tour-playing younger brother, Ian, may be more used to basking in the headlines, Danny’s now set to make a few of his own as he helps the centre’s general manager Mark McKinlay restore the publily-owned venue’s fortunes. At 6,900 yards, the 18hole course at Windmill Hill was once the longest course in the Europe when it was opened in 1972, and it was designed by one of the UK’s most famous golfing names, Sir Henry Cotton. However, the centre was in danger of being shut down when the company running it on behalf of the council went into liquidation in 2012. Not only were staff laid off with no notice, but all the greenkeeping equipment was taken away, leaving the course to lie fallow for nearly six months and sustain almost irreparable damage to its playing surfaces.

The course is now back under the council’s full control and has bucked the national trend by making a major re-investment in the course and all of its facilities, allowing it to be close to its best once again in a remarkably short time. Poulter’s role as director of golf began when he decided to seek out new opportunities in golf club management. When he heard about the situation at Windmill Hill, he wasted no time in getting in finding out more about the opportunity. Following discussions with the council, Poulter prepared a business plan for a comprehensive professional golf service. The response from the council was overwhelmingly positive, and now Poulter’s starting the first step in what

will be an exciting journey for the club. “I’m the Director of Golf in the truest sense of the word,” Poulter said. “Mark’s dealing with all the operational side of things, like catering, bar, greenkeeping and society bookings, while I’m handling everything else that’s golf-related. That includes responsibility for increasing the membership, expanding the fixture diary, and setting up an academy.” Poulter’s excited by the opportunity to develop his own ideas when it comes to making golf more inclusive. “We’re going to build a place where children of all abilities – able-bodied, disabled and those with learning difficulties – will be able to learn how to play. We think this is going to help re-build the reputation of the centre, as this kind of all-inclusive coaching is still rare to find at golf clubs. I’ve also got to help the centre focus on being the sort of place ladies feel welcome and want to come to, so we’re developing and promoting ladies’ mornings, and a Ladies Tea & Golf Clinic.”

Kenny Hutton with the Bernard Hunt Trophy

News in Brief WICKS WALKS AWAY WITH SUSSEX TITLE

King Kenny claims Senior PGA Crown at Foxhills Scotland’s Kenny Hutton saved the best to last to clinch a dramatic one-stroke victory in the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills Resort in Surrey. The 50-year-old Downfield-based pro holed a clutch putt for birdie on 16, chipped in for another birdie on the par-three 17th, and then splashed out a 75-foot bunker shot at the last to two-and-a-half feet for par to pip fellow Scot Albert MacKenzie and claim the Bernard Hunt Memorial Trophy. It meant heartbreak for Saunton pro MacKenzie, who had surged to four under through eight holes only to bogey three of the last four holes, including the last, when he missed a five-footer for par. Hutton, who is the current Scottish PGA captain, heralded his two-under-par victory as the biggest achievement of his career, and hopes it can be a springboard to further playing success. “I don’t think I’ve played three better closing holes in my life when you consider what was at stake,” said Hutton, who took the winner’s cheque for £5,250, and also earned a place in the PGA Seniors Championship at Stoke by Nayland. “This tournament is the pinnacle for club pros over 50, so to win is a massive boost. Hopefully it could be a springboard and build my confidence. Half my problem has been people say I should be doing better, and I’m probably the only one who doesn’t believe it. Something like this might just kick start a new part of my career.”

Sedlescombe’s David Wicks won the Sussex Amateur Championship after beating Jack Bartlett (Worthing) by the impressive margin of 7&6 at Nevill Golf Club on June 8. Wicks beat The Nevill’s Reece Hinton 5&4 to reach the final, while Bartlett overcame Sam Russell (Royal Eastbourne) 3&2.

COLLINS CLAIMS KENT AMATEUR Mark Collins shrugged off losing a seven-shot lead in the final round to win the Kent Amateur Championship at Sundridge Park. The 19-year-old from Chart Hills opened up the 72-hole event with a 63, and was well clear of secondplaced Matthew Sheehan (Princes) after 54 holes, but stumbled over the front nine of the final round, before rallying to finish two shots ahead. Collins will now represent Kent in the Champion of Champions event at Woodhall Spa in September.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

In front of packed grandstands and an adoring public, Rory McIlroy won the 2014 BMW PGA Championship in a style that only he knows how

ROARING BACK In a week that began with heartbreak and ended amid scenes of unconfined joy, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy secured his first professional victory on European soil with a dazzling display of shot making at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The 24-year-old managed to temporarily cast aside the emotional heartbreak of calling off his wedding to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki to concentrate on chalking up the most important victory of his career outside of his two majors. Cutting a forlorn figure earlier in the week, as he revealed the reasons behind his sudden decision to end his relationship with Wozniacki, McIlroy allowed himself the faintest of smiles on Sunday afternoon as he came from seven shots behind third round leader Thomas Bjorn to claim the European Tour’s flagship event in front of a full house at Wentworth. McIlroy took the outright lead for the first time with a birdie on the 71st hole, and made another on the last, to shoot a final round 66 and finish on 14 under par – one ahead of Ireland’s Shane Lowry, with two-time winner Luke Donald and Bjorn a shot behind in third, after a miserable 75. Lowry had briefly been three clear when he started the back nine with a hat-trick of birdies, but drove into trouble on the 13th and ran up a double-bogey six. Bjorn, for his part, began the day five shots clear of playing

partner Donald, but both players ran up triple bogeys on the sixth to throw the tournament wide open, Bjorn taking two shots to get out of a fairway bunker and then finding more sand with his fourth shot. That brought back unpleasant memories of the Dane’s collapse in the 2003 Open at Sandwich, when he took three to escape from a greenside bunker on the 16th in the final round and lost by one to Ben Curtis. Donald responded with five birdies in his next 10 holes chipping in on the 13th and 16th - but crucially failed to birdie the 17th, which meant he needed an eagle on the last to tie. Bjorn also needed a three on the 18th, after birdies on the 16th and 17th, but after Donald had found the water with his approach, the 43-year-old’s third shot came up well short of the flag to confirm McIlroy’s triumph.

Sitting down for the post-tournament press conference, McIlroy took a deep breath, and shook his head. “This week has been a rollercoaster,” he said. “I’m not exactly sure what I am feeling right now. It has obviously been a week of very mixed emotions. I’m sitting here looking at this trophy going: ‘How the hell did it happen this week?’ But it did. I feel happy that I have won obviously but, yes, it has been a weird week.” McIlroy had never been a fan of Wentworth’s West Course, but the rain-softened fairways and greens proved the ideal conditions for the big-hitting Irishman, whose length off the tee, coupled with his high-floating irons, and devastating ability to get up and down, resulted in barrage of eagles and birdies that no-one could answer. His first European Tour victory since November 2012 – and his first on European and British soil – finally endorsed the on-course promise that he had displayed in earlier competitive appearances and made a complete mockery of the suggestion that off-course chaos is detrimental to a sportsman’s performance. “I guess when I got inside the ropes this week, it was a little bit of a release,” McIlroy said. “I was on my own and doing what I do best, which is playing golf. That sort of gave me four or five hours of serenity or sanctuary. I just found myself able to concentrate on that job in hand. This does my confidence a world of good. I know that I’m playing well, but being able to get the job done under pressure and when I need to – I think that’s the most pleasing thing about this week.”

last year in Australia sort of stopped all the questions about equipment and about struggling and slump and all this stuff. I think victory here, against one of the best fields of the year, shows where my game is and that I’m on the right track again. Hopefully it won’t be long before I’m contending in majors and having a chance to win those again. I guess it just validates all the hard work that I’ve put in this year.

Rory McIlroy reveals how he managed to put his personal troubles aside to win the European Tour’s flagship event and get his career back on track How important was it for you to win on the European Tour again? It feels great to win on The European Tour again. It’s been 18 months since I won in Dubai in 2012, so it’s great get that win in the tour’s flagship event. What were your expectations going out seven shots behind in the final round? I didn’t really expect to be winning, that’s for sure. Thomas was playing very well and I thought it would have to be something really spectacular to catch him. But walking off the 11th tee, I looked back at the scoreboard and I saw that he made a triple-bogey on the sixth and all of a

sudden I was only two behind. So I thought I had a chance. Walking down the 11th fairway, I set myself a number. I said to my caddy ‘Let’s get to 15 under’. Obviously 14 was good enough. It wasn’t an event that I would have envisioned winning a few weeks ago, or even at the start of the tournament, but I played well all week. My short game was really good when it needed to be. Why do you think you were able to play so well around a course where you have previously struggled? The rain. With it being so soft, it played a lot differently. It played into my hands. Played longer. Balls weren’t bouncing off

fairways into rough. You weren’t getting big bounces on greens. You could play really aggressive target golf, which isn’t usually the style of golf that you need around Wentworth. The rain definitely turned it around for me. Do you know that this was your first win in Europe? It’s my first win in Continental Europe, and my first win in the UK and Ireland as a pro. It’s strange to think that all my Tour wins have come in either the States, Dubai, China or Hong Kong, so it’s nice to get one here. Where does this victory rank compared to, say, the majors and other wins? I think the win at the end of

I’M SITTING HERE LOOKING AT THIS TROPHY GOING,

‘HOW THE HELL DID IT HAPPEN THIS WEEK?’

This will go a long way to cementing your place in The Ryder Cup team. Yeah, I was speaking to Paul {McGinley] just before I went out to play, and from the way he was talking, even without this win, it sounded like I was going to be on the team. I’m looking forward to it. We don’t get a chance to come back and play in the UK very often. It’s going to be great.

June 2014 / Issue 233

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Stonelees celebrates 20 years of offering family-friendly golf

Ablett survives Sawgrass scare Lee-on-the-Solent professional James Ablett followed in Martin Kaymer’s footsteps when winning a 72-hole tournament at TPC Sawgrass just six days after the Players’ Championship. However, with three former European Tour players chasing him down the stretch, Ablett experienced the full danger of the famous final two holes at Sawgrass. Cruising to victory after some fine play, Ablett was three-under par standing on the 17th tee, but proceeded to take a a double-bogey five shots on the notorious island green par three, after a visit to the water. Then, at the equally intimidating 18th hole, his first two tee shots found the water, resulting in an even more costly quadruple-bogey eight. However, Pete Dye’s masterpiece caused difficulties for all the leaders, and Ablett hung on for victory by three shots from former European Tour player Benn Barham, with Phil Golding and Rusper’s Rob McGrory tied for third. The lead in the team event changed hands several times during the week, but McGrory’s team of Bal Bains, Roger Witchlow and Alan Lucas shot a superb final round to give them victory by four shots. The annual Sawgrass Classic ProAm is played on four courses in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, with the final round at the Stadium Course. During the Pro-Am, a challenge day was also held at Sawgrass, where tournament organiser John Hooper challenged the pros to break 80 from the back tees for a $200 bonus. Eight players beat the target, including Ablett, Golding, Jason Kelly, Wraith Grant, Joe Templer, Rod Bastard, Michael Hart and Zane Scotland, who birdied the last three holes to earn his bonus. Rob McGrory’s team at the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass

site into something that the whole community enjoy. Facilities at the Ebbsfleet-based venue now include three golf courses, a 22-bay floodlit driving range, with a private teaching bay

kitted out with a Flightscope launch monitor, 2,000 square metre short game practice area and an indoor simulator. There is also an American Golf Store located within the recently-extended clubhouse, and a function room. Teaching professional David Bonthron has remained with Stonelees from the outset, and has transformed many golfers over the years, while the driving range

is now under the supervision of Joe Jezzard, who runs regular free coaching sessions for beginners. To celebrate its 20 years, Stonelees will be holding a summer ball in July, along with erecting a giant hand-carved Saxon sword, which will mark the spot where Anglo Saxons first landed in Britain in AD449. For more details visit www. stonelees.com or call 01843 823133.

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James Ablett drives at the 18th at TPC Sawgrass

A Kent golf course that was created from unfarmable marshland in 1994 is celebrating a landmark anniversary this month after two decades of providing accessible and affordable golf to the people of East Kent. It was 20 years ago this month that Ramsgate farmer Rob Chapman officially opened Stonelees Golf Centre, which is located between Ramsgate and Sandwich. He transformed this almost unusable

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June 2014 / Issue 233

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Becky Brewerton and Trish Johnson gave a bunker masterclass

Francesco Molinari in action on the range

Silvermere’s new two-tier range

Victor Dubuisson checks out Silvermere’s new shoe studio

Thomas Bjorn

Golfers filled up the 52 bays during the three-day launch event

HRH Prince Andrew offically opened the range and toured the new facilities

TOP PROS PUT ON A

ROYAL SHOW! Silvermere Golf & Leisure’s new driving range receives a royal seal of approval at a star-studded launch weekend attended by top European Tour professionals

Some of the European Tour’s leading players put on a show fit for royalty at the official opening of Silvermere Golf & Lesiure’s new driving range on May 26, which was attended by His Royal Highness the Duke of York. The Duke, a hugely keen golfer who plays off low single figures, expressed his delight at the timely opening of the state-of-the-art, two-tiered driving range during a guided tour of the Cobham-based venue. Before cutting the ribbon, the Duke said: “I am really pleased that not only has this been done, but it has been delivered on time, to budget, and ready for occupation in record time. So congratulations – I wish you all every continued success, and I hope that this is a fantastic local facility.” Adding to the sense of occasion, and ramping up the celebrity status, were a number of the European Tour’s top names, many of whom had hot-footed it over from competing at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, which had finished the previous day. One of the most impressive

appearances came from Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, who put aside the disappointment of his final round falter at Wentworth to put on a great display to the guests who braved the damp conditions to see the stars in action in a more informal setting. Showing why he is all but guaranteed a place in September’s Ryder Cup, the 43-year-old took part in a special Callaway Challenge, which saw him compete against budding golfers from the crowd by hitting balls over the Silvermere Lake. He also signed autographs for fans and posed for pictures, before heading to Silvermere’s new driving range, which he described as a ‘pretty impressive building’. Francesco Molinari, one the heroes of the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, held a clinic on the new driving range and answered questions from the audience, before visiting one of the new fitting studios to give a private lesson to a lucky competition winner. Charismatic Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, who has already booked his place in Paul McGinley’s team for Gleneagles, socialised with customers in the new shoe studio within the Golf Superstore, posing for picture and

signing autographs, before joining the rest of the players and staff on the new driving range for the official opening. Not to be outdone by the men, the Ladies European Tour was represented by Solheim Cup veteran Trish Johnson and rising Welsh star Becky Brewerton, who held a joint short game clinic on the new driving range, which Becky described as ‘an awesome facility’, before giving an bunker masterclass from the new-look short game area. And the entertainment kept on coming into the afternoon, with trick shot show legend Paul Barrington wowing the audience with his award-winning skills with a range of increasingly bizarre-looking equipment. Speaking after his display, Paul said: “It was a great pleasure to be invited back to Silvermere to be part of the launch of the new driving range. Hosting my golf trick show across the world, I have been lucky enough to visit many great golf courses with fantastic practice facilities, and Silvermere definitely rates up there with the best! Whether you want to learn, improve or play, Silvermere has it all. It’s the best around by far!” As well as Monday’s golfing activities, a huge multi-brand golf

equipment demo and fitting weekend took place across the whole Bank Holiday, with golfers flocking in to get fitted for clubs from all the major brands, including Ping, Titleist, Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, Yonex, Cleveland and Nike, while TaylorMade and Wilson Tour had tour trucks on site all weekend to allow customers to walk away with their brand new customfitted clubs on the same day. ….NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! While the tour stars may have gone, the spectacular 52-bay, two-tier driving range is now open to all visitors, who will be able to enjoy hitting high quality Srixon range balls on to the contoured outfield, which features an array of specific targets and greens, allowing golfers to dial in their distances and provide more focused practice scenarios. The entire range is also floodlit, making it ideal for yearround practice – and with the range open until 10pm on weekdays and 8.30pm on weekends, there is plenty of time to come and try out the new facilities at your leisure. For more information visit www.silvermere-golf.co.uk or call 01932 584 325.

WHAT THEY SAID “It’s awesome!” Becky Brewerton

“This is a fantastic local facility” HRH The Duke of York

“A pretty impressive building” Thomas Bjorn

“Whether you want to learn, improve or play, Silvermere has it all” Paul Barrington

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June 2014 / Issue 233

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MAJOR MONTY Colin Montgomerie explains what it feels like to finally bag a longed-for major victory following his triumph in the Senior US PGA Championship at Harbor Shores, Michigan

How does it feel to finally become a major champion? In a word: fantastic. There’s a famous quotation, ‘Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up’. I’ve had several well-publicised failures in America, and close calls in major championships, so it’s great to finally win, never mind a Champions Tour event, but a Senior PGA Championship. I’ve been associated with the PGA of America for many years, so it’s great to finally win an event run so well by them. It was like the Monty of old out there during the final round. You hit 12 out of 13 fairways, 17 of 18 greens – did you feel in the zone all day? I did. I’ve been swinging the club very well recently, and as Tom Watson said earlier in the week, the course suited me. It’s funny, but I kept that in my mind all day when he was charging at me. I must admit, if his Ryder Cup team has half the determination, drive and ambition that he does, I think we’re in big trouble. But, yes, I was finding the fairways, and if I can do that I always say the strength of my game is my iron play, and I could use that from the fairways. Were the key holes were around the turn, when Bernhard Langer was alongside you? Bernhard caught me when I three-putted the fourth, and Tom was going well, so it was very tight at that stage. It was between about seven or eight players that could actually win. The birdies at 8, 9 and 10 were key. The birdie at 8 was a 3-wood and a sand wedge in to 10 feet; nine was a good bunker shot from the side of the green to about 10 feet. At 10, I was just short of the green in two and chipped up to about four foot past the hole and holed that. That was the key to the round, right there. Did it feel like a Major? It felt very much like a Major. I think the golf course made it feel that way. I think that the Michigan crowd made it that way, and competing against guys that I had competed against in majors on the regular Tour made it feel even more like a Major. Having to play with Bernhard Langer for four days in a row, who has been dominating senior’s

golf for many years, was another challenge, and it’s great to finally get the better of him. But, yes, it had that Major feel. Does the ‘senior’ name diminish it in some respects? It might well have a senior connotation to it, but it is a Major Championship and I’m thrilled to be part of the 75-year history of the tournament. I’ve been very lucky to have won 40-odd times worldwide and now that’s 41, I believe. But it’s very special being a Major champion, and I treat it as such. I really do. Did it feel like there was a lot of pressure out there? I didn’t feel nervous from the moment I struck my 7-iron into the first green right on line and holed that putt, from then on I felt very comfortable. How important was it to stay positive and not get frustrated by the greens? I think having a good caddie was vital in the conditions that we faced. And Alastair McLean, my caddie on and off for the last 23 years, was very important to have on the bag. He kept the positive vibes going. If I hit a shot on line, and it didn’t finish where I was expecting it to do, he was very positive. My iron play all week was very good. He told me that eventually it would pay off – and it did around the turn. So it’s very important to have a good caddie on the bag when it’s such a challenge and such a demanding challenge as this golf course was. What were your thoughts walking down 18, when you knew you had finally won? Yeah, a four-shot lead and I hit the fairway, so that was good. Of course I was excited, but the overriding feeling was more of relief than anything else. Pebble Beach in 1992 was my first major in the US – which I very nearly won – and I’ve been coming here for a long time to try and win a Major championship or any event, for that matter. And it’s just a relief that it’s happened now, and hopefully I can build on this and move forward, knowing that I can do this now.

Have you been surprised by the standard out on the Seniors Tour? Not at all. I knew what I was up against a long time ago. There are more golfers over 50 in this world than there are under, and every year we gain more world-class players. It’s amazing the standard of golf. Tom Watson keeps improving at over 60, for goodness sake. There are a lot of good golfers over 50, and it’s great to sit on top of the tree for at least one day. Did you feel like you coped with it better mentally then perhaps you did when you were competing for majors on the regular tour? Good question. I just had to play my own game. I had to concentrate on me. I think before, I got a little bit wrapped up in other people’s play. I was almost more concerned about their play than I was with my own. Today I concentrated on my own game and only worried about myself. That’s what I did. As soon as I hit that 7-iron to the first and holed the putt, I felt good about things. So I think you learn, you mature. We’re always trying to find out different techniques and different ways of getting that damn thing in that damn hole. And I learned today to concentrate on me and that’s all I could do. Possibly I haven’t in the past. This victory gets you into the PGA Championship at Valhalla. It does indeed, and I’m very much looking forward to playing in it. Does this win give you a little more confidence that you can compete back among the young guys? If I can play as well as I did here, who says I don’t have a chance? Valhalla’s a great course, a longer course, of course, but at the same time the emphasis there will be hitting the fairways and hitting the greens. If I can hit 16 or 17 greens in regulation, I think can compete. I look forward to trying to compete at that level again, and I will do my utmost to put on a good show as Senior PGA champion.

18 /

June 2014 / Issue 233

News in Brief OSCAR-WINNING PERFORMANCE CLAIMS SURREY TITLE Royal Mid Surrey’s Oscar Granström-Livesey won the Surrey Amateur Championship after beating David Corben (Hindhead) one-up in a closely-fought final held at Kingswood Golf Club. Both players were three-under par for their rounds, with GranströmLivesey holing a four-foot putt on the final green to take the title.

MILLER GOES THE DISTANCE

Virgin Swingers battle it out on both sides of the Atlantic If ever you needed proof that being a member of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Swingers can improve your golf, the recent days at Ashridge Golf Club in Hertfordshire and Robinson Ranch Golf Club in California might just be it. In perfect conditions on one of the most stunning courses in the South East of England, Swingers from all over the UK, as well as from Spain and France, looked to set a marker down on their roads to qualification for the Swingers Season 11 Final in Barbados latest this year. Over a third of the field bettered 36 points, with six players scoring 40 points or more. This was a low-handicap field

as well, which only adds to the quality of golf witnessed on the day. In the individual stableford, those waiting in the clubhouse saw the leader change four times in the space of a few minutes. First, it looked like it was Ken Daly’s day, when the Scot posted a superb 40 points off his seven handicap, but his lead was short-lived when Sussex’s Robin Fuller came in with 41 points. However, his lead was even more fleeting when Brian Joy, came in with 41 points and overtook Fuller on countback. Everyone in the clubhouse thought it would be Joy who would be walking off with the SkyCaddie GPS watch, Trendy Golf gilet and SunDog sunglasses, however, in the very last group, South

Former REMAX World Long Driving champion Joe Miller proved his status as Europe’s longest hitter when he won the Long Drivers European Tour event at the Heathfield Park Golf Centre in Oxfordshire. The 29-year-old from Potters Bar won the contest with a 361-yards effort into the wind in the final against Reading’s Scott Beaven. Miller is unbeaten in long driving events this year, with his season’s best being 397 yards.

African Paul Burrell, a new Swinger, was also having an incredible round. After posting 23 points on the front nine, he came home in 18 to match the previous 41s, but won on a better final six holes. As well as the sponsors’ prizes, Burrell won a place in the exclusive Flying Club Gold day at Bearwood Lakes in July. Meanwhile, in the mountains north of Los Angeles, the rugged landscape and the odd rattlesnake provided a stunning backdrop to the fantastic Mountain Course at Robinson Ranch Golf Club for this year’s California Swingers’ day. It was two-time finalist Brian O’Connor, an ex-pat from London living in Laguna Beach, who shot 40 points to continue his incredible start to the Season 11 season, and he seems sure to be heading to Barbados in November. In the meantime he has a trip to plan, with his wife, for his prize stay at Gleneagles Hotel, which will no doubt bring back happy memories of the Season 10 Final for him. The Swingers tour now heads to Goodwood and Bearwood Lakes in the coming weeks, as well as back to the USA for a very special event at Manhattan Woods Golf Club in New York. To register to take part, and try and qualify for the season-ending final in Barbados, visit www. flyingclubgolfleague.com.

Footgolf adds to the fun at Addington Coinciding with the start of the World Cup in Brazil, Addington Court Golf Club in Surrey has set up a FootGolf course for golfers to play. Open from now until the World Cup final on July 13, the Croydon-based venue has set up an 18-hole, parthree course for people to come and try out this fastdeveloping variation of the game, which takes under 90 minutes to play. The cost is £20 per person, with a minimum group size of 12. Footgolfers will receive bacon rolls and bottles of beer on arrival, and will be loaned a football to play the course. The winner in each group will receive an Adidas replica Brazuca World Cup football. For bookings call 020 8657

New Lane, Sutton Green, Nr Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7QF Tel: 01483 747898 email: admin@suttongreengc.co.uk

WE MAKE EVERY SOCIETY DAY SPECIAL The Ridge has been welcoming Societies large and small for a number of years. Our Mission is to make your day the best it can be. We have a great course and 5* catering for you to enjoy.

