Swing Image Issue 13 by Sean Harrison

Gary Player - The Black Knight Brian Davis - Interview The Sunseeker Predator 92 Sport Andrew Redington - Getty Images Ernie Els & Natalie Gulbis - Swing The Legend Golf & Safari Resort

Golf & Lifestyle Magazine • Issue 13 • JuLY–SEPT 2010

swingimage.co.uk

Luxury Condos & Villas

with stunning golf course views

Imagine waking to a view overlooking a valley, crisp with morning air and manicured fairways just waiting for use. Superior standards offer residents a sense of dignity and comfort that only this kind of quality home can provide.

For property enquries contact: Harald Elisson - +66 (0) 857 017 536 or email harald@bmghuahin.com Mar-April 2010.indd 3

23/2/10 1:50:41 PM

Peninsular Court Islington, London N1

A selection of 1,2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments available immediately Suited for high end professionals located within walking distance to the City Peninsular Court, located in Islington, is one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular inner city regions for both visitors and residents. Only five minutes from trendy Upper Street where there are a multitude of bars, restaurants and shopping in the unique local markets and designer boutiques.

Mar-April 2010.indd 4

23/2/10 1:50:42 PM

LONDON www.peninsularcourt.com

Mar-April 2010.indd 5

Paul Lynch paullynch.mac@mac.com +44 (0) 7971 016 072

23/2/10 1:50:44 PM

Cope House Kensington

Cope House consists of 4 individually crafted dwellings located 50 meters from High St Kensington one of the finest shopping streets in the capital. With Heathrow Airport only 40 minutes away and the London Heliport 25 minutes, you will soon be in your own air conditioned flat next to one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most loved Parks - Holland Park.

Mar-April 2010.indd 6

23/2/10 1:50:45 PM

One of the most unique buildings in London

Contact

www.kensingtonapartments.net

Paul Lynch

paullynch.mac@mac.com

+44 (0) 7971 016 072

Mar-April 2010.indd 7

23/2/10 1:50:50 PM

Mar-April 2010.indd 8

23/2/10 1:50:55 PM

Mar-April 2010.indd 9

23/2/10 1:51:00 PM

32 The hydraulicly operated doors gives easy access to the stern garage for a perfect day at play. 55

March 2009 Issue.indd 55

42 12. Brian Davis I called the referee over (Slugger White) and explained what had happened. The rest, as they say, is history! A two shot penalty was the result and I shook Jim’s hand.

22. Gary Player He is recognized worldwide as an uncompromising perfectionist. His regime for health and fitness and insistence on quality have earned him admiration the world over.

32. Predator 92 Sport Capable of speeds of up to 45 knots a high performance extrovert craft - while at the same time offering the luxury and comfort that is Sunseeker’s hallmark.

Published by Swing Image Ltd. 20 Abbey Road, St Johns Wood, London Asia Office Phuket Golf Studio Co. Ltd. 22/11 Sirirad Road, Kathu, Thailand 83150 Editor Sean Harrison golfswingimage@yahoo.com

Art & Design Bang Tel: +66 (0) 898 670 188 info@bang-ideas.com www.bang-ideas.com Photography Mark Newcombe Visions in golf www.visionsingolf.com Getty Images www.gettyimages.com

27/2/09 11:09:37 AM

42. Andrew Redington I am a familiar face to the majority of the top players on the European Tour so they trust me not to move around or hit the shutter button at the wrong time. 62. The Legend Golf & Safari Resort Just over a two hour drive from Johannesburg International Airport,The Legend Golf & Safari Resort is one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated Golf and Safari resort openings. 70. Natalie & Ernie How do they create such a powerful but controllable swing - Using nine swing sequence shots, we look through the swing moves of Natalie Gulbis and Ernie Els.

Advertising golfswingimage@yahoo.com Printed by Lake & Fountain Printing Company Ltd. Distribution Swing Image is a luxury golf and lifestyle publication for London and Asia and is distributed to business class travellers through airline gates and lounges, estate agencies,

private aviation, golf clubs, golf resorts and 5-star hotels To view a media kit go to www.swingimage.co.uk Dawson Media www.dawsonmediadirect.com

Swing Image is also distributed at the gate service and the lounges of the below airlines at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. All of the articles and photographs published in this magazine are the property of Swing Image and any reproduction in any form is prohibited unless written permission is given by the publisher. While we make every effort possible at Swing Image to ensure that everything printed is correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. Design Copyright Swing Image 2009/10. All rights reserved.

Justin Rose joins list of English players for possible Ryder Cup team place. At the event founded by Jack Nicklaus (The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, Ohio) Justin Rose played some of the best golf I have seen him play to become the first English player to lift one of the most coveted trophies in world golf. With a final round of 66 he beat a world class field by 3 shots. With his wife Kate and son Leo at the 18th green the celebrations said it all and to have Jack Nicklaus there to congratulate him must have made it all the more exhilarating. His grin was as wide as on the day I watched one of his first victories at one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amateur events, The Hampshire Hog at North Hants Golf Club in 1995 aged 14. Justin has now won on five different continents all before his 30th birthday this month. He switched to swing coach Sean Foley in the middle of last year - a tough decision made only by a player with a winners appetite. There are reminders here of Sir Nick Faldo in the manner in which Justin has dismantled his swing in his late twenties. Sir Nick went on to win his first Major at the age of 30 and followed it with five more. Justin became the third Englishman, after Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, to taste success on the PGA Tour this year. It brought a prize of just over $1 Million, but more importantly placed him back inside the top 50 of the Official World Rankings. The win also moved him from 27th to 8th place on the European Ryder Cup world points list. The first four places in the side will come from the world points list, with the next five automatic spots being decided by European Tour earnings. With the Ryder Cup matches in Wales (October) getting closer we are all now looking forward to watching Europe, captained by Colin Montgomerie, take on the USA. For choosing his team at Gleneagles at the end of August, Montgomerie must be delighted to see all the English players doing so well in Europe and over on the US PGA Tour. The English contingent, with four players now in the top ten of the World Rankings, seem to be spurring each other on. Recently there have been victories in Europe for Simon Khan at the BMW PGA Championship and Luke Donald at the Madrid Masters. Over on the US PGA Tour the week after Justinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win

Justin Rose with Ryder Cup partner Ian Poulter at Valhalla in 2008.

Lee Westwood won the St Jude Classic following his 2nd place finish to Phil Mickelson at the Masters. Paul Casey and Ian Poulter went head to head in the final of the WGC Accenture Match Play. Also Brian Davis has recently finished runner up twice on the US Tour and in my opinion, like Rose, could win his first event on the US Tour soon.

SEAN HARRISON PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Interview Sean Harrison

Brian Davis

Brian Davis turned professional in 1994 and became a member of the European Tour in 1997. He performed steadily for his first six seasons and won the Peugeot Open de Espana in 2000 and the ANZ Championship in 2004.

In 2005 he played on both the U.S PGA Tour and the European Tour but then concentrated on the PGA Tour and became the first Englishman to win the PGA Tour Qualifying School finals. Brian had two solid seasons in 2007 and 2008 where he finished inside the top 100 on the money list both times. Last year was a very consistent season which included a 5th place finish at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

Finishing 2nd you earned $615,000 and moved to 37th place in the PGA TOUR FEDEX CUP standings - What are your goals for the next 12 months? To get better within myself, my game externally is very good. I just have to manage my emotions within without losing the fire inside to fight all the way.

In April Brian lost in a playoff to Jim Furyk at the Verizon Heritage. Playing his third shot out of the greenside hazard in the playoff he called a two-stroke penalty on himself after touching a loose impediment during his backswing ensuring Furyk’s victory. At the Verizon Heritage in April you faced Jim Furyk in a playoff, trying to notch your first ever PGA Tour Win. Explain what happened on the 18th green at the Harbour Town Golf Links. Well, for those that didn’t see it, I was first to go in to the green and I pulled a 7 iron about 3 yards left of perfection (the wind was hard off the right) and it ended up on the beach only about 20 feet from the flag. Jim Furyk went back-middle of the green and it was him away with his 3rd shot. He putted down to 3 feet which forced me into trying to make 4 (therefore having to play the shot from the hazard). I could have taken a drop but it meant that I had to hole the chip to take the playoff to the 2nd extra hole. I thought I could play a bunker shot and give myself a 10 or 15 footer and a chance of saving par. As I played the shot I saw the grass move ever so slightly and I knew immediately that I was in trouble. I called the referee over (Slugger White) and explained what had happened. The rest, as they say, is history! A two shot penalty was the result and I shook Jim’s hand. What did Jim Furyk say to you afterwards? He was very gracious and I think he felt a little awkward. He just said bad luck and thanks. How many messages did you receive over the following days? Literally hundreds upon hundreds. Would this be one of your most rewarding tournaments on tour? Obviously since I’ve been in America I’ve finished 2nd on 4 occasions now and I’m learning all the time but yes, for the circumstances in which I forced Jim to make a putt to take me to extra holes, I was very proud.

You are a spokesman for The Skin Cancer Foundation along with other Charity work. I’ve personally suffered with skin cancer twice and as you’re already aware, it’s potentially fatal. I take my charity and representation of all my partners very seriously, paid or not. I’m developing an apparel line to benefit those who want to protect themselves against the sun and a portion of every garment sold will be directed to The Skin Cancer Foundation. I will appear at a number of their events during the course of the year to assist where I can and get the message out to parents to cover their children with sun cream with a high enough SPF. What coach are you currently working with and who do you sometimes turn to for help or advice? My manager and coach are one and the same, ex European Tour pro, Gary Evans. I trust him 100% and I like the fact I’m treated as an individual rather than a number (a mistake I’ve made with previous management companies). I know that Gary has my back, he’s very honest and reliable and someone whom I respect. To know you have someone like that behind you makes my job on the course that much easier. 13

Just get them made to measure but test the shaft before having the set made up. The shaft has to be right otherwise you’ll use muscles you didn’t know you had trying to get the ball air born! What’s the best bit of advice you have had in golf? We’re all individuals and there are many different ways to play the game of golf. Find a way that works for you - a way that repeats under pressure and stick to it. Very few players who go through swing surgery come out the other end a better player. Do you see the advantages of a golf psychologist? No The best golf course you have ever played? St Andrews – it asks many different questions about your game every day. Would you ever be interested in getting involved in golf course design?

