Inside Golf February 2014

Australia’s

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InsideGolf Issue 103 February 2014 // www.insidegolf.com.au

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Peering through the window (dressing) Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

Following on from my “Augusta Effect” article (October issue), I heard a story the other day from a mate who had played a relatively new-ish course that was featured as part of a larger real estate development.

“The course was nice,” he said, “but the rough was crazy deep. Unplayably deep.”

While this was not surprising in its own right (I mean, long rough can be a main defense of a course, etc) when my mate explained the reason WHY the rough was intentionally grown so long, the explanation made my jaw drop.

“They want to grow the rough super long because it makes the surrounding houses look better,” he said.

In essence, the developers were treating a championship course as glorified landscaping. They didn’t necessarily care about playability or enjoyability of the course (not to mention the original intentions of the architect/designer). They didn’t care about the long-term implications or first impressions by golfers. Rather, they wanted to make a nice picture to sell houses.

This type of short-term view is troubling. And it highlights a similar problem that is affecting courses all over Australia.

I’m not talking about golf courses being part of Real Estate developments – as that is, unfortunately, part and

IN THIS ISSUE:

parcel of most new golf courses these days.

More and more, I’m beginning to see course/hole redevelopments that are focussing primarily on visual appeal. Too often, committees, boards (and even the occasional designer or land owner) will focus more on the “picture” of a course/hole rather than the overall playability. “Let’s add a bunker over there to make it visually appealing” they’ll say, or “Let’s plant a tree right here to better frame the view from the tee”.

The problem is, adding these “features” willy nilly (without co n s u l t i n g a q u a l i f i e d co u r s e designer, etc) can often have a huge (and undesirable) impact on the playability of a hole/course.

They can slow down play (searching for lost balls, or playing multiple bunker shots), make a hole too difficult (eliminating bail-out areas or penalising good shots), or have a follow-on impact on other parts of the course (too many trees can restrict sunlight to a fairway, thus causing the grass to die, etc.) Too often, committees/boards don’t take the long-term impact into account.

Then, many years (or decades) down the line, these features often get removed after complaints by members, low ratings/reviews, etc.

There are plenty of stories these days about designers “reinvigorating” a course by simply taking it back to the original design, clearing out heaps of trees/bunkers/etc that had been implemented through “decades of ad hoc changes by committees, etc”.

Now, I should point out that there have been many great changes to many great courses over the

years. Some committees and boards manage to get it right (whether they are “switched on” and get proper consultation in advance, or whether they are just lucky). But there are an equal number of mistakes out there that can do massive harm to a course.

I’ve played heaps of “redesigned” courses over the years that left me shaking my head. Yes, they were as pretty as a picture. But I won’t be rushing back there to play them again. And in many cases, their members seem to have felt the same way, with many moving on to more playable courses.

So if you (or your committee) want to keep the club healthy, your course playable and your members/ guests happy, perhaps focus more on “playability”, and less on postcards.

More on “conditioning” and less on “construction”. In my opinion, a wellmaintained, playable course will trump a “knee-knocking, visuallystunning behemoth” every time. No matter what the marketing brochures tell you.

See you on the fairways.

30 34 37 38 44 51 58 60

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PEOPLE Inspirational individuals WOMEN 25 years of Masters hits BUSINESS Growing the game

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COVER STORY Marc Leishman aims for success

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NEWS The latest golf buzz INDUSTRY The inner-workings of golf ON TOUR Touring pros & Aussie legends AMATEURS ACGC Finals draw near

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www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Nick Thorn, Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin Contributors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Brian Thorburn, Michael Green, Richard Nizielski, Henry Peters, Stephen Pitt, Steven Jeffress, Bill Colhoun, David Allen, Garrett Johnston, Richard Woodhouse, Glenn Whittle, Tiffany Mika, Christian Small, Mat Howe, Robbie O’Donnell National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: dg.ross@live.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 | E: scott@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Advertising Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 National Agency Sales (non golf) Marc Wilson | M: 0419 107 143 Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Cover photo by: Jason O’Brien It’s official: 42,945 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: April – September 2013

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

A new vision for Noosa Springs A HONG Kong-based developer has bought the Noosa Springs Golf Course with the aim of boosting Asian tourism to the region.

Noosa Springs Investment Pty Ltd, a related entity of Golden Horse Nine Dragon Lake Holdings, finalised the purchase of the familyowned Noosa Springs Golf resort last month.

The Chinese corporation is chaired by Mr Feng Di, who with his son Feng Shan, was in Noosa for the handover.

“The entire Noosa area is a wonderful place.

My father thinks the golf course here is world class, it’s one of the best he has seen and he loves it very much,” Feng Shan said.

The multi-national corporation’s flagship development, the Dragon Lake Resort in Guangzhou, China, has two 27-hole championship golf courses, two five-star luxury hotels, various recreational and commercial areas and multiple residential zones.

In 2010 Dragon Lakes Resort hosted the golf tournament of the Asian Games and in December of last year, the Royal Trophy. Mr Feng Di said his corporation invested US $7 million in hosting the major golf event.

Mr Feng says Australia has a wonderful climate and the conditions for playing golf in Noosa are excellent year-round.

“We will put all our effort into making Noosa Springs, and also Hope Island golf course, in perfect condition, to be the best golf course here, so our guests from China, and also local players, can have a very wonderful experience,” Mr Feng Di said.

In December 2013, Golden Horse Nine Dragon Lake Holdings Ltd also acquired a hotel development site and a majority shareholding of Links Hope Island Golf Club, Gold Coast.

Together with Noosa Springs, it’s Mr Feng’s first

Feng Shan (left) and his father Feng Di at the Noosa Springs Golf Course foothold in the high-end Australian real estate market. Noosa Springs is the latest addition to Mr Feng’s luxury golf resorts portfolio, which include investments in China, Singapore, Japan and Thailand.

Noosa Springs Investment Pty Limited’s acquisition includes the 18-hole championship golf course, the clubhouse including worldclass spa and fitness facilities, tennis centre, resort accommodation business and 23 vacant land lots in the last residential subdivision at Noosa Springs called The Oasis. Mr Feng Di plans to build high quality housing on the Oasis allotments, a gated residential community with golf course access and views.

After 20 years steering the development of Noosa Springs and its master-planned communities, exiting owners and Noosa locals, the Starkey family, bade a fond farewell to their award-winning creation.

“We had the opportunity here to masterplan

an integrated resort and residential estate, and had the privilege of steering its development over many years,” said Principal architect and managing director, Alan Starkey.

Starkey commended Mr Feng Di and his family for their reputation for very high-quality real estate developments.

“I don’t think we could get anyone better to take over the reigns of Noosa Springs to carry on the Starkey family legacy than Mr Feng and his family,” he said.

Noosa Springs’ general manager of 19 years, Mr Phil Starkey spoke of the synergies of both parties sharing backgrounds in luxury golf resort developments.

“We’re confident Mr Feng will take Noosa Springs to the next level,” Phil Starkey said.

StarCo has retained two development sites located to the south of the clubhouse, which Alan Starkey says are suitable for a major luxury development in the future. •

news

Lyle to tee it up at Vic Open As part of his road back to the US PGA TOUR, Victorian Jarrod Lyle will play the upcoming Oates Victorian Open on the PGA Tour of Australasia from February 20-23 at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. The event will be Lyle’s second Tour event back after being away from the game for almost two years due to a battle with Leukemia.

Lyle was one of the stories of the year in 2013 as he returned to play his first comeback tournament at the Talisker Masters at Royal Melbourne in November, where he finished T57 with rounds of (72, 71, 70 & 79). The Oates Vic Open will be just the second time he will endeavor to compete over four days since his return.

“I exceeded all my expectations at the Masters.

I went there not really with the best golf game and thinking I might not play the weekend but to be able to play the four days was a huge step forward. Now looking at the Vic Open, my expectations are a little bit higher. I’m going to go there and give it everything I’ve got to try to win the thing but all I need to see is a bit of improvement from how I was at the Masters to how I am now. I want to know that all the work I’m doing in the gym is paying off,” said Lyle.

“It’s going to be a bit of a ‘feel’ tournament for me to see where everything is situated but also at the same time I want to compete and there’d be nothing better than to bring the trophy back here. If that doesn’t happen I just want to give it everything and see where everything’s at, and hopefully be there Sunday afternoon which would be a dream.”

With a lack of tournaments under his belt for the past few years, Lyle is relishing the competitiveness of being back on the golf course.

“Seeing all your mates out there is great but the competitive side of it is what I miss the most.

Getting out there and trying to shoot as low a score I can every day. I’ve gone low a couple of times but then there’s those days when things don’t go right and you get frustrated but that’s what golf’s all about, getting yourself back from three or four over to even par.”

Jarrod Lyle at November’s Talisker Masters Born and raised in Shepparton, Lyle’s passion for the game grew from his time as a kid following his Dad around playing local courses and caddying.

“Growing up I used to go out on a Saturday and caddy for Dad. I would caddy the first seven holes then my Grandma used to sit under a tree behind the 8th tee and sell beer and chocolate to all the guys. I would sit with her until Dad came back around on the 15th which ran alongside it, then I’d pick up with Dad again and caddy the last three and a half holes with him so that’s how it all originated.”

Close to Lyle’s heart, Challenge will be the official Oates Vic Open charity partner for the 2014 event. Challenge is a charity that supports kids with cancer with Lyle a proud ambassador having been impacted by the organisation throughout his life.

“It’s always nice to have the backing of golf tournaments that have been pretty close to me over the years. It’s nice to have the support for my charity, and to know that those people behind the scenes care enough and are willing to get on board and help Challenge out.”

Now a resident in Torquay with his wife Briony and daughter Lusi, Lyle will enjoy sleeping in his own bed throughout the tournament and loves his new home.

“I love it in Torquay. Challenge has a house on the esplanade and through my treatment they said if you’re well enough to leave the hospital, go down and stay at the house for a weekend. As you do when you go to a new place you might have a bit of a look at the real estate in the newspaper to see what’s around and how much it’d cost to live here.

We came back the following week and looked at a house that we really loved and we bought it the following week.”

Lyle has played many Oates Vic Opens previously as both an amateur and Professional, and says he is looking forward to experiencing the combined gender format.

“I think the concept is fantastic. There’s not too many facilities around that could handle such a tournament and to have the men and women at the same time is great. Judging on the crowds from last year, I think a lot of people enjoyed it where they can come and watch the men and women together.”

While Lyle is intending to make a return to the US later this year, it’s a requirement of his current PGA TOUR medical exemption that he only plays a maximum of five 72hole professional events on other Tours before returning to the world’s most lucrative circuit. •

ALPG, Cobra Puma Golf continue partnership Australian Ladies Professional Golf and Cobra Puma Golf have announced the continuing of their partnership which will see Puma Golf continue as the exclusive apparel supplier to ALPG. The news comes as the ALPG Tour is about to commence another solid tournament season, involving several high profile events attracting worldwide attention.

Cobra Puma Golf already enjoys a strong presence in women’s golf boasting a team of brand ambassadors including teenage American sensation Lexi Thompson, Swede Anna Nordqvist and South African and former European Tour number 1, Lee-Anne Pace. All three will be seen in action during the 2014 ALPG Tour season.

Karen Lunn, Executive Director, ALPG, welcomed the continuation of the partnership which she says will allow ALPG and Cobra Puma Golf to benefit both during and outside of tournament season. “ Cobra Puma Golf is the perfect partner for the ALPG. Its brand has attracted thousands of youngsters to the game, and its trendy, cool image is exactly the kind we need to attract young people and particularly young women to the game of golf. We are very grateful to Cobra Puma for their support as we embark on our 2014 ALPG summer of golf. The ALPG team will be very proud to don Puma Golf apparel and promote it with pride.” Lunn said Christian Pegrum, Head of Golf, AustralAsia, for Cobra Puma Golf, was also enthusiastic about the possibilities the partnership will continue offer.

“Cobra Puma Golf is looking forward to another year with the ALPG and their 2014 initiatives. The continued focus on growing the game and enjoying golf are in line with what we aspire to achieve at Cobra Puma Golf. We are excited for our brand to be aligned with initiatives that continue to invite all walks of life to enjoy the game of golf and further support the growth of Ladies Professional Golf in Australia.” •

BRIDGESTONEGOLF.COM.AU www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

7

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Warrnambool rebounds from holiday vandalism Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Warrnambool Golf Club says its third green could return to play before the middle of this month after it fell victim to vandals on the eve of Christmas last year.

Club General Manager Trevor Brown says a car was driven through the club entrance, down the length of the third fairway and onto the green on the evening of Saturday December 21 or in the early hours of Sunday December 22.

“It’s soul destroying for the groundsmen who try to present the course the best they can,” Brown says. “(The vandals) were out of view of the local houses. Once they’ve got to the green they’ve started doing circle work. They would have spun around on the green five or six times so it has been a combination of ripping the turf off and also gouging into the surface of the green.”

The club estimates the damage bill from the incident could be as much as $30,000 but is confident it will be fully insured.