WHAT THEY SAY “This is the sixth year we have been to the ridge, and I can assure you we will be back again next year. Great Job.” THE JOLLY BOYS GOLF SOCIETY

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To JOIN THE CLUB or BOOK A GOLF SOCIETY call free on: 0800 024 8730 THE RIDGE GOLF CLUB, CHARTWAY STREET, SUTTON VALENCE, MAIDSTONE, ME17 3JB. TEL: 01622 844382. WEB: WWW.THERIDGEGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

Bacon Roll & Coffee, 18 or 36 holes, 2 Course Lunch & High Tea - £59.50 Bacon Roll & Coffee, 36 holes, Light Lunch & 3 Course Meal - £69.50

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Camberley to host Shagadelic Open Haywards Heath finds flexibility pays

Haywards Heath the club have rejoined as Golf Club’s flexible members; 12 social introduction of a members have upgraded new flexible membership to flexible membership; scheme has proved an and 21 full and five fiveattractive choice for day members who were many golfers in the area, considering leaving the club, with the club reporting have downgraded to the over 120 players having flexible category. taken up the option over He added: “Our the last 12 months. subscription income is up by Club secretary Graham over £50,000, as are the bar White launched the initiative and catering revenues, while in June last year, is delighted our membership levels are with the response from new healthy.” golfers, as well as existing The flexible membership members at the club. costs £390, and includes 365 He said: “The whole credits towards green fees. flexible membership The cost of a weekday round initiative has exceeded is between 20-25 credits, our expectations from the while a weekend round is start, and overturned all the offered at 25-30 credits, perceived challenges. As meaning that golfers paying of May 31, we have had 67 only on weekend mornings new golfers join as flexible can play 13 times for their members (six of which have subscription fee, while those upgraded to full or five-day playing 18 holes only on membership); 17 former weekdays after midday can members that had left play up to 20 times. SKYPRO_HALF-280wx200-HORIZ_AD-GN:Layout 1 27/5/14

Amateur golfers are being invited to play for a money-can’t-buy prize in the inaugural Shagadelic Open Pairs Championship 2014, sponsored by clothing brand Loudmouth Golf. The winning duo at a qualifying event being held at Camberley Heath on July 11 will qualify for a spot on the official Loudmouth team in the star-studded Ian Botham Golf Classic at Brocket Hall

on July 22. Loudmouth will provide a free pair of trousers or shorts worth up to £75 for everyone who enters the Shagadelic Open, as well as hosting a post-event BBQ and handing out spot prizes on the day. The format is betterball medal play with full handicap. The cost is £99pp and entries close on June 28. To enter a team, call 01508 218079 or visit golfdaysuk.co.uk/

Epsom open weekend proves a hit An open day held at Epsom Golf Club in April attracted over 100 visitors to the Surrey club. Blessed with superb weather, guests were invited to play the course and enjoy a free drink in the clubhouse after their round. One lucky visitor, Epsom-based Danny Townsend, won a three-month pathway membership. Stuart Walker, Epsom’s

10:01

Director of Golf, was delighted with the turnout. “It was great to see so many new faces over the weekend, and we’re able to report that some of the visitors have subsequently joined and are now enjoying membership of Epsom,” he said. “Our pathway membership was very popular, as was our 12-month academy

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membership for those new to golf. We are now focussing on the Pro-Am which takes place on June 27. It’s one of the biggest of its kind in the south east, and with this year being the club’s 125th anniversary, it promises to be extra special.” Epsom has a number of open events taking place in the autumn, including the Senior Open on September 18, Men’s Open on September 19, and Mixed Open on September 20. For entry forms, visit www.epsomgolfclub.co.uk/ visitors/open_days or call 01372 741867.

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GOLF DAY RAISES £10K TO HELP SAVE STADIUM Over £10,000 was raised in a charity golf day held at Oxford Golf Club to raise money for a fighting fund to save Oxford Stadium from being demolished. The former dog track held its last race meeting in December 2012, and has been earmarked for a housing development, but local residents are hoping to raise the funds to buy it for themselves and operate it as a community leisure facility.

ALDEN RETAINS MIDDLESEX TITLE Matt Alden (West Middlesex) retained his Middlesex County Championship title after beating Max McGrail (Pinner Hill) in the final held at Highgate Golf Club on June 8. Alden joint top-scored in the stroke play rounds with a five-over par 36-hole total, before winning four rounds of match play.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Rose opens own room Tree climbs rankings following Welsh win at North Hants Ryder Cup star Justin Rose always makes a point of visiting North Hants Golf Club whenever he comes back to England, but last month he returned to his old club as the reigning US Open champion to open a special room created in his honour. “It is always nice to get back to my old stomping ground and spend time with the members, because they’ve always been so good to me,” said Rose, who officially opened the new private function room, which is kitted out with memorabilia from Rose’s amateur and professional career, including a half-size replica of the US Open Trophy he won at Merion last year. Rose revealed that he had to get permission from the US Golf Association to hang on to his precious trophy for one last tour. “I was supposed to give it back on May 5, but they’ve very kindly allowed me to keep hold of it, so I could bring it back with me to England for the week,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been quite the same going home without it.” Rose was a member of North Hants for all of his junior and amateur career. Highlights include winning the Hampshire Hog in 1995 aged just 14, with a record winning score of 134. ALTNWD_SSP_GolfNews_GUIDE_1.qxd 31/01/14 12:59

Sussex star Toby Tree shot a stunning eight-under par 64 at Conwy in North Wales, and then won a play-off to claim the Welsh Open Stroke Play Championship. The England international defeated fellow countryman Jamie Dick after the pair tied on 14-under-par totals of 202. Tree began the final round trailing Dick by five shots, after his rival posted his own 64 in round two, but took the title with a par at the second extra hole. “It was a tough week in the weather, but they kept the course playable, it was the same for everyone and it was just a question of keeping under the umbrella as much as possible,” said 19-year-old Tree, a member of the England team who won the European Amateur Team Championships last year. “They managed to keep the course dry, but it was soft for a links course, which I did not mind. You could pitch it at the flag much more and play it like a parkland course. “In the last round I played well and kept making the putts. I was not nervous going into the play-off because it was just a question of carrying on doing what I was doing well – you cannot control the outcome of a playoff, so I just tried to control my own game. “It was a good win for me to start the summer off. I put the event in my schedule as a links course to prepare for the St Andrew’s Links and British Amateur.” Tree, who narrowly missed out on last year’s Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, moves up 30 places in the World Amateur Golf Ranking to 88th following the win. am Page 1

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Mid Herts professional Lucy Williams was one of eight players to win places in the US Women’s Open at Pinehurst after coming through a European sectional qualifier held at The Buckinghamshire. The 24-year-old, who is the reigning Glenmuir WPGA Champion, birdied the final hole and then had to endure an anxious two-hour wait before her slot in the showpiece was finally confirmed. “It all feels pretty insane,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m going to be playing in my first major, it’s really exciting! It’s the first time they’ve held a European qualifier, and it was over a course I know quite well too, so I was hopeful that I would be able to qualify.” After two solid rounds, Williams bogeyed the 16th hole and approached

the 18th knowing only a birdie would keep her dreams of qualification alive. “I knew I was going to need at least levelpar to stand any chance of qualifying, but I hit my tee shot at the last hole slightly short and ended up having to make quite a tricky putt,” she explained. “It was such a great feeling to see it drop in, although the wait to see whether I had qualified was very stressful!” The top-placed finisher was Amy Boulden from Llandudno, who posted successive rounds of 71 to qualify for her first appearance in the US Open. The other seven players who earned spots were Kelsey MacDonald, Nicole Garcia, Nikki Campbell, Stephanie Na, Camilla Lennarth, Holly Clyburn, and Rebecca Hudson.

Wexham begins course re-design

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Wexham Park Golf Centre in Berkshire is redeveloping its 18-hole course to make it more challenging for the modern golfer. The 36-hole Slough-based facility closed its nine-hole Red course on April 1 in order to begin work on the changes, which will see three holes from the Red Course used to change the layout of the 18-hole Blue course. This will extend the Blue course to 5,749 yards. The centre is also preparing four new teeing areas, which will increase the length to 5,965 yards at the start of the following season. A further new tee and green will be completed after that, taking the course to around 6,100 yards. Wexham Park’s John Kennedy said the redesign was needed because players are hitting the ball further. “We had been looking for quite a while at how we could lengthen our 18-hole course and make it a more challenging layout,” he said. “Our current course measures just 5,251 yards, and although tricky, by modern standards it is quite a short course.” He added: “In the past we have hosted a number of BB&O PGA events, and more recently a pro-am, which have been really successful. All the competing professionals have enjoyed playing the course, but we are aware that if we want to continue to host such events, as well as provide a real challenge to our members, we have to make the course more demanding.”

Wallis bags royal result at Blackheath Four-time PGA South Order of Merit champion Richard Wallis posted a birdie-packed 67 to snatch victory in the Royal Blackheath Pro-Am from Silvermere’s Chris Gane. Starting at the 12th hole in a shotgun start, Gane went eagle, birdie at 12 and 13 to claim an early lead, but while his only bogey at 17 left him on two-under-par, he was unable to

improve on that over the remaining 12 holes. Starting at the 10th, Wallis, by contrast, was charging through the back nine, chalking up a salvo of birdies at 12, 13, 16 and 18, with one bogey spoiling a very fast start. Another birdie at the second left him on four-underpar, and despite a bogey at the eighth, Wallis remained uncatchable by a strong field of southern stars. Wallis, who won the four-round Golf Escapes Costa del Sol Overseas PGA Pro-Am back in February, commented, “I’ve been working hard with my coaches and fellow PGA Professionals – Paul Page at King’s Hill for my swing, Matt Johns at Royal Blackheath for my putting, and Ben Clayton at Hindhead for my short game – and hopefully the work seems to be paying off.”

June 2014 / Issue 233

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Two Night Golf Breaks GolfNews has teamed up with England’s Golf Coast, a collection of the finest golf courses and best hotels and guest houses in the North West of England to offer four golfers the opportunity to win £1,000 off the cost of a golf holiday package to this award-winning destination this autumn. And all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this superb prize is log onto England’s Golf Coast’s website – www.englandsgolfcoast.com/prize-draw – and enter your details. CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF AT AFFORDABLE PRICES England’s Golf Coast is the place to be this autumn if you want to experience true championship golf at prices everybody can afford. Twelve of the area’s top golf clubs have come together for the first time to offer a series of Autumn Packages which include three rounds of golf and two nights’ B&B for as little as just £150 per person. Visitors can choose between playing the Signature Collection courses at Formby, Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Wallasey and West Lancashire; the Classic Collection courses at Caldy, Fairhaven, Formby Hall and Hesketh; or a combination of both. You can even upgrade to England Golf Coast’s Open Championship links at Royal Liverpool, Royal Liverpool and Royal

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June 2014 / Issue 233

ALL-COMERS WELCOME

AT NEW-LOOK KINGSWOOD Competitors taking part in the PGA Surrey Open being held at Kingswood Golf Club in July should consider booking a room in the on-site accommodation that is set to open at the Surrey-based club this summer. The new building will offer 18 well-appointed guest rooms, which will be ideal for members, visiting groups and societies, as well as golfers travelling to take part in the numerous high profile events that the club stages on a regular basis. This includes the amateur qualifier for the Surrey Open, which is being held on July 17, and the Surrey Open itself, which takes place on July 30-31. Built in 1927, and designed by legendary architect James Braid, Kingswood has recently undergone a major renovation programme in recent years that has seen the course updated to maintain its status as being

one of the finest courses in the region, with a challenge to match. The Dwellcourt Group, which took over the ownership of the club just over 20 years ago, has invested heavily in bringing the clubhouse and the course up to the standards fitting of such an historic club, making it both relevant and attractive to the needs of the modern golfer. Under the guidance of Essex-based architect Howard Swan, the course has seen a raft of improvements to the playing conditions, including an extensive re-bunkering programme, which brings strategic thinking to the fore. The result is that the 6,954yard layout is now punctuated with exciting risk-and-reward shots, making the course both memorable and challenging. Since the changes it has proved a fitting venue for British Senior Open Championship regional qualifier, while a significant number of charity golf days, including the Household Cavalry, Variety Club, Shooting Stars, and the

Kingswood Pro-Am, have all discovered what a superb venue it is for hosting largescale events. Weekday green fees are currently £65 (£195 for a four-ball), reflecting the sheer quality of the experience on offer, although mid-afternoon (£38) and twilight (£30) green fees are also available to visitors, making a game here even more affordable. Reflecting the diverse requirements of its members, the club now offers three different types of full membership, starting with a £699 annual subscription that offers a discounted green fee every time you play. The next level up is a £1,399 package that allows unlimited golf during the week and discounted weekend green fees, while the £1,999 membership offers unlimited golf at all times. For details on membership, tee time bookings or accommodation enquiries, visit www.kingswood-golf.co.uk, email sales@kingswood-golf. co.uk, or call 01737 832188.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Chichester opens adventure course as part of major upgrade A jungle paradise adventure golf course featuring lagoons, rafts, roaring animals, and waterfalls is due to open at Chichester Golf Club in West Sussex in July. A £500,000 investment has gone into creating the unique course, the construction of which is close to completion. Sited just inside the entrance to the club, the adventure course will offer a fun experience to people of all ages. Chichester’s owner, Sally

Haygarth, said: “The new adventure course is great news for us and for the local community. Exciting outdoor activities which are fun for the whole family are rare in our area. From our experience at our Epsom site, adventure golf is a great cross-generational activity and can be enjoyed by those aged three to 103!” Building started in April, and the course in expected to open in early July. At the same time, the club’s driving range has received a major re-fit, with the installation of Power Tees and a revamp of the outdoor bays to include a state-of-the-art Huxley artificial practice mat. The final phase of the project will be to add a coffee shop and function room, which will be integrated with the driving range retail shop. The coffee shop will be licensed and will feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over a large terrace onto the adventure course. The whole project is expected to cost £1 million and should be completed in early 2015.

Knight helps break down golfing barriers

Hartsbourne to host society open day Following the success of last year’s open day, Hartsbourne Country Club in Hertfordshire is to host a society open day on September 10. Golfers from societies all over the country are being invited to sample the facilities of this 27-hole venue. The entry fee for the day costs £20 per person (teams of two are required), which includes an 18-hole two-ball Stableford competition with a shotgun start for 9am. The fee also includes coffee and rolls on arrival, and a buffet lunch after golf. There will be prizes for the top three teams and a two’s sweep. Hartsbourne is situated in Bushey Heath, on the county borders of Hertfordshire and Middlesex, and offers 27 holes set in over 180 acres of mature parkland. The 6,336-yard, 18-hole course was first laid out in 1922 by Fred Hawtree and five-time Open champion JH Taylor, and is an enjoyable test of golf for all levels of golfers, while the 9-hole, 2,991-yard Hunt course is no less challenging par 35, that makes for a superb 27-hole loop for golf societies. In addition to its famous architects, Hartsbourne is stepped in golfing history, with Bernard and Geoff Hunt, the only brothers ever to represent Great Britain in the same Ryder Cup team, being based at the club while they competed on the professional circuit in the 1960s and 70s. For entries to the Open Day competition, call 020 8421 7272 or email amanda@hartsbournecountryclub.co.uk.

A West Sussex PGA Professional has been hailed a ‘hero of junior golf’ after leading the charge that introduced almost 1,200 school children to the sport in just one year. Ben Knight, of Chartham Park Golf and Country Club, who recently became one of the first six PGA pros to attain the Level 3 coaching award, has more reason to celebrate, after his club won the Golf Foundation’s Bonallack Award at their annual ceremony on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The award is presented to a school or school sport partnership that has established or developed a junior golf development project for its pupils.

l-r: Steve Hill, Ben Knight and Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts

News in Brief DAN’S THE MAN AT HUNTERCOMBE Dan Caton (Burnham Beeches) won the BB&O Colts’ Championship after a play-off against Jordan Garnish (The Oxfordshire) at Huntercombe on May 27. Both players tied on 144 after two rounds, and Caton took the honours by holing a 20-foot birdue putt at the third extra hole.

HOEBRIDGE WEE WINNERS HEAD FOR HOME OF GOLF Six Surrey youngsters have won places in the final of the Wee Wonders Open Golf Championships at St Andrews in August after taking part in a qualifying event at Hoebridge Golf Centre’s Maybury Course. The agegroup winners were: (Boys 11-12) Joe Buenfold, 29 strokes; (Boys 9-10) Joe Sykes, 31pts; (Girls 9-10) Libby Redman, 37pts; (Boys 7-8) Brandon Skidmore, 33pts; (Girls 5-8) Sienna Birch, 42pts and (Boys 5-6) Tyrese Danso, 36pts.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Golf News caught up with Justin Rose at Goodwood last month to discuss his year as US Open champion, coming back from injury, and the build up to Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ryder Cup, where he is hoping to make his first appearance on European soil

MAJOR PLAYER

June 2014 / Issue 233

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It’s been a frustrating start to the syear with your shoulder injury. How are you feeling going into the heart of the season? I feel like I’m beginning to play well and feel like I’m coming into some sort of form at the right time again. There’s a big summer of golf ahead, and every tournament I’m playing in between now and the Ryder Cup is a big tournament, so it’s nice to begin to get some confidence going.

What are you expecting in your first Ryder Cup on European soil? If I can be presumptuous and assume I make the team, then noise. Hearing the crowd really cheer for you. Obviously every Ryder Cup is noisy, and in the States there’s always been a hard-core group doing their best and cheering for me, but I’ve never had the majority of the crowd behind me, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that. I was talking to Paul [McGinley] about it recently, and he really wants Gleneagles to be a passionate – obviously respectful, but incredibly loud, enthused crowd, an atmosphere. So as a player, having never played in front of a home crowd, that sounds amazing to me. Obviously I’ve got some hard work yet in front of me, but it’s obviously clearly a big goal of mine to make sure I’m there.

In some respects, does it feel like everything that has happened so far this year was geared towards the defense of your US Open title? That’s the plan, absolutely. I’ve been going in the right direction and gaining some confidence. It’s just a matter of putting it all together for the one week that you really need to. I think the goal for me in the next couple weeks is for me to freshen up mentally. It has been a long run of golf, and I’ve sort of been in contention the last few weeks, trying to grind out good results, and that can tire you out a little bit. How much fun has it been to bring the US Open trophy back home, and show it off to your English fans? For years I’ve seen all the biggest trophies in the game sit proudly on the first tee at Wentworth during the BMW PGA Championship, so it was an amazing feeling for that to be my turn now. It was also a real honour to have it on display at the players’ dinner. You’ve taken the trophy all over the world during the last 12 months. What’s the best place you’ve been with it? The best place has been in my house, because I enjoy it every day. It sits on the piano in the living room. So pretty much every day I walk back and forth, back and forth and see it there. Last month I put it on the dressing table that we have in our bedroom. I thought, we’re getting to the last few weeks of it being in my possession, so I’m going to really try and enjoy it now. Basically, every morning I woke up and I would see it. I think the biggest perk of winning was sitting in the Royal Box at Wimbledon and seeing Andy Murray win there – that was a pretty special occasion. Leo, my son, ate some ice cream out of it. He was the first to christen the trophy. I had not even had a drink, but he had some ice cream out of it and we got some great video footage, so we’ll have some great memories. I was supposed to give it back on May 5, but the USGA has very kindly allowed me to keep hold of it so I could bring it back to England for the BMW. It wouldn’t have been quite the same going home without it. I think the whole family will be sorry when we have to say goodbye to it. We’ve had a wonderful year having the trophy, knowing what it represents.

Rose is hoping to renew his partnership with Ian Poulter if he makes the Ryder Cup team

just to have achieved in your career. I don’t think it necessarily means the world. I just think it’s nice to tell people at some point you were the No.1 player in the world. What are your thoughts on how the Ryder Cup teams are shaping up? Well, my thoughts are is that it’s been a onepoint match the last two years. So I think Europe has been the fortunate team to get the result both times. They could have gone either way, especially at Medinah. I think if you look at Celtic Manor, because of the weather, all six matches went out one day, and we won that day 6-0. If you look at the other days, there were a lot of sessions we didn’t win. Medinah, again a lot of sessions we didn’t win, and we won the singles strongly. So we need to go in there very sharp, and certainly with no complacency, and that will be, I’m sure, the attitude of the captain and certainly the players. Whenever it’s a one-point game, the teams are so evenly matched, it comes down to passion, and I think Paul will be a fantastic captain when it comes down to passion.

“The atmosphere is what makes the Ryder Cup. You could play it on a municipal course anywhere in the world and it would still be incredible.”

I’m guessing you’ve had the odd drink out of it since Leo’s ice cream session? It holds five bottles of champagne – just – if you were wondering! Where does getting to No.1 rank on your list of priorities? It’s a career goal of mine, absolutely. I have no timeline on that one. But I think it’s more achievable now than it’s ever been, in the sense that I think Tiger had probably been up to an average of 15 points at some point in his career, and that’s an amazing amount of points to collect, and I think right now it’s at about eight. I’m around six average points. So for me, playing 50 tournaments, if I was to win two weeks in a row for example, that would put me right there around world No.1. So it’s achievable in a very short amount of time. I’m just focusing on winning golf tournaments, and getting to No.1 is a by-product of that. For me, it’s something nice

Rose has enjoyed taking the US Open trophy on his travels over the last 12 months

How important is the Ryder Cup to you? Very important. It’s a goal of mine every time it rolls around to make the team. This year, even more so. I’ve played in two Ryder Cups, both of which were in America, and so I’m keen to play for the home team. So, yeah, it’s very important for me to make the team this year. Being on the winning team at Medinah was just amazing. I was fortunate enough to win a major and went out and celebrated with close friends and family. But when you celebrate as a team, wow, there’s nothing better than that. It was an amazing evening. Have you played the Ryder Cup course at Gleneagles? I played the Scottish PGA there in the early-tomid 2000s, but I haven’t been there for a while. In my opinion, the Centenary course will make a good Ryder Cup venue. There are some good par fives, and the 18th will make a great finishing hole. It’s got everything a Ryder Cup needs to be successful. In reality, I think the atmosphere is what makes the Ryder Cup. You could play it on a municipal course anywhere in the world and it would still be incredible. You’ve been on winning and losing Ryder Cup teams. How do the two experiences compare? They were both very positive experiences for me. I took a lot out of both of them. As a team we lost at Valhalla but, as an individual, I did very well and took three out of four points. I beat Phil [Mickelson] in the singles, so I came away feeling I was a better golfer because of what I had experienced. You never know what to expect at your first Ryder Cup but, having played a second, I now know it’s all about ‘team’. It doesn’t really matter what your individual record is because the joy of winning as a team is basically what it’s all about. If the team loses, you can look at your individual record and try and take some comfort from it, but it’s all about winning as a team. What are your memories of your singles match against Mickelson at Medinah? The beginning was critical. I think I started birdie, birdie and won the first two holes and got a couple up. And then Phil played really well and was one up at 16. Fifteen was the pivotal hole, which people don’t really talk about. It’s a short par four, and he hit it just short of the green, and I hit it into the left greenside bunker and left it in there with a plugged lie. But I got it up and down from there to save par. Phil chipped up seven feet short and then missed the putt. He could have gone two up with three to play, but he didn’t, and we know how the last three holes played out. A lot of people remember my putt at 17, which was an amazing putt, but it was the putt at 18 that I’m most proud of. Seventeen gets me allsquare, but ultimately it means nothing if I don’t win 18. Walking up 18, I remember saying to myself, “No matter what else has happened this week, if you make this putt you can come away feeling proud of yourself.” And I made that putt.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Storybehindthepic Tony Jacklin, Open Championship Royal Lytham & St Annes, July 12, 1969

Most people watched television on black and white sets in 1969, but those lucky few who could afford to upgrade were able to watch the Open Championship in full and glorious Technicolor for the first time that year. I bet some people wished they hadn’t when they caught sight of Tony Jacklin’s outfit for the final round of the championship at Royal Lytham. Purple isn’t a very popular choice of colour among today’s generation of tour players, but 25 years ago, during the era of Jim Hendrix’s Purple Haze and the launch of prog rock band Deep Purple, it was all the rage. Despite his

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dodgy threads, Jacklin was playing like a god and knocked it round Lytham in four-under-par to become the first British player to win the Claret Jug since Max Faulkner in 1951. Just minutes before this photograph was taken, Jacklin stood on the 18th tee with a two-shot lead over Bob Charles, with one of the trickiest finishing holes in world golf awaiting him. Pulling out the driver, he took one practice swing before launching an arrowstraight effort that dissected the bunkers perfectly and bounded down the fairway, causing TV commentator Henry Longhurst to utter the unforgettable line: “Oh! What a corker!” A seveniron to 20 feet, and two putts sealed a momentous

victory for the 25-yearold from Scunthorpe. The ensuring melée saw Jacklin lose a shoe as he was mobbed by adoring fans, and a police escort was required to get him to the safety of the scorer’s hut. Victory at Lytham, for which he won £4,250, turned Jacklin into a national hero overnight, and he became one of the first British golfers to transfer his celebrity status to the world stage. It also marked the start of a momentous run of form. Later that year he was the last man out for GB & Ireland in the Ryder Cup, which ended in a dingdong singles match with Jack Nicklaus that saw the Golden Bear concede Jacklin’s two-foot putt for

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a half on the 18th hole at Birkdale to tie the match 1616. And just eight months later, Jacklin landed the US Open at Hazeltine, a hugely impressive achievement at a time when few European players travelled to play in America. Yet although he won every year on tour before he retired in 1982, Jacklin never regained the heights of that 1969-70 period, and after agonisingly losing out to Lee Trevino in the 1972 Open at Muirfield, he never contended in a major again. His final European Tour victory came at the PGA Championship Hillside in 1982, just a few miles down the road from Lytham, where Jacklin defeated a young upstart called Bernhard Langer.