What percentage of your time is split between working on your short game and long game? 60/40 - short game to long game. It’s all very well hitting it straight but if you can’t get the darn thing in the hole...what’s the point? Which up and coming players impress you most right now? That Italian kid Mannasero looks good doesn’t he! From being out on tour since 1994 - what have been the biggest changes you have seen to the way courses have to be set up? They’ve just got longer! Stupid really - it’s not about how far you can hit it, it should be a balance of accuracy and thinking your way around, not just a booming contest like it is some weeks. Have your team at Srixon been good for your all round game? Srixon are always willing to listen to my suggestions and thoughts and we work together to get the equipment right. Everyone is different and they give me bespoke assistance as and when I need it. They are a quality company. As for choosing a set of clubs, what advice would you give to a young player starting out? 14

May be, but I think that’s when you have time on your hands to do it right. Too many golfers get caught up in ego and take on something like that whereas people who have worked in course architecture all their lives are over-looked. May be one day, but for now it’s about the little white ball. Which person in sport do you admire most? Mohammad Ali – he fought against the best not only in the ring but in government. What would you be interested in as a career if you were not a professional golfer? Football - I was never made for an office job!

CMY

Swing Image_5000airports_1March10.pdf 1 19/02/2010 09:49:12

CMY

for information on corporate golf days visit

www.redmountainphuket.com

Mar-April 2010.indd 56

23/2/10 1:56:44 PM

Golf Packages NOW AVAILABLE! with a Loch Palm add-on option For more information on our new 8 month, 12 month & 24 month unlimited golf packages contact:

info@redmountainphuket.com Terms and conditions apply - packages are being released for a limited time only.

RED MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB - PHUKET 119 Moo 4 Vichitsongkram Rd.,Kathu, Phuket Tel : 66(0)76 322 000-1 Fax : 66(0)76 322 009 E-mail Contact : info@lochpalm.com Web: www.redmountainphuket.com

Mar-April 2010.indd 57

23/2/10 1:56:51 PM

YOUR DIRECT ROUTE INTO AIRCRAFT CHARTER AND OWNERSHIP

Whether you are looking to charter or purchase an aircraft, ProJet International can provide all the expertise youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever need. We are able to make bespoke, detailed recommendations based on your specific requirements, reviewing all of the relevant options available. With just one call youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in control. ProJet International offer a full service from purchase through to delivery and follow up aircraft management. Full ownership, part ownership or charter? Our professional advice will help you clarify which direction is best to suit your needs. We offer a full management service, addressing every detail, so that aircraft owners can relax in the knowledge that everything will be taken care of. Even if you simply need support with specific aspects of your aircraft, ProJet International provides the highset quality assistance, evey step of the way.

ProJet International Limited Tel: +44 (0) 113 267 4263 Cell: +44 (0) 7816 923707 Email: paul@projetinternational.com

www.projetinternational.com

XXXXX ProJet DP Ad SI 270x420.indd 1

16/11/09 17:06:17

Reward your success

XXXXX ProJet DP Ad SI 270x420.indd 2

16/11/09 17:06:21

IJP DESIGN ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THEIR STYLISH AND VIBRANT SPRING/SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION Tartan Roots Each season the IJP designers follow their ‘lead with the legs’ philosophy and chose a 5 colour palette for each of the 3 tartans. This then determines the mood for the rest of the collection. For the Spring/Summer season their chosen lead colours consist of hot pink and blueberry, glass and flamingo, cobalt and acid. Lead with the Legs Trousers are at the heart of IJP Design and indeed IJP (Ian James Poulter) himself. The brand is unique in designing their range of shorts and trousers first, then co-ordinating the shirts and knitwear to complete spectacular outfits. IJP Design is best known for their Signature Tartan Bootleg Trousers (“like putting on Ian Poulter’s legs”) which are milled in Great Britain. However, the range has many alternatives to offer, including 3 different styles of beautifully tailored shorts and high performance shirts and luxury light weight knitwear. Golf and Lifestyle Apparel IJP Design clothing has been designed to look and feel great both on and off the golf course. It has have taken the game of golf and created a sports lifestyle collection that is specialist in this field, yet transgresses into other similar lifestyle sports and more importantly, fashion apparel. A huge amount of energy is put into the detail and finish of every garment to ensure it fulfils this multifunctional nature.

www.ijpdesign.com 20

Mar-April 2010.indd 20

23/2/10 1:51:41 PM

Technical Perfection As well as looking great IJP apparel performs. The latest technology and materials are included throughout the range, fusing functionality with fashion. From the caps which include a COOLMAX™ (superior moisture management) headband to the shirts which boast Freshness (reduces perspiration and odours), Cool Comfort (keeps you cool and dry), SCOTCHGARD™ (wicks away moisture), Pima Cotton (soft and longer lasting) and more. The founder and lead ambassador, Ian Poulter (ranking in the world’s top 20), relies upon the addition of all of these important features to enhance his performance in the biggest tournaments in the world.

Unique Accessories One of the key points to note with every IJP collection is that each item is produced to be part of an outfit, and no outfit is complete without the accessories! The right belt is vital and IJP offer a variety of leathers with detachable buckles to allow the wearer to mix and match. The show stopper this season is the IJP Stars and Stripes buckle featuring Swarovski crystals. But don’t forget the headwear, which isn’t missing any of IJP’s trade mark design features such as piped trims and sandwich peaks.

Mar-April 2010.indd 21

23/2/10 1:52:39 PM

Gary Player Interview Sean Harrison

Gary Player has logged more than 15 million miles in travel, probably more than any other athlete. With his nine major championship victories, as well as his nine major victories on the Champions Tour, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of golf. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Gary is renowned for his dedication to the principles of excellence as well as his golfing accomplishments. He is recognized worldwide as an uncompromising perfectionist who settles for nothing but the best. His impeccable set of values, stringent regime for health and fitness and insistence on quality have earned him admiration the world over. Dubbed the Black Knight, Mr. Fitness, and the International Ambassador of Golf, he is a renowned golf course architect with more than 300 design projects worldwide. 22

His business interests are represented by Black Knight International, which includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate and Black Knight Enterprises, aspects of which include licensing, events, publishing, wine and apparel. Set up in 1984, The Player Foundation built the Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg which has educational facilities for over 500 students from kindergarten through grade eight. The foundation has since expanded efforts in all corners of the globe, raising funds for impoverished children through four Gary Player Invitational events in Europe, China, the USA and South Africa.

You are the only golfer in the 20th Century to win The British Open in three different decades. Would competing in The Open Championship be some of the most enjoyable times in your career? Absolutely, I won my first major at Muirfield in 1959 and The Open Championship has always been a very special event for me. The first time I was invited to play in the British Open the members at my local golf

On the Swilken bridge at St. Andrews, Gary with his caddy at the Open Championship in 1960.

club had to take up a collection to pay for my travel expenses and I ended up sleeping on the beach because I could not afford a hotel room. When I went back to St. Andrews, in Scotland many years later I visited the sand dune where I slept. The experience of sleeping in the sand was so powerful. What would be your most memorable event? There have been so many truly memorable events in my life it is very difficult to point to just one. In terms of golf – when I completed the Grand Slam on the Champions Tour is very special for me. I feel that this was the greatest accomplishment of my career. Who would stand out as some of the most celebrated and recognised people you have played golf with – tour stars or celebrities? Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer will always stand out because of the great competitions we had during our careers and the great friendship we have built over nearly 50 years. Having the chance to play Ben Hogan was the most memorable of my career. I have played with most of the US Presidents since the 60’s as well as celebrities like Elvis, Bob Hope, Jack Nicholson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. What’s your opinion of the modern day prize funds and do you like the idea of the FEDEX Cup and the Race to Dubai? The reality is that the game has changed since my days on tour and the prize money is much more significant. I think it is great the today’s players have the chance to earn the amount of money they do and I have no issues with the prizes being offered. Golf competes with other sports for TV ratings and ratings are very important to secure sponsors and the large purses we see. Golf like every other sport needs to adjust to the times and the FEDEX Cup and Race to Dubai are examples of how golf has attempted to make positive changes and increase its popularity. Are young players still coming to you for advice regarding your health and fitness regime? Yes and I am happy to help in any way I can. Diet, health and fitness were such a huge part of my success both on and off of the course and I hope that every person, golfer or not, takes their health seriously. Staying in top physical form is one of the keys to becoming a true champion.

Do you still find the time to work on your all-round golf game? I still love to play competitive golf and have not lost any of my desire to win, but I don’t practice like I used to. I do however put a lot of practice time in before a tournament that I am competing in. What time ratio do you think golfers should adopt for long to short game? There is no set ratio in terms long and short game, what I do suggest is that golfers think about what clubs they hit most often and put the time in to master those shots. The short game is extremely important so take the time to master it as best you can and don’t forget to practice the things you don’t do well. If you can’t hit a bunker shot then practice until you can. For bunker play, apart from you, Seve Ballesteros was probably the best player in the world - and he would practice on the beach. How did you spend most of your time practising bunker shots?

I practiced in the bunker and practiced until I holed three in a row. I was late for dinner a lot. The key for me was to master the bunker shot and not the club I was using. I got to the point where I could take any club from a lob wedge to a three iron and hit a bunker shot. Once I learned and perfected my sand shot I could replicate it under any condition, in any type of bunker with any club. In today’s game – which up and coming players do you see with the chance to be golfing greats? I do believe that Rory McIlroy will eventually become the world number one player and probably sooner rather than later. I also think that Camilo Villegas, Charl Schwartzel, Ross Fisher, Rickie Fowler, Alvaro Quiros, and the Molinari brothers all have the game to become great players. How do you think today’s private jet travel has changed life for the guys out on tour? Private air travel makes life on tour easier and more convenient and for those pros who can afford it is great.