An insurance assessment conducted the morning after the attack found that Warrnambool could be eligible for a complete replacement of the green and not just a repair.

Brown had feared the insurance company would not appreciate the extent of the damage caused to the green.

“When (the assessor) took one look he said there was no doubt that it was a total replacement that we would be claiming, not a repair job so that was really good that we didn’t have to convince someone that might not have been familiar with golf,” Brown says.

Warrnambool’s third green following a pre-Christmas joyride by vandals.

The attack has posed little disruption to play with ground staff setting up a temporary green by 10am the following morning.

Brown says the original green’s absence hasn’t had a noticeable impact on green fee income.

According to the club, golfers won’t be deterred from returning to play at Warrnambool, despite many golfers being exposed to the course in January, which is one of its busiest months.

“At this time of year you’re looking at campers and the once or twice a year golfers. Other times of year you get the real golf enthusiasts that come on trips but you don’t really find that in January,” Brown says.

The club has been urged to present a positive message to club members and visitors in light of the vandalism.

“They’ve encouraged us to get the word out there that it’s business as normal. Yes we have a temporary green in place but golfers are often faced with temporary greens when there’s major work undertaken,” Brown says.

The club has been left at a loss to understand what could have motivated the attack.

“You scratch your head and wonder about useless vandalism at times. You would hope to think that after they did it they realised how stupid it is but who knows,” Brown says. •

Date confirmed for Fiji International The PGA of Australia has confirmed that the inaugural Fiji International will be played from 14–17 August at the spectacular Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

Launched in September last year, the inaugural PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia sanctioned event will boast a minimum prizepurse of US$1 million.

“To be played the week following the US PGA Championship we’re confident this date will give us the best opportunity to attract a quality field,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia.

“August is one of the best times of the year to visit and experience all that Fiji has to offer and we’re looking forward to showcasing Natadola Bay to the world.”

The Fiji International will be broadcast globally via OneAsia’s television platform and is expected to produce a multi-million dollar boost for the Fijian economy, in addition to flow on benefits.

The Fijian Attorney General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said Fiji was delighted to welcome both the PGA and the world’s best golfers to Natadola.

“This is a long-term partnership and we look forward to working with the PGA to promote the event and also tell the rest of the world about Fiji as a holiday destination and the wonderful hospitality and friendliness of the Fijian people”.

Located on Fiji’s Coral Coast, Natadola Bay is less than an hour south of Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu.

The course is renowned for its sparkling backdrop of coral reefs and the Pacific Ocean that line 15 out of the 18 championship holes.

The PGA says it hopes to make the tournament’s first player announcement soon.

More: www.fijiinternational.com •

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Murray, Oh crowned Vic Amateur champions Zach Murray from Commonwealth and Metropolitan’s Su-Hyun Oh have been crowned 2013 Victorian Amateur Champions with victory at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Murray, at 16 years old becomes the second-youngest champion in men’s history whilst Oh has become the first back-to-back women’s winner since Natalie Parkinson in 1997/98.

The Women’s final was a repeat of 2012 with Oh, the world’s number 2 ranked amateur facing off against Western Australian and world’s number 3 ranked amateur Minjee Lee. Both players set the course on fire early in a titanic struggle to gain the upper hand over the 36-hole final. After the morning round, Lee held a one hole advantage as the duo each fired an eight-under 66.

Following lunch, Oh and Lee would again exchange birdies over the front nine to be level with the closing nine to play. Oh then made her break with an eagle at the par five 10th and consecutive birdies at the 11th and 12th to skip out to a three-hole lead. After the pair halved the long par-five 14th with yet more birdies and the iconic par-three 15th with pars, Oh sealed the 3&2 win on the 16th hole in a fantastic match between the two rivals.

In the Men’s final, the morning started quietly for Murray who trailed by four holes at the lunch break with Victorian State player Todd Sinnott playing steady par golf over the opening 18.

Showing composure exceeding his age, 16-year-old Murray was able to claw his way back into the contest over the final round, reducing the deficit to just one after the first six holes of the afternoon.

Sinnott birdied the 9th to take a two-hole lead into the final nine. The pair both birdied the 10th before Murray played a superb iron

to the par-four 11th and holed the two metre birdie putt to again reduce the margin to one hole.

A further birdie at the 13th to Murray levelled proceedings before the teenager gained his first lead of the day with a birdie at the par five 14th. Sinnott fought back to level the match with a birdie on the difficult 16th before Murray played the men’s shot of day at the 17th with a mid-iron approach which finished one metre behind the hole which he converted for birdie to go one up.

The men’s final then looked like it would go into extra holes after Murray pulled his tee shot at the 18th which ricocheted off a

tree branch into a deep fairway bunker on the left hand side. Meanwhile, Sinnott positioned himself perfectly in the fairway with a driving iron off the tee. Murray then played a good recovery from the fairway bunker that drifted slightly right of the green. Sinnott’s approach was right on target but just failed to hold the green and ran agonisingly off the back edge. Murray then effectively sealed the championship with a delicate pitch over a slight mound to inside a metre of the hole.

After Sinnott’s birdie attempt from off the green just missed and ran half a metre by, Murray held his nerve to hole the par putt and take the title. •

Lee, Koh crowned Australian Amateur champions New Zealand 19 year-old Tae Koh clinched the first major win of his amateur career with a resounding 6&5 win over Western Australian Curtis Luck at The Australian Amateur Championship at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide.

“It feels great obviously. Winning 6&5 was a pretty good effort I thought. I thought it was going to be a pretty tough match. You play pretty good players. To do it in that fashion is awesome,” Koh said.

Koh becomes the first New Zealand man to win the title since former U.S Open champion Michael Campbell did it in 1992.

Koh also earns an exemption into the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney later this year.

On the women’s side, Western Australian Minjee Lee (Royal Fremantle) successfully defended her Australian Amateur Championship crown after defeating 15 year-old Queenslander Karis Davidson 6&5.

“It feels good. It’s always a long week at the Australian Amateur and it’s good to get the win and start the year off on a high,” Lee said.

Lee, who graduated from school in 2013, has now won two Australian Amateur titles, the Australian Junior title and the US Girls’ Junior title among a host of other victories.

“I don’t have school this year so I’m going to play all of the Aussie professional circuit events and then go to China for the World Ladies Championship. After that I think I’ll head to the United States for the U.S Women’s Amateur and play a couple of other big events over there,” Lee said. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

9

news

Dress codes, playing rights to be overhauled “There’s also the flow-on effects. You could have kids coming along doing junior clinics (on a Saturday) and you could have their mums or dads for that matter participating. If you look at AusKick, you see that all the time.”

There are just over 410,000 female golf club members in Australia, which is about 20 per cent of golfers nationally.

Wade hopes this month’s program launch will help bring 50,000 new women to the game in the next five years.

“That would certainly have quite an impact.

It would address the slowly declining club membership that we’ve been experiencing. Over the last 10 years we’ve been losing about 1.5 per cent of club members per year,” Wade says.

Golf Australia’s new program will also draw inspiration from European countries and how they bring women to the sport.

A 2011 study into golf participation in Europe suggests Germany is one of the main innovators.

“It refers to Germany as a leading example in encouraging women to play, by allowing higher handicaps (maximum of 54).”

Golf Australia’s program launch will also be geared to promote golf as a game that’s more social than it is competitive.

Wade says too many courses and clubs are pushing beginner golfers to play in club competitions rather than playing casually.

“The research we get is that people are now looking for more recreation-type pursuits.

Cycling’s a good example of that, where you can just jump on your bike and go for a ride. It’s very accessible. We have a big casual golfer market that just plays socially for the enjoyment. The more the clubs can embed that sort of offering within their membership, it’s going to attract participants to the game.” •

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Golf Australia has outlined plans to radically overhaul women’s dress codes and bring an end to the traditional men’s-only Saturday competitions at golf courses around the country.

In a bid to bring new women to the sport, Golf Australia will launch a new program at this month’s Women’s Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne.

The program – which has been shaped by research jointly-funded by Golf Australia and the Australian Sports Commission – will encourage a move away from traditional women’s golf attire.

Golf Australia Golf Development Director Cameron Wade says female golfers are being pushed away from the game by strict dress regulations.

“It’s something that I think needs to change in time,” Wade says.

“Provided it’s a neat and tidy attire in the female market, then I think golf needs to be open to changing.”

Wade says women should be allowed to wear a wider variety of clothing including typical tennis attire and even gym clothing.

“If it’s a new innovative product that’s going to have a health focus, wearing athletic attire to me would be a good thing.”

Golf Australia expects established private golf clubs to resist an easing of dress codes.

“That’s obviously going to be one of the barriers but at the end of the day you’re trying to capture a future participant in the sport,” Wade says.

“You look at Royal Sydney for example.

They’ve got a swimming pool and gym facilities.

They still have their rules and regulations on the course but the more flexibility around that, the better.”

Wade has tipped regional clubs and courses to welcome a more relaxed approach to the game.

“There’s more opportunity for that to occur (at regional clubs) than in some of the more traditional clubs in the sandbelt. It’s more of a

relaxed sort of environment in those clubs, not worrying so much about what you’re wearing,” Wade says.

Golf Australia says men’s-only competitions on Saturdays are deterring women from taking up the game.

Wade is calling on clubs to give ladies full playing rights on Saturdays.

“There’s got be more equitable access for females,” Wade says.

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news

Major winners ignite Women’s Open field

Moore Park launches new phone app

American Major champion Paula Creamer will join Norwegian Suzann Pettersen (World Number 2) and fellow Americans Stacy Lewis (World Number 3) and Lexi Thompson (World Number 9) on Melbourne’s sandbelt to compete for the US$1.2 million ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open from 13-16 February at Victoria Golf Club.

Creamer won her first major at the 2010 U.S Women’s Open, one of nine LPGA Tour victories, and will be making her ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open debut.

“I am very excited about coming out to Australia for the first time to compete in the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. Australia has always been on my list of places that I wanted to visit and play golf and I’m looking forward to the championship in February,” Creamer said.

“The sandbelt courses in Melbourne are well known around the world and Victoria Golf Club will be a great experience. A win in Melbourne would, of course, be an ideal way to cap my time in Australia,” she added.

Pettersen won five times worldwide last year including her second Major at the Evian Championship while Lewis also won her second Major at the RICOH Women’s British Open on the Old Course at St Andrews. 18 year-old Thompson won in Malaysia and Mexico to take her career victories tally to five.

The impressive list of names adds to the already confirmed World Number 4 global phenomenon Kiwi Lydia Ko, World Number 7 Karrie Webb and defending champion Jiyai Shin in the field in Melbourne.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty said “We are delighted to welcome these top players to Melbourne in February. They all had fantastic seasons last year and bring terrific form to Victoria Golf Club.

Michael Green Moore Park Golf Club has recently launched a free phone app that offers members and visiting golfers a host of great features to enhance their day on the golf course.

The phone app (available for Apple and Android phones) includes an easy to use GPS, virtual caddy with course guide and descriptions, interactive scorecard, live leaderboards and also allows visitors to directly book a lesson with a professional at the driving range or a round of golf.

Moore Park Golf General Manager Erich Weber said the phone app was created for exclusive use at Moore Park Golf Course to enable golfers to have a richer experience at one of Sydney’s premier golf facilities.

“Mobile technology and social media are two of the fastest-growing trends today. Our new app allows Moore Park Golf to be on the forefront of these trends as well as giving members and visitors a fantastic experience”, Weber said.

“Users love having a virtual caddy in their pockets, with hole-by-hole descriptions and the GPS information. The ease of scoring on their phones has also been a big plus.”

Moore Park is a hub for corporate golf days in Sydney and it is these groups who have so far taken full advantage of the new live leaderboard function.

“This feature is adding a great talking point during corporate golf days, and has amped up the friendly competition, and the sledging, between groups on these days”, Weber said.

The interactive scorecard and live leaderboard gives golfers real-time feedback on how well they are doing in comparison to other golfers on the course, as well as providing a fun way to compete against fellow golfers for the best score each month. •

Paula Creamer at the US Women’s Open (photo by Darren Carroll)

I congratulate Golf Australia on their work to bring these players here and it’s a wonderful opportunity for the fans to see the world’s best in action.”

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was thrilled to have more of the world’s top players competing and expected more announcements in the near future.

“Combined, Suzann, Stacy and Lexi won 10 times in 2013 on Tour which is phenomenal.

Paula is one of the most successful and recognisable players in world golf and we are excited about welcoming her to the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open for the first time,” Pitt said.

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“We’ll have more big names to come. The Open has maintained its great record of bringing the world’s best players here every summer and we’re pleased to be able to do that again for the fans as the summer of golf continues,” Pitt added.

The championship is sanctioned by the LPGA Tour, the Ladies European Tour and the ALPG Tour.

ABC TV will broadcast 15 hours of live coverage across all four days while millions will see the action overseas via the LPGA Tour’s global television platform.