To book Afternoon Delight or enquire about Membership call Sally on 01959 533225 (option 2) To book World Cup Four Ball Offer call the pro shop on 01959 533225 (option 1) *Minimum of 12 golfers *Offer available 1st June 2014 to 31st July 2014 * First tee time must be after 12 midday and is subject to availability

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Hindhead wins Surrey club championship

Aces from on high at Cowdray! There are many ways to achieve a hole-inone, but few have been quite so heavyhanded as the two that were recorded at Cowdray Park Golf Club in West Sussex earlier this month. As part as a fundraising campaign for a local charity, members of the Midhurstbased club paid £5 each for over 1,000 golf Over 1,000 golf balls were dropped on to a green by a helicopter at Cowdray Park

Hindhead Golf Club’s team of David Corben, Kieran Lovelock and Cameron Phillips (pictured) won the Surrey Club Championship, played at Kingswood and Surrey Downs Golf Clubs on May 30. This was only the second time in the Club Championship’s 90-year history that Hindhead had been victorious, the previous occasion being in 1993. The trio will now represent Surrey in the English Club Championship

Warley win Faldo Wedge

to be held at Trentham Golf Club, Staffordshire in September. Corben shot a sevenunder par to be top qualifier of the 16 golfers who competed in the knockout stages of the individual County Championship, which was played at Kingswood over the following two days. He made it to the final, but was narrowly defeated on the last hole by county teammate Oscar Granström-Livesey from Royal Mid-Surrey.

A trio of talented youngsters representing Warley Park Golf has won the Essex Golf Union’s Faldo Wedge competition. Sophie Wheeler (36 points), Joe Defries (34pts) and Ellisha

balls to be dropped from a helicopter that was hovering 90 feet about a green at the course. Portsmouth-based Atlas Helicopters organised the stunt that was watched by a crowd of eager spectators, each of whom had paid £5 per ball, with the prospect of a £250 prize if their numbered ball managed to find the cup. With the specially-built green being on a slight slope, the balls were dropped about 15 feet from target and rolled towards the pin. Once all the balls had stopped moving, two lucky winners achieved an ‘ace’, Cpt Mike Burns, who piloted the helicopter, said: “It seemed like it would be an easy thing to do, but we had to get permission from the Civil Aviation Authority because you are not allowed to drop things from aircraft. After obtaining permission we did a couple of practice drops, because it’s very difficult to get it right, as I couldn’t see the green from my seat. After the balls were released all we could do was hope that they ended somewhere near the flag. We didn’t think we’d get a hole-in-one, never mind two. We were delighted with the result, but more pleased with the £4,500 raised for Treloar School and College in Alton, which provides education, care, therapy to young people with physical disabilities.”

Cox (34) combined to win the team event with a total of 104 points to finish two point clear of runners-up Crondon Park. A total of 48 teams took part, with Warley Park winning for the second time

in three years, following a win in 2012. The team now goes on to represent Essex in the national club championship finals at Woodhall Spa in August.

News in Brief KUHLER SHAKES OFF MEDAL RIVALS Surrey golfer Karen Kuhler swept through to the England Golf women’s Grand Medal Final when she won her regional qualifier by five shots. Playing off 13, Kuhler scored a nett 68 at Tyrrells Wood in Surrey to lead the 10 qualifiers from the South Region Medal Final. She will be joined in the Grand Medal Final at Peterborough Milton on June 28 by Nancy O’Connor (Sundridge Park), Nicola Smith (Sittingbourne & Milton Regis), Gill Pates (Addington Palace), Kirsty Galbraith (Mid-Kent), Pat Morecroft (Nizels), Dinah Henson (West Byfleet), Michele Desmond (Knole Park), Susan Jones (Chestfield) and Fiona Pullar (The Wildwood).

BROWN ENJOYS SENIOR MOMENT

Staffordshire’s Julie Brown was crowned the new English senior women’s champion after completing a fairytale debut with a 2&1 win over past winner Chris Quinn in the final held at Sandy Lodge Golf Club in Hertfordshire.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Enjoy top-class golf at affordable prices with Pentland Golf’s new range of flexible membership packages

IT PAYS TO PLAY WITH PENTLAND Golfers looking to join two of the South East’s top courses at a more affordable rate should look no further than Pentland Golf’s new flexible membership packages, which have been rolled out at Gatton Manor Hotel & Golf Club in Surrey, and Harleyford Golf Club in Buckinghamshire. The two highly-rated venues are both managed by Pentland Golf, which also operates three other golf clubs in Kent, at Austin Lodge, Etchinghill and Boughton. The flexible schemes are part of Pentland Golf’s promise to offer membership packages that suit the demands of the entire golfing community. Johnathan Callister, chief executive of Pentland Golf, said “Here at Pentland Golf we pride ourselves on giving the customer what they want when they want it. This is why we are pleased to announce the launch of a new flexible points-based membership at two of our managed golf clubs. It offers a totally modern approach to club membership, providing all the benefits of traditional golf club membership, while allowing the member to control their costs.” Johnathan Callister, CEO

GATTON MANOR: SURREY’S HIDDEN GEM Set in 200 acres of scenic Surrey countryside, close to the village of Ockley, Gatton Manor’s mature 18-hole woodland course is widely regarded as one of the South East’s finest hidden gems. Designed by notable English golf architect John D Harris, the course offers a true challenge, and a picturesque setting in which to enjoy your golf. Throughout the 6,629-yard, par-72 course, tree-lined fairways provide an ever-changing narrowness which helps concentrate the mind, while a multitude of natural hazards, including lakes, ponds, streams and ditches, place a further emphasis on accuracy and comprehensive course management. Add to that some notoriously fast greens – many of which are tilted and contoured – and you have a course to quicken the pulse at every turn. In addition to the challenge of the course, Gatton Manor boasts excellent teaching facilities, with a driving range, putting green and short game practice area. Members and guests can take advantage of one-toone tuition, available from an experienced team of PGA professionals, who offer a full range of lessons to players of all abilities. A popular members’ club, with a strong competition calendar, Gatton Manor continues to attract members looking for a relaxed and informal club. This friendly venue, which is also home to an 18-bedroom hotel also remains a firm favourite for society groups & golf breaks. 2014 will see Gatton Manor host The Jamega Tour, 2 day order of merit finale with a spot in the European Tour, Maderia Open the prize for the victor.

GATTON MANOR’S 12-MONTH FLEXI-MEMBERSHIP £175 ANNUAL FEE, PLUS £120 FOR 25 CREDITS, £200 FOR 50 CREDITS, £350 FOR 90 CREDITS Credits can be redeemed against tee times that are valued according to days and times. FLEXI MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: •A ccess to selected club competitions •P riority tee time booking • Preferential member guest rates • Preferential buggy hire rates • Access to social events

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HARLEYFORD: A GOLFING JEWEL BY THE THAMES Golfers looking for a winning combination of quality golf and superb facilities, all at an affordable price, should look no further than Harleyford Golf Club in Buckinghamshire, which offers all three elements in equal measure. Located in the beautiful town of Marlow, set beside the River Thames, and just a few minutes from the M4 and M40, Harleyford is well placed to attract golfers from all over the South East. Indeed plenty of people have been hooked on Harleyford since it first opened its doors in 1996, with many having been continual members at this attractive private club since that time.

HARLEYFORD’S 12-MONTH FLEXI-MEMBERSHIP £245 annual fee, plus £150 for 25 credits; £250 for 50 credits, or £430 for 90 credits. Credits can be redeemed against tee times that are valued according to days and times. (Peak - 5 credits, Popular - 4 credits, Peaceful - 3 credits, Twilight -2 credits). Membership runs from April 1 – March 31. For more information visit www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk or call 01628 816162.

The history of the Harleyford estate dates back to the 12th century and the whole site is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. And it is within this superb setting that the 6,714-yard parkland course, which was designed by leading architect Donald Steel, has been expertly laid out. Steel has a deserved reputation of being a master of his craft, and he certainly worked his magic on this beautiful parkland setting to create a challenging layout that is also fair, providing a subtle mix of holes that test all elements of a golfer’s skills. Although parkland courses have a reputation for being flat, there are plenty of elevation changes and twists and turns, all of which serve to add to the excitement. Among the crowd-pleasing holes are the 470-yard downhill par-four 7th and the scenic 12th, a stunning par three that is played across a wide valley. Each hole demands respect and admiration, and although the fairways are generous, the greens will make sure that you have to play your best to score well. Once their game is over, golfers can relax in the stunning clubhouse, which has been developed from the original Victorian farm buildings to provide all the facilities you’d expect from a modern clubhouse, including well-equipped changing rooms, a bar, lounge, conservatory restaurant, and a variety of wellproportioned rooms for public and private functions. Inside, the Gothic Bar overlooks the stunning 18th green, with a sunny terrace making it perfect for soaking up the sun, while the club lounge provides a relaxing venue to enjoy Harleyford’s own brand of hospitality.

June 2014 / Issue 233

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NickBayly GNeditor reveals what has caught his eye in the golfing headlines in recent weeks All hell was let loose in the corridors and locker rooms at Wimbledon Park Golf Club last month, when an email sent out to members revealing the results of a recent pro-am competition had the words ‘cheating ****’ written in brackets next to the name of the winner of the day’s nearest-the-pin competition. The golfer at the centre of the scandal – who I won’t name, but is easily discoverable with the briefest of searches on the internet – was claimed to have had ‘previous’, for want of a better expression, and had even gone so far as to sue another member of the West London-based club last year over emailed accusations of cheating in earlier club competitions. The accuser compared the so-called cheat’s actions to those of Bond baddie Auric Goldfinger, who wasn’t averse to breaking the occasional Rule of Golf in order to get one over 007. Golfers reading the story up and down the county must surely have instantly thought of the ‘Goldfingers’ operating at their own clubs, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few club noticeboards received some anonymous additions to the results of the monthly medal in the wake of this unfortunate public revelation.

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Seve hits the silver screen While golf has never been particularly well served by the cinematic genre over the years – I give you Tin Cup, Bagger Vance, Happy Gilmour and Caddy Shack in evidence m’lud – I’m hoping that the shortly-to-be launched biopic of Seve Ballesteros will break with tradition and provide us with a classic retelling of the story that will be worthy of the great man himself. ‘Seve’ hits UK cinemas on June 27, and I’ll be heading to my nearest multiplex to catch an early screening with my two young sons, both mad keen golfers who are at a suitably impressionable age to gain inspiration from one of the greatest sporting icons of the 20th century. While mixing scenes played by actors with real archive footage is never an easy trick to pull off for directors, I’ve heard that José Luis Gutiérrez Real, who plays the young Seve, is no mean player himself, and already has a four handicap. He also had a head start over most other rivals for the role in that he was born just a few miles from Pedrena, where Seve was born and grew up, and was even lucky enough to meet the great man just a year before his death in May 2011, so I’m sure some of the magic will have rubbed off on him, as it did with millions of golfers the world over.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Twenty-five years after his victory in the Open Championship, Tony Jacklin talks to Golf News about why he rates his US Open win above his triumph at Royal Lytham, the effect of modern equipment on the game, and why he has no regrets about his time on Strictly

JUST

How’s your game these days? To be honest, I don’t play much for fun anymore. I never really played for fun anyway. It was just a job that I happened to be quite good at. I play in lots of corporate events, and the occasional TV show, but I rarely go out for 18 holes just for the fun of it. I’ve got other hobbies now. You signed up as a brand ambassador for Lynx last year. How are the Boom Boom clubs working for you? I think Lynx is a great brand, and I’m proud to be a small part of its return to the market. Some of my good friends, including Ernie Els and Freddie Couples, have represented the company over the past years, so it has a lot of heritage. I love their product range, and there’s a team spirit they have which works well in terms of my history with the Ryder Cup and working with successful teams. I’m using the Boom Boom 3 irons, woods, hybrid and wedges. They’ve also got some wonderful new Harold Swash putters – Harold’s been a friend of mine for a very, very long time – which are excellent. I need a big choice of putters, because that’s where I get a bit lost sometimes, so it’s great fun to be a part of that. On the subject of putting, how often do you get reminded about the concession in the 1969 Ryder Cup? Oh, at least a couple of times a month. I don’t mind – It happened.

18th, Bob [Charles] drove first and I remember him saying his tee shot was going to finish in a bunker, but I knew bloody well that it wasn’t! Was it a ploy to make me think I’d won? It was certainly a reminder you’ve always got to keep your wits about you. For a month in 1970, you held the Open and US Open titles. You were 25 and had the world at your feet. What happened? Looking back, it was the Open in 1972 when that my confidence seemed to ebb away. I was never as sure after that, when I had to watch Lee Trevino chip in five times in the last two rounds. I was always of the belief you just keep on trying, but he made four or five flukes. It happened, and it was up to me to make the best I could of it. Both Nicklaus and Palmer came up to me that night and said ‘don’t let this change you’, but it did change me. I won tournaments every year until I quit after winning the PGA at Hillside in 1982, but I was never in the frame in a major again. That confidence that I’d had previously just dissipated enough to prevent me from competing at the highest level. The same thing has happened to Greg Norman and lots of other players. It bruises you. If it was in some small tournament you just dust yourself down and move on, but a major is a different animal altogether. With Tiger potentially out of the picture, who do you fancy for the Open at Hoylake? Any number of players could win it, but I’ve got a sneaking feeling for Miguel Angel Jimenez. The guy is amazing, and if he retains his form, has the ideal game for Hoylake. Links golf is not about power, not Hoylake anyway. Look at Tiger Woods when he won there in 2006, he used a two-iron off the tee all the way through. The power guys are certainly going to have to temper their games there, because there will be a lot more patience needed. You need to stay out of the fairway bunkers there, put a red line around all of them in your head, because you simply cannot get on the green from them. It’s hard to get that in your head, but Tiger figured that out and Miguel could certainly be a threat there. The Open is the one where we are most likely to see the first 50-something win a major. The veterans can still challenge these days because modern equipment has changed everything and made it a more level playing field.

Did you have an opportunity to speak to Justin Rose after his US Open victory at Merion last year? I called him as soon as I could to congratulate him. It had been a long time coming, and it was a long time before me, but someone had to do it. I was really thrilled for him. The US Open is the supreme test, and he rose to it magnificently, if you’ll pardon the pun. Which of your two major wins gave you the most satisfaction? The US Open, without a doubt. While it is every pro’s dream to win the British Open – and it certainly was mine – to win one in America at that time was sensational. The US Open is the ultimate test, not just of golfing skill, but also of temperament and patience. It’s not always fair, but whoever wins has dealt best with all the obstacles that come their way. The USGA set courses on the edge of playability, and you just have to suck it up.

JACKLIN

What do you remember of your defence of the US Open title in 1971? Ironically, it was at Merion, where Justin won. I shot 75 and 77 and missed the cut by four shots. So it wasn’t much of a defense. The fairways were very narrow, and I never got to grips with the way to play it. There’s so much going on around you when you’re defending a major title, so it’s very difficult to live up to expectations as a defending champion, whoever you are. ‘The main thing was that I was ready to win. I had become the first Brit to win on the US Tour in Jacksonville the year before and I couldn’t have taken on the pressure without that. I remember turning up and the reaction of the galleries was exciting. People talk about the burden of expectation, but I found it uplifting. The hardest thing, of course, was not letting my mind wander ahead - whether in an hour’s time the secretary of the Royal and Ancient was going to declare me the champion golfer of the year. I was continually telling myself, “Stop it!” It really is a place you simply cannot afford to go. When we got to the

WIN TICKETS TO AN EVENING WITH TONY JACKLIN!

Tony Jacklin will be appearing at Camberley Theatre in Surrey on October 15 in a special evening hosted by Willie Thorne. The show will include plenty of golfing chat, a chance to listen to one of the game’s most influential figures over the last 40 years, which will be followed by a Q&A and a meet and greet. Tickets, priced £25, can be ordered online at www.camberleytheatre.biz or by calling 01276 707600.

xxx

Golf News has two pairs of tickets to give away in a prize draw for this unmissable show. To enter, simply email your name and telephone number to Camberley.theatre@surreyheath.gov.uk with ‘Tony Jacklin’ in the subject header by July 15. The winners will be selected at random from all the entries and informed by email.

You’re just about to embark on a UK tour with Willie Thorne. How did that come about ? We’ve played together in the Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall for a number of years and have struck up a great friendship. We’re touring the country, just chatting about my career, the Ryder Cup, Strictly, whatever people want to hear. It should be fun. Any regrets about doing Strictly last year? It was a wonderful experience. But would I do it again knowing what it entailed? I’m not sure about that, but I did really enjoy the overall experience. I said when I went in that it was an adventure and it was certainly that. It was a very intimidating situation going on stage in front of 10 million people – I felt like running away half an hour before going on. I was also very physically demanding – practising four hours a day. I gave it my best shot and had a lot of fun.

Nick Bayly met Tony Jacklin at a golf day hosted by internet-based equipment retailer onlinegolf.co.uk at Thorndon Park Golf Club in Essex. For great deals on all the latest ranges of clubs and golf accessories, visit www.onlinegolf.co.uk.

YOUR SIX-PAGE GUIDE TO ENGLAND’S GOLF COAST + WHERE TO PLAY + WHERE TO STAY + PLACES TO VISIT +G REAT VALUE PACKAGES TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS +W IN A £1,000 GOLF BREAK VOUCHER! P21

ALL EYES TURN TO

ENGLAND’S GOLF COAST

As The Open returns to Hoylake, there has never been a better time to discover what the North West coast has to offer

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June 2014 / Issue 233

WONDERS OF THE WIRRAL ROYAL LIVERPOOL: WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHAMPIONS Despite its name, Royal Liverpool Golf Club is located in the small town of Hoylake, at the northwest corner of the Wirral Peninsula, which is separated from Liverpool by the Mersey estuary. The course extends between Hoylake and West Kirby, so the course is often referred to as Hoylake, and is inscribed as such on the Claret Jug. As one of England’s oldest and most historic clubs, Royal Liverpool has been the scene of many defining moments in golfing history, most recently in 2006, when Tiger Woods bagged the 12th of his 14 majors. Despite a 39-year absence off the Open rota, Hoylake once again proved a worthy venue for the game’s great players. In preparation for the 2014 Open, the course has undergone a number of changes to strengthen the challenge for today’s top pros. The course will measure 7,312 yards – 54 yards longer than in 2006 – and play to a par of 72. A number of bunkers have also been removed, leaving 82 in total, while five holes have new swales around the greens to punish errant shots with more varied hazards. Widely regarded as one of the most natural links in Britain, Hoylake presents a rigorous test even in favourable conditions. Bordered by houses on three sides and the Dee Estuary on the other, the course is largely flat, but has more than enough subtle undulations on the fairways, approaches and greens to add an element of definition. When the wind and the rough is up, it also adds to the high tariff this course places on accurate shot making. As a pure golfing experience, there is much more to Hoylake than meets the distant eye, with undulations becoming much more pronounced when you’re up close and personal on the fairways. There’s a stretch from the ninth to the 12th that is set among the dunes and provides some excellent views – as does the 13th, which is played from an elevated tee and puts you up against the full force of the wind. The hilly southern part of the course from the fourth to the 15th contains the most interesting holes, especially the run of four from the ninth that hug the shoreline. Almost every hole requires a decision off the tee, invariably involving which bunkers to lay up in front of or to try and fly, while the four par threes, all of which play in different direction, all require intelligence and skill to score well. With superb year-round putting surfaces, Hoylake

All eyes will be on The Wirral next month, when the 143rd Open Championship takes place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, but there are plenty of other classic links to enjoy on this stunning peninsula

is a golfing treat to savour – although it will take more than one or two rounds to begin to understand its complexities. The historic clubhouse is packed full of golfing folklore and is well worth exploring before or after your round, adding to the high quality experience on offer at this most impressive of Open venues.

Wallasey

WALLASEY: THE BIRTHPLACE OF STABLEFORD GOLF Although coastal erosion has reduced the fearsome nature of the dunes since Old Tom Morris carved it out of the Wirral landscape in 1891, Wallasey remains a proper links course. With lots of elevation, stunning views, humps and hillocks and subtle undulations, it’s easy to see why it would take more than several lifetimes to master. While Morris laid out the original course in 1893, subsequent revisions were made by JH Taylor, James Braid, and most recently Donald Steel, who altered three holes in 2004. The result of all this work is a fine course featuring excellent short holes, memorable par fives, and as testing a closing stretch as you will find anywhere. Not surprisingly, Wallase y has hosted several Open qualifiers, as well as preliminary stages of The Amateur Championship. At 6,500 yards, it’s not long by modern standards, but its defences lie elsewhere, with semi-blind raised greens, narrow fairways, wellpositioned bunkers, and the seemingly everpresent Wirral wind making it a severe test at the best of times. The first hole is a shortish par four to ease you into some of the tougher ones ahead, which in Wallasey’s case is the very next hole, a brute of a 458-yard par four, which takes its name from Doctor Frank Stableford, who invented the scoring system that club golfers the world over

rely on to keep up their interest in the game. He was a member at the club for many years, and the first Stableford event was played at Wallasey in 1932. Pretty soon into the round it’s easy to understand why his method of scoring has stood the test of time, as almost every hole is a potential round wrecker. Among the highlights is the parfive fourth, which offers a spectacular view down the coast towards Hoylake while the fairway down below cries out to be found. The 12th is another wonderful-looking hole – a classic short par three surrounded by five bunkers – with a high tee offering yet more excellent views. The closing stretch, including the back-toback par fives at 14 and 15, provides a real test of stamina and skill, the last three requiring a demanding mix of straight hitting and accurate iron play if you are to emerge unscathed. The atmospheric clubhouse is full of memorabilia, including a wonderful painting of Bobby Jones over the fireplace, while much of it is quite rightly related to Dr Stableford. Henry Longhurst, that doyen of golf writers and

Caldy’s 5th hole

Royal Liverpool

broadcasters, put the doctor’s contribution into perspective when he wrote: “I doubt whether any single man did more to increase the pleasure of the more humble club golfer.”

CALDY: CLIFF-TOP GOLF AT ITS FINEST This striking 6,707-yard course has a character that’s all its own, and that’s down to an unusual combination of clifftop, links-style holes that are complemented by a stretch of parkland-style holes that wind their way inland by the River Dee. The course and clubhouse, which enjoy magnificent views across the course, have been the subject of major improvements over the years. Many of the greens and tees have been re-built to USGA specifications, which give the best possible playing conditions in all weather conditions. Those conditions will nearly always feature the wind, which gusts unpredictably, and means each hole can provide a different challenge from day to day. The layout, first penned by Jack Morris, nephew of the famous Tom Morris, in 1906 was modified and extended to 18 holes in 1930 by James Braid and opened for play in 1931. Such is its quality, Caldy has hosted many significant tournaments. In 1981 it was chosen as one of the qualifying courses when the European Open was held at Royal Liverpool, and in the same year was invited by the R&A to co-host the Senior Open, again with the Royal Liverpool. Caldy’s Festival Week, which takes place from August 10-14 this year, has become very popular in the golfing calendar. Now in its second decade, it regularly attracts more than 800 players from all over the country, who take part in a week-long series of competitions aimed at all sections of the amateur golfing community.