“Diet, health and fitness were such a huge part of my success... every person, golfer or not, should take their health seriously.” 25

The thing to remember is that players may get to tournaments faster and with less hassle, but your jet doesn’t make a 15 foot pressure putt to win a major you do. Travel has taken up a great part of your life. Approximately how many hours/miles are you in the air each year? Honestly it’s impossible for me to estimate the hours and miles I travel each year, but over the course of my 26

career I have travelled more than 24 million kilometers via air. I still love it. Airline travel must have been so much different in the 1950’s and 1960’s? Completely. Because we lived in South Africa and I had to win tournaments to support my family I traveled all over the world to compete. Put it this way 40 hours from Johannesburg to New York was not uncommon. Today it is a 16 hour flight in a seat that turns into a flat bed.

Oh how I wish the airlines had seats that turned into beds during my career.

for the 2016 Olympic Games and this would be very special to me if we were awarded the project.

Do you spend a relative amount of time working whilst flying?

If you could build a golf course anywhere in the world where would it be?

Not usually. With the amount of time I am travelling I use the time in the air to relax and sleep whenever possible. Also, lot of sit-ups and push-ups much to the surprise of my fellow travel companions.

That’s a tough question. I will say that emerging markets where golf is not yet popular are my favourites…..I simply love introducing golf to new populations and to help grow the game globally.

As a course architect you have over 300 design projects throughout the world. Do you have any favourites?

You have designed and built courses that use less water - why is this? And is your primary focus at Gary Player Design to preserve the environment?

I am truly proud of most of our work over the years. Certainly some of our recognized projects in South Africa are near and dear to my heart…..The Links at Fancourt was certainly one of our most challenging sites on which to work, and it was eventually selected to host the Presidents Cup. More recently, Blair Atholl near Johannesburg has received rave review and I think deservedly so. We also just completed a very impressive project in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club…..I love that one. Not many people have seen it, but I am quite fond of the golf course I built on my farm in Colesberg, South Africa. It has many cutting edge water conservation techniques, which I view as extremely important.

I strongly believe that water is one of our most precious resources, and I am determined to do my part in conserving it. Not only do I feel that the environment is our primary responsibility as designers, I feel that we must be truly eco-friendly if we are to survive as an industry….. we really won’t have a choice in the coming years.

What design projects are you working on right now? We have 62 current projects under contract in about 20 countries…from the Middle East to China to South Korea to Canada to Eastern Europe to South America. I remain very busy in the design arena and really enjoy the creativity of design. What are the most important aspects of putting together a successful golf resort? I have been preaching that a golf resort has to have more than just a golf course. Amenities should be built for all members of a family, so that everyone will want to be there. Wives and children who don’t play golf shouldn’t be forgotten. How have the changes in golf equipment, especially the driver and ball, influenced your course designs? I wish I could say no, but they have. We must design for length in today’s world, and that’s a direction that needs to be reversed if we are to build affordable golf courses. Even with the length of today’s players, I still like to design short, strategic, “risk/reward” holes. We have pitched for the course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

40 hours from Johannesburg to New York was not uncommon. Today it is a 16 hour flight in a seat that turns into a flat bed. Oh how I wish the airlines had seats that turned into beds during my career. 27

The Player Foundation was established in 1983 and has raised over $25 Million USD. Can you tell us a bit about the foundation? We have actually reached the $30 million mark which is absolutely fantastic. I came from humble upbringing and know firsthand what it means to have little and that was my motivation for establishing The Player Foundation. I sincerely wanted to help at risk kids and with my son Marc we established the Blair Atholl School in South Africa. Children can’t choose their parents or what situation they are born into, so we set out to help them as best we could by providing a safe environment where they could get a good education, health meals and most importantly love. My dedication to helping those kids is one of my true passions and Blair Atholl is one of my greatest, if not my greatest accomplishments in life. I am so proud of what we have built and the education we have been able to provide to so many needy children. If you could be given the chance to re-live some moments of your life which would they be - whether on or off the golf course? I wouldn’t relive anything. I never look back as we cannot change the past, but we can change the future. To enable you to have so much success in golf, life and business what would you list as your top ten principals/commandments? I have ten – what I call The Ten Commandments of life: 1 Change is the price of survival. The Gary Player Stud Farm has received worldwide acclaim for breeding over 2,000 top thoroughbred race horses. Can you tell us a bit about your horses and the ranch? I love spending time on the ranch with my horses. We have been doing quite well in terms of raising top flight thoroughbreds which brings me great pleasure given the time and effort we have put into the business. Horses remain one of my true passions. When you are away from business or playing on the Champions Tour are you able to spend much time on the ranch? My ranch is my favorite place in the world and I make an effort to spend as much time there as I can. I usually can spend a full month there 2 or 3 times a year which I really enjoy. 28

2 Everything in business is negotiable except quality. 3 A promise made is a debt incurred. 4 For all we take in life we must pay. 5 Persistence and common sense are more important than intelligence. 6 The fox fears not the man who boasts by night but the man who rises early in the morning. 7 Accept the advice of the man who loves you, though you like it not at present. 8 Trust instinct to the end, though you cannot render any reason. 9 The heights of great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but that while their companions slept were toiling upward in the night. 10 There is no substitute for personal contact.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so proud of what we have built and the education we have been able to provide to so many needy children... My dedication to helping those kids is one of my true passions and Blair Atholl is one of my greatest, if not my greatest accomplishments in life.â&#x20AC;? 29

Leopard Creek Designed by Gary Player, Leopard Creek borders the picturesque Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park. The course also plays host to the European Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dunhill Championship won earlier this year by Pablo Martin. Membership is by invitation only and members include the likes of Ernie Els and Jack Nicklaus. Remodeling of the course took place at the turn of the century with a change of grass on the greens to bent and the installation of sub-air systems. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek for much of the water is home to Hippos and the creature for which the adjacent river is named - Crocodile.

www.leopardcreek.co.za 30

Giraffes cross the 18th fairway - with the clubhouse overlooking the island green in the background

Predator 92 “Sport”

March 2009 Issue.indd 52

27/2/09 11:09:22 AM

With a choice of drive systems and an exhilarating open-air helm position, The Predator 92 Sport delivers a thrilling performance and incorporates the very latest technology.

March 2009 Issue.indd 53

27/2/09 11:09:24 AM

As As Asthe the thename name namesuggests, suggests, suggests, the the thePredator Predator Predator92 92 92Sport Sport Sporthas has hasbeen been beenconconconceived ceived ceivedtoto tooffer offer offerall-out all-out all-outalalalfresco fresco frescoentertainment. entertainment. entertainment. Created Created Createdwith with with open open openenthusiasts enthusiasts enthusiastsinininmmmind, ind, ind,this this thisstunning stunning stunningSunseeker Sunseeker Sunseekerboasts boasts boastsa aa second second secondhelm helm helmposition position positionsoso sodriver driver driverand and andguests guests guestsalike alike alikecan can canfeel feel feelthe the the wind wind wind on on on their their their faces. faces. faces. Steps Steps Steps lead lead lead down down down tot tot tot hehe he teak-laid teak-laid teak-laid aftaft aft cockcockcockpit pit pitwhich which whichoffers offers offersa aamore more morerelaxed relaxed relaxedsocial social socialspace. space. space. AAAwetbar, wetbar, wetbar,ice ice ice maker, maker, maker,sink sink sinkand and andceramic ceramic ceramicgriddle griddle griddlemake make makethis this thisthe the theperfect perfect perfectplace place place toto toshare share sharedrinks drinks drinksand and anddine. dine. dine. Through Through Throughthe the thesliding sliding slidingglass glass glassdoors doors doorsisisis the the thewelcoming welcoming welcomingdeck deck decksaloon saloon saloonand and anddining dining diningarea, area, area,complete complete completewith with with sit-up sit-up sit-up bar. bar. bar. The The The Predator Predator Predator 92 92 92 Sport Sport Sport offers offers offers the the the latest latest latest audio-visual audio-visual audio-visual

equipment, equipment, equipment, including including including iPod iPod iPod docking, docking, docking, and and and marine marine marine speakers speakers speakers carry carry carry the the themusic music musicoutside, outside, outside,soso soyou you youhave have haveall-round all-round all-roundentertainment entertainment entertainmentatatat your your your fingertips. fingertips. fingertips. There are just too many little touches to mention in this one article, suffice tomain say boat is jam packed with theaplatest Stairs Stairs Stairs beside beside beside the the the main mainthis herlm herlm herlm lead lead lead down down down toto tobeautifully beautifully beautifully apaphigh tech equipment tofor ensure aThe comfortable stylish boat for pointed pointed pointed accommodation accommodation accommodation for for eight. eight. eight. The The forward forward forward VIP VIP VIP stateroom stateroom stateroom owner and friends. and and and two two two twin twin twin cabins cabins cabinsare are areallall allextremely extremely extremelywell well wellappointed, appointed, appointed,with with with Sunseeker areLCD aLCD proud UK based companyplayer that and believe airair air conditioning, conditioning, conditioning, LCD television television television and and andDVD/CD DVD/CD DVD/CD player player and andenenen-in quality and style making them one of the fineststateroom production suites suites suites finished finished finished ininingranite. granite. granite. The The The sumptuous sumptuous sumptuous master master master stateroom stateroom yacht builders in the world. full benefits benefits benefits from from fromthe the the Predator’s Predator’s Predator’s full fullbeam beam beamand and andoffers offers offerswalk-in walk-in walk-in

Predator Predator 92 92 Sport Sport 34 5454 54

March March March 2009 2009 2009 Issue.indd Issue.indd Issue.indd5454 54

27/2/09 27/2/09 27/2/0911:09:33 11:09:33 11:09:33 AM AM AM Marc

The hydraulicly operated doors gives easy access to the stern garage for a perfect day at play. 55

March 2009 Issue.indd 55

27/2/09 11:09:37 AM

Sunseeker Manhattan 63

The latest Sunseeker design to hit the water is to be launched at the Southampton International Boat Show in September. Her 69 foot length boasts four double cabins, a Super Yacht style Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stateroom and a dedicated dinning suite incorporated into Sunseekers typical sleek design that offers the owner a choice of galley location and incorporates the Sea Keeper stabilising system. Available at a price similar to the smaller Manhattan 60 she is replacing, her pre launch sales have already proven she yet another Sunseeker triumph of design, performance and luxury. The first two coming to Phuket will arrive around Christmas and will be proudly shown at the Phuket International Boat Show in January 2011.