Tickets are now on sale at Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849. •

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11

legends tour

Red-hot rookie Backwell sets sizzling pace Vale Al Howard Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

QUEENSLANDER Richard Backwell, in a brilliant tee-off to his PGA Legends Tour career, won at his first start in the opening event of 2014 at Sydney’s picturesque Bayview Golf Club, just two weeks after his 50th birthday.

Living up to his name, Backwell – a former Australian PGA Tour player – made light of his return to competitive golf, despite it being his first tournament start for about seven years, to shoot a three-under-par 67 and tie with veteran George Serhan in the $10,000 Col Crawford BMW event.

Showing that his opening effort was not a “one-off” Backwell continued his hot form to finish runner-up with a par 72 to fellow rookie Simon Jagot in the David Mercer Senior Legends Classic the following day at The Australian Golf Club.

The super-successful third annual Col Crawford BMW event on Sydney’s Northern Beaches region at Bayview was a winning start to the booming $1 million Legends Tour with 57 of Australia’s best pros aged over 50 and about 150 amateurs teeing off.

And Bayview’s brand-new President Bruce Fraser was delighted his club had been promoted to tee off Australia’s fastest-growing golf tour with eight events worth a total of $155,000 prizemoney in the first month.

“Bayview stages the Col Crawford BMW Legends event not only to greatly raise the club’s profile, but more importantly it raises the profile of golf overall on the Northern Beaches peninsula,” he said.

“The opportunity for our members and many visitors to play with these Legends of

Winners are grinners: (from left) NSW-ACT PGA Tournaments Co-ordinator Darren Baynes, joint Bayview winners Richard Backwell and George Serhan, long-time Bayview PGA club pro Rod Brown and club president Bruce Fraser. the game is terrific and it encourages people to play golf and get involved with the game.

“Our club’s board sees the honour for us teeing off the Legends Tour this year as a great way for us to start an exciting 2014 for Bayview.”

PGA Legends Tournament Coordinator Phil Boulton praised the host venues for this opening series of events in Sydney.

“The PGA is thrilled to bring a season opening series of events to Sydney with

Bayview, The Australian and Manly all being tremendous hosts for our Legends Tour players” said Boulton.

Backwell told NSW-ACT Tournament Coordinator Darren Baynes at Bayview: “It was nice to have my recent hard work on the range pay dividends”.

“I haven’t played competitive golf since 2006 so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleased to beat so many of these great players out here,” he said. •

ONE of Australia’s most flamboyant characters, Albert Cecil Howard OAM, passed away last month.

He was 100.

Despite his ailing health over the past few months, Al still had an incredibly sharp mind and will be fondly remembered for his significant contribution to golf in Australia.

Born on May 8, 1913, Al was previously the oldest living PGA professional.

He joined the PGA in 1931 and had a long and distinguished career as the head professional at Woollahra Golf Club (1946-1948) and Cromer Golf Club (1948-1951) and later at Monash and Rosnay.

Al was also a renowned golf course architect with the Tasmania Golf Club, Dalby Golf Club, Auburn Golf Club and Woolooware Golf Club a legacy of his passion for golf.

Many golf aficionados considered the Tasmania course’s 550m third hole, which curved around the edge of the bay one of Australia’s most spectacular holes.

Even Jack Nicklaus rated the hole highly.

Al spent 37 years as the golf correspondent for the old Truth newspaper in Sydney.

During that time, he seldom failed to come up with whimsical comments and curious events.

He was chairman of the New South Wales PGA in 1950-51.

As a player, Al won many minor golfing purses and held the course record of 63 at Cammeray.

He wore bright, colourful clothing and his colourful expressions were always entertaining and amusing.

One of his great life achievements came in 1994 when he was recognised for his services to golf by being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1994.

The golfing world has lost one of its great characters.

Rest in peace Albert Cecil Howard. •

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legends tour

Teenage star fulfils pro tour dream 32 years later Study confirms rangefinders speed up golf Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

SIMON Jagot, who as a teenage amateur played against Brett Ogle and Steve Elkington and thought of becoming a Tour player, has made a spectacular professional debut to win his first start on the $1 million Australian PGA Legends Tour.

In shooting a one-under-par 71 to win the $45,000 David Mercer Senior Legends Classic at The Australian Golf Club – his home course where until last month he played as an amateur off a plus four handicap – Jagot beat a top-class field which included Australian Open winners Peter Fowler and Rodger Davis.

Jagot in December won the Australian PGA Legends Tour Qualifying event at Sandhurst with rounds of 76,70 and 73, despite playing with a broken bone in his hand and still had the hand bandaged during his win.

The NSW-ACT PGA Tournament Co-ordinator Darren Baynes reported at www.pga.org.au that it was a memorable win for the 50-yearold Jagot who joined an elite group of Legends Tour Pro-Am winners and making his first start at his home club proved to be a wise decision.

In his first professional event, Jagot carded the only sub-par round with a one-under-par 71.

“I have been very excited to get out here and compete with these guys and it was an amazing way to begin the year,” commented Jagot.

“It was great to have home field advantage out there and credit to the entire team at the Australian for hosting such a fantastic event”.

After a successful career in financial markets which included time spent working in New York and London, Jagot decided to give golf his attention.

“It’s a great thing to be able to have a career in business, have golf as a hobby and then turn it into something else and play competitively,” said Jagot.

“I thought about turning professional when I was about 18 and I was playing off scratch.

But I played with a couple of very good golfers, Brett Ogle and Steve Elkington and I thought they were way better than me so I took another pathway.”

Turning 50 last year, and with his children now adults, the timing was right for Jagot to turn professional.

“I just turned 50 so this is my birthday present to myself,” added Jagot.

“I was thinking about it for the last four or five years but it’s only been in the last 18 months

where my game started to get a little better.”

“My kids have just finished school so I was able to get out and practice a little bit more and in the last three months I really decided to give it a go.”

Not overawed about life on the PGA Legends Tour, it was multiple winner Mike Harwood who encouraged Jagot to try his luck.

“I had a practice go at an event last year.

I played in the Senior Victorian Open as an amateur just to see what it was like.”

“I played with Mike Harwood in the last round and he was great, he encouraged me to go to Tour School and give it a go.”

“I don’t think it will be intimidating, it seems like a really friendly atmosphere and I am looking forward to playing in a few events.” •

A recent study has found that laser rangefinders can shave up to 30 minutes off a round of golf for mid- to high-index players.

The study, conducted by California-based National University Golf Academy and Bushnell Golf, measured the speed of play of students with handicaps ranging from six to 18. Tested over two days at Santaluz Club in San Diego, California, golfers played one round with a laser rangefinder and a second round without any electronic measuring devices. With the use of a Bushnell Golf Laser Rangefinder, the 6-13 index players finished their round in four hours and 15 minutes, an improvement of nearly 30 minutes when playing without a laser rangefinder.

The 14-18 index players saw a 17-minute improvement finishing in four hours and sixteen minutes.

“Pace of play is at the forefront of so many discussions when it comes to the game of golf,” said Ted Norby, Director of Instruction at National University Golf Academy. “Using a product like the Bushnell Laser Rangefinders allowed mid-level handicap players to make a decision on club selection and yardage much quicker, leading to a faster place of play.”

Bushnell, the No. 1 choice of professional golfers, offers a full selection of rangefinders that continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance.

A video of the study is available at: http://vimeo.com/82134770 More information: www.bushnellgolf.com, www.nugolfacademy.org. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

13

industry

Emirates, Scott a boon for Aussie golf David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

WHEN it comes to the sponsorship of sport, they don’t come much bigger than Emirates.

Football, rugby, cricket, motorsports, horseracing, tennis, sailing and a few other sports all benefit from the generous sponsorship of Emirates.

Golf, too, is an integral part of Emirates’ branding strategy.

Recently Emirates signed a four-year agreement with the European Tour, which extends its investment across 10 additional tournaments in 2014.

It also means Emirates assumes the status as official airline of the tour.

In 2009, Emirates joined as the official airline of the Australian Open and in 2011 the company signed a three-year agreement as the tournament’s naming rights sponsor.

Also, it is the major airline sponsor for the Australian PGA Championship.

Emirates national manager for Australia Tim Shepherd said sport sponsorship was in the company’s DNA. “Generally, we do have a commitment to sport,” he said.

“In Australia, we have been long-time supporters of the Victorian Racing Carnival and the Emirates Melbourne Cup and I think that resonates with the public.

“Golf is starting to fall into that zone because it ticks every box for us.

“It gives us the ability to connect with the consumer at different levels and I think everyone understands there is a really good connection between us and golf in Australia.”

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Adam Scott tees off at the Emirates Australian Open at Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Currently, Emirates is reviewing its sponsorship agreements with golf in Australia.

“We review all our sponsorship commitments at the end of every run,” Shepherd said.

“Being a global brand, it’s important for Emirates to look around the world and see exactly what we are sponsoring and why.

“I think the best indication about our level of commitment is the fact we just signed up as major airline sponsor to the European Tour, which is a really positive thing.

“That gets another tournament in Australia as the Perth International falls under the European Tour banner, which is gratifying for us.”

Nigel Hopkins, Executive Vice President Service Departments, Emirates Group, said Emirates and the European Tour had extended its agreement until the end of 2017.

“Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and, as a global sponsorship platform, it has been immensely successful for us,” he said.

“Emirates’ increased investment in the European Tour is a natural move which will expand our global reach to golf enthusiasts

Emirates Australian Open champion Rory McIlroy with Emirates Vice President (Australasia) Bryan Banston and a number of the airline’s cabin crew.

across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

“Engaging with our customers and fans through sports has been part of Emirates’ brand strategy since our early days.

“It makes sense for us, as an airline that connects the world, to align our brand with prestigious golf tournaments where the world’s most talented players come together.

“We will continue to work with our partners to celebrate the value of sport and deliver meaningful experiences for golf fans.”

Shepherd said Emirates had grown rapidly over the past 10 years.

“The partnership with Qantas is really going gangbusters with A380s flying out of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,” he said. “At the moment, our loads are pretty extraordinary.

“But we need to make sure we sponsor the right tournaments and the right events to ensure our name is out there.

“The great thing is we have a really solid relationship with the Australian PGA and Golf Australia and the players.

“Adam Scott flew Emirates into Australia when

he came to play here so it’s nice to have that ambassadorship along the same route as well.

“From a branding perspective, Adam Scott’s phenomenal year (2013) helped to get our name out and up in lights. Riding on the back of that popularity really benefitted us.

“You couldn’t script it (Emirates Australian Open) much better,” Shepherd said.

“To have Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy coming down the 18th on the final day vying for the title was pretty special.

“But it wasn’t only that tournament – it was the lead up as well.

“The groundswell started when Adam won the US Masters at Augusta. That’s when it started to create interest back here.

They (PGA of Australia and Golf Australia) were starting to talk in big numbers about people coming through the gate and it did come to fruition at both tournaments.

“I think they were blown away by the level of public support.

“Golf in Australia is an important sponsorship for us and we hope to continue.” •

from the ceo

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

While the New Year is only weeks old there has been no rest for Australian golf with the PGA Legends Tour and the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series getting underway early in 2014.

Combined, these circuits stage over 250 tournaments each year with our Professionals travelling far and wide to compete on some of the region’s best, most unique and undiscovered layouts.

2014 will be no different with statebased schedules building quickly. To get involved with an upcoming event in your area please visit www.pga.org.au.

February also sees the resumption

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

The ALPG season is well underway as we head into our major events of the 2014 season. The ISPS Handa Australian Open which will be held at the magnificent Victoria Golf Club from the 13th – 16th February is the jewel in the crown of the ALPG Tour.

It is the trophy that every Australian Player wants to get their hands on, but the reality is that very few are fortunate enough to do so. Karrie Webb has done this 4 times, winning in 2000, 2002, 2007 and 2008 but the only other Australian to hold the Patricia Bridges Trophy aloft was Jane Crafter back in 1997. I know that for the likes of Stacey Keating, Rebecca Artis, Bree Arthur and Whitney Hillier, our new breed of young players starting to make an impact on the world stage, winning this event would be a dream come true. I also know that our other established

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

There’s a huge month ahead of women’s golf in February with both the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open and Volvik RACV Ladies Masters taking centre stage as the world’s best players head Down Under.

It’s a momentous year for the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open as the championship returns to Victoria Golf Club for the first time since 1976.

In 1974 the course hosted the first Women’s Australian Open when now World Golf Hall of Fame member, Japan’s Chako Higuchi, claimed the title.

Our field this year is right up there with the best we’ve ever had.

Former U.S Open champion and World Number 13 Paula Creamer

of the PGA Tour of Australasia with the Lexus of Blackburn Victorian PGA Championship re-starting the Tour year from February 6-9 at The Heritage Golf and Country Club.

The Heritage tournament will kickstar t four successive weeks of Professional golf with the Coca-Cola QLD PGA Championship (City Golf Club, Toowoomba, Feb 13 – 16), the Oates Victorian Open (Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, Feb 20 – 23), and the NZ Open (The Hills & Millbrook, Queenstown, Feb 27 – March 2) to follow. Best of luck to all those competing in these early tournaments and thank you to those at a club level who give up their time to ensure the tournaments are a success.