June 2014 / Issue 233

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THE WIRRAL With 25 miles of stunning coastline, there is plenty of things to see and do on England’s largest peninsula

BEACH SPORTS AND COASTAL WALKS The Wirral’s flat, sandy beaches are ideal for a whole range of water and land-based sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and horse riding. There are also four designated swimming beaches at West Kirby, Meols, Moreton and Wallasey. Bird-lovers should take a boat trip over to Hilbre Islands, situated at the mouth of the Dee Estuary, which is one of the ten most important homes in Europe for wintering wildfowl and waders.

PORT SUNLIGHT MUSEUM & GARDEN VILLAGE The Wirral boasts miles of sandy beaches and is ideal for a variety of watersports

Winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the 2014 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, Port Sunlight is a beautiful 19th century garden village created solely for the Sunlight Soap factory workers. Find out about the architects who designed the houses and landscapes, experience what it was like to live and work here during the village’s heyday, and enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or dinner in one of several pubs and tea rooms to be found on site.

HOP ON A FERRY ACROSS THE MERSEY A trip on one of Liverpool’s world famous Mersey Ferries (£8.50) is the only way to explore the Mersey estuary and Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. Departing hourly, the 50-minute experience sails between Pier Head, Liverpool and the Wirral peninsula. Passengers can hop on and off at each terminal as they wish.

The Hillbark Hotel

WHERE TO STAY ON THE WIRRAL The Hillbark Hotel, Frankby 0151 6252400, hillbarkhotel.co.uk Holiday Inn Express, Hoylake 0151 6322073, hiexpresshoylake.co.uk Inglewood Manor, Ledsham 0151 3395105, inglewoodmanor.co.uk Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa 0151 3363938, thorntonhallhotel.com Mere Brook House, Thornton 07713 189949, merebrookhouse.co.uk

Take a ferry across the Mersey

Peel Hey, Frankby 0151 6779077, peelhey.co.uk

For more information of activities in The Wirral go to www.visitwirral.com.

LIVERPOOL

Inglewood Manor

The Wheel of Liverpool offers spectacular views of the city

A city of culture and sport

Liverpool has world-class tourist attractions, with more museums and galleries than anywhere else outside of London. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool is known throughout the world as the birthplace of The Beatles, as well as the home of two legendary football clubs and Aintree, the venue for the Grand National and much more besides. There is a large choice of city tours available, from introductory tours for the first-time visitor, to special interest itineraries taking in the city’s rich musical, industrial and sporting heritage.

Hard Days Night Hotel

WHERE TO STAY IN LIVERPOOL The Beatles’ story comes alive

Liverpool’s Anfield stadium

THE BEATLES Liverpool is proud to be the birthplace of The Beatles, and any fans making a pilgrimage to the city won’t be disappointed. The first stop has to be the Beatles Story in the Albert Dock, a visitor attraction dedicated to the ‘Fab Four’. Albert Dock is also the starting point for the Magical Mystery Tour (£15.95, 0151 236 9091) a two-hour bus trip taking in various Beatles landmarks, including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and the world-famous Cavern Club on Mathew Street, where visitors can hear live music every day of the week, including the Cavern Beatles. The Beatles-inspired luxury hotel, Hard Days Night Hotel, is just round the corner from the Cavern. At Blakes Restaurant, attached to the hotel, guests can dine under original Beatles artworks. The annual Beatleweek, an international event with bands and fans from over 40 countries, takes place from August 20-26. As well as live gigs, there are exhibitions, memorabilia sales, speakers, sightseeing tours and a convention.

FOOTBALL STADIUM TOURS Tours of Anfield (Liverpool FC) and Goodison Park (Everton FC) are a must for any football fan, regardless of their affiliations. The Anfield tour, including the museum, costs £14 for adults (0844 870 0123), while the Goodison tour costs £10 (0151 530 5212).

WHEEL OF LIVERPOOL Visit Liverpool’s answer to the London Eye on Keel Wharf for stunning panoramic views of the city’s famous landmarks from

Hard Days Night Hotel 0151 2361964, harddaysnighthotel.com The Hilton 0151 7084200, hiltonliverpool.co.uk Hotel Indigo 0151 5590111, hotelindigoliverpool.co.uk Malmaison 0844 6930655, malmaison.com

the 196ft-high Wheel of Liverpool, which features 42 capsules, including a luxury capsule for a real taste of the high life. For bookings, call 0151 709 8651.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Liverpool has one of the most impressive collections of museums in Europe. The Museum of Liverpool is the UK’s first museum dedicated to the history of a city. Visitors can explore how Liverpool’s port, its people and its creative, industrial and sporting history have shaped the city. Many museums and galleries are located around the Albert Dock, such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum, where you can find out all about the companies, people and ships connected to the city. St George’s Quarter, close to Lime Street station, is home to the World Museum, where visitors can discover treasures from around the world, meet live creatures, and explore outer space. For more information of activities in Liverpool go to www.visitliverpool.com.

Hotel Indigo

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June 2014 / Issue 233

SAVOURING SOUTHPORT ROYAL BIRKDALE

SOUTHPORT & AINSDALE

A nine-time host of the Open Championship, and regularly voted the best course in England, Royal Birkdale needs little introduction. Given a subtle makeover in advance of its staging of The Open in 2008, the course’s reputation has only been further enhanced, and it presents a suitably stiff challenge for the world’s best golfers, as well as legions of amateurs looking to experience a slice of golfing history. Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson – who twice won at Birkdale – described it as a ‘man-sized course, but not a monster’, which is a suitably apt summary of what is essentially a fair, but challenging layout. Each hole on the 6,690-yard layout runs through a landscape of high dunes, bordering largely flat fairways, while the tees, many of which are raised, give a clear view of the task ahead. The toughest of those come at the sixth and 13th, both par fours measuring just under 500 yards – making them two of the longest two-shotters in championship golf. On the 16th, a plaque commemorates Arnold Palmer’s shot on the way to his Open win in 1961, while the distinctive artdeco style clubhouse overlooks the 18th green.

S&A is what golfing purists call ‘a classic links’, with the Braiddesigned layout featuring narrow fairways bordered by dunes, heather and gorse, while variable wind conditions conspire to make it a tremendous test. Host venue for the Ryder Cup in 1933 and 1937, this historic venue is now a regular Final Qualifying course for the Open, as well as many leading amateur events. All the holes are of championship standard, and no two are the same. The clubhouse provides a fine setting for post-round refreshments, with the patio affording stunning views across the course..

HILLSIDE

HESKETH

Set among the Victorian villas of one of Southport’s premiere residential areas, Hesketh’s 6,703-yard course is part-links and part-parkland. Located at the northern end of the region’s dune system, half of the holes of Southport’s oldest club meander through sand dunes, while the rest overlook the Ribble Estuary. The road up to the clubhouse passes the exceptional par-three 16th, which was once described by Henry Cotton as the best short hole in Lancashire, while the stretch of other holes from the 14th to the 18th is also outstanding. The historic clubhouse, complete with clock tower, sits on a sand hill overlooking the course and always offers a warm welcome. .

WEST LANCASHIRE A mere pitching wedge from Birkdale, and sharing the same stretch of dune land, it’s no surprise that Hillside boasts many of the same attributes as its more illustrious neighbour. The start is dominated by a railway line that runs parallel to the holes, while the back nine, which was re-designed in the 1960s, was once described by two-time Open champion Greg Norman as ‘the best in Britain’. A regular host of leading amateur events, it’s now a popular haunt with the footballing fraternity, with former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen being one of its celebrated members. “I can’t think of a better course,” says the Scot of his home course. “Hillside is a stern test, and I love it.”

West Lancs is one of the ten oldest clubs in England and boasts one of the most natural links to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Full of humps and hollows, towering dunes, plateau greens and tangly rough, it offers serious golf for serious golfers. Measuring over 7,000 yards off the back tees, and 6,772 off the whites, it’s demanding off any tee, especially

Offering a mix of classic seaside fun and a stylish choice of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars, the beach resort of Southport has everything you need for a relaxing break BESIDES THE SEASIDE If traditional seaside fun is what you are looking for, Southport ticks all the boxes. Take a walk or a tram ride along the UK’s second longest Grade II listed pleasure pier to the pavillion at the end, where you can try your luck on old penny slot machines. Spend the day building sandcastles on the beach, enjoy an ice cream or take a ride on a donkey, before heading over to the quiet beauty of King’s Gardens, a 17-acre site behind the Promenade which has recently been restored to its former Victorian glory.

For livelier entertainment, walk to the Ocean Plaza, where cinemas, bowling alley and a wide choice of restaurants can be found. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP For elegant shopping in classic Victorian surroundings, Southport’s Lord Street is hard to beat. A milelong, tree-lined boulevard, this stylish street is home to high-quality shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. SOUTHPORT AIR SHOW Over 80,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s show, which

takes place over the weekend of September 20-21. Watch light aircraft land on the beach, while the Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are also other highlights. Southport Beach

It’s hard to find a more stunning collection of classic links courses than those found in Southport and the surrounding area – so take your time and soak up the magic

if the wind is whipping off the estuary. Boasting four stunning par threes and four lengthy par fives, golfers must keep it on the fairway and out of the punishing rough for any chance of scoring, while the greens have a reputation for being true and quick. The modernised clubhouse has a first-floor spike bar that offers wonderful views of the course and the Mersey estuary. For those wishing to see the stars of the future in action this summer, the club is hosting the Junior Open Championship from July 14-16.

FORMBY

Situated among sandhills and pine woods five miles south of Southport, Formby offers a course of contrasts. Measuring 6,489 yards from the yellows, and a challenging 7,031 off the championship tees, the opening holes beside the railway differ markedly from the subsequent holes built among sand dunes. Featuring a fine collection of short holes, the stretch out at the far end is particularly appealing, not least because on a good day from the 9th and 10th tees there are some superb views to be enjoyed. For those who want to extend their stay, or enjoy the full hospitality of the excellent clubhouse, dormy house accommodation is available on site.

FORMBY HALL GOLF RESORT AND SPA

Hewn from marshland, six miles south of Southport, Formby Hall features a fine 6,955-yard course, which has hosted two Challenge Tour events and a Senior Tour event since opening in 1996. With water on 16 holes, tree-lined fairways, and large undulating greens, it’s an altogether different proposition to the more traditional links found on its doorstep. The resort received a £15 million renovation in 2008, which has resulted in the completion of a stylish four-star 62-bedroom hotel and luxury spa. Residents also have access to a 9-hole par-3 course and the UK’s first PGA National Residential Golf Academy, which features a 26-bay floodlit driving range, a short game area, indoor putting green, and a fully-equipped coaching and custom-fitting studio.

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTHPORT The Vincent Hotel & Spa 0843 5094585, thevincenthotel.com Formby Hall Golf Resort 01704 875699, formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk Ramada Plaza Southport 01704 516220, ramada.co.uk Royal Clifton Hotel & Spa 01704 533771, royalclifton.co.uk

The Vincent Hotel & Spa

Birkdale Guest House 01704 551193, birkdaleguesthouse.co.uk Ambassador Townhouse 01704 543998, ambassadortownhouse.com Bowden Lodge 01704 543531, bowdenlodge.co.uk

For more information on activities in Southport go to www.visitsouthport.com.

Lynwood House 01704 540794, lynwoodhotel.com Ramada Plaza Southport

June 2014 / Issue 233

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Royal Lytham & St Annes

LYTHAM WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES Arguably the second hardest course on the Open rota, behind Carnoustie, Royal Lytham & St Annes has been testing the limits of golfers’ skills and patience ever since it opened in 1886. The host venue of two Ryder Cups (’61 and ’77), one Curtis Cup, three Women’s British Opens, and 10 Opens, there’s no doubting its championship pedigree, and its elevated status among the very best courses in the British Isles is justly deserved. Surrounded by suburban housing and situated over half a mile from the sea, Lytham is not a conventional links, but it remains a superb test of golf regardless of its location. Bernard Darwin called it ‘a beast of a golf course, but a just beast’, and that is an apt description of this rugged and challenging Lancashire links, which has a reputation for being tough, yet fair. “Hit it into the right place,” he added, “and the way to the hole is open to you. But hit your ball in the wrong place and every kind of punishment, whether immediate or ultimate, will ensue.” Featuring a mixture of natural and man-made dunes, and fearsome rough, the 6,731-yard course (7,118 for the Open) offers firm, fast greens and a large number of pot bunkers that are designed to catch any less-thanperfect tee shots and approaches. It’s tactical golf at its best, with golfers required to plot their way around, rather than blast away mindlessly off every tee. Starting with a quirky par three, the course soon gets into stride on the second, a long par four with out of bounds all along the right-hand side, playing to a raised green. The par-three 9th, located at the far corner of the course, is a classic, with the putting surface surrounded on all sides by sand, with the flag resembling a lone palm on a desert island. Golfers can suck up the history over the closing holes – the last six of which are par fours – with images of Seve’s car park shot on 16 and Bobby Jones’s miraculous shot on 17, so easy to picture. The final hole, a seemingly innocuous 415-yard par four, is typical of the Lytham challenge, with no fewer than 15 traps between the tee and the cup. One of these caught out Adam Scott during his dramatic collapse during the Open in 2012, which handed the Claret Jug to Ernie Els. The magnificent Victorian clubhouse, which overlooks the course, is packed full of golfing history and well worth an extended tour, while the

THE ENGLAND’S GOLF COAST

AUTUMN PACKAGE SIGNATURE COLLECTION Formby, Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Wallasey & West Lancashire CLASSIC COLLECTION Caldy, Fairhaven, Formby Hall & Hesketh

As the home of Open Championship venue Royal Lytham & St Annes, a trip to the Fylde Coast is a must for every true fan of links golf

Royal Lytham & St Annes

FAIRHAVEN

Fairhaven Clubhouse

Things to do in Lytham & St Annes

Voted one of the ‘greenest, cleanest and most beautiful places in Britain’ by the Royal Horticultural Society, the villages of Lytham and St Annes offer a mix of Victorian charm and nostalgic seaside fun. From the iconic 200-year-old windmill that dominates the promenade at Lytham, and the Georgian stately splendour of Lytham Hall, to the miles of sandy beaches fronted by colourful beach huts and renovated Victorian pier at St Annes, the Fylde coast has much to offer. Visitors can take in a show at Lytham’s historic Lowther Pavilion, a regular stop for top theatrical, musical and comedy acts, or stroll through the peaceful Lowther Gardens, which offers over 13 acres of mature gardens, rose beds and a variety of leisure activities, including tennis and bowling.

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adjacent dormy house provides excellent on-site accommodation for weary golfers.

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Like nearby Lytham, Fairhaven is not a links in the traditional sense, as the course is part-parkland, part tree-lined, but it benefits from the sandy sub-soil that provides the springy turf that is closely associated with seaside golf, and thus plays like a links. A final qualifying venue when The Open is held at Lytham, and home to the Fairhaven Trophies, Fairhaven fully lives up to its designation as a championship course. The 6,887-yard layout, which was originally designed by James Braid, offers two loops of nine, with 118 bunkers providing a great test of course management, and countering the ease of the generally flat greens. Long hitters will relish the chance to open their shoulders on the five par fives, two of which start and finish the course, while there is a nice mix of shorter par fours and excellent par threes – the 205-yard 10th being a highlight, with players faced with a daunting tee shot through an avenue of trees. The relatively-flat layout makes for a refreshinglyeasy walk, and allows complete vision of each hole – and the plentiful hazards – from the tee. If birdies prove hard to come by golfers can enjoy an abundance of wildlife, including various breeds of pheasant, which can be seen strutting around the course and are depicted in the club emblem. The majestic clubhouse, an original from the 1930s, offers a warm welcome to all visitors, with its comfortable first-floor bar offering fine view over the course.

WHERE TO STAY IN LYTHAM Clifton Arms Hotel, Lytham 01253 739898, cliftonarmslytham.com Glendower Hotel, Lytham 01253 723241, glendowerhotel.co.uk Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green 0800 085 1717, ribbyhall.co.uk

Superior Deluxe Accommodation Accommodation

£217 £172 £247 £197 £277 £222 £307 £247

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Clifton Arms Hotel

Formby

Visit www.englandsgolfcoast.com for more information. Call 01704 330395 or email enquiries@englandsgolfcoast.com

Package prices are for midweek golf (Monday - Friday) and midweek accommodation (Monday - Thursday). Alternative days and different lengths of stays may be available, please make an enquiry for more information of rates and availability.

experience the true test of

championship golf WORLD CLASS LINKS / Royal Birkdale / Royal Lytham & St. Annes / Royal Liverpool / Hillside / Formby Southport & Ainsdale / West Lancashire / Caldy Fairhaven / Formby Hall / Hesketh / Wallasey

The England’s Golf Coast Experience 3 rounds of golf and 2 nights B&B from only £150pp All new for Autumn 2014, come and experience the very best in links and coastal golf with The England’s Golf Coast Experience. For more information or to make a reservation please call us on 01704 330 395 or visit englandsgolfcoast.com

Come and visit www.englandsgolfcoast.com

June 2014 / Issue 233

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TOM LEWIS

TIPS FROM THE TOUR

BUILDING A BETTER GRIP 1 KEEP A ROUTINE It is often said that you never see a good golfer with a bad grip, and that is certainly something I believe. There are some Tour pros who use stronger grips than others, but they tend to do so because they want to shape a shot a certain way. I am not one of them. I like to keep my grip as neutral as possible, because it ensures I can return the clubhead square to the target at impact without having to make other adjustments elsewhere in the swing. What all professionals do is to take great care to make sure they grip the club the same way for each shot they hit. We all take great care when we’re gripping the club, and that is something handicap golfers should learn to do as well. When I’m about to hit a shot, I start by putting my left hand on the club and once I’m happy it’s in the right place, I wrap my right hand round it.

2 TWO KNUCKLE ALIGNMENT I have PING grips on all my clubs, and they have two silver lines down the front, which I use to make sure my hands are in the correct place. With my left hand, I want to get my thumb pointing down the right-hand line – as I look at it – and I want to be able to see two knuckles. If you don’t have similar lines on your grips, it is aligning those two knuckles that you need to concentrate on. See more than two and your left hand will be too strong, and you are likely to hook your shots. If you see just one knuckle, your grip is too weak, and you will almost certainly slice the ball. Once I have got my left hand on the grip, I wrap my right hand over the left, so that the line formed between my thumb and first finger is pointing straight up my right arm. Once again, you should see two knuckles. No more, no less.

3 KEEP AN EVEN PRESSURE

Tom Lewis is a brand ambassador for Marriott. The photographs were shot at Marriott Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire. For details visit www. marriott.co.uk or download the Marriott app from iTunes.

Once your hands are in position, you need to make sure you don’t grip the club too tightly, as this will lead to tension and poor results. You want to feel as if your grip is soft and relaxed, but at the same time in control of the club, and you must also make sure your grip pressure remains constant throughout the swing, because any grip slippage will almost certainly alter the clubface alignment and result in wayward shots.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Damehood delight for Davies

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Four-time major winner Laura Davies may be Britain’s most accomplished female golfer, but being made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List comes top of her career accolades. The 50-year-old has been a professional for almost 30 years, and had already been awarded an MBE and CBE in previous honours, but she admits this latest recognition will not be beaten. “It really is the greatest honour I have received in my career, and what makes it even more special is that it is an honour that transcends golf,” said Davies, who has racked up 84 worldwide wins, seven Order of Merit triumphs, and is a four-time Solheim Cup winner. “I was very proud when I received the letter in May, and it has been really difficult keeping it a secret from my friends since then. I am sure there will be a fair bit of teasing from my friends at home and on tour, but I think they will be pleased, not only for me, but also because it is a nice recognition for women’s golf. She added: “It will be very special playing in my 30th Ricoh Women’s British Open this summer at Birkdale and, although I will feel very proud, it will definitely feel slightly unbelievable to be announced on the tee as ‘Dame Laura Davies’.”

Hot Harrison misses out at PGA Assistants’ Champs

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Davies, who is a big Liverpool fan and organises the annual football match at the Evian Masters Tournament in France, is adamant another date with the Queen to receive more honours will not change her. “I am really looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace and sharing this occasion with my family and friends who have all played such a big part in my career,” she added. “I’ve already been asked if I will now be too posh to play football and the answer is definitely not!”

Surrey PGA professional Jack Harrison was left dreaming of what might have been, after a disappointing final round at the prestigious Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship saw him finish one shot behind Yorkshire’s Gareth Davies. After shooting a course record seven-under par 65 in the opening round, and following that with an impressive 68, Harrison lead the field by five shots going into the final round of the £32,500 event, which is supported by FootJoy. Sadly, a final round 75 saw him caught by Davies and Littlestone’s Charlie Wilson, who both shot 68s to reel in the long-time leader. Davies then won the title, and the £5,000 winner’s cheque, at the first play-off hole Harrison, who ended third

having finished runner up last year, was left to reflect on a disappointing final round summed up by a costly double on the 12th when wrong club selection off the tee ended with him finding a bush with his second shot. “That was where I went wrong and I just couldn’t swing it as well as the last couple of days,” said the 23-year-old. “But it’s still been a good week. It’s obviously disappointing to finish the way I did, but I played well the first two days. I just couldn’t find a swing today and the chipping wasn’t there.” Harrison came into the tournament on the back of a couple of top 25 finishes on the Challenge Tour, and admits he’s playing some of the best golf of his young career. “Last week in Tenerife I shot 75 first round and then 65 in the second to

make the cut on the mark. My golf’s good, I’ve been playing steady for ages, and it’s just a case of putting the rounds together.” Harrison was quick to praise his father for his recent run of good form. “My dad helps me a huge amount, especially with the mental side of the game, and course management,” said Harrison. “Trying to get the best out of your game when you’re not playing well, that’s more important than anything, and that’s where my dad has helped me most.” He added: “I’ve worked really hard on my game for ages, and again my dad has told me to stay patient, keep working and it will come. My goal is to be on tour in three years. If it is four, five or six years, it doesn’t matter, I just want to get there and these experiences help.”

ESN launches academy membership East Sussex National Hotel, Spa and Golf Club has launched a new academy membership that is ideal for those starting out in the game. The new membership category includes six lessons with one the club’s PGA-trained professionals, as well as unlimited use of the driving range, short game areas, three-hole academy course, and reduced green fees on the Uckfield-based resort’s two worldrenowned championship courses, the East and the West. The resort is also starting up special free ladies-only open days, which will be hosted by PGA Professional Sarah MacLennan. The group sessions will include a tour of the club, use of the facilities, and an opportunity to discuss your golfing requirements with current members. For details of all the latest events, visit www. eastsussexnational.co.uk or call 01825 880256.