The interior of the boat can only be described as spacious, with extensive 2.1 meter headroom throughout and dedicated social areas on the saloon deck, the four large cabins below produce a luxurious 8 berth design with facilities to comfortably accommodate the two man crew within a dedicated self sufficient space aft.

The Manhattan 63 has many innovative features normally associated with larger, more expensive boats. Starting on the fly bridge, double seating arrangements allow for 12 guests to dine on twin teak tables. Side by side bucket helm seats, a large sunbathing cushion forward, cold drinks boxes, ice makers and BBQ produce a well thought out sociable, spacious and comfortable Flybridge for owners and guests to enjoy the stunning views offered around the Andaman Sea.

From the large aft deck one enters the lower saloon through triple sliding doors. Immediately apparent is the clear view along the full length of the saloon and out of the windscreen forward. A U shaped sofa arrangement to port surrounds an elegant coffee table and facing the curved sofa and large pop up TV to starboard. Drinks cabinets, concealed lighting and Bose surround sound system finish this dedicated lounge.

Through the lounge and up a couple of steps you enter the upper saloon, the large open plan galley is to port and your free standing dinning suite to starboard. The U shaped galley accommodates every facility including a dishwasher, ample sized fridge and freezer and good worktop space. Sunseeker are offering the owner a unique choice of locating the galley here, in the saloon as depicted, or choosing to have it sited below decks out of the way. Forward of the galley is the curved stairs leading below. A back lit wine cooler features at the top of the stairs which lead down to a mid deck lobby area. Leading off from this is the huge VIP ensuite guest cabin, the large twin ensuite guest cabin and the day head. Moving on down to the lower lobby one finds the fourth guest cabin. This is of a Pullman design with full wardrobe and twin bunk beds. An option is available to have this cabin as an office, spare crew cabin or just a huge storage facility making this boat a perfect live-a-board choice. The lower lobby leads aft to the amazing Owners Stateroom, with a walk in wardrobe, full sized double berth and huge central windows that create an airy fresh atmosphere normally associated with much larger Yachts. A large sofa and vanity unit compliment the spacious walk around and dressing area. Leading off the stateroom aft is the ensuite bathroom which features twin sink bowls and a luxurious large shower cubicle. The deck space topside is designed in line with the rest of the boat with plentiful lockers forward and aft, wide walkways and large foredeck sunbathing cushion are all featured by low level deck lighting. A large hydraulic swimming platform aft accommodates a 3.8 meter rib and large lockers available for all the water toys. Numerous engine options are available from MAN 1000 up to the powerful MTU 1220 and also include Volvo IPS . Available for the price of a fly bridge cruiser, this is a culmination of everything that defines Sunseeker. An innovative design that produces sociable luxury and a quality of performance, the Manhattan 63 can only be described as a Yacht.

Specifications Length Overall Length Waterline Beam Max Maximum Draft Full load Displacement Half load displacement Fuel capacity Water Capacity

21.07 m – 69’ 2” 15.55 m – 51’ 0” 5.08 m – 16’ 8” 1.53 m – 5’ 0” 36100 kg 35000 kg 3500 ltr 800 ltr

Contact:

Craig Murphy

Email:

craig@sunseekerthailand.com

Web:

www.sunseekerthailand.com

Mobile:

+66 (0)81 970 0583

Druh Belts & Buckles Druh Belts & Buckles has introduced some sparkling new designs to its stylish range for 2010 with the launch of a unique range of eye-catching diamante ‘db’ buckles and belts that feature diamond-shaped patterns. The launch of Druh’s glitziest range met with resounding success earlier in the year at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, confirming the trend in the industry that has seen golfers become more discerning about their attire and keen to make a fashion statement on as well as off the course. Alongside the diamond range, Druh also launched the Druh John Daly Lion Buckle Range onto the international market following an agreement with golf’s Wild Thing. Daly’s recognizable lion logo sits well on Druh belts in red, green, yellow and white leather and has already proved a popular choice with golfers. Druh has also incorporated a new version of the ‘db’ buckle which is a softer oval shape that comes in brushed silver with a variety of bright ceramic inlays which are likely to prove a hit with female as well as male golfers. The immediate success of Druh’s stylish leather and snakeskin belts in sumptuous classic and chic casual styles - all handmade - drove the demand for more outrageous designs and crazy colours.

“In just over a year, we have been overwhelmed by the amazing response to our belts and buckles which just goes to prove that golfers, both pros and amateurs, are looking to dress more stylishly and a little more adventurously on the fairways than they have in the past,” comments founder of Druh, former Tour professional Simon Hurd. A number of professionals have taken a leaf out of Hurd’s book and are now Druh Belts & Buckles converts. These include Druh ambassadors Paul McGinley and Ryder Cup star Robert Karlsson, as well as David Howell, Graeme Storm and Ross McGowan. Druh’s latest ambassadorial recruit is the 2009 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand. The Druh Belts & Buckles leather belt range is handmade in ten water snakeskins, ranging from turquoise to pink and 15 leathers in different embossed styles, from crocodile to ostrich effect. Druh’s interchangeable buckles in brushed nickel, polished silver or gold mean their belts can be customised to look smart on or off the course! Druh Belts retail at US$200 for snakeskin and $100 for leather and guarantees that the snakes used in production are not a protected species. Available through the internet at www.druhbeltsandbuckles. com golfers can design their own unique belt by choosing their own belt and buckle combination.

www.druhbeltsandbuckles.com 38

Mar-April 2010.indd 50 1704_LPGC_SwingImage_AdLayout_Final2.indd 1-2

23/2/10 1:56:13 PM

3 Rounds Golf Package*

Golf + Banyan Tree Spa Package**

Golf + Angsana Spa Package**

Limited Offer!

Massage for Golfers

On the Spot Massage

3,850 THB

3,700 THB

Buy 3 Rounds of Golf Only

7,500 THB

Save 3,900 THB

Save 2,000 THB

Save 1,860 THB

90 Minute Massage

4,850 THB Save 3,000 THB

4,250 THB Save 2,375 THB

Mar-April 2010.indd 51

23/2/10 1:56:14 PM 19/02/2010 12:02:46

Andrew Redington Getty Images’ sports photographer, Andrew Redington, has had a life-long passion for golf. He’s played since the age of 13 and plays off 7 on a good day. Having graduated from Reading University in 1991, he landed his dream job managing the golf department of Allsport. At the time Allsport (subsequently bought by Getty) was the world’s leading sports photography agency. The job involved editing roll after roll of film, agreeing fees with clients and pulling pictures from the archives but it gave Andrew another passion, and that was for photography. Under the tutelage of senior snappers at Allsport Andrew developed his skill. Now, one of the 42

leading golf photographers at Getty Images, he has covered more than 250 tournaments including 19 Open Championships, 16 US Masters and every Ryder Cup since 1995. He has won the prestigious Specialist Folio Award for the British Sports Council Awards and The Open Championship Photograph of the Year but some of his favourite moments include playing Augusta National on the Monday after the 2001 tournament, travelling on the Ryder Cup charter with the European Ryder Cup team in 2005 and 2009, and photographing Padraig Harrington with the Claret Jug at consecutive Open Championships.

What camera do you use? Canon EOS 1D IV Camera equipment must be changing all the time? I have done a lot of instruction photography over the years including a number of shoots with Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. The cameras that I have are always the latest models and the best. The Cameras I currently have fire at 10 frames per second which produce excellent swing sequences. From the pictures you have taken do you have any personal favourites? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m delighted with my folio but always looking to improve. The images shown in this article are some of my favourites. Do the players accept your presence or are some camera shy or nervous?

I am a familiar face to the majority of the top players on the European Tour and they generally do not seem to worry about where I position myself - since they trust me not to move around or hit the shutter button at the wrong time. Do you have any favourite players to work with on the tour? The vast majority of the players are great to deal with and I am always rooting for a European or European Tour member at The Majors and World Golf Champs. What do you consider to be the most beautiful course in the world you have visited and have taken photographs? Augusta. It was always a dream to go there and it is sometimes hard to fathom that I have covered the event 16 times (so far) ......and I have even played the course! 43

How many miles do you have travel each year and how many weeks are you away from home? Mileage is difficult to calculate but I am away for approx 20 weeks per year. How many images do you take in a day and what ratio is kept to be used? Approximately 2000 and I will send in a maximum of 10% off these. Nine times out of ten, I edit my own material in the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media centre - going through a process of embedding a detailed caption into the image which has been cropped and colour corrected. Getty Images will then receive these and the picture desk will send these out to the huge number of clients - placing the images on the electronic archive (www.gettyimages.com) Certain golf events have 20 000 to 30 000 spectators a day lining the fairways. For taking pictures, is this difficult even though you are inside the ropes? Any tournament with huge crowds does demand a different approach. The logistics of simple things like - What time to get to the course to avoid traffic, the ways to navigate the crowds so you can get to the first tee in time for the group you are covering. It is then reasonably simple once inside the ropes. Have you had any extreme weather experiences at events? The Alfred Dunhill Links held up at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns in October often throws up some challenges! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Strong winds, rain and sun can hit us at any time. The Maybank Malaysian Open earlier this year was one of the hottest and most humid ever staged on The European Tour and even some tough veteran caddies retired hurt! - I got through the week but was happy when it was over.