At the time of writing the PGA is very close to finalising the end of year PGA Tour of Australasia schedule with

stakeholders. Buoyed by 2013’s success, there is much excitement already about tournament golf in Australia and we look forward to delivering yet another highquality year on Tour across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Finally a warm welcome to 58 new Members of the PGA of Australia who have recently graduated to become full PGA Professionals upon completion of their three-year Traineeship. Whilst one of the most respected PGA Traineeships around the world there is no denying that our Traineeship can be incredibly demanding, and I congratulate each of the graduates on their determination and success. I’m sure all within the industry will join me in wishing these Professionals the very best for a long and successful career in Australian and international golf. •

LPGA players such as Katherine Kirk (nee Hull),Lindsey Wright, Sarah Kemp and Sarah Jane Smith will be pulling out all of the stops in their quest for the title and the trophy that they want most on their mantelpiece.

I also think there is one other Australian player who all of these players, as well as the LPGA stars crossing the pond will need to watch out for. She is the number one amateur in the world, our very own Su-Hyun Oh. There is something very special about this shy and unassuming 17-year-old, who in 2009 at the age of twelve became the youngest player ever to qualify for the Women’s Australian Open. Every now and again you see a talent for the first time and think to yourself, wow, this girl is something very special. In my career as a player I had the pleasure of playing with 14-year-old Karrie Webb, 19-yearold Annika Sorenstam, and 14-yearold Lydia Ko (in the 1st two rounds of the 2012 NSW Open which she went on to win and become the youngest person ever to win a professional golf

tournament). I thought the same about these girls at the time as I did when I spent a few days with Su and the rest of the Victorian High Performance Squad at the British Amateur Championship in June last year.

Meeting Su in person and spending some time practicing and on the course with her, she stood out straight away to me as an absolute star of the future.

At face value she is an extremely intelligent, very modest and typically fun-loving teenager. Behind that, though, there is an incredibly talented, focused, determined and dedicated young woman who practices as hard as anyone I have ever seen and wants to learn everything that has taken me the best part of 35 years to learn as quickly as she can! There is no doubt to me at all that she will be the next big star of Australian Women’s Golf and I will be very surprised if Su-Hyun Oh’s name is not on the leaderboard come Sunday 16th February.

Please come out and offer your support to our Aussie stars as they take on the best the world has to offer. •

will make her first trip to Australia to compete in the tournament. We’ve been keen to have Paula play here for some time so we’re thrilled to finally be able to welcome her this month and I have no doubt she’ll enjoy her time here.

Joining Paula in the field is World Number 2 Suzann Pettersen from Norway. Suzann had a terrific year in 2013 and has put herself in a perfect position to make a charge at the World Number 1 position this year.

American World Number 3 Stacy Lewis also returns, as does global phenomenon Lydia Ko. We’re very excited to have Lydia back in her first start in the Women’s Open as a professional after winning the HANDA Silver Salver as the leading amateur for the last three years.

Ladies European Tour stars Charley Hull and Carly Booth will make their first splash in Australia. Hull’s breakout performance was her instrumental

role in the European Team’s win at the Solheim Cup last year.

The Australian players – led by World Number 7 Karrie Webb – always give the championship fantastic support both on and off the golf course and we look forward to welcoming all of them back home as their 2014 seasons begin.

This championship has grown exponentially in recent years to its status as one of the marquee women’s sporting events in the Asia-Pacific region and with prize money of US $1.2 million, there is plenty to play for.

Much of the credit for this growth is due to the exceptional support the championship has received from title sponsor ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society). We are now in our fifth year of partnership with ISPS and Golf Australia fully supports Dr Haruhisa Handa’s passion and drive to see golf included as a Paralympic sport. • www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

15

industry

New GMA President hits the ground running

Damon Lonnie (left) accepting the GMA Presidency from David Burton at the recent GMA Conference.

David Allen

GMA Executive Officer eo@gma.org.au

T he n e w p r e s i d e n t o f G o l f Management Australia (GMA)— Lake Karrinyup’s Damon Lonnie— is not letting the grass grow under his feet.

“I am privileged to have been elected to this position and have to continue the good work already done by my predecessors Max Mason (now retired as GM of Nudgee) and David Burton (NSW Golf Club),” said Lonnie, who has almost 20 years in golf management on his CV. Lonnie and GMA executive officer,

David Allen, are already working on the planning for travelling road shows for club general managers to be held in Queensland, Victoria, WA, SA and NSW in March and April.

“GMA has come a long way from where it was a decade or so ago and it’s important to keep the momentum going for general managers in an ever evolving and competitive industry,” Lonnie added.

After failing to cut the mustard as a professional (“I wanted to play the game for a living but was never quite good enough even though I played off one for a number of years,” he says) Bendigo boy Lonnie returned to university where he completed a Bachelor of Business.

His first ‘posting’ was an assistant manager’s role at Southern Golf Club, Dingley, south east of Melbourne, before he moved to

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European Tour (LET), or Symetra tours in 2014 and leading ALPG member who has playing status on either the LPGA, Symetra or LET tours.

Volvik already enjoys a strong presence in women’s professional golf with their involvement in the LPGA and Symetra Tours, along with sponsoring several top players including Australians Lindsey Wright and Courtney Massey.

Lunn was thrilled to announce Volvik as the official ball of the ALPG and can see the benefits to both parties during and outside of tournament season.

“I am thrilled to announce this exciting new partnership with Volvik. I would like to say a huge thank you to Chairman Moon and also to John Craig of Volvik Australia for their support, their vision and their belief in the ALPG and Women’s professional golf in Australia.”

“Volvik is quickly becoming one of the most significant and trusted golf ball manufacturers in the world and its image which brings colour and vibrancy to the game aligns perfectly with the ALPG brand. The success that women professionals are having using the Volvik golf ball worldwide certainly makes the ALPG proud to endorse it. This agreement will see Volvik support not only our playing professionals, but also our teaching professionals which make up a large percentage of the ALPG membership. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.” •

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Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) Executive Director, Karen Lunn last month announced that Volvik will be the official ball of the tour.

On the back of their sponsorship of the Ladies Masters, Volvik wanted to be more involved in women’s professional golf in Australia, as explained by John Craig, Managing Director, Volvik Australia “ Volvik Korea has made a serious commitment to supporting Australian golf via their sponsorship of the Volvik RACV Australian Ladies Masters and to drill this down further to the domestic level through a Partnership with ALPG is really exciting. We are thrilled to be involved with the Club Car ProAm Series and to helping talented Australian girls to reach for the next level.”

The partnership will see Volvik involved in all areas of the ALPG operations, not only will they be known as the official ball of the organisation, they will also be providing product (caps and balls) to all amateurs and professionals participating in the ALPG Club Car Series, as well being involved in the Next Generation Club and have put forward a number player incentives.

The player incentives have been split into three categories and they all relate to player performances during the Club Car Series. The categories are: the leading ALPG rookie, the leading ALPG member who is not on either the LPGA, Ladies

The Links

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Croydon in the city’s outer east for the best part of 10 years. During his time at Croydon—the club which spawned Aaron Baddeley—he oversaw the highly-successful move

by Croydon to Yering in Melbourne’s famous Yarra Valley wine region.

He was then appointed as general manager of Perth’s Lake Karrinyup, one of the most prestigious clubs in Australia.

Still a very good golfer, the former Victorian state squad member and Division One Pennant player for Northern Golf Club, Lonnie said he does not play as often as he would like to these days.

“But I could not imagine myself doing any job outside golf. I am really lucky to be able to say I look forward to getting up and going to work every day of my life.”

Clearly GMA is in good hands. •

ALPG announces partnership with Volvik

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industry

TaylorMade unveils second Performance Lab

TaylorMade adidas Golf recently announced the opening of their second Performance Lab at the new Golf Central Brisbane Airport complex within the Brisbane Airport Skygate and DFO shopping precinct.

The new purpose-built fitting centre is only the second of its kind in Australia and will provide golfers of all ages and abilities access to state-of-the-art 3D motion capture technology once reserved for PGA Tour Professionals.

Utilising motion capture technology, the same technology used to make today’s video games and movies, reflective markers are placed on strategic points of the golfer’s body as well as the shaft and head of the fitting club to capture a number of swings with the driver, iron, wedge and putter. Six specially-designed high-speed cameras detect the reflectors and display a 3D computer animated image of the golfer viewable from every angle, allowing the certified TaylorMade club fitting professional to make accurate club and ball recommendations.

Managing Director of TaylorMade adidas Golf, Troy Swainston, said he was very excited to announce the opening of the second TaylorMade Performance Lab in Australia.

“The success of the first Performance Lab in Melbourne has been overwhelming and we’re thrilled to now offer golfers in Brisbane access to TaylorMade’s custom fitting experience technology within the new world–class facilities at Golf Central,” Swainston said.

Avid Sports Management has overseen the site build of Golf Central and Managing Director, James Cooper, is thrilled that the second Australian TaylorMade Performance Lab will be housed within the complex.

“We believe that Golf Central Brisbane will set a new benchmark in golf entertainment facilities in this country and we are delighted to partner with the industry leading TaylorMade Performance Lab to deliver a first class golf club fitting experience - it is a perfect fit,” he said.

Two hour customised club fittings at the TaylorMade Performance Lab cost $150.

Bookings can be made online by visiting www.taylormadeperformancelab.com.au Following the swing analysis and club recommendations made in the TaylorMade Performance Lab, your new TaylorMade clubs can be ordered at the Golf Central Golf Shop, or via your referring Club Professional. •

Golf Vic appoints Government & Community Relations Manager G o l f Victoria has announced the appointment of Fiona Telford as Government and Community Relations Manager. The new role will be primarily responsible for identifying, establishing and maintaining p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h k e y g o ve r n m e n t stakeholders at all three levels to boost support for the sport, and assisting with community relations.

Telford previously worked for three years as Senior Adviser to Victorian Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty, until December 2013.

Prior to her work for Mr. Delahunty, Telford worked as communications advisor to Victoria Police, and the Australian Government.

Simon Brookhouse, Chief Executive Officer spoke about the necessity to have a qualified person in this specialised role and welcomed Telford’s experience to the staff at Golf Victoria.

“Fiona brings us a wealth of government experience and a strong network of government personnel that are relevant to our industry. We are very hopeful that the creation of this role and the appointment of Fiona will increase the service and support levels that Golf Victoria provides its membership.

“Additionally this role will enable us to maximise our level of government support, not only for ourselves, but for our large membership also,” said Brookhouse. •

Kinney appointed national coach - NSW Pennant Hills Golf Club Head Professional Dean Kinney has been appointed Golf Australia National Coach – New South Wales.

K i n n e y, a n A A A P G A o f Au s t ra l i a professional and former member of the PGA Tour of Australasia, has been coaching for 15 years after completing his traineeship at Monash Country Club in Sydney in the mid-1990s.

Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said he was pleased to welcome Kinney to the national High Performance program.

“I’m pleased Dean has agreed to work with Golf Australia and Golf NSW as we look to build the next generation of successful Australian golfers,” James said. “ The role of each National Coach is

to provide knowledge, resources and expertise for the best possible coaching, support service, daily training environment, sports science services and competition oppor tunities for all National Squad members, while working closely with all State High Performance Programs and the home based coach,” James added. •

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industry

Seeing red on ladies tees David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

WHY do most golf courses only have one set of women’s tees?

That is a question the late, great, sage golf teacher Harvey Penick tackled in his book of more than a decade ago – For All Who Love the Game – Lessons and Teachings for Women.

“There are championship tees way back and 20 or so yards ahead are the regular tees for the average player,” he wrote.

“Many courses have still another set of tees farther ahead, to be used for senior or high handicappers.

“Which tees a man chooses to play from is up to his ego more than his ability in numerous cases. But women usually have no choice.

“The expert and high handicapper, the senior and the child – all females must use what are called the women’s tees on most courses.

“For most of golf’s history, it didn’t matter all that much that women hit from the same tees.

“Unless it had been raining, fairways were dry and hard. We didn’t start heavy watering of golf courses until after World War II. The rough was sparse.

“The greens were open in front to accept runup shots and happy bounces. The fairways were fairly free of bunkers and the courses were not marred by artificial ponds.

“A woman could hit her ball down the fairway and proceed advancing it toward the hole at a good clip if she had any ability,” he continued.

New Australian Ladies Professional Golf boss Karen Lunn agrees with Penick’s assessment.

“It’s crazy,” Lunn said. “There definitely should

While men enjoy a variety of tee locations to choose from, women golfers are usually (and often unfairly) given only one option. be two tees for women to play from.

“It’s almost as if they (course designers) haven’t thought about where the ladies will play from.

“They just plonk a tee somewhere and if it’s a dogleg hole it might be set up ridiculously.

“If you look at the red tees at Royal Pines they are nothing like the course we play during the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters.

“I think setting up golf courses for women from a tournament director’s point of view is really difficult because sometimes the hole isn’t designed to be played from a certain place, but it’s the only option.