June 2014 / Issue 233

Since putting down his clubs over 20 years ago, Ken Brown has remained a familiar face in golf – and is very much part of the furniture on the professional circuit following his successful switch from playing the game to reporting on it. With his trademark schoolboy haircut and slender 6ft frame, Brown belies his 56 years and looks pretty much the same now as he did when he was winning his four European Tour titles back in the 1970s and early 80s – bar the knitted bobble hat that became something of a fashion trademark. With five appearances at the Ryder Cup also on his playing CV, Brown moved seamlessly into commentating and presenting for the sport, where his ‘Ken on the Course’ slots on the BBC turned him into a household name, as well as must-watch TV for golfing nerds the world over who like to see a golf ball react to gravity. Growing up just yards away from Harpenden Common Golf Club in Hertfordshire, Brown spent his teenage years playing golf whenever he could and left school at 17 to become the club’s greenkeeper. But his success story began while working as an assistant professional golfer at Verulam in St Albans, putting in long and hard hours for just £10 a week. Turning pro at the tender age of 18, the Harpenden-born Scotsman took just three seasons to win his first event, the 1978 Irish Open, and soon established himself as one of the most consistent performers on the fledging European circuit. His consistency earned him a place in five consecutive Ryder Cups from 1977-87, where he won four of his 13 matches – including two singles from four. Unlike many of his counterparts, he enjoyed playing in America, and became one of the few European Tour players to win a PGA Tour title when he won the now defunct Southern Open in 1987, which was also to be his last professional victory. “I certainly enjoyed golf, but I had no idea I’d be any good at it when I started,” Brown admits. “Even when I was winning competitions, I could only compare myself to local players. Then, all of a sudden, someone noticed me and wanted to give me a chance. Next I knew I was trying out for the Ryder Cup team.  “I never really thought I had a shot – it all happened so much quicker than I could have dreamed

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KEN BROWN’S GOLFING DAYS Ken Brown talks about his transition from tour pro to golf commentator, as he prepares to play a leading role in the BBC’s coverage of The Open Championship at Hoylake

Brown in his trademark tea cosy hat

‘Ken on the Course’ has become an essential part of the BBC’s Masters’ coverage

of. I couldn’t believe it when I got in; I was 20 years old and now in the best 12 players in Great Britain and Ireland and playing in the 1976 Ryder Cup. To think I had been a greenkeeper just a few months before, it was all a big surprise. I was suddenly playing against the top players in the world. These were people I followed and idolised, like Jack Nicholson and Tom Watson. It was amazing.” The young golfing star became a popular figure, picking up something of a cheeky reputation on tour, and at just 21 finished fourth on the European Tour Order of Merit. Although widely regarded as one of the ‘nicest men in golf’, it’s always been a source of amusement that Brown earned a reputation as one of the ‘bad boys’ of the game

after his rebellious behaviour in the 1979 Ryder Cup at the Greenbrier, when he and Mark James refused to wear the team uniform and were accused of ‘showing disrespect for the flag-raising ceremonies’. Following Europe’s 17-11 defeat, James received a record-breaking £1,500 fine for ‘unprofessional conduct’, while Brown was docked £1,000 and banned from international duty for 12 months. Throughout his golfing career, Brown played all over the world, travelling from one competition to the next in scores of countries, including Africa, Asia and Australia. During one two-year period he crossed the Atlantic 44 times.  “I was going here, there and everywhere,” he says. “It was a very fast, exciting and interesting time, including a few successes and a lot of disappointments. You could fly all the way to Australia just to play two rounds and be knocked out – but I was doing what I loved and that was part of the game. If you don’t want to take the knocks then you don’t play golf. There are no excuses because it’s between you and the course.”  Eventually the effects of the golfing lifestyle – which he laughs off as not being the glamorous first-class living it is today – began to take its toll, and his professional career was cut short by a recurring back injury, which forced him to hang up his clubs in 1992, when he was still in his mid-thirties. But as one door closed, another one opened in the form of commentary, first with Sky, where he commentated in Europe and America from 1992 to 2000, and latterly with the BBC, where he found his niche as an entertaining on-course reporter, as well as a confident presence behind the microphone, providing a perfect generation foil to the ‘Voice of Golf’ beside him. There will be no replacing Peter Alliss when he finally calls it a day, but Brown looks most likely to take up the mantle as the lynchpin in the BBC’s golf coverage. Asked whether it was hard to become the reporter, instead of the

reported, he says: ”For about six to 12 months after I stopped competing, I found it hard. When you’re playing professional golf you’re constantly trying to progress. I quit that struggle and I often wondered what they thought about me because of that. It took me a while to get used to no longer being a competitor.” Speaking about the early days on the other side of the camera, Brown says: “I had a lot to learn with TV. I remember in 1998 I was in Dubai for the Masters and I had to interview Tiger Woods when he won. It was 100 degrees, the equipment was unpredictable, I had someone talking in my ear and it was Tiger Woods! In my head I’m thinking ‘oh my God, 70 million people are watching this’. It went fine, but I was in a position where I could have made a fool of myself. I thought if I can manage that I can manage anything.”  While Brown’s workload for the BBC has reduced since the broadcaster stepped back slightly from golf, he still has a busy commentating schedule as an expert summariser for the Golf Channel on the European Tour. Meanwhile his ‘Ken on the Course’ features on the BBC has earned close to iconic status, and his even got its own page on Facebook, which goes under the name of ‘The Ken on the Course Appreciation Society’. “It’s nice to hear when people tell me they enjoy the show or they found something funny, because that’s what I’m endeavouring to do. I’m trying to inform or enlighten the viewers, or make something a bit of fun. Golf needs a bit of lightening up at times. The ‘Ken on the Course’ things are fun to do, but they are done rather ad hoc and most of it is ad-libbed. I think the Augusta committee were rather surprised when we asked them to do pieces on the green, but no-one had ever asked them before, and they just said ‘Yes’.” Besides his commentary work, Brown has also dipped his toes into the golf course consultancy business and designed the 27-hole course at Aldwickbury Park in Hertfordshire, which opened in 1995. As well as redesigning Harpenden Common and Coombe Hill in Surrey, he has also been involved with renovation projects at Royal Wimbledon, North Hants, Drift and South Herts, among others. It’s something he would like to do more of. He’s also considering getting into the teaching game. “It’s something I should really do in the next few years. I’ve been involved in golf for 40 years, so I’d like to pass on what I’ve learned to other aspiring professionals.” With another Open looming on the horizon, Brown will be heading up to Hoylake next month to carry on doing what he does best – entertaining and enlightening, while retaining a sense of perspective on the game and on life. Ken Brown will be part of the commentary team for the BBC’s live TV coverage of the Open Championship from July 17 to 20. For broadcast times and further details visit bbc.co.uk/golf.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Over 250,000 fans are expected to descend on the Wirral next month, as the 143rd Open Championship rolls into Royal Liverpool Golf Club, but who can take the title from Tiger Woods if the great man fails to show up?

HOYLAKE AHOY! HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE TO ROYAL LIVERPOOL throw up its fair share of birdies. • 7,312 yards, par 72 • The tee shot needs to be threaded 1st - Royal, 458 yards, par 4 between gorse on the left and A tough opening hole, with bunkers bunkers right. With a favourable left and right around the 280-marker. wind, players can play mid irons to Out of bounds lurks off the right. The the tricky two-tiered green. right side of the fairway gives a view of the green as it angles away to the 6th - New, 201 yards, par 3 left between bunkers. With the prevailing wind against and from the right, the first short 2nd - Stand, 454 yards, par 4 hole should offer plenty of thrills and A new tee adds 18 yards to the spills. The green is guarded by three length, and four fairway bunkers bunkers at the front and features have been removed from the landing slopes off left and back. area, but the hole still requires an accurate tee shot and a precise 7th - Telegraph, 480 yards, par approach to a heavily-guarded 4 green. A new tee adds 27 yards, but those confident to hit a driver will be 3rd - Course, 426 yards, par 4 left with a short iron to a smallish Flanked by out-of-bounds down its green which is partially hidden and right side, competitors can fly the guarded by a deep bunker front left. corner of the dog-leg off the tee, but might run out of fairway. It is safer to 8th - Briars, 431 yards, par 4 hit an iron and then flight the second The 8th requires a blind tee shot over over the edge of the practice ground to a green positioned close to the out-of-bounds.

bushes to a fairway protected by gorse on the left and a bunker down the right. Miss the trouble and you are left with a straightforward second into a large green protected by four bunkers. 9th - Dowie, 197 yards, par 3 The second short hole requires accurate club selection, as the wind often blows directly from behind. A gully down the left is to be avoided, because it leaves a slippery pitch or putt over the top and down to the flag. 10th - Far, 532 yards, par 5 With no fairway bunkers, this presents another solid chance for red figures, with most players coming in with long irons. A lone bunker threatens at the front right of the green. 11th - Punch Bowl, 391 yards, par 4 The first of four holes running along the shore, Punch Bowl is quite short, but usually plays into the wind.

12th - Dee, 447 yards, par 4 The hardest hole in 2006, Dee features a sloping fairway that throws the ball off to the right – towards a trio of bunkers – as the hole turns left to a raised green. Normally played straight into the wind, it’s a long hole, with a big drive required to leave a mid iron into a slightly raised green. 13th - Alps, 194 yards, par 3 One of the toughest short holes on the Open rota, with the green set well back into sandhills that block the left side. The back left pin position is particularly challenging and any shot that comes up short will leave a difficult up-and-down. A new swale separates the back of the green and the dune beyond. 14th - Hilbre, 454 yards, par 4 Hilbre offers a sharp right-to-left dog-leg with an absolute ‘must-find’ fairway. The corner of the dog-leg is well bunkered, as is the bail out area on the right. The small green is banked up on the left, but drops away into a hollow on the right.

4th - Road, 372 yards, par 4 A decent drive down the right will leave a flick with a wedge to a green that falls away from front to back. 5th - Long, 528 yards, par 5 A big left-swinging dog-leg that will

The fairway has been tapered at the 270-280 yard mark to leave a small target off the tee. The bunker to the rear of the green has been removed, but the front bunkers have been relocated to eat more into the putting surface.

The fearsome par-three 13th ole

15th - Rushes, 161 yards, par 3

Players are offered a brief respite at this simple-looking short hole, which plays from an elevated tee. Find the green and a birdie is in the offing, miss it and powers of recovery will be severely tested, as the green will be unlikely to hold a bunker shot. 16th - Field, 577 yards, par 5 The easiest hole in 2006, Field features heavy bunkering down the left side, but a good drive offers a clear chance to reach the green in two – although bunkers on the left and a deep grassy hollow on the right protect the approach to the putting surface. 17th - Lake, 458 yards, par 4 Lake will play even tougher for the Open, with ultra-thick rough on both sides of the narrow fairway threatening to derail any round. Bunkers left and right demand accuracy from the tee, before a second shot of around 190 yards to an undulating two-tier green. 18th - Dun, 551 yards, par 5 Big hitters can reach the green in two on this left-to-right dogleg, but out-of-bounds lurks all the way down the right and thick rough guards the left. There are three new bunkers to the left of the green, and a new swale at the back left.

June 2014 / Issue 233

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After hosting one of the most visited opens in recent history, the people of West Wirral are once again eagerly awaiting the arrival of golf’s best players, anxious to see how Royal Liverpool Golf Club stands up to the onslaught of modern technology. The organisers of this year’s championship are expecting a crowd in excess of a quarter of a million over the four days of the tournament, which tees off on July 17. With just a month to go before the players arrive, most of the grandstands are in place, and there is a real buzz around the club, which has hosted golf’s blue riband event on 11 previous occasions – the most recent in 2006 – after a 39-year absence. Few will forget the long, hot summer of eight years ago, when a fully-fit Tiger Woods blazed the trail with his two-iron to capture his third Claret Jug before collapsing in the arms of his then caddy, Steve Williams, as memories of his father, Earl, who had died just weeks before, came flooding back. As things currently stand, Woods’s ability defend the title he won in 2006 remains in doubt, with the former world No.1 having already dropped out of the US Open as he continues to recover from the back operation he had in April. His absence is keenly felt from any tournament, not least a Major, but it will be even more of a loss to the venue where he triumphed in such spectacular fashion. Whether he recovers in time or not, the world keeps on turning, and the 156 competitors that do eventually make the line up won’t be too concerned, as there’s a Claret Jug to be won, and a £5.2 million prize fund to battle for, with or without the 14-time major

champion in attendance. As for the course itself, the world’s elite will find very little change when they turn up for the 143rd running of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. The R&A has added just 54 yards to the course Tiger tamed in 2006, taking it up from 7,258 yards to 7,312. The biggest change comes at the par-four seventh hole, which now measures 480 yards – 27 yards longer than it played in 2006. “It will be a formidable par four,” R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said. The only other significant course change comes at the par-four first hole, where the green has been reshaped and rebunkered. Although it is not one of the longer layouts on the championship rota, Hoylake has plenty of other defences to protect its par, especially if the wind gets up, which it is apt to do on this stretch of the Lancashire coast. In addition to the previously mentioned changes, a number of bunkers have been relocated closer to greens or added to fairways, while run-offs and swales have been created around several holes to channel away balls that fail to hit the centre of greens.

OPEN BETTING

YOUR GUIDE TO VISITING THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Likely lads for Liverpool – three off the tee to make the bookies tremble

// BUY TICKETS Tickets can be bought on the gate throughout the championships. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.opengolf.com.

RORY MCILROY 10-1 Buoyed by his first win on home soil at the BMW in May, Rors cannot be discounted on his return to the UK. Blessed with a great scrambling game and a silky smooth putting stroke, the big-hitting youngster will be able to take on all the par fives, and his ability to hit a high ball won’t count against him if the wind stays down. Although he’ll need to put memories of a poor showing at Muirfield behind him, without Woods in the field he’ll be a much shorter price, so lump on now.

// PRICES SEASON TICKET: (July 13-20): £240. PRACTICE DAYS: Sun 13 £15, Mon 14 £25, Tues 15 £30, Weds 16 £40 TOURNAMENT DAYS: (July 17-20) Adults: £75, Concessions: (16-21, 65+): £30. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by a paying adult. // OPENING TIMES Gates open at 7am on practice days, 6am on July 1718, and 7am on July 19-20. // SPECTATOR INFORMATION There will be 21,000 grandstand seats operated on a first-come basis, although a limited number in the grandstand at the 18th green can be purchased in advance. // GETTING TO THE OPEN BY ROAD FROM THE SOUTH: Exit the M6 at junction 20a and join the M56 signed for Chester. Leave the M56 at junction 15 and join the M53 heading towards Birkenhead. PARK & RIDE: Park & Ride facilities (£10 Sun-Tues, £15 Thurs-Sun) will be operating a short distance from the course. There are no public car parks adjacent to the course and those arriving by car without a reserved car park label should use the Park & Ride. BY RAIL: Passengers traveling via Lime Street Station, Liverpool, should change onto the Merseyrail Wirral Line for trains to West Kirby. Alight at Hoylake and follow the signs. A special service will be running throughout the tournament.

As with 2006, the R&A has rearranged the order of the holes so that the final hole is the 16th, with the original 17th and 18th holes being used as the first and second holes for the duration of the championship. The reason for the redirection is that, as viewers of the 1967 Open will recall, the par-five 16th has always had the potential to be a classic finishing hole, with out-of-bounds all the way down the right-hand side of the dog-leg to offer the chances of disasters and eagles in equal measure. The set-up will ensure that whoever walks off the 16th with the Claret Jug under his arm will be a deserving champion, and will join some exceptionally hallowed company. As former Royal Liverpool club captain Graham Brown says: “For people who know golf, the past winners from here are the true legends of the game. Champions like Bobby Jones, who won his grand slam here, JH Taylor, Walter Hagen, and Peter Thompson who went on to win five Opens – and, of course, Tiger Woods. It will be fascinating to see how the current crop of players cope with its challenges.”

// IF YOU’RE STAYING AT HOME… BBC TV COVERAGE July 16: BBC2 23.20-23.50 Open Preview July 17: BBC2 09.00-20.00; highlights 00.00-00.45 July 18: BBC2 09.00-19.30; highlights 00.00-00.45 July 19: BBC1 10.00-17.15; BBC2 17.15-20.30; highlights 00.00-00.45 July 20: BBC1 11.00-19.00; BBC2 highlights: 00.00-00.45 Digital viewers can press the ‘red’ button to access the BBC’s interactive coverage, with live scoring, specific match/hole coverage and rolling highlights. For radio listeners, BBC Radio 5 Live will have live coverage for all four days of the tournament.

BUBBA WATSON 33-1 Regardless of what happens in the US Open, the mercurial dual Masters champion clearly has the skills and the temperament to win on any golf course when he’s on his A game. While needing to rein in his impatient side and his nervy nature over those three-footers, if he can fly Hoylake’s fairway bunkers, he’ll be coming in with very short clubs into the greens, and could shoot some very low numbers. His current price of 33-1 represents good value. MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ 50-1 There wouldn’t be too many more popular winners of the Claret Jug than the 50-year-old Spaniard, who has never played better since reaching senior status. With wins on both tours, and striking the ball as crisply as ever, the cigar-chomping maestro, who is a wizads with his fairway woods, is a solid bet to run into the placings, and maybe, just maybe, bag the biggest prize of all. OPEN ODDS: 7 Woods, 10 McIlroy, 16 Scott, Mickelson, 20 Stenson, 25 Westwood, Rose, Garcia, 33 Day, McDowell, Kuchar, Kaymer, Watson, 40 Donald, Johnson D, Fowler, Speith, 50 Els, Oosthuizen, Bjorn, 66 Snedeker, Casey, Mahan, Dufner, 80 Bradley, Simpson, Harrington.

For the very latest odds visit www.ladbrokes.com

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June 2014 / Issue 233

KILLER KAYMER Former world no.1 Martin Kaymer powers back to his very best to bag a record-breaking us open win at pinehurst Words by Nick Bayly

Purring like a finely-tuned Mercedes, Martin Kaymer put on a dominant display that even Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in their prime would have been proud of to clinch his second major title at the 114th US Open held at Pinehurst. The 29-year-old German, who, bar his Ryder Cup-winning putt at Medinah in 2012, had largely languished in the shadows until he burst back onto the scene last month with a similarly impressive showing at the Players’ Championship, left his rivals for dead in the dusty heat of South Carolina, winning by eights shots from America’s Rickie Fowler and the little-known Erik Compton. The winner of the 2010 US PGA Championship at a similarly sandy Whistling Straights led from start to finish over Pinehurst’s controversial No.2 course to become the first player from continental Europe to lift the US Open trophy, and join a growing list of recent winners of European extraction that includes Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. Kaymer’s wide margin of victory matched that achieved by McIlroy during his US Open win

US OPEN FINAL LEADERBOARD

1 Martin Kaymer -9 T2 Erik Compton -1 T2 Rickie Fowler T4 Keegan Bradley +1 T4 Jason Day T4 Brooks Koepka T4 Dustin Johnson T4 Henrik Stenson T9 Adam Scott +2 T9 Jimmy Walker T9 Brand Snedeker

in 2012, and it could easily have been so much more had the German decided to press the accelerator, rather than coast home in comfort. After opening up with two five-under par rounds of 65, the former world No.1 held a sixshot lead going into the weekend – equalling the records for the lowest 36-hole mark at any major and the largest halfway lead at the US Open – and despite a slightly shaky third-round 72, he still held a five-shot lead entering the final 18 holes. He closed out the tournament with a steady one-under par 69 – including a fitting birdie at the difficult final hole – which was always going to be good enough around a testing new-look Pinehurst course where eagles and birdies were rare animals, and pars were a precious commodity. Kaymer’s final nine-under par total of 271 was the second lowest in US Open history, and confirmed an outcome that appeared assured from the moment the German birdied the third hole during the final round to move six clear. A dropped shot on seven offered the briefest flicker of hope to the toiling field as his lead shortened to four, but nobody in the chasing pack could get close enough to ratchet up the tension in a race that looked like a procession from the half-way stage. A double bogey on the fourth effectively torpedoed Fowler’s chances, despite the 25-year-old American rallying to card a scratchy 72 for a one-under under finish, while three bogeys between four and 11 did for Henrik

Stenson , while Brandt Snedeker also faltered with a couple of dropped shots on the front nine. Compton, who became a favourite among the galleries because of his double heart transplant, tried to reel in Kaymer, but, although he did reach four under at one stage, the American lost shots on seven, nine, 11 and 12, as his challenge faltered. The 34-year-old eventually signed for a 72, two ahead of Stenson, Dustin Johnston, Keegan Bradley, Jason Day and Brooks Koepka. Defending champion Justin Rose put on a solid defence of the title he won 12 months ago, getting to one under after an eagle at the fifth, but fell away and signed for a 72 to finish tied 12th on three over, one adrift of world no.1 Adam Scott, whose 69 earned him a share of eighth. Phil Mickelson’s bid to finally win his first US Open never looked like happening, with the left-hander finishing on seven over for a share of 28th. But all the plaudits must go to Kaymer, who now matches his great inspiration, Bernhard Langer, for major wins. “I hope this will make Bernhard proud and Germany proud,” Kaymer said. “It is always special when you come to courses with a big history. I played very solidly in the first two days, and that gave me a very good foundation, but to shoot one over for the weekend is not easy.” Kaymer, who was in 28th place in the world rankings before Pinehurst, now rises to 11th, and with victory comes the certainty that he will be back in the European Ryder Cup team to face American rivals for whom he will hold no fear. And with the memories of his nerveless display at Medinah still fresh in his mind, the battlehardened German will be one of the key players in captain Paul McGinley’s unit come September at Gleneagles. Still six months shy of his 30th birthday, Kaymer has the world at his feet once more, and with his revamped swing working like a finely-tuned German sports car, he is cruising to a career that may yet contain many more major wins like this.

June 2014 / Issue 233

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What does it mean to you to win a second Major? Well, any Major would have been nice after the PGA. You want to win Majors in your career, but if you can win more than the one, it means so much more. I never wanted to be a one-hit wonder, and even though I don’t need to prove anything to anybody, it’s quite satisfying to have two under your belt. I’m only 29, so I hope I have another few more chances to add to that total in the years to come.

golf course rather than worry too much about what other players were doing.

With such a big lead, how did you stop from getting too far ahead of yourself? The challenge was not to think too much about that trophy, not too think about what you might say, and how you might celebrate. Of course, it goes through your head, and I’m sure a lot of players feel the same way. Not many talk about it, but it is what it is. We do think about it. We are humans – we’re not robots. So it was a tough challenge approaching the final round. A lot of emotions involved, and a lot of expectations, and that’s what I said to my caddy, Craig [Connolly), who really helped me stay focused and remain positive. How much of a help was it that you went lead from start to finish at the Players Championship? Are you happy as a front-runner? It’s very, very exhausting, because you have to speak a lot. You have to do a lot of interviews. You have to answer a lot of questions. And people bring thoughts into your head. So it’s very difficult to handle all that from the first day on. Sometimes, on moving day, when you move forward and you’re in the lead, then you start answering those questions, but I needed to do that every day at the Players and every day here at Pinehurst, so it’s very tiring mentally and physically. So my main aim was to try to stay calm and challenge myself against the

How important was your strategy of putting from off the greens, and how that paid off for you? I said to my caddie during the practice rounds that I liked the fact that you have a lot of options here. You can take a 3-wood or a rescue club, you can chip with a lob wedge, a gap wedge, or you can putt it. Through my experiences at the British Open, I’ve always done fairly well by putting from off the green. In this situation a bad putt is always going to be better than a bad chip, especially from those run-off areas. If I hit a bad putt, I still had a chance to make a par, and don’t often make a double bogey.

Do you feel like you’re better prepared to handle all the attention that comes with being a Major champion than you were four years ago? Four years ago I didn’t know what’s happening. I was as surprised as everyone else. I was not expecting to win a Major at 25. I couldn’t handle a lot of things that happened and all the attention that I got. And then becoming No.1 in the world added another thing. And it was too much. It was very difficult to handle everything and to carry on playing good golf. So right now I am okay with talking to you in a very calm, normal, relaxed way. In the past, I always think I have to say something special and something that might be interesting. Now I just talk and it’s a lot easier for me. How much did your experience in the Ryder Cup at Medinah help you during the final round? The Ryder Cup in 2012 was huge, because I no option. I had to deliver. And today, again, I almost made myself think like that – you have to win. And knowing that I’ve won big tournaments in the past gives you a lot of belief. I knew that with the right attitude I’d be able

to recover from bad shots and that everything would be ok. But the funny thing is that when you approach a round with that attitude you don’t hit that many bad shots. What are your thoughts about the Open at Hoylake? It might play quite similar if it stays dry in England. I don’t know the golf course, and haven’t been there yet, so it’s hard for me to say. I just enjoy playing hard, fast courses. There’s not much room for error. You have to be very committed to tee shots and to iron shots. You have to work your way around. It’s a lot about feel. You have to think a lot about strategy, where you want to pitch the ball, because it will release a little bit more. I enjoy playing those golf courses, and I’m sure Hoylake is not going to be any different.

Martin Kaymer reveals the motivation behind his second major triumph and why he is now ready to take his place among the game’s elite

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THE GEAR EFFECT

June 2014 / Issue 233

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Westwood opens new Ping pro shop at Gainsborough

WINNERS’ BAGS ON TOUR ADAM SCOTT CROWNE PLAZA INVITATIONAL DRIVER: Titleist 913D3 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 910 F.d (15) IRONS: Titleist 712U (2), Titleist 680 Forged (3-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM5 (48, 54), Titleist Vokey TVD-K (60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Futura X Long BALL: Titleist Pro V1

RORY MCILROY BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Nike VR_S Covert (15), Nike VR_S Covert (19) IRONS: Nike VR Pro Blades (4-9) WEDGES: Nike VR Forged (46, 52, 56) Nike VR X3X Toe Sweep (59) PUTTER: Nike Method 006 Prototype BALL: Nike RZN Black

BRENDON TODD HP BYRON NELSON DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade SLDR (15) HYBRID: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 (18.5) IRONS: TaylorMade TP CB (4-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Tour Preferred (52, 56), Fourteen Golf RM-12 (60) PUTTER: Rife Titan BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

Adams opens Second Shot fitting centre at Wentworth Three-time major champion Ernie Els took time out from his schedule at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth to officially open Adams Golf’s new custom-fitting centre, which is designed purely to help fit players with hybrids and fairway woods. Called the Second Shot Centre, the new facility at the famous Surrey venue will focus on helping golfers to improve their approach play to greens through the use of properly-fitted lofted woods and hybrids, an area in which Adams has traditionally enjoyed strong market share.