How do you adjust in extreme weather?

pictures - the significance of the tournament.

In rain the most important thing is to keep the camera equipment dry and working - so we have waterproof covers for the cameras and lenses. I also clothe myself in Goretex clothing and shoes.

Do you have any favourite events?

For getting the pictures you need, what makes a good or bad tournament? A lot of factors can determine whether a tournament is good or bad. Whether it is a good course for pictures the quality of the field - the winner makes for some good

The Open Championship is, in my opinion, the best tournament in golf and is my favourite tournament. Next favourites are the other Majors. My other favourites - The Omega European Masters because it is on a beautiful golf course with a fantastic feel to the whole tournament. Also the HSBC Champions in Shanghai is terrific.

Is it difficult not to get to involved in the event and distracted by your surroundings - such as the Ryder Cup? That is a great question because the last three or four Ryder Cup teams have been full of players with whom I am quite friendly. I sometimes have to remind myself to concentrate on shooting the pictures rather than hoping they make the putt!! The photo shoots for the celebrations and the prize giving must be fun? These are quite chaotic at something like the Ryder Cup. The expression “bun fight” springs to mind but, at any event, the winner is delighted and co-operative and it is nice to witness first-hand what the victory means to them. Do you sometimes get invited to join the victory parties? I was lucky enough to be invited to Padraig Harrington’s party in Carnoustie which I went to and took a few pictures of him drinking John Smith’s from the Claret Jug. I was also invited to his party in Dublin the next day but I had another event to cover so was gutted I was not able to go. 46

INFO@GARDENISLANDPHUKET.COM

WWW.GARDENISLANDPHUKET.COM

Phuket Tel +66 (0)76 323 040

Residential & Holiday Rentals +66 (0)89 649 8703

Residential & Commercial Sales +66 (0)81 719 6088

This magnificent Resort and Spa spread over 47 Rai of land (18.8 acres), is located at PATONG, Phuket’s premier resort and nestles into the hillside affording amazing sea views. Commanding spectacular views generally, it overlooks the sparkling turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea more details code # HFS 10 below, as waves break onto the glistening white sands...

PATONG BEACH – PHUKET

SURIN – PHUKET

Magnificent & luxurious family and entertainment villa. Located on the very top of the hill in this prestigious Surin Beach development. Outstanding 180 degree sea views over Surin and Bang Tao. Huge under-cover entertainment area in the centre of the house, overlooking the infinity pool and the sea views beyond. Comfortable Thai Pavillion... more details code # GLP 07

Central Patong condominium/apartment is offered with a “FOREIGN FREEHOLD TITLE” ideally situated off Soi Sansabai, Patong. The apartment is literally walking distance to the following attractions: Jungceylon Lifestyle Shopping Centre / 5 minutes. Patong Beach / 10 minutes… more details, code # GCS 134

PATONG – PHUKET

The Last private Bay with own Beach in the proximity of Patong. The land is ideally located mid way between Patong & Kamala beaches. Nakhalay is a private bay and is not on the open market. ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT. Highest point of land 40 metres • 10 minutes to Patong Bangla Road • 3 minutes to Kamala more details code # GL44.

KALIM AREA – PHUKET

If you want to make an impact with your marketing

Brian Davis - Interview The Sunseeker Predator 92 Sport Andrew Redington - Getty Images

Mileage is difficult to calculate but I am away for approx 20 weeks per year.

Ernie Els & Natalie Gulbis - Swing The Legend Golf & Safari Resort

How many images do you take in a day and what ratio is kept to be used? Approximately 2000 and I will send in a maximum of 10% off these. Nine times out of ten, I edit my own material in the tournament’s media centre - going through a process of embedding a detailed caption into the image which has been cropped and colour corrected. Getty Images will then receive these and the picture desk will send these out to the huge number of clients - placing the images on the electronic archive (www.gettyimages.com)

swingimage.co.uk

Certain golf events have 20 000 to 30 000 spectators a day lining the fairways. For taking pictures, is this difficult even though you are inside the ropes?

GOLF & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE • ISSUE 13 • JULY–SEPT 2010

Any tournament with huge crowds does demand a different approach. The logistics of simple things like - What time to get to the course to avoid traffic, the ways to navigate the crowds so you can get to the first tee in time for the group you are covering. It is then reasonably simple once inside the ropes. Have you had any extreme weather experiences at events? The Alfred Dunhill Links held up at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns in October often throws up some challenges! – Strong winds, rain and sun can hit us at any time. The Maybank Malaysian Open earlier this year was one of the hottest and most humid ever staged on The European Tour and even some tough veteran caddies retired hurt! - I got through the week but was happy when it was over. How do you adjust in extreme weather?

pictures - the significance of the tournament.

In rain the most important thing is to keep the camera equipment dry and working - so we have waterproof covers for the cameras and lenses. I also clothe myself in Goretex clothing and shoes.

Do you have any favourite events?

Ernie Els

Gary Player - The Black Knight

How many miles do you have travel each year and how many weeks are you away from home?

Ernie use Ernie Els is one of the most successful golfers of all s Callaway time winning more than 60 tournaments since turning FT Tour Driver Callaway pro in 1989, including two US Opens and the Open X-Fairway Metals Callaway Championship. Looking at the following swing X-Prototy pe Irons Callaway sequence of Ernie, it is easy to see why so many X-Tour Wed ges Putter golfers around the globe (inside and outside the Odyssey Prototype Ball - Calla ropes) marvel at how he is able to make the golf way Tour i(s) swing look so effortless.

Ernie Els’ is known to many as ‘The Big Easy’. Yes, he is 6 ft 3 inches tall, weighs 210 lbs and his swing looks smooth, but Ernie hits the ball with a tremendous amount of clubhead speed. At address Ernie is relaxed and balanced. His arms hang down in front of him with no tension, which shows that he has light grip pressure. You could easily pull the club out of his hands with a little tug. With a soft grip he can make his moveaway from the ball and his backswing in a smooth, synchronized way. Ernie combines balance, strength and rhythm in a swing that’s one of the best of all time.

Swing Analysis PGA Coach Sean Harrison.

Can you rescue me, cover my parts and give me a service?

crafted in the

east designed in the west

0800 085 2721 www.theAA.com

harmony redefined Ruea Yachts hand builds luxury superyachts up to 85 metres using cutting edge European marine technology and design combined with highly skilled craftsmen in Thailand, blending the very best of east and west. Ruea Yachts operates out of two high-quality shipyards in Thailand and builds to Lloyds classification and MCA LY2 codes, while offering clients exceptional value for money due to the efficiencies of working out of Thailand.

HP Photo Packs. The Power of Innovation2

Photo solutions for your HP printer.

info@rueayachts.com www.rueayachts.com +66 8189 4452

join the brands that already have It could be true that your company’s marketing is lacking direction and struggling to find a position in the market. Let Bang get your brand on track as it has for companies like The AA, Hewlett Packard and Swing Image. Bang specialises in brand identity, integrated marketing campaigns, magazine, brochure and website design. Visit www.bang-ideas.com or email info@bang-ideas.com and join the brands that are making an impact.

Prepare for Impact

EUROPEAN TOUR EVENT CALENDAR FROM 10 Dec 17 Dec 07 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Jan 04 Feb 11 Feb 17 Feb 04 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Mar 01 Apr 08 Apr 08 Apr 15 Apr 22 Apr 29 Apr 06 May 13 May 20 May 27 May 03 Jun 10 Jun 17 Jun 17 Jun 24 Jun 01 Jul 08 Jul 15 Jul 22 Jul 29 Jul 05 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26 Aug 02 Sep 09 Sep 23 Sep 01 Oct 07 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28 Oct 04 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Nov

EVENT

VENUE

WINNER

13 Dec 20 Dec 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Jan 07 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 07 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Mar 04 Apr 11 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 Apr 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jun 04 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sep 12 Sep 26 Sep 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Oct 07 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 28 Nov

Alfred Dunhill Championship South African Open Championship Africa Open Joburg Open Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Commercialbank Qatar Masters Omega Dubai Desert Classic Avantha Masters WGC - Accenture Match Play Champ. Maybank Malaysian Open WGC - CA Championship Hassan II Golf Trophy Open de Andalucia de Golf Estoril Open de Portugal MASTERS TOURNAMENT Madeira Islands Open BPI - Portugal Volvo China Open Ballantine’s Championship Open de España BMW Italian Open Open Cala Millor Mallorca BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Madrid Masters The Celtic Manor Wales Open Austrian Golf Open US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP SAINT-OMER OPEN BMW International Open Alstom Open de France The Barclays Scottish Open THE 139th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Nordea Scandinavian Masters 3 Irish Open WGC - Bridgestone Invitational US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Czech Open 2010 Johnnie Walker Champ. at Gleneagles Omega European Masters KLM Open The Vivendi THE RYDER CUP Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Portugal Masters CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar Andalucia Masters WGC - HSBC Champions Barclays Singapore Open Hong Kong Open DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa East London GC, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa Royal Johannesburg and Kensington GC, Johannesburg, SA Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Doha GC, Doha, Qatar Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates DLF Golf and Country Club, New Delhi, India Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain - Marana, Arizona, USA Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort - Doral, Florida, USA Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco Parador de Málaga Golf, Málaga, Spain Penha Longa G.C., Linho Sintra, Estoril, Portugal Augusta National, Georgia, USA Porto Santo Golfe, Madeira, Portugal Suzhou Jinji Lake Golf Club, Suzhou, China Pinx GC, Jeju Island, South Korea Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, Seville, Spain Royal Park I Roveri, Turin, Italy Pula GC, Son Servera, Mallorca, Spain Wentworth Club, Surrey, England Venue - to be confirmed, TBC The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales Fontana GC, Vienna, Austria Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California, USA Aa Saint Omer GC, Lumbres, France Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany Le Golf National, Paris, France Loch Lomond GC, Glasgow, Scotland Old Course, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland Bro Hof Slott GC, Stockholm, Sweden Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio, USA Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin, USA Prosper Golf Resort, Čeladná, Czech Republic Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland Hilversumsche GC, Hilversum, Netherlands Venue - to be confirmed, TBC The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, Scotland Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, Castellón, Valencia, Spain Valderrama GC, Sotogrande, Andalucia, Spain Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China The Tanjong & The Serapong, Sentosa GC, Singapore Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Pablo MARTIN Richie RAMSAY Charl SCHWARTZEL Charl SCHWARTZEL Martin KAYMER Robert KARLSSON Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Andrew DODT Ian Poulter Seung-yul NOH Ernie Els Rhys DAVIES Louis OOSTHUIZEN Thomas BJÖRN Phil MICKELSON James MORRISON Y. E. YANG Marcus FRASER Alvaro QUIROS Fredrik ANDERSSON HED Peter HANSON Simon KHAN Luke DONALD Graeme MCDOWELL Graeme MCDOWELL Martin WIEGELE