“If you play in a pro-am with a 30 handicapper there should be a ladies tee 100m from the green (on short holes) because many of the ladies can’t carry longer hazards.

“For A grade competitions and better players it’s not as big a problem.”

According to Penick, most courses built since heavy watering started have been at the behest of real estate developers wanting water, canyons and long-forced carries that make beautiful photos in the brochures.

“With the watering, the rough grows thick and many balls are lost,” he wrote.

“Designers surround the greens with bunkers or heavy rough collars, demanding a target shot.

“The playing field is more unequal than ever when women of all abilities and ages are forced to use the same tees.”

“At Austin Country Club, architect Pete Dye gave us five sets of tees – two for women.

“The gold tees are for championship play. The

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blues are for our better players who are not at the championship level.

“The greens are for average golfers. The whites are for both men and women. The reds are for women only.

“Women should demand two sets of tees,” he wrote.

“Not only would it make the game more fun for the higher handicappers, it also would allow the players to move faster.”

FOOTNOTE: Harvey Penick shot to prominence when he published the book titled Little Red Book.

It helped millions of golfers around the world including some of the great women players like Mickey Wright, Kathy Whitaker and Judy Rankin.

For All Who Love the Game – Lessons and Teachings for Women is published by Simon and Schuster. •

manager profile

Erich on managing Moore Park Golf David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

MOORE Park Golf general manager Erich Weber has an interesting CV, which includes experience at some of the world’s finest resorts.

That experience has given Weber an intimate knowledge of what it takes when it comes to offering fivestar service in every department thanks to his hospitality work where he had to host VIPs including George Clooney and Kate Moss while working at luxury resorts in the Maldives.

Weber started his working life as a trainee professional – first at Leura Golf Club and finally at The Coast Golf Club.

“I did my first year at Leura and then finished my traineeship at The Coast under top-quality guys like Tim Sayers and Mark Holland,” the 38-year-old said.

“I did some coaching and worked there for a few more years then went and worked with Eddie Emerson at St Michael’s.

“Then I played for a couple of years, but didn’t do that well.”

To supplement his income, Weber worked in hospitality at night and practised during the day.

“That’s when my hospitality career took off,” he said. “I worked at the two-hatted Otto’s Restaurant owned

by John Laws and a couple of other

fine establishments such as the Star City Casino, Merivale and Kingsley’s Steakhouse.

“Then I got a call out of the blue to go and work for a five-star resort in the Maldives. The company had resorts in Sri Lanka and Dubai as well.

“So I went over as a hospitality consultant to help them set up bars, cafes, train staff, improve systems and host VIPs. “It was a crazy and interesting place hosting these kinds of guests and flying around on a seaplane to make drinks for VIPs at different islands.”

Weber left the Maldives for the UK where he worked with UK’s celebrity chef Anton Mosimann.

When his father passed away, Weber returned to Australia and oversaw the opening of the Dome cocktail bar, set up a couple of cafes and catering businesses.

But golf ran through his veins and he returned to work at The Coast Golf Club as an assistant professional.

Later he moved to the position of head professional at St Michael’s then on to Moore Park Golf as director of golf and was promoted to general manager six months later.

That was four years ago.

Moore Park Golf falls under the umbrella of Centennial Parklands and is managed by ClubLINKS. “It’s a really creative and dynamic environment,” he said. “We are always

Moore Park Golf general manager Erich Weber. an active membership.” looking at ways to improve our customer experience.

Despite its success, Moore Park “The main lessons I have learnt Golf has huge potential, according have been persistence and focusing to Weber. on Moore Park Golf as the key venue “There were challenges a few years in Sydney to grow the game. back and it required a lot of capital “We have maintained that focus. investment to bring it up to scratch,” he said.

“It probably has the busiest golf “But over the past couple of years school in the country with 13,000 lessons annually, which is up 25 per the Trust has invested $3m in the cent on the previous year. facility and we are really starting to “It’s arguably the busiest golf range realise its potential. with 13 million range balls hit per year.

“That foresight from the Centennial “We also have a busy golf course and Parklands CEO Kim Ellis has us moving

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in the right direction.

“We are starting to see a lot of happy customers. Play has improved out of sight and it’s great to be able to turn some of our ideas into revenue.

“The most rewarding part is to see the customer experience enhanced.”

Moore Park Golf’s Sydney Golf Academy boasts 10 teaching professionals and another 20 staff members ensure the place keeps ticking over.

“We have taken golf to another level with the entertainment factor,” said Weber, who leads from the front and is adept at motivating and inspiring those who work around him.

“This is a venue where you can bring in new concepts and really transform it from just being golf to an entertainment venue. We are starting to see new groups of young women hitting golf balls and people trying the game.

“The quality of the facility and the projects we are working on with Centennial Parklands means this place will improve even more in the next year and beyond.

“Our plight is to grow the game.

Across the industry, we have seen a downturn over the past few years and my job is to try and inspire more people to play golf.

“My frustration is not being able to do things fast enough,” he said.

“I like to get things done quickly. I like to see things happen yesterday.” •

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21

on tour

A week of festivities at the Qld PGA Championship When the PGA Tour of Australasia arrives in Toowoomba for the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship to be played from the 13th – 16th February the week will be about more than just the action on course.

For the City Golf Club and Toowoomba region it is a weeklong celebration of golf with the Professionals leaving a lasting legacy in the area.

The week tees off with the Queensland PGA Junior Pro-Am to be played on Monday afternoon. 60 juniors will play alongside some of Australia’s established and rising golf stars providing them the opportunity to learn from the best. An ambrose event where four juniors will team up with a Professional in the afternoon is sure to be filled with fun as well as some friendly competition.

While the kids are having fun on the fairways, over at Middleridge Golf Club the atmosphere will be more intense as players battle it out at pre-qualifying for a minimum of 10 positions.

For those players not already qualified for the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship this will be their last opportunity to earn their way into the $120,000 tournament.

On Tuesday it’s the adults’ turn to play alongside the Professionals in the Corporate Pro-Am. Being played as a Single Stableford and 4BBB event, amateurs will have plenty of time to watch up close how the Professionals go about their business on the golf course and perhaps pick up a tip along the way. A 1pm shotgun start and with players in carts it’s the perfect opportunity for any golf fan to participate in a PGA Tour of Australasia tournament.

Later that afternoon from 4-6pm bring your kids to Queens Park in Toowoomba to try their hand at golf with a MyGolf clinic. Professionals will be in attendance helping to introduce kids to golf in a fun and relaxed environment.

Wednesday is ladies day at the City Golf Club with a fashion show thanks to Target being held from 10.30am. This is the perfect time to catch up with friends and enjoy the show as Golf Professionals and models show all the latest fashion trends for on and off the fairways.

On Thursday all the attention will be focused on the City Golf Club as the first round of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship tees off at 6.30am. Entry is free and spectators are encouraged to come to watch some of Australia’s leading Professionals in action as they aim to claim the Charles Bonham Trophy.

On Friday while the Professionals are aiming to make the cut in the tournament a group of Professionals will make a special visit to the children and infants ward at Toowoomba Hospital. One of the most rewarding activities of the week the Professionals always enjoy visiting the ill and injured children to brighten their day.

Back at the City Golf Club keen sports fans can enjoy the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship Sportsman’s Lunch. Whilst enjoying a two course meal guests will hear from three of the high profile players in the tournament as well as former Wallaby Tim Horan.

Later that evening golf fan and former Australian idol runner-up Shannon Noll will be commencing his Invincible Tour at the City Golf Club. The perfect way to cap off a day at the golf on Valentine’s Day tickets are on sale for $40pp.

As the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship heads into the final two days there is sure to be plenty of excitement to watch on course. City Golf Club provides great vantages for viewing the Professionals in action with the champion set to be decided on Sunday afternoon.

How to be involved: Monday 10th February: • Pre-Qualifying – Toowoomba Middleridge

Golf Club from 7.30am – entry is free • Queensland PGA Junior Pro-Am – City Golf Club 3.30pm shotgun start – contact City Golf Club for bookings on 07 4636 9000 Tuesday 11th February: • Corporate Pro-Am – City Golf Club 1pm shotgun start – contact City Golf Club for bookings on 07 4636 9000 • MyGolf Come and Try Activities – Queens Park 4 - 6pm – participation is free with no bookings necessary Wednesday 12th February: • Target Fashion Show – City Golf Club 10.30am – 11.30am – contact City Golf Club for bookings on 07 4636 9000 • Championship Pro-Am – City Golf Club 1pm shotgun start – contact City Golf Club for bookings on 07 4636 9000 Thursday 13th February: • Round 1 of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship – City Golf Club from 6.30am – entry is free Friday 14th February: • Round 2 of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship – City Golf Club from 6.30am – entry is free • Sportsman’s Lunch – City Golf Club 12pm 2pm – contact City Golf Club for bookings on 07 4636 9000 • Shannon Noll Invincible concert – City Golf Club from 7pm – contact City Golf Club for bookings on 07 4636 9000 Saturday 15th February: • Round 3 of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship – City Golf Club – entry is free Sunday 16th February: • Round 4 of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship – City Golf Club – entry is free • Championship presentation ceremony – City Golf Club approximately 3.30pm – entry is free. •

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cover story

On the Marc: Leishman aims for success What’s the cultural transition been like with food and sport?

Garrett Johnston

garrett@garrettjohnstonproductions.com @johnstongarrett

At the start it’s pretty easy to put on a lot of weight. Here in the States there’s great food and you want to eat it all. But now that I’ve gotten used to it, I’ve got to be careful what I eat. I love the American culture, it’s good eating out a lot.

I love watching all the sports. I haven’t picked any teams yet. The joke is that I always watch a game and I pick a team in that game, but it’s sort of fun that way then I’m not attached to any one team. I can relax, sit back, and watch it which is good.

I particularly like ice hockey, that’s probably my favourite. That and football are the two big ones that I like.

With a fourth-place finish at last year’s US Masters, and a solid fifth at last month’s Sony Open, Australia’s Marc Leishman is bringing some top form into his 2014 PGA Tour campaign.

We sat down with the big-hitting Victorian to discuss life on tour, the Majors and his career.

What do you enjoy most about golf?

Just the competitiveness, I think. Obviously it’s a lot of fun to play but I love playing knowing that I’ve got to beat 155 other guys. You have to be really competitive to win and when you get down to the last few holes with a chance to win, that’s why you play, to get yourself in that position. To feel the pressure, see how you react, and I think that’s the way to do it, to try and win tournaments.

What kind of mentors have you had in your career thus far?

I’ve played quite a few practice rounds with John Senden, Rod Pampling, Nathan Green.

I’d say they’re probably the main ones as far as Australians go.

Watching Greg (Norman) on TV growing up was awesome. I remember waking up as a kid watching the Masters, all the majors really, and he’s the one you would always be watching. He was always up there. When I finally met him it was awesome.

Living in Virginia Beach in the States what kind of things do you like to do to get your mind off the game?

I don’t mind doing a bit of fishing. I spend a lot of time at home out in the yard. Watching sport on TV, just normal stuff. Going down to the bar for a couple of beers (laughs).

Now that we live in Virginia Beach I do a little bit of surf fishing off the beach. There’s a few lakes around that I’ll go to.

What sticks out when you look back on your career to this point?

Obviously (winning the ’12 Travelers Championship on the US Tour) stands out. The

Do you have a most common swing thought when you’re out there?

Marc Leishman at this summer’s Australian PGA Championship. (Photo: Jason O’Brien) Masters would certainly be a highlight as well. To contend in a major is awesome especially right down to the end. The most memorable would be the Masters but my biggest achievement would be winning the Travelers.

How inspiring was it see Scotty win the Masters?

It was really inspiring, playing with him in the last round. Seeing how close I was actually to pulling it off. But at the same time seeing him win was great. It’s really motivating.

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The pressure of the Masters and being in the hunt in a major… is it any different than a regular event?

I don’t think so. I think it’s just more people, it’s louder. As far as a golfer I don’t think it’s any different. We’ve still got to get the ball in the hole.

I wouldn’t say it makes me look at them any differently but I think it makes me realize that they’re just another golf tournament and anyone that particular week can win them. There’s no reason that it couldn’t be me. It was a big week, a tiring week. But it was a fun week. Definitely something I’d like to do again fairly soon, being in contention at a major, or any week really. But majors in particular.

What’s your transition been like to the US Tour as far as your game?

What do the majors mean to you?

They’re huge obviously. They mean a lot to all of us golfers. That’s the biggest thing in our

I’ve developed as a player a lot. My misses aren’t as bad now and my putting has improved.

But I think a lot of it is mental. I don’t get as down on myself now as I used to or as angry.

I think that’s important but I think that just comes with experience. I’ll tell you that’s where I’ve grown the most. Obviously I’m a better golfer now than I was when I got on Tour but I think that’s where I’ve made the most improvement.

What’s your pre-round meal?