Simon Homer, head of Adams Golf Europe, said: “The Second Shot Centre is the first of its kind and reinforces our focus on the second shot in golf; I’m confident it will provide a great asset for our business in Europe.” The state-of-the-art facility, which is fully enclosed, houses a testing suite and workshop to provide a tour-level custom-fitting experience. An hour-long fitting, which costs £100, involves a warm up, fitting session, club validation, and a one-toone consultation with a Wentworth professional. For bookings call 01344 846306.

MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ  SPANISH OPEN DRIVER: Ping i25 (9.5)  FAIRWAY WOODS: Ping i25 (14, 18, 21) IRONS: Ping S55 (4PW) WEDGES: Ping Tour Gorge (56, 60) PUTTER: Ping Scottsdale Pickmeup BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

COLIN MONTGOMERIE SENIOR US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Callaway Razr Extreme (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway Optiforce (15) HYBRID: Callaway RAZR (24) IRONS: Callaway Legacy (4-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Forged (56, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa No.1 BALL: Callaway Speed Regime

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA THE MEMORIAL DRIVER: Srixon ZR-30 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway RAZR X Black (15)HYBRID: TourStage X-UT (19) IRONS: Srixon Z-545 (4-PW) WEDGES: Cleveland CG17 (54, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Timeless BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

THONGCHAI JAIDEE NORDEA MASTERS DRIVER: Titleist 913D3 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Titleist 913F (15), Callaway RAZR X Black (19) IRONS: Titleist 712U (2), Titleist AP2 714 (4-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM5 (52, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Select Fastback BALL: Titleist Pro V1X

Belfry unveils ‘ultimate retail experience’ Visitors to The Belfry can expect to enjoy a very different experience following the completion of the £26 million refurbishment at the legendary Midlands-based Ryder Cup venue. Among the many changes at the Sutton Coldfield resort has been a transformation of the pro shop, which now offers one of the most impressive golf retail experiences in the country. With a stunning new entrance and re-styled interior throughout, the Golf Shop will allow the Belfry team to fulfil its goal of providing unsurpassed service and a unique retail experience to all guests. Phil Hoye, The Belfry’s head of retail operations, said: “The resort’s recent renovation programme presented us with the opportunity to create a more contemporary and welcoming environment for our guests, and to better showcase the products we have on offer from all of golf’s most respected brands. In fact, the developments are such that it has become so much more than a golf shop; it’s more of an interactive golf experience!” With a new bag drop area, complete with a meet and greet service on arrival, the store now features an indoor putting green, five hardware sections for Titleist, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade-adidas and Ping, and a dedicated ladies’ section. For those looking for the full custom-fitting experience, The Belfry’s PGA National Golf Academy is equipped with four state-of-the-art custom-fitting suites.

Lee Westwood took time out of his Tour schedule last month to officially re-open the golf shop at Gainsborough Golf Club. The Worksop-born Ping staff player visited the Ping-owned Lincolnshire club before the BMW PGA Championship. The golf shop at Gainsborough has recently been given an extensive refit and is now the only store in the country to showcase every item in Ping’s hardware, clothing and accessory ranges. It complements the popular Ping European Fitting Centre located on the range at the club. “We set out to create a modern facility which showcases everything Ping does in the best possible light, and we believe we have achieved that aim,” said general manager Martin Robinson. “All the designs and fittings were created internally and are bespoke

to the Ping brand. There’s something for everyone who wants the latest Ping product, and initial customer reaction has been very positive indeed.” The revamped shop at Gainsborough is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm on Monday to Friday, and from 7.30am to 5pm at weekends.

Nike to open first UK Performance Centre

Nike Golf is to open its first UK-based fitting centre next month, with Archerfield Links in Scotland as the venue. The Edinburgh-based facility, which opens on July 7, will offer consumers a full range of product, technology and fitting experiences, mirroring the service Nike Golf offers its Tour players. It will also provide access to Archerfield’s team of coaches that includes former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart and leading European Tour coach Gary Nicol. A range of packages will be available, including a three-day stay at the luxury club that involves full club and ball

fitting, game assessment, physical fitness consultation, and an 18-hole playing lesson on either of the club’s two courses, where golfers will receive their personalised clubs in time for the lesson. Golfers will also have a distance mapping session, whilst being shown how to use the Nike Golf NG360 app, which allows players to track their progress on the course, as well as offeingr tips on game-improvement. In addition to the two courses, facilities at Archerfield include a 17th-century mansion house, spa, gym and a range of luxury accommodation. For booking enquiries, call 01620 897050.

Practise like Poulter with CS2 putting aid One of the most popular putting training aids used by players and coaches on the PGA Tour is to go on sale in the UK this month. The highly-rated CS2 putting aid, which has been endorsed by Ian Poulter, has been making waves on the PGA Tour since it was launched in August last year, with over 75 Tour players, coaches and managers requesting units. The CS2 focuses on delivering a consistent stroke path and a square putter face at impact – two of the primary putting fundamentals. Poulter has used the device to hone his putting stroke since the first time he used it at the Deutsche

Bank Open. He has since endorsed the product, firmly believing that by practicing correctly with the CS2, golfers can knock strokes off their scores. Ronnie Mathews, managing partner at Greenactive Golf,

developers of the CS2, said: “Ian’s putting stroke has been rated as one of the best in the world, and the fact that he trusts the CS2 to keep it that way is of particular significance to us. The Poulter brand is one we can associate with very easily - contemporary, slightly edgy, relevant and high quality. We believe that the CS2 range fits very well with this philosophy.” The CS2 is an indoor and outdoor training aid, and is suitable for all levels of golfer, from absolute beginner to tour pro. The first CS2 units in the UK are available via Direct Golf, priced £62.99, with limited stock available at www.direct-golf.co.uk.

June 2014 / Issue 233

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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SHARPEN UP Don’t miss out... YOUR GAME Read Golfnews online at WITH SUKIRA www.golfnews.co.uk Japanese designed Sukira Golf offers a stunning range of equipment for the discerning golf How many times have you felt that the shot you just played was “textbook” yet for some reason, the ball did not finish anywhere near the intended target? If your equipment came off the shelf, there is every probability that “it” was to blame and not your swing! Inconsistencies in the production process of many off-the-peg sets mean that no two shots will react the same off the club-face, leading to varying distances with the same clubs, that have been used in exactly the same manner. Leading the fight against eliminating such annoying inconsistencies is premium brand Sukira Golf, who believes that if your equipment is made to the same exacting standards demanded by tour players, you can be sure that any bad shot you might experience in the future will be the result of a swing error rather than your equipment. For many years it has been near impossible for the average golfer to purchase the exact same equipment that tour players have access to, but Sukira is one of a handful of specialist brands that offers just that. The company manufactures premium golf equipment for the discerning golfer, selling a range of clubs that focus on key elements; precision, feel, forgiveness and distance, with products that will help to bring the best out of players who appreciate the finer things in life. Sukira’s tour-quality, custom built equipment, assembled with proprietary

components, gives players of any standard the ability to improve. For this reason Sukira’s products are only available through PGA Professional golf shops or Sukira certified custom club fitters. With perfectly fitted clubs, increases in distance, accuracy and lower scores will almost certainly follow. Sukira golf clubs are expertly assembled in Europe, using shafts from some of Japan’s finest graphite manufacturers and steel fabricators, including Fujikura, UST Mamiya and Nippon. Grips from Golf Pride, Lamkin and UST Mamiya also add to the quality of each product, while other makes of shaft and grip can be ordered to suit a customer’s demands.

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SUKIRA KIMOTO PUTTER: PRECISION PERSONIFIED Designed by legendary putter designer Akira Suzuki, the new Kimoto Putter by Sukira Golf is forged from a single billet of the finest Japanese carbon steel. It features a cross design CNC double routed face, which helps to eliminate back spin on firmer strikes, while the heel and toe weight have also been balanced to aid a parallel swing line for increased accuracy.

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SUKIRA SUTERUSU DRIVER: THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE The Suterusu driver – which translates as ‘stealth’ in Japanese – is one of the most powerful drivers on the market, offering explosive distance, even with off-centre shots, resulting in lower spin off the face due to its satin black PVD coating, noted for its anti-spin qualities and its impressive durability. Suterusu is a 460cc forged 644 titanium clubhead, which is plasma-welded to ensure zero distortion and maximum distance, the Suterusu features a number of different coatings which are designed to increase playability and performance. The sole plate is

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Tour News in Brief MATSUYAMA WINS MEMORIAL Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama beat Kevin Na in a play-off to win the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. The Japanese star carded a closing 69 to match Na’s clubhouse total of 13-under achieved with a final round 64. Matsuyama won the play-off when Na’s tee shot found the water on the 18th hole.

PRESIDENTS CUP CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED Jay Haas and Nick Price will captain the US and International teams at the 2015 Presidents Cup, which takes place at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea from October 6-11. Haas served as an assistant captain in 2009, 2011 and 2013, while Price lead the international team in 2013.

CUP RAISES €100K FOR SEVE FOUNDATION EurAsia Cup captains Miguel Angel Jiménez and Thongchai Jaidee presented a cheque for €100,000 to Seve Ballesteros’s daughter, Carmen, following fundraising efforts at the inaugural EurAsia Cup which took place in Malaysia earlier this year. The money will be given to the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, which funds research into brain disease.

June 2014 / Issue 233

TOUR NEWS

Scott retains top spot in Texas

Adam Scott edged out Jason Dufner in a play-off to win the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth, and in doing so retain the world No.1 spot. The pair signed for final rounds of four-under-par 66s for nine-under-par 72-hole totals at Colonial. And it was 2013 Masters champion Scott who prevailed in the play-off, coolly downing a sevenfoot birdie putt on the third extra hole for his

SENIOR TOUR FINALE REMAINS IN MAURITIUS The finale to the European Senior Tour season, the MCB Tour Championship, will remain at Constance Belle Plage in Mauritius until at least 2017 following a new three-year agreement between the Senior Tour, the host venue and title sponsor Mauritius Commercial Bank. This year’s event takes place over the Legend Course at Belle Mare Plage from December 12-14, when Paul Wesselingh will defend his title.

11th PGA Tour victory and a career sweep of the four tournaments held in Texas. The Australian had been in danger of losing his place at the top of the world rankings after just one week, depending on how Henrik Stenson fared in the BMW PGA Championship. But the Swede’s joint seventhplace finish at Wentworth left Scott requiring only a top-13 finish at Colonial to remain at the summit, and he never looked in

danger of slipping that far down the leaderboard. “This is a really special week for me,” Scott said. “I wanted to have a chance at this one, because I really wanted to win them all here in Texas. Retaining the number one spot was the icing on the cake.” Scott’s latest Texas triumph added to the 2007 Shell Houston Open, the 2008 HP Byron Nelson Championship in Dallas and the 2010 Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

Joy for Jaidee in Sweden Thongchai Jaidee beat Stephen Gallacher and Victor Dubuisson in a play-off to capture the Nordea Masters in Sweden. The 45-year-old Thai bagged his sixth European Tour win by sinking a three-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole after he, Gallacher and Dubuisson had all posted

LI BREAKS US OPEN AGE RECORD Californian Lucy Li became the youngest ever woman to play in a women’s major tournament, after she qualified for the US Women’s Open at Pinehurst. Li won a qualifier at Half Moon Bay by seven strokes to beat Lexi Thompson and Morgan Pressel’s record, both of whom played in the event aged 12.

Luna landing at Stoke by Nayland as Santiago takes PGA seniors title

16-under in regulation play at PGA Sweden National in Malmo. All three men couldn’t reach the par five 18th - the first extra hole - in two and the door was left open for Jaidee when Dubuisson could only wedge to 25 feet and Gallacher to 15. The Thai took the opportunity in style as he put his third to just three feet. Dubuisson and Gallacher both couldn’t hole their birdie tries, allowing Jaidee to stroke in the winning putt and raise his arms to the sky in celebration. World No.2 Henrik Stenson, looking to win on home soil for the first time, had looked set for victory when he birdied three of the first six holes, but bogeys at six and nine checked the 38 year-old’s progress and he was left needing a birdie at the last to join the play-off. Despite a good tee-shot, he leaked his second right and from there he could only make bogey after chipping his third into sand.

Spain’s Santiago Luna evoked the spirit of Seve Ballestoros after eagling the 16th on his way to a brilliant final round of seven-under-par 64 to win the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Stoke by Nayland in Essex. The Madrid golfer revealed he had been thinking of the late Ballesteros throughout the last day, which eventually saw him edge out Steen Tinning by two strokes, after the Dane had initially carved out a four-shot lead in the early part of the round. Luna picked up four birdies on the front nine and reeled in Tinning with birdies on 12 and 14, before galloping clear with that decisive eagle on 16, as he finished on 14-under-par, two clear of Tinning and four clear of Mark Mouland, who also had a 64. Victory secured Luna his second European Senior Tour title, having pipped Sam Torrance to the Scottish Senior Open last year, and he pocketed a cheque for €37,000. “I was definitely thinking of Seve over certain shots,” said Luna. “It’s unbelievable to win such a prestigious tournament as this. I played great, with few mistakes, and tried to be in the right place and make a few putts and that was the key. The eagle enabled me to relax a bit. I hit two fantastic shots to the edge of the green but the putt was fantastic with just the right line.” Luna began the final day three shots behind Tinning, but refused to look at the leaderboard, so it wasn’t until the end that he know he was in real contention. “I didn’t take any notice of what Steen was doing. I just concentrated on my own game. It is difficult to describe how I feel, but I’m really happy because my wife is here with me. Last year when I won she couldn’t be there, so we will really celebrate.” Former champion Andrew Oldcorn and Caser Monastario tied fourth at nine under with PGA professionals Paul Eales and Andrew Murray in a share of sixth, with Philip Golding and Marc Farry a stroke further behind.

FALDO TO PLAY IN SCOTTISH OPEN Nick Faldo is making a comeback on the European Tour next month, following the six-time Major winner’s decision to play in the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen, from July 10-13. It will be the first time in five years that Faldo has played in the event, which he is using to fin- tune his links game ahead of his appearance at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool the following week. Faldo’s best finish in the

Scottish Open came in 1995 when he finished runner up to Wayne Riley at Carnoustie, but the Englishman did win three Open Championships on Scottish soil – at Muirfield in 1987 and 1992, and St Andrews in 1990. “I’m really looking forward to playing at Royal Aberdeen,” said the 56-year-old. “The Scottish Open was always one of the leading tournaments on the European Tour in my playing days, and I think you can see by strength of the

field we have in July that it remains so. I am particularly looking forward to the test that Royal Aberdeen will present. I think it is important for me to play in a big event like this before heading to The Open.” The field will also include defending Open Champion Phil Mickelson, who won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart last year en route to victory at Muirfield, while Rory McIlroy has also added the tournament to his schedule.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

SHARPEN GAME AT The new Cleveland Golf/Srixon Centre of Excellence at Studley Wood Golf Club offers the ultimate custom fitting and playing experience

June 2014 / Issue 233

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

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UP YOUR STUDLEY WOOD Cleveland Golf and Srixon are launching a new promotion this month on custom fitting at a new Centre of Excellence, located at Studley Wood Golf Club in Oxfordshire. Under the promotion, golfers can be custom fitted for Cleveland and Srixon products, have some breakfast, and then play 18 holes at Studley Wood, all for just £50. All fitting sessions that result in an order will also receive a Cleveland and Srixon goodie bag. The Centre of Excellence at Studley Wood is a state-of-the-art facility that features the latest Trackman launch monitor technology. The data from this hi-tech system allows Cleveland and Srixon custom fit technicians to offer an intensive and comprehensive custom fit to ensure each club is perfect for an individual golfer’s swing. Unlike the custom-fitting facilities which use standard range balls, all golfers at the Studley Wood Centre of Excellence will be using Srixon’s AD333 balls to provide realistic data to improve the overall experience and quality of the custom fit. TRADE-IN PROMOTIONS With trade-in promotions running across Cleveland’s irons and wedges, there’s never been a better time to get fitted, as golfers are able to get £100 off new sets of irons when trading in an old set, and £25 off any new 588 RTX wedge when trading in a used wedge.

IRONS FOR EVERY PLAYER Cleveland’s 588 family of Irons allows golfers to mix and match any combination of 588 Altitude, 588 MT and 588 TT head types with a number of custom shaft and grip options. The three head types are engineered to offer differing levels of flight, feel and forgiveness, aimed at suiting every level of golfer. With the ability to mix and match between three fully-interchangeable forged heads, the 588 irons are ideal for golfers looking to tailor their clubs to their game.

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ROTEX: THE NEW FACE OF SPIN Cleveland’s range of 588 RTX wedges revolutionised the market last season, thanks to Cleveland’s Rotex Face technology. The Rotex face is a directionally-milled face pattern that adds roughness and imparts maximum spin on open-face wedge shots where the impact tends to be closer to the toe. With a more durable and advanced form of laser milling, the Rotex face creates more friction at impact, helping golfers generate extra spin on chips, pitches and partial shots from any lie. The 588 RTX wedges also feature 16% larger U-grooves, developed with the input of Cleveland’s tour players, to maximise spin on critical scoring shots – especially out of the rough, sand and in wet conditions. With Cleveland offering the widest range in the market on loft and bounce options, any golfer will be able to find the perfect combination to suit their game and start lowering scores.

BOOK TODAY To book an appointment at the Cleveland Golf and Srixon Centre of Excellence, call 01865 807047 or email clevelandgolf@studleywoodgolfclub. co.uk. To learn more about this offer please visit, www.srixon. co.uk/centres_of_excellence/ SOUTH/ To find out more about Cleveland Golf’s iron and wedge tradein promotions, visit www. clevelandgolf588.co.uk

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Powakaddy Premium Cart Bag RRP: £179 Contact: powakaddy.com PowaKaddy has launched four new cart bags that will fit onto all makes of electric and pull trolleys. The top-of-the-range model, the Premium, has been specifically designed to fit into the latest PowaKaddy trolley, and features a new Keylock base to keep the bag securely in place at all times. A 14-way top full-length club divider with graphite-friendly lining provides protection for shafts, while an integrated handle helps when transporting the bag from car to trolley. Four side-mounted storage pockets (including a soft-lined valuables pocket and a special sunglasses pouch) provide plenty of storage for golfing essentials. It is available in silver/white/black, white/red/black and black. The other models in the range are the Deluxe (£149), Sport (£119), and Ladies Classic (£119).

Adidas Adicross Gripmore RRP: £99 Contact: adidasgolf.eu The Adicross Gripmore and Pure 360 Gripmore Sport shoes feature a new cleat design that combines the performance of a spiked shoe with the comfort of a spikeless model. Using rubber-like cleats that flex and bend, Adidas directly injects 43 of them onto the bottom of each shoe without a receptacle. Each cleat has five arms for extra traction, and there are secondary rubber nubs as well. The total points of contact number 243, creating high levels of traction. The Gripmore is available in aluminum/white/ scarlet, white/scarlet, and black/white/scarlet. The Pure 360 Gripmore Sport comes in black/silver/ scarlet and onyx/white /scarlet.

SHOP

Wilson Staff FG Tour Ball RRP: £34.99 Contact: wilsonstaff.com Wilson’s new four-piece FG Tour ball is designed for low-handicap players looking for a softer-feeling, Tour-quality ball. The designers have lowered the compression to 70 – other mainstream tour balls are closer to 100. The four layers comprise a soft, rubber-rich core, an inner mantle and outer mantle, and a cast urethane cover. Together they combine to generate tour-level spin and control around the greens, coupled with lower-spinning distance off the driver and long irons.

Adams Golf Pro Hybrid RRP: £159 Contact: adamsgolf.eu Projected to be the most used hybrid on the PGA Tour this season, the Pro Hybrid features high MOI upsidedown head shaping, and Velocity Slot Technology on the crown and Cut-Thru Slot technology on the sole combine with an ultra-thin face to add forgiveness and flexion. Repositioning the centre of gravity behind the centre of the face has enhanced the workability of the club for players who like to manoeuvre the ball. A mini version is also available for low-handicap players with high swing speeds, while the Pro DHy, based on the successful design of the Super DHy, will appeal to higher handicapper. All come fitted with Aldila Tour series graphite shafts as standard. The Pro Hybrid and Pro Mini are available in 16°, 18°, 20° and 23° lofts, while the Pro DHy is offered in 18°, 21°, and 24°.

Puma Faas Lite Mesh 2.0 RRP: £70 Contact: cobragolf.com/pumagolf Taking features from the original Faas Lite Mesh shoe, the 2.0 adds additional heel comfort, bonded construction, and a new TPU support for improved comfort and stability. Weighing only 6.8 ounces, it features include a stitchless midfoot support saddle, an Ortholite Sockliner for superior cushioning, and corrugated flex grooves, which increase ground contact throughout the swing, providing improved traction and stability. They are available in turbulence/white/ grenadine, white/black/silver and grenadine/white/turbulence.

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Trion:Z Bracelets RRP: £24.99-£19.99 Contact: trionz.com Trion:Z’s range of negative ion wristbands are worn by an ever-growing stable of golfers across all the professional tours, from Matteo Manassero and Edoardo Molinari on the European Tour to Anna Nordquist and rising British star Charley Hull on the Ladies European Tour. Backed up by clinical research that highlights their effectiveness in improving mobility and flexibility, while reducing the risk of pain and injury, the brand has launched two new bracelets, Duo-Loop and Acti-Loop. Both feature powerful Colantotte magnets that are infused with a high number of negative ions, which improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and decrease muscle discomfort often caused by lactic acid. Water resistant, they are available in a wide range of colours and three different wrist widths.

Cobra Bio Cell Pro Driver RRP: £299 Contact: cobragolf.com

Taylormade SLDR Irons RRP: £749 Contact: taylormadegolf.eu The new SLDR iron follows the Tour Preferred MC and CB irons, as well as the Speedblade iron, and aims to improve on the previous models with faster speeds, higher flight, and more consistent gapping between irons. The 2mm opening in the SLDR iron, which the company calls the ‘speed pocket’, cuts up behind the thin face to produce greater ball speeds, particularly on shots hit low on the face. The opening, featured specifically in the 3- through 7-irons, is designed to offer face flexibility that matches the R&A’s limit for spring-like effect. But unlike its predecessors, its sole slot is cut all the way through, so that it is open from the bottom to the top of the cavity, although a polymer fills the opening to enhance feel and prevent mud from blocking the channel. With a thin sole and a slim topline, the SLDR irons will appeal to mid and low handicappers, as they have less offset, weaker lofts, less bounce, and have a slightly shorter blade length than the SpeedBlade irons. They are fitted with a premium KBS Tour C-Taper 90 steel shaft as standard, or a range of Fujikura graphite shafts specifically-designed for the SLDR irons. To help promote the company’s custom-fitting locations and ensure players are properly fitted, the SLDR irons will only be available through TaylorMade’s Tuned Performance Centres, of which there are 18 in the South East. For a list of venues, visit www.experiencetaylormade.eu.

TRIED &

TESTED Tour Edge Exotics XCG7 driver

Joining Cobra’s family of BiO CELL drivers is the Pro, which features the lowest centre of gravity of any of its current range of big sticks. The extremely low centre of gravity, combined with a compact 440cc alltitanium head, promotes faster ball speeds, lower spin and a higher launch to create maximum distance. Cobra’s MyFly8 adjustable loft technology, which offers eight loft/trajectory settings (7°, 7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, 10°) and three fade settings (7.5°, 8.5° and 9.5°), lends itself to better players, with lower lofts and flatter lie angle settings, while SmartPad technology adapts to each hosel setting to keep the face angle relatively square regardless of loft or face angle It is available in RH only, with regular, stiff and x-stiff flex Matrix Red-Tie 6Q3 shafts. Diamana D+ 72 and True Temper’s Project X PXv 52 shafts are also an option at no extra charge. As with previous Bio Cell drivers, the head is available in black, blue and orange.