For further information visit: www.europeantour.com 50 54

Mar-April 2010.indd 54

23/2/10 1:56:27 PM

56:27 PM

Simon is presented with the BMW PGA trophy by European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady

Simon Khan wins the BMW PGA Championship World Number 471, Simon Khan, was not even in the

Khan. It’s unbelievable to be standing here right now -

dreamland when he came from seven shots back to

I started playing golf. I think The European Tour is still

field until the Monday prior to the event, but was in win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. He

becomes the first player to win the trophy after needing a sponsor’s invitation.

The 37 year old from Essex, who had to go

back to The European Tour Qualifying School last November, produced the biggest final-day comeback

in the history of The European Tour’s flagship event. A 20 foot birdie putt on the last hole gave Khan the

first prize of €750,000 plus a five-year European Tour exemption and a place in July’s Open Championship

at St Andrews. Simon turned professional in 1991, but like Ian Poulter worked as an assistant Pro at a club first before finally getting a European Tour card at the

eighth attempt ten years later. Last season he had only one top-ten finish - but when he went back to the Qualifying School he won it.

“It’s as much for the family as it is for me” said

this means everything. This tournament is the reason fantastic. I know it’s a difficult time, but to lose your card, and to realise that moment, it’s gone; that was the

worst I’ve ever felt. This has got to be without a doubt the best tournament to win.”

Wentworth new Course Record

Robert Karlsson, who flew back to his home in Monte Carlo for the weekend after originally thinking he had

missed the cut, flew straight back Saturday morning and scored a 3rd round course-record 62. Record crowds

As Wentworth Club soaked up the sunshine, the largest crowd in the history of the BMW PGA Championship

flocked to the West Course to watch the final day

drama unfold. A record 25,117 spectators assembled for the fourth round, beating the previous record from 2004 and establishing a new record attendance for the week of 88,623.

The European Tour and BMW extend partnership to 2014 The European Tour and BMW are delighted to

announce a four year extension to their partnership for the BMW PGA Championship, The European Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth Club, through to 2014.

The first PGA Championship under the BMW

banner was held in 2005 and it has upheld its reputation as one of the highlights of the International Schedule,

featuring world class fields and thrilling battles over the West Course which has been extensively remodelled over the past 12 months.

Last month it was also announced that The

committed commercial partner with the events they

the BMW International Open has also been extended

foundations were laid in 1989 with the first BMW

European Tour’s partnership with BMW in Germany for through to 2014, when the tournament will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

George O’Grady, The European Tour’s Chief

Executive, said: “BMW are our strongest and most

support here in Europe and around the world. The International Open and strengthened in 2005 with the first BMW PGA Championship and we are delighted to

announce the extension of our partnership to 2014. We are fortunate to have BMW as a partner.”

During the final round of the LPGA Tour’s Kia Classic in

California, Michelle Wie was given a two-shot penalty for grounding her club in a hazard. In 2nd place at

the time, Wie was going for the green in two at the

par 5, 11th but came up short and at the edge of the greenside lake. Attempting the next shot with her right foot in the water, Wie took a swing at the ball sending

a spray of water everywhere - moving the ball around 2 feet and the ball rolled back inside the hazard line.

She then let her club rest on the ground - a violation of Rule 13-4b.

Wie claimed she was using the club to keep

her balance and had an animated conversation with

an LPGA rules official after learning of the penalty.

Rules Error costs Wie $90,000 52

Officials can waive the penalty if they deem the club touched the ground to prevent a player from falling.

But after reviewing the tape with rules officials, her explanation did not prevent the penalty. Without the penalty, Wie would have tied for second place so the ruling cost her $90,000 in prize money.

Now the Ladies Love Druh Druh Belts & Buckles, the range of stylish belts and buckles that has proved such a hit on the men’s professional tours around the world, are now favoured by a host of lady professional golfers. The flamboyant Korean American player Christina

Kim (pictured), Open de Espana champion Becky Brewerton, glamorous Swedes Carin Koch, Sophie Gustafson & Pernilla Lindberg are all taking to the fairways dressed in Druh’s stylish handmade leather

and snakeskin belts in sumptuous classic and chic casual styles.

“I love to look as good as possible when playing

golf and Druh’s Belts & Buckles complement the colourful, yet fun style that I favour,” comments Kim.

“I also really love the way that I can interchange the

Druh Buckles with the different coloured Druh Belts according to my outfit.”

Since launching last year, Druh Belts & Buckles

have rapidly become the male golf professionals’ style

to ostrich effect. Druh’s interchangeable buckles in

former Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley, 2010 Qatar

can be customised to look smart on or off the course.

secret both on and off the course and the brand boasts

Masters champion Robert Karlsson, Denmark’s most

successful golfer ever Thomas Bjorn and the 2009

brushed nickel, polished silver or gold mean their belts

www.druhbeltsandbuckles.com

Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, as Druh ambassadors. As a result, Druh is perceived as the ‘Choice of Champions’.

A number of well-known professional golfers also

favour Druh Belts & Buckles including

Englishmen

David Howell, Graeme Storm, Ross McGowan and Asian stars Gaganjeet Bhullar and Rahil Gangjee of India and Thai Chapchai Nirat.

The Druh leather belt range is handmade in ten

water snakeskins, ranging from turquoise to pink and

Available through the internet at

www.druhbeltsandbuckles.com

golfers can design their own unique belt by choosing their own belt and buckle combination. Druh Belts retail at US$200 for snakeskin and $100 for leather and guarantees that the snakes used in production are not a protected species.

15 leathers in different embossed styles, from crocodile

Faldo Series Asia Announces a Record Schedule for 2010/2011

Masamichi Ito teeing off in front of Sir Nick Faldo

The Faldo Series Asia has announced that its 2010/2011 schedule will comprise a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries.

The schedule starts with the inaugural Faldo Series

Beijing Championship, played over the Faldo-designed course at the Beijing Honghua International Golf Club,

Beijing, China, and then visits The Philippines, Singapore,

China four more times, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand before concluding with the fifth Faldo Series

Asia Grand Final staged on the Faldo Course at Mission

“The Faldo Series Asia has grown each year since

Hills Golf Club, Shenzhen, China, the following March.

it was established back in 2006 and, if it continues to

Grand Final, The boys champion from Japan Masamichi

year when golf returns to the Olympics, it will have

As part of their reward for winning the 2009/2010 Asia

Ito, and the girls champion Thidapa Suwannapura from Thailand, will also be invited to play in the Faldo Series

Europe Grand Final - the Faldo Course at the Lough

expand at its current rate, I believe that by 2016, the

provided playing opportunities to over 15,000 young Asian golfers,” Faldo added.

The Faldo Series Asia gives talented boys and

Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on

girls, aged between 12 and 21, top level competition

“We are delighted to announce that the 2010/2011

different age categories, 3 for boys (Under-21, Under-18

September 21-23.

Faldo Series Asia is bigger and better than it has ever

been before,” said Series host and six-time Major winner, Sir Nick Faldo.

under strict tournament conditions. It is divided into five and Under-16) and 2 for girls (Under-21 and Under-16).

For more information about the Faldo Series Asia visit www.nickfaldo.com

Ryo Ishikawa shot a 12-under-par 58 (the lowest score ever on a major tour) to win the Crowns tournament in Nagoya, Japan. The 18-year-old began the final round six shots behind

Shigeki Maruyama but made his 12 birdies and six pars to record a five-stroke victory at 13 under par.

There have been three 59’s on the US Tour, set by

Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval. In Europe, the current record is 60 - equalled 14 times. Ishikawa picked up $255,000 for his seventh Japan Tour title. 54

LPGA Tour star retires

Lorena Ochoa has announced her retirement from golf - the second time in the last three years the biggest star

on the LPGA Tour decided to step away following the retirement of Annika Sorenstam.

The 28-year-old Mexican announced her decision

on her website. Ochoa, who has been No. 1 in the

world the last three years and won 27 times over the last six years, may well be the best-known athlete in her country who is not a soccer player. The newspaper

Reforma first reported Ochoa’s retirement and said she wanted to concentrate on her family and charities. She was married in December to Andres Conesa, the chief

executive of Aeromexico airline. “Personally, it’s more important the things that I do outside the golf course,” Ochoa said last year before a tournament she hosts

in her hometown of Guadalajara. “And that’s been my main focus right now.”

Clarke mad rush after cut confusion Darren Clarke had to hire a Private Jet to make his tee time for the third round of the Spanish Open, returning from England after realizing he had made the cut.

Believing he had missed the cut, Clarke flew to the

UK on a commercial flight. No sooner had he begun to relax at home he received a series of phone calls telling

him that his 69 on Friday was good enough to play the weekend with the cut at 144.