I never drink caffeine before I play. I try and not have any sugar or too much sugar. I’d never have any diet cokes or anything, none of that before I play. As far as food, I’d never eat a burger before I play. I’d rather have something lean, with a lot of protein so it lasts a while and I don’t get tired.

If we’re not feeling good after a meal we can’t just call-in and say we’ll come in tomorrow and do all the work then. We’ve got to be ready and rearing to go everyday so diet has a lot to do with that. You’ve got to have your body feeling good, your golf swing, and mentally you’ve got to be ready to go. So there’s a lot of different aspects to it. You have to work on every part of that. If you’re missing one part of that you’ll be off your game. •

Keep up with us online!

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sport, to win one of those. Definitely a goal of mine to do that. It’s closer than what I thought it was. After the Masters, getting so close, now I know it’s doable and just got to work hard and get the right breaks here and there and play well the right weeks.

Does it make majors seem more attainable now?

Introducing…

DINT HOME GOLF

I don’t really have one. I’m just a feel player. I don’t really think about anything to be honest.

I do the work on the range and get on the course and think about nothing. I think about the shot I’m going to hit and then match the swing for that shot.

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tour talk

with Steven Jeffress

Making quick work of Q-School Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

After a solid finish on the Australian Tour, my last event for 2013 was the Japanese Tour School. A gruelling six-round event, with the top 30 out of 200 competitors gaining playing rights on the Japanese Tour for 2014.

The trip got off to a good start, we found our Hotel after the 9-hour flight and 3-hour drive (this may seem simple but, believe me, sometimes in Japan it’s not!) Parking at the Hotel was interesting (not a lot of parking spots) so Jeff found a witch’s hat in the corner of the car park and, every night when we would go for dinner, we would put the witch’s hat in the middle of our parking spot to make sure no-one parked there. And with the Japanese being so very respectful, every night when we returned, our spot was there!

The weather was a little chilly over there. The days were ranging from a low of 0 to a max of 7. Jeff, with his beanie on, looked like he was ready to knock over a 7/11.

We were playing two courses, The King and the Queen courses which were not overly tight, but the greens had a heap of slope on them. I had practice rounds with a couple other Aussies which is always a nice way to settle into the week. I wasn’t hitting the ball great at the start of the week and after a bit of tinkering, no matter what I tried, I seemed to just get more confused about what was happening. So I decided to focus on the one thing that I could control – what I was thinking.

On every shot I told Jeff, my caddy, exactly what shot I was going to hit. From the starting spot, the height, the ball flight and where the ball was going to finish. This took my mind off “how to do it” to more “what to do” and this certainly worked opening the first round on the Queen Course with a 4-under par round of 68.

A 70 on the King course the second day had me in 10th position and feeling great about my prospects. The Queen course was a little easier and in round 3 I shot 5-under 31 on the front 9, putting me in good position to shoot a real low one. I only managed an even-par back-9, signing for a 5-under par 67 — doing what I needed to do to get my Tour Card.

I was now in tied 2nd position but heading back to the King Course for round 4 during one of the coldest days of the week. I had 4 layers on and I was still freezing. I battled my way round for an even-par round of 72, which wasn’t too bad considering tee to green my game was pretty average. At this stage you started to realise how long and mentally draining these Tour Schools are. I had played two practice rounds, and four competitive rounds, and I still had two more to go. Was this thing ever going to finish?

The last two rounds were being played on the Queen course, which I was 9-under on for my last two rounds, so I was feeling quietly confident. After being 3-under through 3

holes I shot a solid 70 in the 5th round, which moved me up a couple of spots, and had me tied 8th with just one round to go. Going to bed that night, I knew that I would have my card as long as I didn’t do anything stupid, which, for people that know me, is sometimes difficult to avoid!

We were greeted the last day with 60kph winds, with gusts even higher than that–perfect for me. I grew up in Port Macquarie and played in the wind all the time and therefore my birdie, birdie start was just what the doctor ordered. I turned for the back-nine in the most important round of the year at even after a couple of late bogeys. I knew that I was going along steady but in qualifying schools, you need to finish as high as possible. I made birdies on 11 and 14 so was 2-under for the day, standing on the 17th tee. With two downwind holes to finish, I let my guard down, finishing with two bogeys to shoot square the final day. I finished in a tie for 10th but got card number 18 after the countback.

Two pars on the last two would have seen me get card number 4, which is a little disappointing but hopefully will not affect my status this year.

The week was a great way to finish the year.

I started 2013 having to return to PGA Tour of Australia Q-School to retain my status in Australia. By the end of the year I was exempt on the Australasian, One Asia and Japanese Tours. My first event for 2014 will be the Victorian PGA Championship followed by the QLD PGA, Victorian Open and then the NZ Open before heading to Japan in April. I believe 2014 is the year of the horse and therefore I will certainly be galloping as the tournament season starts! •

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on tour WORLD RANKINGS

Top 20 Australians 1 Adam Scott (2 in world rankings) 2 Jason Day (10) 3 Marc Leishman (68) 4 Brett Rumford (80) 5 Matt Jones (89) 6 Marcus Fraser (102) 7 John Senden (116) 8 Scott Hend (129) 9 Geoff Ogilvy (139) 10 Brendan Jones (152) 11 Brad Kennedy (162) 12 Greg Chalmers (195) 13 Aaron Baddeley (200) 14 Wade Ormsby (234) 15 Stuart Appleby (241) 16 Scott Strange (252) 17 Nick Cullen (269) 18 Matthew Griffin (289) 19 Peter Senior (302) 20 Cameron Percy (321) Top 5 World Rankings 1 Tiger Woods (averaged points 11.05) 2 Adam Scott (9.06) 3 Henrik Stenson (8.85) 4 Phil Mickelson (7.16) 5 Justin Rose (6.78) Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1 Karrie Webb (8 in world) 2 Katherine Hull-Kirk (107) 3 Stacey Keating (112) 4 Lindsey Wright (128) 5 Rebecca Artis (142) 6 Sarah Jane Smith (180) 7 Nikki Campbell (212) 8 Bree Arthur (221) 9 Sarah Kemp (229) 10 Kristie Smith (232) 11 Whitney Hillier (275) 12 Su-Hyun Oh (a) (292) 13 Nikki Garrett (294) 14 Jessica Speechley (332) 15 Stephanie Na (333) 16 Tamie Durdin (349) 17 Karen Lunn (359) 18 Alison Whitaker (363) 19 Julia Boland (382) 20 Minjee Lee (a) (391) Top 5 Rolex Rankings 1 Inbee Park (averaged points 10.34) 2 Suzann Pettersen (9.94) 3 Stacy Lewis (8.66) 4 Lydia Ko (7.18) 5 So Yeon Ryu (6.33)

Stenson, Manassero, Ko join host of new Callaway players Callaway Golf last month added a host of marquee names to its Tour staff for the 2014 season, including Henrik Stenson, Harris English, Lydia Ko, Yani Tseng and Matteo Manassero.

In November, Stenson became the first player to win both the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in the same season. The Swede used a number of Callaway clubs, including Legacy Black irons—which are now sold in Australia and New Zealand—as well as an X Hot Pro 17-degree fairway wood and a Diablo Octane 3-wood. He’ll add to that collection as a Callaway staff pro.

“After having the best season of my career to date in 2013 using Callaway irons and fairway woods, the option of extending my relationship with Callaway Golf was a very natural progression and I look forward to continued success in 2014 being back as part of the Callaway family,” Stenson said.

English is coming off a breakout season where he grabbed his first two PGA Tour wins—the FeEx St. Jude Classic and the OHL Classic at Mayakoba.

“I’ve been really happy with the new Callaway clubs. And the team at Callaway has been fantastic,” said English. “In a short period of time I’ve been able to take advantage of the resources they have and I’m excited about the start of the 2014 season.”

20-year-old Manassero is considered a rising star in the world golf landscape. He already has four career wins on the European Tour, including the 2013 BMW Championship.

In 2012 he became the first teenager to win three European Tour events in one season.

“After testing lots of different products, I am very happy to be joining Callaway, and I am really excited to use their whole range of equipment. I’m really impressed with everything so far and the Callaway Team has been fantastic.”

16-year-old New Zealander Ko is the former World No. 1 Amateur and youngest winner ever on the LPGA Tour. She will play a full complement of Callaway and Odyssey products.

Ko recently won her first tournament as a professional using the Company’s new X2 Hot Pro Driver.

24-year-old LPGA star Tseng became the fastest player in LPGA history to cross the $8 million mark in career earnings in 2012. In 2011, she became the youngest player to win consecutive Rolex Player of the Year awards. She won five women’s majors in a three-year span when she was the best female golfer on the planet. She’ll look to regain that form with new Callaway equipment in her bag in 2014.

In addition, Callaway inked PGA TOUR players Pat Perez, John Rollins and Matt Every, European Tour player Chris Doak and 2013 Asian Tour money winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Perez, a San Diego native already has one career TOUR victory and will look to add to that using a full complement of Callaway of equipment. Rollins has three career PGA TOUR wins and has qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs each of the last seven seasons.

Callaway also announced the signing of three more young players: Thomas Pieters, James Erkenbeck and Chase Seiffert. All three were All-Americans at the U.S. collegiate level and have recently finished their NCAA careers and turned professional. •

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Some of the quality courses we play on in the Sydney Metro area.  Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club  Macquarie Links Golf Club  St Michaels Golf Club  Terrey Hills Golf Club  Concord Golf Club  New South Wales Golf Club  Pymble Golf Club  Liverpool Golf Club  Cromer Golf Club

Matteo Manassero

Els signs with Adams Golf FOUR-TIME major champion Ernie Els has signed a multiyear contract with Adams Golf. The smooth-swinging South African will use a variety of Adams clubs and equipment and endorse the company on his golf bag and hats.

Els has 70 professional career victories to his name, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships and seven World Matchplay titles. He is ranked No.1 in all-time career earnings on the European Tour.

TaylorMade purchased Adams in 2012, and the companies produce two separate lines of clubs. •

Allenby, Austin among 11 new TaylorMade staff TaylorMade Golf bolstered its talented staff by adding 11 new players for the 2014 season.

A few of the new players who will represent TaylorMade in 2014 include Robert Allenby, Woody Austin, James Hahn, Trevor Immelman and Scott Langley.

In addition, 34 players renewed their commitment to the TaylorMade Tour Staff including 2013 U.S. Open Champion Justin Rose, Brian Gay, Ken Duke, David Lynn, James Driscoll, Justin Hicks, Mike Weir and Charlie Wi, as well as LPGA players Jessica Korda, Beatriz Recari and Danielle Kang.

Other noteworthy members of the TaylorMade Tour staff include Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen, Sean O’Hair, Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink. •

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Last chance to qualify for ACGC Final ONLY eight events remain in the Auto Club Golf Championship series, and players from across Australia are battling hard to qualify for the remaining spots in the Final to be played at RACV Royal Pines on March 26-28.

The Championship series has seen a sizzling start to 2014, with events last month at Cohuna, Bendigo, Mount Lawley, Yallourn, St Michaels, Stawell, Federal, RACV Healesville, Magenta Shores and Blackwood.

Tournament organisers (and players) have benefitted from a bounty of sponsors for the series. Thrifty hosted a mini trade day at the St. Michaels event in NSW, while Club Assist came on board as a sponsor and provided free player BBQs using their Club Assist travelling BBQ Trailer at Blackwood Golf Club in South Australia (Club Assist will also be will be at Fairfield in NSW in February.)

“I cannot believe we have not been involved before now with these events, they are fantastic,” said Colin Murray from Club Assist SA branch.

To date, there has only been one Hole-in-one winner in the running for the Suzuki Kizashi, and Tournament Director John Harriss says “we would love another one so we can have a lucky key draw at the Championship Final at RACV Royal Pines Resort”.

Championship finalists have been confirmed already in SA, NT, Tasmania, WA and QLD, with New South Wales and Victoria running their final events in February and March. Spots are still available to be won, with seven events in February, including the Box Hill Golf Club event which was rescheduled due to the extreme heat that hit Victoria in January. The new date for the event is Monday 3rd February. The final event for the 2013/2014 series will be held at Yamba Golf Club on Sunday 15th March.

One of the Auto Club Golf Championship’s latest winning pairs, David Kincaid and Garry Sullivan on 80 points at Yallourn Golf Club.

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It is only $30.00 per player to register for each event and with an immediate registration bonus of a dozen Taylor Made Burner golf balls, a fantastic Morambro Wines Gift Voucher, plus the chance to win a trip to RACV Royal Pines Resort and a bounty of other prizes on offer,

you would be mad not to give it a go.

Represent your Auto Club and you could also make your state proud at the Championship Final. For more information including event dates in your region and to register your pair, visit: www.acgc.com.au • UPCOMING ACGC EVENTS Sanctuary Lakes Box Hill Queenspark Mornington Golf Club (VIC) Dubbo Golf Club Fairfield Golf Club 2ND EVENT Lakes Entrance Yamba (Dates subject to change)

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Srixon top golf ball in Aussie market

For the first time in its history, Srixon has achieved the Number 1 Market Share Position for total golf ball consumption in Australia.