Rating: RRP: £299 Contact: touredge.com Tour Edge is something of an unsung equipment manufacturer, as it refuses to pay professional golfers to play its products. Despite its absence of financial sweeteners, many players choose to use its products just for the fun of it, especially on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. Chris Kirk and JB Holmes had Tour Edge fairway woods and hybrids in their bags during their respective wins this season, while countless other players have slipped similar clubs into their bags in recent seasons without the benefit of a contract. While the most lofted models have been popular for years, the brand’s drivers and irons are also beginning to increase traction in the marketplace, especially among club golfers who don’t mind not paying the premium that inevitably comes with having what the pros have in their bags. The XCG7 driver features a 460cc adjustable clubhead that has a dimpled pattern along the sole that enables the body to flex more at impact to boost ball speeds. In addition, four weight pads along the perimeter raise the MOI for added forgiveness. The club’s overall weighting is designed to generate high-launch, mid-spin shots, with variable face thickness enhancing distance off the centre of the face. Using the adjustment tool supplied, loft options can be cranked from 8.5 to 12 degrees in halfdegree increments. At the lowest loft the face is three degrees open, while at the most lofted setting, the face is one-degree closed. A complementary model, the Exotics XCG7 Beta, has a smaller 440cc head with weighting properties that produce a more boring flight for stronger swingers. All Tour Edge Exotics products come with a lifetime warranty and 30-day play guarantee, so if you don’t like what you find, you can have your money back.

Golf Pride CP2 Grips RRP: Visit your pro Contact: golfpride.com Golf Pride’s new Comfort, Control and Performance grips are the softest in the brand’s history. Available in two models – Pro (red) and Wrap (blue) – they offer two distinct texture preferences. The Pro has a straight textured grip, while the Wrap is a comfort grip delivered in a classic wrap design. Both are 31% softer than any previous GP grip and feature the company’s new Control Core technology. Located at the top of the grip, the 2.5-inch control core reduces torque by 41%, while a straighter taper in the lower section encourages even hand pressure for a more stable and consistent swing. The new grips come in standard, midsize, and jumbo sizes.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Odyssey Versa Jailbird

Nike Method MOD RRP: £180 Contact: nikegolfeurope.com

RRP: £149 Contact: odysseygolf.com The Versa has been one of Odyssey’s most successful putter models in recent times, with its strong visual alignment graphics proving popular with tour players and high handicappers alike. The Jailbird takes the Versa concept to the next level with a fourth stripe added in order to accommodate an extra weight bar, which results in much higher resistance to twisting than was available in previous designs. In tests, this new ‘Double Versa Technology’ resulted in over 50% of golfers aligning better, and nearly 70% aligning more consistently. It also produced an impact angle improvement for nearly 50% of testers, with almost three-quarters seeing their consistency also improve. Another innovation is an improved laser-milled version of the White Hot insert, which is engineered for a more consistent sound, better feel and improved performance across the surface.

Nike’s prange of Method putters all feature the same polymetal grooves found in the original design which came out in 2010. The four latest MOD models – 00, 30, 60 and 90 – were inspired by some of the most popular putter designs of the past four decades. Each number in the name corresponds to the toe-hang of the putter. For example, the 00 is face-balanced, so it has no toe hang, but the MOD 60 has 60 degrees of hang. This allows golfers to choose a model to suit personal preference for forgiveness, roll and accuracy. The head weight is different for each model, with the 33- and 34-inch shafts featuring 360g weights, while the 35-inch model has 345g to keep the swingweight even.

STRAIGHT SHOOTERS

Make more Birdies with easy alignment putters

Rife Vault 002

Scotty Cameron Dual Balance RRP: £315 Contact: titleist.co.uk Two of Scotty Cameron’s most popular models – a Select Newport 2 blade and the GoLo 7 mallet – are now available with Dual Balance technology for golfers that want to stabilise their putting stroke. Dual Balance putters are counterbalanced designs that are ideal for those that struggle to make a consistent stroke with a conventional-length putter. Through decades of research with tour players, Cameron found that the best putters keep the butt end of the putter pointed to the same two-inch circle in their midriff throughout the stroke. Dual Balance putters, with a 50g heavier head and a 50g counterweight in the butt of the shaft, are designed to help golfers replicate that stroke, without anchoring the club to the body. The standard shaft length is 38 inches, while the 15-inch Flat Front Winn grip is designed so that users can grip down to place the shaft weight above the hands for a smoother stroke.

RRP: £99.99 Contact: rifegolf.com The new Vault 002 putters feature Rife’s patented Roll Groove technology and a PVD black finish, producing a range that rolls beautifully and look beautiful too. Roll Groove technology uses precisely-spaced milled grooves that allow the putter to press gently into the cover of the ball, gripping and lifting it into an instant forward roll. Every putter in the Rife range incorporates Roll Groove face technology, along with a reduced loft face that ensures the ball is gripped, not chipped. Golfers can choose from three new designs: the Duke, a heel/toe weighted blade with strong perimeter weighting, goose-neck hosel and half shaft offset; the Major, a mid-size, perimeter-weighted mallet with a flare-neck hosel and a half shaft offset; and the General, a symmetrical mallet which features wings for greater stability, and three sight lines and a paint-filled topline for easier alignment.

Ping Karsten TR Putters RRP: £129 Contact: pinggolf.com The Karsten TR range is a five-model series of classic Ping shapes that feature variabledepth grooves in the face. Unlike the Scottsdale TR line, which use a grooved aluminum face insert, the grooves in the Karsten range are milled directly into the face. The grooves are shallow around the perimeter and increase in depth towards the middle, which provides improved ball-speed consistency and distance control. The back of each clubhead features an elastomer insert placed directly behind the centre of the face, which creates better sound and feel, and gives instant feedback. The five models, which feature an eyecatching copper PVD finish, are designed to fit all stroke types. Choose from the Anser 2 (slight arc), B60 (slight arc), PAL (slight arc), Anser 5 (straight), and Zing (strong arc). They are available with a 35-inch shaft or an adjustable shaft that can be modified between 31 and 38 inches (£153).

TaylorMade Ghost Spider Si RRP: £130 Contact: taylormadegolf.eu The Spider Si is a high MOI counterbalanced putter that is designed to offer consistency and forgiveness. The large 380g head, coupled with a 15-inch, 130g counterbalanced grip helps promote stability, control and feel. While the typical putter has one light end (grip) and one heavy end (head), putting more weight in the grip to counterbalance the weight of the head increases the MOI of the entire club, from top to bottom, which makes it 50% more stable and much easier to keep the head on path. An MOI of more than 6000 makes the head more resistant to twisting at impact and helps protect ball speed and distancecontrol on off-centre hits.

Cleveland Smart Square RRP: £129 Contact: clevelandgolf.com Cleveland’s eye-catching Smart Square putter features Dual Axis Alignment, with two perpendicular lines that highlight when the putter is incorrectly aligned. Two squares on the head help to create parallel lines that frame the ball at address, providing a clear visual path to the hole. Feel and sound at impact have been enhanced with a co-polymer face insert, which also promotes a consistent roll, while the MOI design minimises distance loss on off-centre hits. The Smart Square putter is available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch models in both heel and centre-shafted models, as well as a 39-inch model called the ‘Almost Belly’, which features counter-balanced weighting to add stability and consistency without the need for anchoring.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

News in Brief COWORTH JOINS FORCES WITH WENTWORTH Coworth Park has partnered with Wentworth Club to allow guests to play the 18-hole championship courses during their stay at the luxury country house hotel and spa in Ascot. Guests can choose the famous West Course, the Edinburgh or the East for £110. For those on a tighter time frame, the 9-hole par 3 course is available to play, while those starting out in the game can tak eadvantage of a one-hour lesson with one of Wentworth’s PGAs professionals. Coworth Park is a 70-room luxury hotel and spa set in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland just 45 minutes from central London. The estate includes an eco-luxury Spa with indoor pool and three restaurants, including the Spatisserie, relaxed dining in The Barn and Restaurant Coworth Park in the Mansion House. For bookings, call 1344 876 600 or email reservations.CPA@ dorchestercollection.com.

BREAKS

Take a fresh look at the all-new Belfry If it’s been a while since you visited The Belfry, the West Midlands home to four past Ryder Cups, then it’s time you went back to see what a £26 million refurbishment project looks like. The world-famous venue has been out of the limelight since its last staging of the biennial clash between Europe and USA in 2002, and with no European Tour events in the pipeline, it had to do something to put itself back on the map with the next generation of golfers. The refurbishment, which took 12 months to complete, has done just that, with no area of the resort left untouched by the redevelopment. The Belfry’s managing director Lynn Hood, who oversaw the entire project, said: “We have a fantastic history and heritage from some of the most memorable moments in Ryder Cup history, and we are looking forward to creating memorable moments and experiences for our guests when they come to enjoy the new facilities. The investment has completely transformed

the resort and puts it back on the map not only as a golfing Mecca, but also as an outstanding destination for business and relaxation.” The changes are apparent from the moment you walk into the reception, where a unique golf club chandelier, featuring a mix of 3 and 6-irons, wedges and putters, adorns the striking new main entrance. All 319 rooms have been refurbished, and golfers

The Brabazon Course

A lounge in one of the new suites

and guests will enjoy the new Brabazon Bar – located in the heart of the hotel, and the former courtyard garden – and The Ryder Grill restaurant. Sam’s Clubhouse offers a more casual dining experience. Golfers will also benefit from smarter, more spacious locker rooms and will no doubt be fascinated by the Ryder Cup collection and

The Belfry’s new-look reception area

heritage selection featuring all kinds of artefacts and memorabilia. The pro shop has also had a complete makeover, with a new bag drop area, complete with a meet and greet service on arrival, a new indoor putting green, five hardware sections for Titleist, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade-adidas and Ping, and a dedicated ladies’ section. For those looking for the full custom-fitting experience, The Belfry’s PGA National Golf Academy is equipped with four state-ofthe-art custom-fitting suites. No visit to The Belfry could be complete without a trip to the resort’s legendary nightclub, Bel-Air, which has also received a major facelift, and offers comfortable surroundings to round off any visit to this muchchanged venue. For details of the latest golf breaks, call 0844 234 7788 or visit www.thebelfry. co.uk, where you will also find details about the 2014 Brabazon Challenge, a pairs competition which has qualifiers on July 8, August 5 and August 19, with the top teams taking part in the final on September 3.

Celebrate the Ryder Cup in style at The Grove The Grove has launched a special Ryder Cup package to celebrate the UK’s hosting of the biennial matches in Scotland this autumn. For £329pp, golf fans can enjoy one night B&B at The Grove, including golf and a further overnight stay at The Grove’s sister hotel, the luxurious Athenaeum in London’s Mayfair. Further bespoke packages are being offered from September 1 until October 31, giving golfers the greatest possible flexibility for creating a memorable visit during the build up to the Ryder Cup. Set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, the resort’s championship

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course displays peak playing conditions all year round. Kyle Phillips’ distinguished design winds through rolling landscape. The Grove’s five-star hotel overlooks the estate, which is also home to a wealth of first-rate facilities, with the Dave Pelz Golf School, full-length driving range, short game area and putting green offering the ideal opportunity for a pre-round warm-up. For further Information on the Ryder Cup package, visit www.thegrove.co.uk.

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BREAKS

Home in Heacham Manor for the best of Norfolk golf

Panmure

Break for the Scottish borders In celebration of the Ryder Cup being staged at Gleneagles in September, UK-based golf travel company Golf Planet Holidays has managed to secure a sizzling summer Scottish break. The top value Home of Golf package involves a two-night B&B stay with three rounds of golf at Montrose, Monifieth and Panmure – all close to Open Championship venue Carnoustie on the north-east coast. All three courses are current Open Qualifying venues and feature inside the UK’s top 100. Montrose, home of the historic Medal course, is the fifth oldest club in the world, while Panmure, a James Braid design just eight miles from Dundee, is the 15th. The cost of the package is £265 per person (£34 single room supplement), and it’s available Thursday to Sunday in July and August. To book call Golf Planet Holidays on 01277 284284.

Forget Alan Partridge and frozen turkeys – the county of Norfolk boasts some of the best courses in England and a great way of experiencing them is by signing up for the North West Norfolk Golf Tour. Available for parties of two to 40 golfers, the tour is based at Heacham Manor, the only on-course hotel in this part of the country. Heacham Manor is handily located just outside Hunstanton, and within a short driving distance of many of the area’s superb courses, including the stunning links of Hunstanton and the impressive parkland layout of King’s Lynn. It also overlooks Heacham Manor’s own fast-maturing par-72 course, which features two rivers and four lakes. The North West Norfolk Golf Tour costs £250 per person in low season and £310pp high season and includes two nights’ dinner, B&B in cottage room accommodation at Heacham Manor, plus rounds of golf at Hunstanton, King’s Lynn, and Heacham Manor. Heacham Manor is the perfect base to savour Norfolk’s many golfing treats, offering quality cottage and Manor house accommodation, and dining in the AA Rosette Award Mulberry restaurant. To book, call 01485 536030 or visit www.heachammanor.co.uk.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

BREAKS

Bag yourself a £20.14 green fee with De Vere’s Monty major deal To celebrate De Vere ambassador Colin Montgomerie’s maiden major title at the recent US Senior PGA Championship, De Vere Golf has decided to charge golfers just £20.14 to tee it up at any of the nine premier golf resorts within the De Vere Hotels & Resorts portfolio, from The Carrick on Loch Lomond in Scotland, to Belton Woods near Grantham in Lincolnshire. This unique offer signifies the year of Monty’s maiden major championship, where he further enhanced his glittering CV after topping the European Order of Merit eight times. As part of De Vere’s celebrations for Monty’s long-awaited major triumph, golfers can

experience the groups top tracks for just £20.14 until June 30. Other venues include Slaley Hall in Northumberland and Cheshire’s Mottram Hall, host of the 2013 ISPS HANDA PGA Seniors Championship. To accompany this offer, De Vere is also entering anyone who signs up to either The De Vere Club or The Country Club memberships into a prize draw to win an exclusive one-on-one private lesson with the Montgomerie at The Carrick in September. Other lucky new members will receive limited edition signed merchandise by 2010 Ryder Cup captain. For more information, visit www.deveregolf. co.uk/monty. Play The Carrick on Loch Lomond for just £20

Hard to beat Carnoustie combo Golfers wishing to take on all of three links at Carnoustie should snap up a Combination Ticket, which offers 18 holes on the Championship, Budden and Burnisde courses for just £180. Considering that a peak season green fee to play the Championship course – venue for numerous Open Champiosnhips – is £155, a further £25 secures 36 more holes on topclass courses. It also represents a saving of 30 per cent on the cost of individual green fees for Carnoustie’s three courses. “We believe our combination tickets are one of the biggest bargains in game of golf, so it’s no surprise they sell so well,” said Colin McLeod, Carnoustie’s golf services manager. “The combination tickets are ideal for golfers who want to spend a couple of days in or around Carnoustie. The only stipulation is that all three rounds have to be played over three days or less.” Four-star accommodation can be found right behind the 18th green of the Championship course at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, which has 75 bedrooms and 10 suites, many of which offer stunning views of the golf courses, as well as an excellent Dalhousie restaurant serving a variety of locally-sourced food. A two-night stay, including breaksfast on both days, a three-course dinner on the second night, and rounds of golf on all three courses, costs from £316pp. For more information, or to book your combination ticket online, visit

www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk. For hotel bookings visit www.bespokehotels.com or call 0844 815 9833.

Play all three Carnoustie links for £180

LUXURY LODGINGS IN THE HEART OF DORSET The Dorset Golf & Country Club in Bere Regis makes the ideal destination for golfers looking to enjoy a relaxing golf break in beautiful suroundings The popular resort, which offers 27 holes of golf, 12 luxury lodges, a hotel, and a wide range of leisure facilities. In addition to the fantastic sport and leisure facilities on offer, the stars of the show include 12 fairytale Scandinavian-style houses that are located in a wooded glade opposite the clubhouse. Available to rent from two days to four weeks, the lodges are made entirely from trees grown in the forests of Finland, making them not only unique, but also extremely environmentallyfriendly. Capable of sleeping up to eight people, each lodge boasts a fully-fitted kitchen, a large lounge with a wood burning stove, a sauna, a veranda, and even an integral shed for golfers to securely store their clubs and trolleys.

5,032 yards long – but is equally demanding. Both layouts have benefitted from significant investment in recent months. After golf, guests can enjoy the superb clubhouse, which has a fully air-conditioned restaurant that offers lovely views over the Purbeck Hills and a large patio area for alfresco

eating. Stay-and-Play packages start from £61.95 pp/pn, based on four people sharing a house, with dinner, breakfast and all golf included. Three-night packages, with three rounds of golf, cost from £175 per person. For bookings call 01929 472244 or visit www. dorsetgolfresort.com.

The club also offers two excellent golf courses, with The Lakeland and the Woodland. The former was designed by renowned architect Martin Hawtree, and is on record as being the longest in Dorset. It measures over 7,000 yards off the back tees, but that is reduced to a more manageable 6,580 yards off the whites. Among the notable features of the course are a series of connected waster features and lots of strategically-placed bunkers. The nine hole, par-66 Woodland Course is shorter – being just

WIN

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The moment has come. In 2014, The Ryder Cup will return to Scotland, the Home of Golf, for the first time in over four decades. Amongst Scotland’s golfing regions, Dumfries & Galloway is famed for its selection of courses on the great value Gateway to Golf Pass and three golf trails for visitors looking to find Scotland’s best kept golfing secrets. So whether you’re relaxing in the clubhouse at Thornhill or even exploring the 200 mile long coastline, you’ll find plenty of moments to treasure forever.

To find out more, go to visitscotland.com/dumfriesgalloway-golf Aston Hotel, Dumfries

Lochmaben, Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway. A place of brilliant moments.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

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SarahStirk Having covered the Nordea Masters for the past couple of years, it got me wondering why Sweden isn’t a more popular choice for a golfing break. A country which has produced golfing superstars such as Annika Sorenstam, Henrik Stenson, and the enigmatic, volcano dust-eating Jesper Parnevik, features some of Europe’s best courses, and yet many of us still look no further than Spain and Portugal for our annual golfing pilgrimage. A lot has to do with awareness, as many simply don’t realise the quality of the layouts, well let me tell you, they are pretty good! It does seem Sweden’s popularity is gathering momentum. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators has recently named the Nordic country as the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year, but the fact it’s still termed ‘undiscovered’ highlights my point. There are around 500,000 golfers in Sweden – out of a population of just nine million – and it has more golf clubs per capita than nearly anywhere else in the world. While many of the best golf clubs in the States are exclusive and only for the use of their members and guests, it’s much more liberal in Sweden, even at the ones labelled officially ‘private’. Many of you will be familiar with some of the courses, having seen them on TV. In 2003 and 2007, Sweden hosted the Solheim Cup at Barseback and Halmstad respectively. Bro Hoff Slot staged the Nordea Masters on the European Tour, which moved to the PGA National of Sweden near Malmo for the very first time just last month. The Ladies European Tour play the Helsingborg Open at Vasatorp Golf Club. Much of the best golf is in the Skane region, the Southern part of the country, where there are more than 70 courses. It’s a golfing Mecca currently lacking British disciples, but some might say that’s not a bad thing! PGA National of Sweden is one of the newest golf clubs in the country. Built in 2010, it is located in Bara, just outside Malmo, and offers two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole short course, all designed by acclaimed architect Kyle Phillips, whose previous blueprints include The Grove, Kingsbarns, and the phenomenal Yas Links in Abu Dhabi. There’s also accommodation on site and a great restaurant to sample. A one-hour drive from downtown Copenhagen, Barseback offers 45 holes, including the Masters Course, the Donald Steel Course and the Litorina Course, in addition to a nine-hole short course. The Masters Course is an intriguing mixture of woodland, parkland and

Offering a stunning array of coastal links and championship woodland layouts – and blessed with long summer days and the coolest culture in Europe – it’s high time Sweden became a must-visit golfing destination, says Sarah Stirk

Bro Hof Slot

SWEET ON SWEDEN

Barseback

Falsterbo

seaside links, with the holes through the pine forests tough to negotiate, before it opens out to a dramatic back nine that hugs the shoreline of the North Sea. A benefit of being located on the coast of southern Sweden is that all three courses are open from March to November, while one of the courses is kept open all year round – only closing in the event of snow or frost, which can be a factor! One of the most prestigious, oldest clubs in Sweden is the Falsterbo Golfklubb. Located on the southern tip of Sweden – the Falsterbo peninsula – and only a 30-minute drive from Copenhagen airport, the private club, which is bordered on three sides by the sea, was founded in 1909 and has been ranked as one of the top 50 golf courses in Continental Europe. Its traditional, well-bunkered links course features sculpted dunes, as well as an historic lighthouse, and is reminiscent of some of the great links courses found in the British Isles. Do you still need convincing? The Nordic summer is a delight to witness: clear blue skies and a low sun ensure perfect golfing temperatures, and it’s light until late, meaning it’s easy to squeeze in 36 holes or more in a day, if you’re feeling sprightly! What about après-golf? Well, Malmo has plenty to offer for an evening’s entertainment, with the Lilla Torg square a main hub for bars and restaurants. Even on the coldest nights, there are enough outdoor heaters and beer taps to keep you positively warm. There is a good selection of restaurants with a continental feel to your dining options. I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Malmo, just a short stroll to one of the city’s best restaurants ‘Bastard’ (yes, really!). Then there’s Copenhagen itself, one of my new favourite European cities. Great for watching beautiful people, it’s got a fantastic café culture and some of the best restaurants in the world, aside from Noma, which toppled The Fat Duck several years ago. It’s a short flight from London, then a quick hop across the bridge and a narrow stretch of the Baltic Sea to Malmo. So to conclude, Sweden is without doubt on the up, and comes highly recommended as an alternative escape in Europe, especially if golf and gastronomy is your thing. The quality of the courses is superb, but make sure you visit in the summer to make the most of the sun that never sets.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

News in Brief

TRAVEL

Soak up the Italian sun at Chervo

MIX IT UP IN MAURITIUS

Golfers wanting to combine their own private holiday with the enjoyment of friendly, organised competitions and the company of like-minded people, should book up for the annual Mixed Pairs Tournament being hosted by Chaka Travel this autumn. The two-week tournament, which is now in its 15th year, is being held from September 28 to October 11. Costing from £2,250pp for 12 nights half-board with £250 resort credit, or £2,790pp for 12 nights’ all-inclusive (including buggies), the package includes five tournament rounds on the Legnds and Links course at Belle Mare Mare Plage Resort; five group dinners, and return lights from London Heathrow with Emirates Airlines. Situated directly on one of the island’s finest beaches, protected by a coral reef, the resort is perfect for swimming and water sports, while a a stunning spa. To secure your place in the Mied Pairs Tournament, call 02890 232112 or fill out an enquiry form at www.chakatravel.com.

Take your game to new heights at La Manga Legendary Spanish resort the La Manga Club has launched a range of exciting new Leadbetter Golf Academy ‘stay, play and learn’ packages. The Leadbetter Golf Academy – the only such facility on the Spanish mainland – opened earlier this year and has proved extremely popular, fuelling a 300 per cent increase in guest and resident golf tuition. Overseas visitors can now pre-book a choice of two packages, both combining a stay at the five-star Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe with a five-star academy experience and golf on one of the resort’s three championship golf courses. The Golf Mini-Break starts from €750 per person and includes four nights’ accommodation and nine hours of tuition over three days, while the seven-night Total Golf Experience package includes 12 hours’ tuition across four days and starts from €995 per person. Both packages also include two rounds of

golf per person, daily buffet breakfast and complimentary access to the fitness centre, indoor pool and steam rooms. Special golf tuition packages for children start from €99 for a four-hour undernine academy with further options for youngsters in the U15 and U17 age groups. Three times the size of Monaco, La Manga Club’s outstanding sports and leisure facilities include three 18-hole championship courses – the North, West and much-revered South – which have made it a firm favourite with European golfers since opening in 1972. In addition to golf, La Manga boasts unrivalled facilities as a sports and leisure destination, including a 28-court tennis academy and a pa and fitness centre. It also offers the choice of a five-star hotel, fourstar serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 20 bars and restaurants. To book a break, call 00 34 968 17 5577, or visit www.lamangaclub.com.