First, he attempted to catch a flight from London’s

Gatwick airport only to miss it after becoming caught in

traffic. A private jet was located at Oxford airport, so he was able to depart on Saturday at 2 am to Malaga. He

then had a two hour drive to Seville to make his 8.45

tee time at the Real Golf Club de Seville. He went on to shoot a 72 after being up most of the night.

Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy Launches at Stoke Park

Stoke Park is pleased to announce the launch of the

Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy. JYGA and Stoke

Park will be working on delivering a unique range of teaching services for all standards of golfers - a regular

and varied program for members, their families and visitors; a unique training resource for elite golfers and

Tour professionals and some innovative and attractive residential packages that do justice to the wonderful facilities of such an iconic venue as Stoke Park.

Chester King says ‘we are delighted to be working

with Jonathan Yarwood whose track record proves he is one of the top golf coaches in the world. The

combination of our five star facility and the Jonathan

Yarwood Academy will take our golf coaching to the next level of excellence’.

Jonathan Yarwood says ‘England is still close to

my heart. I have long held a dream of being able to

create a state of the art academy here. I think there is no better venue. A real bastian of Englishness combined 56

with a thoroughly modern flavour. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship at Stoke Park’.

JYGA specialise in all areas of the game creating

personalised instruction in every area, utilising the latest technology, techniques, drills and exercises

which creates improvements in all levels of player from beginners to Tour players. Stoke Park is also

developing specific golf fitness programs. The JYGA philosophy is that “one size does not fit all. We make

what each individual’s does more efficient”. All visitors receive the same high level of care and attention. Many

lessons are conducted using video and everybody

goes home with a DVD or email of the lesson, with print outs of important changes and a series of drills for continued improvement and enjoyment. Each

player gets a personal plan of improvement in the short and long term.

For more information contact www.stokepark.com

Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros has asked golfers across the UK to support the first ‘Seve Summer’ and help him raise £300,000 for brain cancer research. The new initiative is part of a fundraising drive for

the Seve Ballesteros Foundation’s partnership with

Cancer Research UK, which launched last December and hopes to raise £1million in its first year. ‘Seve

Summer’ teed off on May 1 and runs throughout the summer. It is a chance for golf clubs and golfers

across the country to show their support for Seve in

his battle against brain cancer by raising funds to help beat the disease. The 53 year old was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008.

Anyone inspired to take part can get involved

the top two fundraising clubs will automatically receive a pair of tickets each.

Ballesteros said: “I’m lucky to be alive and owe

through their club or by coordinating fundraising

it all to the vital research carried out by organisations

a fundraising element to the monthly medal

research that can be done into this disease, which

activities themselves. Examples include adding

competitions, introducing a ‘Ballesteros Bunker’ where golfers donate to the cause if their ball goes into a dedicated bunker, adding a pound per round as a

fundraiser at the 19th hole and an Open barbecue for the final day’s play of The Open Championship.

All clubs which return funds will be entered into a

prize draw to win one of three pairs of tickets to Viva la Vida, a spectacular evening of entertainment and a celebration of golf in aid of the Seve Ballesteros

Foundation’s partnership with Cancer Research UK,

which will be hosted by the man himself. In addition,

Genworth Financial’s Putts4Charity initiative

like Cancer Research UK. But there’s still a lot more affects around 8,000 people in the UK each year,

and that’s why I’m asking golfers to support ‘Seve Summer’ and help my Foundation raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

“There are more than five million golfers in the

UK and if just a small proportion of those got involved, we’d be well on our way to reaching our target and

making a real impact on the lives of people like me who are diagnosed with brain cancer.”

For more information visit www.seveballesterosfoundation.org Through a combination of record crowds at the BMW PGA Championship and some inspirational putting seen on and off the course, more than £26,000 was donated

through Genworth Financial’s Putts4Charity initiative. For every one putt sunk on the West Course the Genworth

Foundation donated £2 to SOS Children’s Villages, the main beneficiary of this year’s initiative.

Spectators - for every one putt made by the public on

specially constructed greens in the tented village, £1 was also donated. A number of Tour stars representing The Tour Players’ Foundation also visited the tented village to make their own, individual ‘big money’ one putts.

Putts4Charity reached a new milestone at the Madrid

Masters - passing the cumulative total of €500,000.

US Open â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pebble Beach 40 Years - Graeme McDowell becomes the first European to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 Graeme McDowell fulfilled his dreams by winning his first Major in his 19th Major Championship appearance as he held

his nerve on the final day of the US Open at Pebble Beach. The Northern Irishman finished level par after a final round of 74

to hold off Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gregory Havret by a single stroke. He now joins Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus Tom Kite and Tiger Woods as US Open Champions at the famous California links.

Just two months ago the 30-year-

old Northern Irishman was not even in

the worlds top 50 and was in danger of having to qualify for not only Pebble

Beach, but also the Open at St Andrews. Now, however, he has won on his last

two starts after winning the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

With this win, Graeme moved from

37th to a career high 13th in the world rankings - with now eight Europeans in the top fifteen.

World Rankings following US Open: 1 Tiger Woods, 2 Phil Mickelson,

3 Lee Westwood, 4 Steve Stricker, 5 Jim Furyk, 6 Ernie Els,

7 Luke Donald, 8 Paul Casey,

9 Ian Poulter, 10 Rory McIlroy,

11 Martin Kaymer, 12 Anthony Kim, 13 Graeme McDowell,

14 Robert Allenby, 15 Padraig Harrington.

Thongchai Jaidee gets rare U.S. Open hole-in-one Thongchai Jaidee made the first U.S. Open hole-in-one since 2006. He has had 10 holes-in-one in his golfing career with 8 in tournament golf. He did it on the par-3, 181-

yard 5th hole during Saturdays third round, a feat he ranks right up there with his best accomplishments in his golfing career. It was also a special moment for his caddie Surawut Wannapintu. He has been on

Jaidee’s bag for nearly five years and had not seen him make a hole-in-one before.

Jaidee hit an 8-iron - The ball landed on the left

side of the green then kicked right and rolled into

the hole. Playing his second US Open, he watched jaws drop in the gallery and then cheers came from

all directions. It marked the seventh hole in one in an Open at Pebble Beach and the 41st known ace in US Open history.

Memorable week for Tom Watson

Tom Watson choked back the tears in his final round in a U.S. Open at his beloved Pebble Beach with his son, who caddied for him all week on a very special Father’s Day.

Watson more than held his own all week, as he did at the Open Championship at Turnberry last year when

he came within one shot of becoming the oldest player to win a major - losing in a playoff to Stewart Cink.

After being given a special exemption this year, he is the only player to have played in all five U.S. Opens

at Pebble Beach. Watson’s schedule will now see him play at The Open Championship at St. Andrews, the Senior British Open and the U.S. Senior Open.

There is something special about Pebble Beach Pebble Beach Golf Links is located in Pebble Beach, California. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful courses in the world being set on the rugged coastline with wide open views of Carmel Bay.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about location

US Open Week

Tour players will speak about Pebble Beach the way so many speak about Augusta National. Some will say they know the course from video games they once played - especially the Par- 3, 7th which juts out into the pacific. For the 3rd round of the US Open it measured just 99 yards and the grandstands above the hole were packed five hours before the leaders even teed off. The next three holes run along the beach-line and it is not unusual to see golfers try to play their shots off the beaches of Carmel back to the fairway. With the majestic views along the Monterey Peninsula the golf course is just stunning.

On the Sunday, Graeme McDowell holed the winning putt to win the U.S. Open. The very next day, casual golfers were teeing off on the same course paying $500 for their rounds. 17 Mile Drive reopened to the public after being closed to tourists for seven days so the roads were clear for U.S. Open traffic. Crews began dismantling the grandstands, fences and scoreboards that were put in place for the 250,000 spectators that visited over the week. Golfing fans travel from all corners of the US, and from all over the world to watch a U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and as for scenery, there is nothing like it.

www.pebblebeach.com Images â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mark Newcombe, visionsingolf.com

Tiger Woods tees off from the 14th

Looking down to the Par -3, 7th green

On his way to victory - Graeme McDowell plays his 2nd shot to the 9th

The Legend Golf & Safari Resort

Mar-April 2010.indd 12

23/2/10 1:51:11 PM

now open!

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Tourism Development Project

Mar-April 2010.indd 13

23/2/10 1:51:13 PM

The Legends Now Open!

It’s been one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated golf and safari resort openings ever. Now Africa’s most talked about leisure venue has unlocked the gates to its majestic Monomotapastyle Great Enclosure and is inviting golf and safari enthusiasts to take the recreational experience of a lifetime. Legend Golf & Safari Resort at the 22,000 hectare malaria-free Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa, has already scooped major international awards and is welcoming guests, celebrities and sports stars, tour operators and conferences from across the world. It has been crowned Africa’s Leading Tourism Development Project at the World Travel Awards, and is the recipient of a CNBC Property Award in the category of Best Golf Resort.

The resort is a spectacular example of a 21st century leisure complex set in the heart of the African bush – a truly modern amenity in an ancient and aweinspiring landscape. At the heart of the resort is the world’s first championship Signature Course – designed by 18 of the world’s top golfers including Trevor Immelman, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia. Golfing stars from all corners of the globe have come together to design a unique course – KJ Choi, V.J. Singh, Jim Furyk, Justin Rose, Camilo Villegas, Robert Allenby and Mike Weir among the other star names involved in this unique project. In addition to the magnificent Signature Course, golfers can also now take the challenge of the world’s

14 64

Mar-April 2010.indd 14

23/2/10 1:51:15 PM

Mar-

15 PM

most talked about extreme Par 3, the Extreme 19th. Set high up on the majestic Hanglip Mountain, the hole is accessible only by helicopter and played to a green the shape of Africa some 400m below perhaps the most talked about golf hole in the world following an online campaign which saw more than three million people watching Padraig Harrington make the first par 3.