According to the Golf Ball Report, December 2013 conducted by Chaska Findings Pty Ltd, Srixon achieved a 30.5% share, giving it the top spot in Australia.

“Since launching the Srixon Brand in 1997 it has been our goal to be the Number 1 golf ball manufacturer,” said Martin Wright, Managing Director of Srixon Sports Australasia Pty Ltd. “At times during the journey it has seemed that we may have set our goal too high but since 2006 we have held the Number 2 position until this fantastic result. A lot of credit must be given to our customers who have supported the Srixon Brand since its inception.”

“Srixon has dominated the two-piece golf ball market for a number of years and our strength is that we are not a one ball company. We have a fantastic range of balls with 5 ranked inside the Top 10 bestselling golf balls in Australia. There is no doubt that our aggressive advertising and promotional campaigns over the past 3 years have had a strong impact.”

With 70 Tour Wins in 2013 on the major golf tours around the world, the Srixon Tour Staff led by Graeme McDowell, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama and Inbee Park have recognised the performance of the Z-Star Ball Series.

For more info, visit www.srixon.com •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

29

people

John’s five-decade winning streak

John Coote at Inverell Golf Club.

Photo courtesy Inverell Times.

WHAT does Inverell Golf Club’s John Coote have in common with legendary South African Gary Player?

Both have won tournaments over a period of five decades, which is an extraordinary feat.

Okay, Gary Player’s victories were on the world stage, but John’s 15 club championship titles at his beloved Inverell Golf Club in NSW can’t be sneezed at.

In 1977, he won his first championship and in 1977 and he notched up his 13th title in 2011 to eclipse the NSW club’s record previously held

by Barry Radcliffe.

Since then John, who plays off a two handicap, has won another two titles.

That’s not bad for someone who has never paid for a lesson and never practises.

“Winning in five decades just means I’m an old bugger,” the 61-year-old said.

“I don’t practice because I’m not interested in hitting golf balls. I might hit a few before I play a competition round.”

Still, John is not resting on his laurels and has set his sights on winning the club championship in six decades, but he will have to wait seven years.

Now that would be a major feat.

In his “younger” days, John played off scratch and has a career-best score of 65 – five-under par.

In 2000, he captured the club championship when he carded a three-under par 277 over four rounds.

John first picked up a club in the early 1960s when kids came out of the woodwork to play the game.

“A bus used to pick up kids around the town and there would be about 100 juniors playing golf,” he said.

John reduced his handicap to five, but quit the game at age 17 to pursue other interests including “girls and cars”.

“When I was a junior I was offered the chance to turn professional,” he said. “I was offered a traineeship at Dunheved Golf Club in Sydney, but I turned it down.

“I was keen on playing golf, but didn’t want to do it for a living.”

John returned to golf when he was 22 and captured his first club championship in 1977 at the age of 25 when he defeated his mate and reigning champion Robert Fearnley.

Other rivals over the years have included Robert Flemming, Maurie Moses, the Bath brothers, Mark and Sean, and Craig Baldwin.

“Some of them like Maurie Moses, Brett Drewitt and the Bath boys are now professionals,” he said.

A consistent driver of the golf ball, John says putting is the weak link in his game.

“My putting is definitely not my strength,” he said. “I try to hit as many greens in regulation as possible and try to hole a few putts.”

He has lost count of the number of mixed championships he has won with playing partners Di Trim, Pat Noonan, Jenny Morris and Liz Hobday.

For more than 20 years, John’s business, Sapphire City Security, has kept him busy, but he does find the time to slip away to various golfing destinations with a group of 11 mates once a year.

“This year we are going to the Gold Coast to play Palm Meadows, the Palms at Sanctuary Cove and Arundel Hills,” he said.

“We go all over the place to places like the Hunter Valley and vineyards where there are some nice courses.” •

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30

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

people

Bob racks up 500 putters David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

TO say Bob Abbott has a fascination with putters is an understatement.

The 72-year-old retiree has more than 500 putters in his vast collection, which he has displayed in his garage.

The collection he has assembled over the years is unquestionably in a league of its own.

“I used to collect stamps, but I gave that away and started collecting putters,” Bob said.

“In 1973, I played in the Australian amateur championship at Gailes and asked the pro if he had any hickory putters.

“He did so I bought two for $5. You wouldn’t buy them for that price now.

“I retired about four or five years ago and thought I would start collecting putters.

“It’s been amazing. The other day I went to the Sunshine Coast and got 20 in one hit. Two were putters I already had, but the other 18 were different.”

While putters come in all shapes and sizes, left- and right-handed, not all Bob’s flat sticks are different.

“I have nine centre-shafted (two-way) putters that are the same so I have painted them different colours. I have a standard grey, a pink, white and various other colours.”

Still, he does have a few unique putters including a rare antique putter by D&W Auchterlonie handmade at St Andrews, Scotland.

And he has a Bobby Jones Calamity Jane putter, a Kel Nagle, Arnold Palmer and Bruce Devlin blade.

Others in the collection include a James Braid (The Onion) and John Henry Taylor putter. Both

PUTTER, PUTTER ON THE WALL: Bob Abbott’s fascination with putters has resulted in a large collection. won the Open Championship five times.

Bob, who took up golf 50 years ago, still has his first putter – a Kel Nagle.

He has 28 left-handed putters and three broomstick putters.

“When I see a left-handed putter I haven’t got, I buy it,” said Bob, a natural right-hander who can also putt left-handed. “I never sell a putter.”

The most expensive putter in his collection is an $80 Scotty Cameron, however, most of the putters have been inexpensive purchases.

“Most of the putters I have bought cheap,”

he said. “I pick them up for 50 cents or a $1.

“I go to the dumps. It’s amazing how many you pick up there.

“I went to one dump and got five and when I got home one had a Brosnan grip, but it was a left-handed PING putter, which cost me a $1.

“I clean and polish them and they come up pretty good,” said Bob, who uses a long putter.

“I made a long putter to see how it went. Then I bought one and finally I bought a better one.”

So, what sort of a putter is Bob, who plays off an 11 handicap at Gympie Golf Club?

“I’m not too bad,” said Bob, who has been using a Tour Edge long putter for the past two years.

“I won the club championship five times between 1969 and 1976 and finished runnerup six times.

“I used to play off a two handicap and in 1967 a mate and I won the Queensland Foursomes.

I also won the Queensland Country Week title over 36 holes.

“I shot 79 in the morning with five bogeys and a double and a three-under par in the afternoon to win by two shots.”

Seven times Bob has been able to leave the putter in the bag on short holes courtesy of seven magnificent aces.

There were times when Bob would use putters from his collection, but he stopped that a long time ago.

“I did use them, but when I think back I don’t know how I did because these days the putters are very good.

“I have a few putters made of jade stone,” he said. “They are made in the US and New Zealand.

“They are a bit clunky and for show only.

“I am always on the lookout for collectable putters, preferably ones I haven’t already got.

“It’s hard to find unusual putters.”

Bob said his aim was to have a collection of 500 putters, which he reached prior to Christmas 2013 when he picked up three from a garage sale.

“The garage at home is almost full now and my wife says that is as far as I can go,” he laughed.

FOOTNOTE: If you can contribute to Bob’s collection, email him at erabbott@oneseniors. com.au •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

31

people

Irene, 78, skins ’em David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

A 78-YEAR-OLD New South Wales grandmother is on top of the world after beating three younger men to win the Handiskins final at Wentworth Golf Club at Orange.

Irene Goldsack, who plays off a handicap of 24, was a model of consistency in the final and walked away with $955 of the $1200 up for grabs.

Nick Ellice ($135), Steven Hooper ($75) and Des Davis ($35) were no match for Irene, who has survived five bouts of cancer including a double mastectomy.

“I didn’t expect to win it, but I was delighted I did,” said Irene, who has played golf for 61 years.

“I wasn’t going to enter the Handiskins event, but I was talked into it by the girls at the club and ended up winning.”

Irene, who had an 87 off the stick, played the final four holes in one-over par.

“I think that’s where I came good,” she said.

“Years ago I used to hit a long ball, but now I just hit it down the middle and rely on my chipping and putting, which has always been good.”

Handiskins director Paul Edwards said he was “blown away” by Irene’s incredible performance.

“The pro at Wenthworth Golf Club, Todd Iffland, told me not to write her off in the final,” Paul said.

The Handiskins competition consisted of five stableford qualifying rounds.

“The players take their best three scores towards their final total,” he explained.

“At the end of the five qualifying rounds, the

THREE MEN AND A LADY: Irene Goldsack (left) with fellow Handiskins finalists Des Davis, Steven Hooper and Nick Ellice. top-four play in a skins-format final for $1200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

“Irene was up against 55 other players and reached the final.

“She was just straight down the middle on every hole

McLeod Ladies Black Marker Challenge

“The guys were trying to hit the cover off the ball and getting into trouble, but she just kept going down the middle – nothing fazed her.

“She was incredible and is an amazing and beautiful lady.”

Irene said she wasn’t nervous taking on three

men in the final.

“I have been playing golf for 61 years and don’t worry about nerves,” she said.

Even with $720 up for grabs on the 16th hole after holes six to 15 were halved, Irene kept calm and pocketed the cash.

To rub salt into the wound, she also won the 17th ($80) and put another $20 in her purse when the 18th was halved.

Earlier in the round, she won $80 at the third hole and another $40 at the fifth.

Nick won the first hole ($40) and Steve, too, won $40 when he won the fourth hole.

There was an additional $60 up for grabs at the short sixth and 13th holes for nearest the pins.

The sixth was halved ($15 each) and Nick won the NTP on the 13th to take the $60.

Irene is no stranger when it comes to the winner’s circle.

Her career is littered with highlights including an A grade club championship, three B grade championships, five foursomes championships and five mixed championships with husband Frank.

That’s not bad for someone who has worked all her life and has mostly only been able to play golf on a Sunday.

From Wauchope originally, Irene is still searching for her first hole-in-one.

“On three occasions I have been close to a hole-in-one,” she lamented. “On two occasions I was playing in a chook run and was so close I was able to bend down and blow the ball in the hole.”

So, how will Irene spend her winnings?

“I will probably buy a new set of golf clubs,” she said. •

Noosa Valley Golf & Country Club

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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women

25 years of Ladies Masters hits David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THE Vokvik RACV Ladies Masters is Bob Tuohy’s “baby”, but Aussie great Jan Stephenson had a lot to do with its birth.

Twenty-five years ago, Tuohy, a South Australian tournament promoter, launched the Australian Ladies Masters after meeting with Stephenson in the US. “I was at a cricket Test match having afternoon tea in the car park at the Oval in London,” he explained. “It was fashionable to have tea in the car park.

“We had played golf in the morning and rushed back to the cricket when I was told Jan Stephenson was looking for me.

“I called Jan the next morning and she said, ‘I want to you come to Boston, Massachusetts to a place called Salem to visit a LPGA golf tournament. You must come and see these girls play’.

“She was then the Women’s US Open champion and a very good player and I always admired her.

“So my wife Sue and I changed our schedule and went to Boston and found Salem, which is a tiny sleepy hollow.

“I couldn’t believe what we saw in the way of talent – Nancy Lopez and all the great players of that era were there playing.

“They had lots of spectators and sponsors and that grabbed my attention.

“So I came home and said ‘that’s not a bad idea, but where do we start’ because we are not in the business of promoting ladies golf and had never thought about it.

“A few months later I called my good friend Don Johnson, who had just started as ALPG executive director, and said ‘we want to have a golf tournament in Australia’.

“He said ‘why don’t you talk to Daikyo who run the men’s event’?”

“We were introduced to the right people and we created the event in 1990.

Tuohy took the Ladies Masters to Palm

Bob Tuohy Meadows on the Gold Coast where it gained a toehold in Australia and where its transformation from a minor event to major status on the Ladies European Tour (LET) began to take place.

“Jan (Stephenson) did her thing and brought the best players in the world to the tournament,” Tuohy said.

“We had a great event, lots of people, television loved it.”

In its inaugural year, Tuohy pulled off a major coup when he found the perfect drawcard in Women’s US Open and LPGA Championship winner Jane Geddes, who had played a dominant role in women’s professional golf in the 1980s.

Geddes not only won the inaugural ANZ Ladies Masters at Palm Meadows, but she successfully defended her title a year later at the same venue.

“One of the most pleasing things over the past 25 years is watching players like Karrie

Webb, Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Yani Tseng, Se Re Park, Tracy Lewis, Amy Yang and a number of other great players.

“Many of them have gone on to be number one in the world.

“Katherine Hull, who won in 2009, cut her teeth here.

“I think we, as a team, have had a lot to do with the careers of other people.

“I am proud of that and proud we are still here.”

For the first eight years (1990-1997), champions Jane Geddes, Jane Crafter, Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam kept the turnstiles ticking over.

In 1998, Karrie Webb arrived on the scene and made the tournament her own.

This year, Webb will be aiming to win her ninth title on a toughened RACV Royal Pines layout from February 6-9.