Golfers looking soak up some summer sun should consider booking a summer break to northern Italy, where the 27-hole resort at Chervo Golf San Vigilio is offering some great value breaks. Located in Lombardy, just 15 minutes from Lake Garda, San Vigilio, which is owned by the famous Chervo clothing company, is a golfer’s paradise, with 27 holes of championship golf coupled with a 9-hole par three course, and superb practice facilities. Designed by the architect Kurt Rossknecht, and built in 2009, the course offers three loops of nine, Benaco, Solferino and San Martino, which are presented in superb condition throughout the year. With stunning views over the course, the elegant hotel offers 75 comfortable rooms and a wide selection of selfcontained apartments, while guests can also enjoy Turkish baths, saunas, massages and beauty treatments in the on-site spa and fitness centre, which offers two outdoor swimming pools. The spacious clubhouse is home to an excellent restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served using the finest locally-sourced ingredients and fine wines from the region. While the resort itself is a haven of peace and tranquility, those in search of sites of interest and a more lively nightlife can head to the towns dotted along the shores of Lake Garda, including the ancient Sirmione, which is worldrenowned for its stunning scenery. For bookings and the latest offers, visit www. chervogolfsanvigilio.it or call 00 39 03091801.

Alpenclub Bavaria Golf Break GOLF IN THE BAVARIAN ALPS FROM: £ 219,- PP. 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast, 2 rounds of hill/park land golf, from £ 219,00 pp. 3 nights dinner bed and breakfast, 2 rounds of hill/park land golf, from £ 299,00 pp.

Bavarian Culture

GOLF

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RESTAURANT

Packages include Munich daytrip and/or a Bavarian beer brewery experience. With the 4 star Alpenclub Resort Bavaria being only 50 km from Munich and within close proximity to the golf clubs, this golf break offers quality and affordability! A Bavarian golf package at a great price and even includes a €20,- per person drinks voucher! Staying at: Alpenclub Resort Schliersee Bavaria Including access to Spa wellness areas. Playing at: The Mangfalltal Golf club or Castle Maxlrain Golf club. See more packages on our website. We also offer tailor made packages to suit your agenda.

Alpenclub Resort, Kirchbichlweg 18, 83727 Schliersee, Germany, T: +49 8026 6080, E: info@alpenclub.de

www.alpenclub.de

June 2014 / Issue 233

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TRAVEL

Big savings at Sheraton Salobre Golf groups can enjoy discounts of up to 45% at Gran Canaria’s premier golfing destination this spring – with a five-night halfboard stay at the five-star Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa, including unlimited golf, available

from £385 per person. The Canary Islands’ only 36hole golf complex is offering mouth-watering value on golf packages – with savings of more than £300 on offer to golf parties of four or more people. Boasting average temperatures of around 24 degrees all-year-round,

York Street offers a home from home in Charlotte

for groups of four or more, while one in eight guests stays and plays for free. Launched in 2000, Salobre’s South Course has been cleverly designed to offer magnificent views of the sea and mountains. In contrast, the resort’s North Course takes its inspiration from the desert courses of America and provides a new challenge as it winds its way through and

around the unique volcanic rock environment. Sheraton Salobre offers plenty of choice for golfers and non-golfers alike – with 313 rooms, four restaurants, two stylish bars, an Aloe Spa, gym and seven outdoor pools. The resort is 10 minutes from Maspalomas and 30 minutes from Gran Canaria Airport. For more information, visit www.sheratonsalobre.com.

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Golf

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enjoy your game

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The most iconic golf destination in Italy Enjoy your “Golf Full immersion” in Lake Garda! It is the virtuous combination of antique and modern that makes the Chervò Golf Hotel Restaurant Spa & Resort San Vigilio so unique. Our efficient services and features work in partnership with nature, comfort and enhancement of your body and spirit on your quest for wellness and relaxation. Our resort is in Pozzolengo, just south of Lake Garda, between Sirmione and Desenzano, in the center of the most important cities in northern Italy. Discover & Check availability offers on the web site.

Tourists looking for a home form home when visiting the golfing heartlands of South Carolina should book into The Inn on York Street, a delightful guest house in Charlotte run by an expatriot couple from Cheshire. Specifically targeting golfers from the UK, the Inn on York Street offers four luxury en-suite rooms in a typically stunning Southern Plantation house. Since opening several years, Mark and Sandie Woodier have enjoyed an almost constant stream of visitors from the UK, and from guests who live closer to home, drawn to Charlotte by its charm and elegance, wonderful climate, and the huge variety of golf courses on the doorstep. Quail Hollow, a regular venue on the PGA Tour and host for the 2017 US PGA Championship, is just one of the top quality tracks on offer. Mark is a keen golfer and is able to advise guests on what the local courses are like, as well as book tee times and organise golfing itineraries. “The choice of golf courses here is amazing – there are 29 within a 35-minute drive,” says Mark. “They’re all in great condition, because of the climate, and reasonably cheap too. You can play golf all year round in South Carolina, although it can get very hot in July and August. “There are four air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a swimming pool, large veranda, three-acre garden and plenty of space in which to relax, so we’re perfect for hosting large groups of friends or family, as well as people travelling as couples or as singles,” adds Mark. Prices for seven nights’ B&B, including three rounds of golf, start from £349. For more information and bookings, visit innonyorkstreet.com or call 001 803581 8681.

Gran Canaria is the ideal place for a golfing break and Sheraton Salobre’s first-class facilities include two 18-hole championship courses – the South and North – an extensive practice area and new club-fitting and performance centre. As well as golf and halfboard accommodation in the resort’s luxury hotel, the breaks also include airport transfers

At its heart is the ancient Benedictine abbey of San Vigilio built in 1104. New buildings and historic residences have been constructed around the abbey in a harmonious fusion of line and form, providing facilities for the hotel, restaurant, spa, resort and the 36-holes golf course. AIRPORT CONNECTION: VERONA 18 KM - BERGAMO 58 KM - MILANO/VENEZIA 120 KM. Transfer from/to airports - On request.

GOLF SPECIAL OFFERS “Invitation to Golf in Lake Garda”

from € 125*

Enjoy time with family and friends in sunny Italy with these golf packages and special offers from Chervò Golf Hotel Spa & Resort San Vigilio. * Rate for day, 1 person in double room and includes: continental buffet breakfast, 1 dinner with half board treatment, unlimited green fees, complete wellness pathway, 10% discount on wellness treatments and 20% discount on spa products, free Wi-fi, free parking place or garage. Minimum Length of stay is 3 nights.

Subscribe to Special Offers Contact + 39 030 91 801

info@chervogolfsanvigilio.it visit www.chervogolfsanvigilio.it Chervò Golf Hotel Spa & Resort San Vigilio

N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION

TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT IN THE WORLD

Loc. San Vigilio, 1 - 25010 Pozzolengo (Bs) N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION Lago di Garda - Italy TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT Tel +39 030 91 801 - Fax +39 030 91 80 999 IN THE WORLD

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June 2014 / Issue 233

TRAVEL

News in Brief

Free beer if rain stops play at Palmares! A golf resort in Portugal has taken the unsual step of offering visiting golfers free beer if rain stops play during their holiday. So confident is the award-winning Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort of the weather in Portugal, it is offering golfers unlimited free beer should they’re rounds be interupted by downpours during the months of November or February. The bold step has been taken by the 27-hole facility, in Lagos because, as operations director António Pinto Coelho explained, while the region enjoys yearround sunshine, climate change means there’s always the remote possibility of rain. He said: “We are quietly confident that the majority of golfers visiting during November and February will complete their rounds unaffected by the weather, which is traditionally temperate. However, we are keen to ensure that in the unlikely event that rain should sweep in from the Atlantic, nobody will feel short-changed. Hence, we are happy to offer unlimited free beer for anybody whose round is truncated because of rain.” The beer offer is part of the new season’s offering from the awardladen resort, which also sees

CATALUNYA CALLS WITH GOLF ESCAPES Golf Escapes has put together a great value three-night break to the PGA Catalunya Resort on Spain’s Costa Brava. The package, which is available from July 1 through to September 7, includes three nights in a twin room at the contemporary Melia Golf Vichy Catalan Hotel – which is located with the grounds of the resort – two rounds on Catalunya’s Tour course, and one on the Stadium Course, venue for May’s Spanish Open. The hotel has a large outdoor pool, a spa, and gym facilities. For books of groups of eight players, one player goes free. For details visit www.golfescapes.com or call 01342 811777.

PLAY LIKE A PRO AT PINEHURST

If you’d like to find out just how hard the 2014 US Open venue is, then why not book a five-night golf holiday with Your Golf Travel, which takes in rounds at Pinehurst No.2, as well as games at Tobacco Road and Legacy Golf Links. Prices start from £1,329pp, based on B&B accommodation at the Manor Inn. For more details visit www.yourgolftravel.com.

Onyria Palmares in Portugal

the availability of unlimited golf included in seven-night deals, and room and golf packages from less than £65per person per night, in association with its hotel partner, the four-star, waterfront Marina Club Lagos Resort. Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort, just 45 minutes from the busy Faro airport, was ranked an impressive 23rd in Golf World’s recent benchmark Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe rankings. It debuted in the rankings in 2011, after it reopened that year following an extensive, €10m Robert Trent Jones Jnr redesign. The stunning Trent Jones Jnr redesign has resulted in three different loops of nine holes - the Alvor, Lagos and Praia courses

MAURITIUS

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7 nights b&b 4 rounds of golf on 3 courses

12 nights b&b 6 rounds of golf on 6 courses

Incl. flights, airport & golf transfers

STAY IN A HISTORIC SOUTHERN PLANTATION, ENGLISH RUN B&B • PLAY LEISURELY GOLF ON FABULOUS CONDITIONS COURSES • EXPERIENCE THE SLOW PACE AND CHARM OF “SMALL-TOWN MID AMERICA” • RELAX AND UNWIND AFTER GOLF BY THE POOL BY SIPPING “MINT JULEPS” • LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS WITH GOURMET BREAKFASTS AND CONCIERGE SERVICES • GOLF BOOKED AND ARRANGED TO YOUR LIKING • CHOICE OF MORE THAN 20 COURSES WITHIN A 35 MINUTES DRIVE • FIND US A 30 MINUTES DRIVE SOUTH OF CHARLOTTE AIRPORT

 SPECIAL FOR OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER ONLY £559pp FOR 14 NIGHTS BED & BREAKFAST TO INCLUDE 6 ROUNDS OF GOLF WITH BUGGY.

Incl. flights & car hire

(2 people sharing and assuming an exchange rate of £1 = $1.68)

MADEIRA

SEYCHELLES

Marina Club Lagos Resort

We’re the golfing holiday experts.

- which enjoy panoramic views across the Bay of Lagos, in a glorious and natural environment. While the Alvor course plays through pine tree-lined corridors with the majority of holes ascending hillsides or descending through intimate valleys, the Lagos course is a mixture of parkland and links features, and the Praia is set on classic seaside

dunes-land exposed to the elements. Three, four, five and sevennight breaks are now available at the waterfront Marina Club Lagos Resort, which include from a minimum of two green fees to unlimited golf. Prices for 2014/15 start at €254pp, for a three-night B&B break with two green fees, while a seven-night break, with three green fees starts at just €456pp. A four-night break, with two green fees costs from just €289, while a five-night break, also with two green fees starts from as little as €324. Prices, which are based on two people sharing a double room, include transfers to and from the golf course, use of the spa (excluding September) and ffi, aare valid until October 31, 2015. All breaks need to be booked through the golf club for the special prices to apply. For details visit www.onyriapalmares.com.

DUBAI

SPAIN

www.chakatravel.com enquiries@chakatravel.com

ITALY

IRELAND

MOROCCO

CALL OUR SPECIALISTS

028 9023 2112

TURKEY

Contact by e-mail: info@innonyorkstreet.com telephone: 001-803-581-8681 www.innonyorkstreet.com

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June 2014 / Issue 233

TRAVEL

Costa golf Enjoy ‘Golf Cool’ in temperate Tenerife needn’t cost Golfers are being invited to Tenerife is able to provide the perfect on and off the water. With longer ‘Golf Cool’ this summer, antidote as cooling trade winds keep daylight hours, golfers visiting in the earth playing in the perfect average temperatures across the summer will have ample opportunity After spending many years travelling all over Europe playing golf, Ron Garrod and Wayne Burton decided that they could organise things so much better that they decided to set up their own company with the sole aim of giving golfers exactly want they would want from a golfing holiday. The pair launched the Fuengirolabased company CostaLessGolf in 2005, and have never looked back. As the name suggests, the company provides tailormade packages to the golfing paradise that is the Costa del Sol. Ron and Wayne have played every course in the area, and the company offers a high level of personal service and will be on hand to offer advice on where to play, where to eat, and organise competitions. A sample package comprises a four-nights at the four-star Confortel in Fuengirola on a B&B basis from £309pp. This includes three rounds at Guadalhorce, Lauro and Santana, with shared buggies at all three venues, and car hire for all four days. For details, and other packages, visit www. costalessgolf.com.

climate on the holiday island of Tenerife. With consistent warm winters and nine varied courses to choose from, Tenerife is already well-recognised as a destination that provides exceptional conditions for golf holidays between the months of November and March. However, the Tenerife Tourism Corporation is adamant that the cool way to travel and play golf this summer is to head to Tenerife and to take advantage of a range of conditions that other southern European destinations struggle to provide. The ‘Golf Cool’ invitation is based around four key factors; better value green fees, ideal golfing temperatures, quieter golf courses and longer days, which facilitate plenty of time to hit the pool or beach. In value terms, green fees between April and October are approximately 25 per cent cheaper than in the winter months; and, with hotel rates also significantly reduced in many periods, it all combines to provide a great value golf holiday. While other popular Mediterranean golfing spots will be hosting a sweaty sea of golfers in stifling conditions this summer,

summer period to about 25°C, with virtually no rain and an average of more than nine hours of sunshine per day – an ideal combination for any golf break. In addition, the golf courses on Tenerife are generally much quieter in the summer months, giving visitors the opportunity to schedule tee-times to their own personal requirements and providing an uncrowded millionaire’s golfing feel on-course. Tenerife is blessed with more than 70km of beaches and a wide range of cultural highlights and activities both

to indulge their favourite pastime and also immerse themselves in the spirit of Tenerife, whether sightseeing or sipping a cocktail from their sun-lounger. Tenerife features nine different and varied layouts: Buenavista in the west; Real Club de Golf de Tenerife in the north; and Golf Costa Adeje, Abama, Las Americas, Golf del Sur, Amarilla, and Los Palos in the south. Tecina Golf is a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland on the beautiful island of La Gomera. To ‘Golf Cool’ this summer, visit www.webtenerife.com/golf.

The views are breathtaking at Buenavista

News in Brief FIVE ROUNDS AT GUADALAMINA

Golfplanetholidays.com has a last-minute deal to the four-star Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort Hotel on Spain’s Costa del Sol, where a seven-night stay on a B&B basis in twin or double room, costs from £670pp. The package includes three rounds at Guadalmina North or South, and one round each at Alcadeisa and La Quinta, as well as hire of a Ford Focus Estate. Valid for bookings made up to July 17. For details visit www.golfplanetholidays. com or call 01277 284284.

UNLIMITED GOLF AT AROEIRA

Golfbreaks.com is offering a sevennight, self-catering holiday to the three-star Aroeira Golf Resort in Portugal from £299 person. Included in the price is accommodation in a two-bed apartment and unlimited golf on the superb Aroeira I and Aroeira II courses, the former of which hosted the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997. Aroeira is 20km south of Lisbon, and the resort is set in a 900-acre nature reserve. For details visit www.golfbreaks.com or call 01277 284284.

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June 2014 / Issue 233

Home&Away Golfbreaks.com has selected two great venues for you to consider when thinking about your next golf break. Whether staying at home or heading further afield, there is a stunning range of destinations to choose from...

THE NORTH WEST’S LEGENDARY LINKS With all eyes on Royal Liverpool for next month’s Open Championship, there has never been a better time to discover all the great golfing gems to be found on England’s Golf Coast Home to no fewer than 12 of the finest golf courses in Britain, the North-West of England is a true golfing hotbed. Seven of the 12 are consistently ranked among the Top 100 Courses in the UK & Ireland, with the area’s big three – the Royals of Lytham & St Annes, Liverpool and Birkdale – having hosted the Open Championship a staggering 31 times between them since 1897. This number will increase to 32 when The Open returns to Royal Liverpool next month. Little wonder this wonderful golfing region is better known as ‘England’s Golf Coast’. A strong supporting cast helps to attract golfers from all over the world, but there’s no doubt that the

Royal Liverpool

delights of Hardelot should head for the superb Hotel du Parc, which is just a short drive from the famed Golf d’Hardelot. This Najeti complex offers a multitude of rooming options, and is perfect for families, as the beach is only three miles away and facilities at the complex itself are child-friendly. The Hardelot town centre is also just a short walk away so dining options are plentiful. Golf d’Hardelot has two magnificent courses surrounded by woodland. The Pines course was designed by British architect Tom Simpson, who plotted 18 holes through the beautiful forest. It has Hotel Clery recently been tweaked and re-opened ready for the summer. The Dunes course is the newer of the two – it opened in 1991 - but looks very much at home as it winds around lakes, hills and the dune valleys. To take advantage of Najeti’s other great golf offers, you might also

THOUSANDS OF BREAKS FROM AVAILABLE ONLINE

three Open venues are the stars of the show. And in the middle of July, the area will once again be in the global spotlight as first the Ricoh Women’s British Open takes place at Royal Birkdale, before the main event – the Open Championship – is hosted at Royal Liverpool. Along with Royal Lytham & St Annes, these two venerable links represent classic tests of golf that usually see the cream rise to the top – champions emerging from Opens held in the region range from Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen and JH Taylor to Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros. Following in the footsteps of these greats is a rite of passage all golfers should take, and it’s actually a lot easier than you might think to get a game at these legendary venues. And it’s not just about the big three. Southport & Ainsdale has held the Ryder Cup twice, Hillside and Formby are both magnificent links that regularly host Final Open Qualifying, while West Lancs is a glorious throwback complete with revetted bunkers, blind holes, and even a railway. All four courses have also hosted the British Amateur, while nearby Wallasey gave

DISCOVER FRANCE’S FINEST FAIRWAYS WITH NAJETI Found in some of France’s most beautiful tourist hotspots, the Najeti Hotel brand is one of a kind. Unique in its own way, and stylishly French in another, the group boasts eight hotels and three golf courses spread across France. The flagship property is the European Tour venue of Aa SaintOmer Golf Club, where 27 holes flow through the picturesque Aa Valley, just a short drive from the Eurotunnel and Ferry Ports at Calais. With some spectacular holes and glorious scenery, this is a course that is truly worthy of its international reputation. Situated onsite at the Aa SaintOmer Golf Club – overlooking the first and ninth holes - the Hotel Du Golf provides guests with a relaxing ambiance perfect for either watching golfers go by or readying yourself for a round to remember. Guests can also relax in the spa with Jacuzzi and sauna or eat at one of two restaurants on-site, both of which have a terrace overlooking the course. Golfers wishing to sample the

Golfbreaks.com provides a one-stop service that makes booking golf breaks as simple as possible. ABTA and ATOL-bonded, it is the only golf travel company to reward customers for their loyalty through its Breakpoints rewards programme, which earns money off all future bookings made with Golfbreaks.com and sister companies Teeofftimes.co.uk and BookaSpa.com.

£59

the game the globally-adopted Stableford scoring system. And that’s saying nothing of the likes of Caldy, Fairhaven, Formby Hall and Hesketh, all of which are cracking courses in their own right. With all 12 being within an hour’s drive of Liverpool, travelling between the courses couldn’t be easier. There is a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, exciting tourist and retail attractions, breath-taking coastline and picturesque countryside, and plenty to do away from the course, too. You can take it easy on the Wirral, immerse yourself in the charming coastal towns of Lytham and St Annes, enjoy England’s classic resort in Southport or live it up in Liverpool, the home of The Beatles, the choice is yours! Golfbreaks.com England’s Golf Coast offers: – 2 nights’ B&B at the Ramada Plaza Southport, 2 rounds (S&A, Hillside) is £305 (in August). – 2 nights’ dinner, B&B at the Royal Clifton, 3 rounds (Royal Birkdale, West Lancs, Hesketh) is £475 (in August).

Staying in one of Najeti’s upmarket hotels will add a touch of luxury to any French golf holiday

St Omer

consider Hotel Chateau Tilques, a converted castle near Saint-Omer, the boutique-style Hotel Clery near Boulogne – perfect for playing Wimereux – or if you prefer to be based in a city centre, Hotel de l’Univers in Arras.

Further south – midway between Saint Tropez and Cannes, just 5km from the sea - is the homely hotel and golf resort of Valescure. This traditional 18-holer, while shorter in length, is every inch a challenge. And after a round, take the time to savour the traditional clubhouse – the perfect place for that postgolf drink. The oldest course in the region, Golf Valescure is well worth a visit if you’re enjoying the fruits of southern France. With so many courses and hotels to choose from, you can be assured of a memorable golf break no matter which Najeti property you choose.

Golfbreaks.com Najeti Offers – 2 nights’ dinner, B&B at Aa SaintOmer Hotel du Golf, including 2 rounds of golf, a special drinks package and Eurotunnel crossing is £245 (Summer, based on four sharing). – 2 nights’ B&B at the Hotel du Parc, including 2 rounds of golf (Hardelot Dunes & Wimereux), plus 1 dinner in the hotel and Eurotunnel crossing is £159 (Autumn, based on four sharing).

June 2014 / Issue 233

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Me&MyTravels with Trevor Nelson - The MOBO award-winning DJ has left his heart in San Francisco, while his golf clubs are always in tow My most recent holiday was to… Mexico – Playa del Carmen. I wasn’t there specifically for a golf holiday, but I always take my clubs when I travel – it’s therapeutic and essential personal time!

was at… Sudbury near Wembley – the first course where I ever played 18 holes regularly, and specifically the round where I first broke 90! To me, that was like winning The Open Championship.

My favourite golf course is… the Faldo Course at The Emirates in Dubai, when it’s floodlit at night. While the course itself isn’t mindblowing, playing at night when the air is cool is an unusual and memorable experience. Closer to home, I love The Shire London – that’s where I play a lot of my golf.

My favourite golf resort is… Fairmont Sonoma in San Francisco’s wine country – it was all part of a truly great trip, and the whole resort is fantastic. One day, I aim to finally

My ideal holiday fourball would include… Lee Trevino, for the banter and the way he plays the game; Luke Donald, because the guy is pure class, and I am sure his swing and his attitude would keep me calm; and Justin Timberlake – he has it all (including his own golf tournament) and he’s a good guy – I’ve interviewed him several times. My most memorable ever round

My favourite city in the world is… San Francisco – it’s a special place.

Night golf in Dubai

My worst holiday experience was… a family holiday to the Bahamas a few years ago. When we eventually got there, via Miami, with

The Shire London

Justin Timberlake

Grand Hotel, Stockholm

play Pebble Beach, which is top of my personal golfing wish list.

that’s why my clubs are my travel companions.

I always travel with… my golf clubs. Sounds obvious, but I very rarely travel anywhere without them these days. My life is hectic and so planned out, golf helps me to relax and

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… The Grand Hotel in Stockholm. The architecture is amazing, and I met Bruce Springsteen there too…

storm warnings ahead, we checked in for our first night at the hotel. In the morning the word came through to leave the island immediately. So we pegged it to the airport before the hurricane, and were stuck on the runway for hours – the air traffic controller had gone home to board

up his house! We eventually got home, via Miami, Paris and London, having seen nothing of the Bahamas and a whole lot of airport waiting rooms. My next golfing outing will be to… The Shire’s new sister course, the 9-hole West London Golf Centre near Northolt. I get along well with the guys there, and I’m looking forward to playing the new course. My top travel tip would be… not to rush, if it’s a holiday. Enjoy the time – you’re not on the clock. So relax if the service is a little slow – let somebody else get bothered about it. Also, sort out all your chargers, don’t forget those adaptors, and never take a full wallet – only take the cards you’ll need. Trevor Nelson will be hosting a special charity golf event in aid of Prostate UK at The Shire on June 20. For bookings, email golf@ theshirelondon.com or call 020 84417649.

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** Prices are per person based on 7 night’s accommodation at Champions World Resort departing 10 Sep ‘14 with 4 rounds of golf at Mystic Dunes, Metro West, Southern Dunes and Celebration, car hire with insurance and include return economy flights from London Gatwick or Manchester, taxes and fuel surcharge which are correct at the time of print (30 May ’14) and are subject to change. Prices based on 4 adults sharing.

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Brandon Stone wears the Rockaway Polo