South Africa

15 65

Mar-April 2010.indd 15

23/2/10 1:51:17 PM

Comments from those who have taken on this challenge sum up the uniqueness of the Extreme 19th experience:

“The most epic experience of my golfing life.” “I was sceptical but what a fantastic fun experience.” “A million dollar experience even if you don’t get a hole in one.” “A must for any true golfer. This only happens once in a lifetime.” Mr Eugene Louw, who penned the last comment, joins a list of those who have been mesmerised by the whole drama of the Extreme 19th and Legend Golf & Safari Resort. Following a visit Sergio Garcia said: “This is truly unique. I have never seen a hole like this and it’s a great challenge. What a hole…what a view…what a resort.” What a resort indeed.

In addition to the 18-hole Signature Course, a Tribute Course pays homage to nine of the world’s most famous par 3s, recreated here in all their glory and joined by one of the resort’s own design to form an amazing 10-hole journey round the best short golf holes in the world.

Trevor Immelman and Sergio Garcia (Above) on the tee boxes of their hole designs.

16 66

Mar-April 2010.indd 16

23/2/10 1:51:24 PM

Mar-

After his helicopter ride, Justin Rose gets ready After his helicopter ride, to take the challenge Justin Rose gets ready of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most to take the challenge talked about Par 3, the of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most Extreme 19th. talked about Par 3, the Extreme 19th. Set high up on the majestic Hanglip Set high up on the Mountain, the hole majestic Hanglip is accessible only by Mountain, the hole helicopter and played to is accessible only by a green the shape helicopter and played to of Africa some a green the shape 400m below. of Africa some 400m below.

17 17 67

Mar-April 2010.indd 17

24 PM

Mar-April 2010.indd 17

23/2/10 1:51:30 PM 23/2/10 1:51:30 PM

The resort’s academy and driving range have been built with amateur and professionals alike in mind – those who want the very best facilities to help perfect their game. Three different grass types allow every detail of game play to be addressed while specially built slopes on teeing areas replicate authentic on-

world via trade routes to the east and west. Those trade routes are now being reborn as travelers again visit Limpopo and Legend Golf & Safari Resort for their modern African adventure. That adventure at Legend Golf & Safari Resort includes visiting the Wildlife and Cultural Centre, home

course golf experiences. The social amenities replicate the attention to detail of the golf facilities. A new clubhouse has been specially constructed with all the facilities you would expect at a world class resort – despite it being under canvas – and offers magnificent views of the golf course and spectacular Waterberg scenery. This facility will be moved to another area of the resort when the mighty Monomotapa-style main clubhouse construction is completed during 2010. The main clubhouse is another example of the resort’s unique architectural style, heavily influence by the ancient kingdom of Monomotapa which for hundreds of years linked this part of Africa with the rest of the

to the once only mythical white lions. The centre also boasts the Pedi Village African Cultural Centre where visitors can experience traditional African life under African skies, entertained by the rhythms of African drums and voices. At the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, where the Big 5 roam free on the stunning 22,000 malariafree hectares of bushveld, forests, mountains and river beds, game drives are hosted by highly trained game rangers, whose tracking skills lead guests to see lions, rhino, buffalo, leopard, elephants, cheetah, hippo, giraffes, zebra, and all manner of Africa’s bountiful wildlife. Add to that the other leisure facilities, including the swimming pools, the tennis, football, basketball and

18 68

Mar-April 2010.indd 18

23/2/10 1:51:35 PM

Mar-

35 PM

other sporting activities, plus horse riding, quad-biking, ballooning, helicopter flights, curio shops, special children’s activity and play areas plus self-guided bird and tree walks through the botanical gardens, and Legend Golf & Safari Resort really is driving golf and safari resort experiences to a new level of excellence.

not only independent travelers and groups but major national and international conferences. Golf groups are already enjoying the resort and its unique setting and facilities. So whether it’s a social golfing holiday, a serious sports training squad, a tournament needing a dynamic new venue, or that special place for a couple to enjoy their golf together, consider Legend Golf & Safari Resort. The Legend really has awakened.

To make a golf booking please contact the golf reservations team on: • 00 27 (0) 14 743 6278 • golfadmin1@legendlodges.co.za For more information, latest news, pictures, video, and more about Legend Golf & Safari Resort please visit: www.legendgolfsafari.com Accommodation is another unique aspect of the resort with 450 plots each holding four en-suite double resort suites plus a master suite. With 160 of these rooms available by January 2010 and more coming online each month, the resort is gearing up to be one Africa’s principle venues for

For further information and general enquiries or to arrange a site inspection contact Pete Richardson • 00 27 (0) 767 835 173 • pete@theazaleagroup.com

19 69

Mar-April 2010.indd 19

23/2/10 1:51:37 PM

Natalie Gulbis

At the age of 14 Natalie Gulbis was the youngest golfer to qualify for an LPGA event (Michelle Wie at the age of 12 broke that mark in 2002). She did not win a tournament in the first five years of her professional career but still finished 6th on the LPGA money list in 2005 with over $1 million (U.S.) in earnings. Her first tour win came in 2007 at the Evian Masters where she defeated Jeong Jang in a playoff to claim the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of the $3,000,000 purse. She now has career earnings of over $11,500.000 and has also now enjoyed playing a part in the winning United States Solheim Cup team.

Natalie on the 1st tee of the Old course – Sunningdale Golf Club Ricoh Women’s British Open Swing Sequence Mark Newcombe – Visions in Golf Swing Analysis Chris Hudson – British PGA Professional

Natalie has a good athletic set-up. This puts her in position to start her swing and maintain her spine angle throughout. With her hands being held quite high at address, she has very little wrist-hinge in her move-away from the ball.

With hardly any hinge in the wrists here, her lower body has rotated 30 to 40 degrees. Notice how her right leg is retracting - If you try to keep it too flexed, you will restrict your hip turn leading to a sway.

Created from her set-up angles Natalie now has a solid foundation with her upper body to support her back-swing. She maintains her angles as she turns to the top with a wide arc and full-body coil.

Halfway down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The shaft is on plane and her spine is lowered into the delivery position. Her wrists stay set (hinged) holding the angle set between the club shaft and left forearm - creating a solid delivery position for the clubhead with plenty of speed.

A good rotation back to impact with the upper body and arms - match up with the unwinding of the lower body. This is a good image of how the best golfers keep their hands ahead of the clubhead until the very last moment before the strike - moves needed for maximum power.

With a full 90 degree shoulder turn she is creating a tremendous amount of torque with the upper body against the lower body. With this compact backswing she is able to drive the ball a good distance from the tee box.

Starting down - Her arms and clubshaft are in an ideal position at this point. The clubface is (square) parallel to the left forearm. Note the “L” position of her right arm being maintained well into the downswing.

Because her right forearm stays under her left forearm through the impact area Natalie drops her head and right shoulder down after impact to create the room needed to release her forearms. It’s not a move you will see with many tour players but it has worked very well for Natalie.

Rotation past impact throws the club well around her body into a full finish with her right shoulder pointing down the fairway - a result of good balance and acceleration through the ball.

Ernie Els

Ernie us Ernie Els is one of the most successful golfers of all es Callawa time winning more than 60 tournaments since turning y FT To ur Drive C r allaway pro in 1989, including two US Opens and the Open X-Fairw ay Meta Callawa Championship. Looking at the following swing ls y X-Pro totype I rons Callawa sequence of Ernie, it is easy to see why so many y X-Tou r W e dges Putter golfers around the globe (inside and outside the Odysse y Protot Ball - C ype ropes) marvel at how he is able to make the golf allaway Tour i(s ) swing look so effortless.

Swing Analysis PGA Coach Sean Harrison.

The hands, arms and chest all coordinate to set the club parallel to the ground. One of the key points to Ernie’s swing is his wrist action (helped at address by soft grip pressure). Compare the wrist hinge here to the next image.

At this stage, the club is well above his head with the club-shaft 90 degrees in relation to the left arm. His left knee and hip are working away from the target. With this leverage, Ernie can now simply rotate his upper body to set the club in place at the top.

The club is lowered into a “holding” position by the movement of the lower body. He’s making strong moves here with the angle between the club-shaft and his left arm being maintained.

Hitting against a firm left side. The arms and chest are uncoiling against the left leg creating a huge amount of clubhead speed. His left side clears so his right side can deliver the club to the ball.

With a full body turn the wrist hinge and rightelbow fold have set the club on plane at the top. Like most tour professionals, Ernie begins to move his lower body back towards the target just before the club reaches the top.

Ernieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrists are active going back but passive starting down. His first move is to drop his right elbow straight down using his back muscles.

Ernie appears to be swinging without effort, even though his clubhead is moving through the impact area at around 118 mph. He has a graceful rhythm and never looks as if he is trying to hit the ball hard.

A well balanced finish reflecting his swing moves and rhythm. He maintains this finish on every full shot, from a pitching wedge to the driver.

40 swingimage Mar-April 2010.indd 78 Swing Image Issue 06.indd 40

23/2/10 2:00:07 PM 21/7/08 21:34:04

Swin

34:04

swingimage 41 Mar-April 2010.indd 79 Swing Image Issue 06.indd 41

23/2/10 PM 21/7/08 2:00:08 21:34:07

The New Sunseeker Predator 60

Max Marine Asia/Sunseeker Office Thepkasattri Rd, Kohkaew, Phuket. (located on main Rd, 50m before Boat Lagoon Marina entry)

Tel: +66 (0) 76 239 502 Fax +66 (0) 76 239 503 Contact person: Craig Murphy email: craig@maxmarine.asia Direct line: +66 819 700 583 www.maxmarine.asia

Sunseeker builds a range of 21 luxury motoryachts up to 37 metres.

Sunseeker Asia Limited Hong Kong Tel: +852 3105 9693 email: enquiry@sunseeker.com.hk Contact persons: Gordon Hui +852 9127 6847 email: gordon@pinecrest.com.hk Lek Lee Ann: +852 9125 6119

www.sunseeker.com

Mar-April 2010.indd 80

23/2/10 2:00:11 PM