Standing in her way will be players of the calibre of Laura Davies, former Rolex World No.1 Yani Tseng, South African Lee-Anne Pace, who finished second on the LET Order of Merit, France’s Gwladys Nocera (fourth) and Englishwoman Charley Hull.

Hull, 17, is sensational. She was named LET rookie of the year after finishing sixth on the OOM. Tall, sweet-swinging American Jessica Korda, who won the 2012 Women’s Australian Open, will return as will Tiger Woods’ niece Cheyenne Woods, who is coming off a fantastic year on the LPGA. In just her third year as a professional, the talented golfer made the cut in all 21 events and posted six top 10 finishes with her best finish being runner-up in the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic.

She finished 25th on the money list with US$593,389.

Woods will be looking to improve on her 33rd finish last year. In 2013, Woods played 11 events on the LET and posted three top-20 finishes in her rookie year.

FOOTNOTE: Auto club members (such as RACQ or RACV) can receive two free tickets for each day of the event (February 6-9). Simply show your auto club membership card at the gate.

Past winners 2013

Karrie Webb

Australia

2012

Christel Boeljon

Netherlands

2011

Yani Seng

Taiwan

2010

Karrie Webb

Australia

2009

Katherine Hull

Australia

2008

Lisa Hall

England

2007

Karrie Webb

Australia

2006

Amy Yang

South Korea

2005

Karrie Webb

Australia

2004

Annika Sorenstam

Sweden

2003

Laura Davies

England

2002

Annika Sorenstam

Sweden

2001

Karrie Webb

Australia

2000

Karrie Webb

Australia

1999

Karrie Webb

Australia

1998

Karrie Webb

Australia

1997

Gail Graham

Canada

1996

Jane Crafter

Australia

1995

Annika Sorenstam

Sweden

1994

Laura Davies

England

1993

Laura Davies

England

1992

Jane Crafter

Australia

1991

Jane Geddes

United States

1990

Jane Geddes

United States

How best to see stars THERE are numerous ways to see the stars at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters without straining your muscles and eyes.

While a four-day ticket is the ideal way to go, some fans miss a very easy way to see their favourite players up close and personal.

Each day the players go to the practice tee before their rounds.

While access is necessarily restricted, the players are at the practice fairway for a good while as they warm-up.

Fans can watch them work their way through the short irons to the driver.

And every day the players spend a good amount of time with their caddies on the practice putting green before their rounds.

On the golf course, look for a vantage point which gives you a variety of options.

Find a tee that is not too far from the preceding green.

That way you can watch approach shots and putts by moving back and forth between green and tee.

It can take some of the sting out of an 18-hole walk, particularly on a hot day.

Television viewing THE Volvik RACV Ladies Masters will be telecast on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9 between 2-6pm by ABC Sport throughout Australia. •

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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clubs

Norfolk Island pro shop ‘rocks’ David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THEY say every picture tells a story, but if you enter the pro shop at Norfolk Island Golf Club, well, the walls tell a story.

Most people who first see the pro shop describe it as “unique”.

It’s also been described as a “man cave” because it resembles a grotto, but it’s far from that, according to club professional Andrew Umlauft.

Brisbane-born Umlauft, who has been the club professional since 2005, made the changes after growing tired of staring at four fibro walls.

“We pulled the fibro off the walls to expose the stone and decided to use it as a feature for the pro shop,” he said.

Being heritage-listed, Umlauft had to take particular care not to damage or tamper with the original rock walls.

“It’s one of 11 convict settlements and has a lot of history,” he said.

“This building used to be the magistrate’s residence in convict times. The clubhouse section was the old living quarters, but has been used as a clubhouse since 1974.

“That’s when it was renovated and the Queen came out and opened the new work that had been done.

“At the time, this (pro shop) was used as a locker room. The original walls were there, but they just covered them with gyprock.

“This is the old kitchen area of the house so the idea was to showcase the history of the walls, the three fireplaces, oven and simmering oven.

“There are three separate rooms including

STORIES SET IN STONE: Andrew Umlauft shows off his unique pro shop. my office and storage room.

“We had to be careful with everything because we can’t drill into the walls, but we were allowed to build a timber frame above where the stone stops.

“The ceiling burnt down in 1908 so there is no historical work up there.

“We put timber edge around the top and had lights and shelving attached to chains hanging down rather than screwing the shelving into the walls.”

Putters occupy the space where fireplaces once warmed the room.

When Umlauft first proposed the idea to the members, he received a bewildering blank stare from most of them.

“Then when we removed the gyprock to expose the old walls everyone was saying, ‘okay, what are you going to do for walls’,” Umlauft explained.

“I said, ‘that’s pretty much it’.

“Now, everyone looks at it and says it’s much better, but I guess not everyone could envisage

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what I had in mind.

“Actually, my father-in-law calls it a man cave,” said Umlauft, who is married to Kylie. They have two daughters – Jade (6) and Charlotte (3).

“It (pro shop) definitely has that feel about it.”

Umlauft says he and his family will be on the island for some time yet.

“We finished building a house about 15 months ago so we are going to be here for a while yet,” he said.

“It’s a terrific club and Norfolk is a great place.”

Umlauft described the nine-hole (18 tee blocks) golf course as “picturesque, easy walking and with a resort feel”.

It costs $20 to play nine and $33 to play 18 holes.

“We have 150 members, but 100 are active and we get about 60 in our Saturday competitions,” he said.

“We do get a lot of tourists that come and play. Sometimes they haven’t played for five years or more, but it’s a holiday destination so golf is one of the activities they can do.

“The signature hole is the 145m par-3 4th/13th along the ocean, but there are two or three very good holes.

“The golf course is built on the best part of the island. It’s great land and wraps itself around Emily Bay, which is our main beach area so there are good views to the hills and the ocean.

“When I first got here we didn’t have any golf carts, but now we have a few.

“We are always trying to make improvements, which is why we renovated the shop.”

Norfolk Island Golf Club will host its pro-am from August 24-29.

“In a nutshell, it’s a $20,000 four-day pro-am with a capped field of 15 pros,” Umlauft said.

“It’s mainly directed at club professionals, who often bring over members from their clubs. It’s a big week.” • FOOTNOTE: Norfolk Island is a mere dot in the South Pacific Ocean 600 kilometres north-east of Sydney. Visit our website for our full review of the course and the island.

FOR SALE

ICONIC AUSTRALIAN GOLF BUSINESS

The Australian Golf Course Video Library, owned by GolfTV Australia P/L; is reluctantly being offered for sale due to the retirement of the proprietor. The company films Australian golf courses in HD and produces high quality promotional videos for upload to an expansive electronic distribution network supported by national and state golf administrations and some state tourism authorities.

The central library is hosted on both the Vimeo Pro high quality production stage and on YouTube. A number of dedicated channel brandings go with the sale. Technology platforms are Sony NX Cam CMos camcorder, Sony Vegas Pro production and editing software and these items will also be included in the sale.

Intellectual property for all video’s and associated video footage is owned by GolfTV Australia P/L; This is primarily an asset sale by negotiation in a situation where the focus has been upon building the library of participant golf courses, however, superb revenue potential exists for an energetic golf enthusiastic buyer with interest/s in videography and production and connections to the Australian golf and tourism industries and related sports media. A number of exciting projects are scheduled for 2014.

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business

Growing the game: What does that actually mean?

Mike Orloff

Golf Industry Central mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au

I have heard the term “growing the game of golf” bantered around a lot in recent times.

For some parts of the industry, a growth in tournaments and tournament prize funds is a solid indicator. In other parts of the industry an increase in golf travel or an increase in retail sales is the barometer used to track growth. In Australia we’re looking for growth in competition rounds along with more participation to be the key indicator. More people playing more golf!

But what does “growing the game” actually mean for the Australian industry as a whole, and how do we best track it? The industry has started reporting competition rounds on a monthly basis, which is a great start. When it comes to overall participation in the game, though, there doesn’t seem to be any regular detailed reporting being done outside of the “every few years” industry reports. This is too long between reports for any real effectiveness to programs. Most courses don’t track golf rounds, or if they do, it’s only the competition rounds being reported. This is only half the story!

As there seems to be a few different definitions for the various parts of the industry, would a national monthly scorecard be in order to track our true progress and to compare against prior years and—more importantly—help set future targets? The Golf Managers Association (GMA) has recently launched a new Club Benchmarking system which will be used to track heaps of club data much more easily. Plus, more accurate regular

reporting can then be done to all stakeholders.

In the US, the National Golf Foundation assists in providing monthly reports about areas of participation, which the industry there can review and make adjustments to operations. Areas such as average temperature, precipitation, days open for play, and rounds played in all the various regions in the country, are all compared against prior periods. They also have just added three additional dimensions to the analysis; the components of annual “churn” in

the participant base (how many new vs. how many lost), the average frequency (rounds/ golfer/year) for each of the involvement groups (Occasional and Core which are further comprised of Moderates and Avids) and a profile of the Beginning Golfers (new to the sport in the survey year).

One glowing target that isn’t being tracked that I’d love to see on a national report card is the amount of new people introduced to the game. Could golf pros (and all the great community programs out there) keep track

of lessons given or new students introduced to the game?

We could devise a national award given to whomever introduces the most new people to the game each month/year. Now THAT would be a great achievement for a person or company!

In any good business you need to have clear, “trackable” and timely goals for everyone to try and attain? What you track is where you will see results.

To achieve real growth in the game there needs to be a concerted and targeted approach by all stakeholders, including grass roots player alike.

Having a national scorecard published would be a good way for all to see how we are truly performing. It would also be great for all of you out there paying annual fees in showing you where your fees are going to growth in the game. This would also help all the various organisations out there actually see that the game is growing, or not.

In closing, I wish you all a great and safe new year. A lot of resolutions will have been made (and broken) by now. So please add one additional resolution to your list: introduce or help a buddy to take up the game. Invite them to the course for a hit on the range. Not much else to doing your part, so let us know how it goes so we can add to the target of new players introduced to the game. • Golf Industry Central assists golf facilities and companies in Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia to improve their operational performance/profitability through the use of better marketing. mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

Norfolk Island 360 of Golf

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Contact: karen@travelcentre.nf Phone: int+ 6723 22502 or Fax: int+ 6723 23205 Toll free from Australia: 1800 1400 66 Conditions/Cancellation Penalties: Please note non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is due upon confirmation of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Airfare is subject to availability and non-refundable after issue. Changes are permitted until day before departure however date/route changes can only be made within 7 days travel dates either side of your original booked travel dates. Amendments, upgrades and name changes are NOT permitted within 24 hours prior to departure. Payment of a change fee (per passenger) applies plus any applicable upgrade fees to cover the difference between the original fare and the new fare. Accommodation cancellation penalties apply within 90 days prior to travel. Within 60 days of travel, up to 100% cancellation fees may apply.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect you in some instances for unforeseen cancellation.

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

37

juniors

CQ juniors for Baddeley event CHILDERS Golf Club junior Blake D ow l i n g a n d E m e ra l d ’s To r i Edmistone were the stars of Central Queensland’s Capricorn Resorts Junior Summer Classic in Central Queensland.

Blake fired rounds of 78-73 for a 151 total to win the male junior title by five strokes from Townsville’s Logan Neilson.

Yeppoon’s Ben Swaffield (172) won the B grade, Tom Kunkel of Yeppoon won the C grade with a score of 183 and Yeppoon’s Stian Koenn (253) won the 13-hole division.

Emerald’s Jamie Stallard (112) won the boys nine-hole division, Wowan’s Samual Atwell (85) won the six-hole division and Moranbah’s Callum Vanderkruk won the threehole division.

In the junior girls, Tori Edmistone carded a one-under par 71 and an 80 for a 151 total to win the title.

She finished eight shots clear of runner-up Sarah Antcliff of Yeppoon.

Emma Lyons of Giru in North Queensland won the B grade with a score of 199, Mackay’s Renee Ball won the C grade, Middlemount’s Charlotte Briese won the 13-hole division, Emerald’s Hannah Bugg won the nine hole division, Tahlee Durlli of Mackay won the 6-hole division and Alexis Rodgers of Rockhampton took out the threehole division.

Courtesy of their victories, Blake and Tori have won a place in the

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Blake Dowling and Tori Edmistone scored big wins in Central Queensland.

Aaron Baddeley International Junior Championship at Melbourne’s Heritage Golf and Country club in October.

They will play in the 17 years’ division and be joined by fellow

Ce n t r a l Q u e e n s l a n d j u n i o r s Cameron Lord (Boyne Island) and Kiera King (Capricorn Resort), who will compete in the 16 years’ division and Coral Cove’s Nicholas Schneirder (15 years’ division). •

Sullivan wins 2013 Greg Norman Junior Masters G o l d Coast teenager Jack Sullivan held on in the final round to claim the 23rd Greg Norman Junior Masters golf tournament at Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast.

Sullivan took the lead during the third round at his home course of Palmer Gold Coast and finished the event at six under following rounds of 71-70-6872 (281) to take the title ahead of Blake Proverbs from Royal Queensland in Brisbane.

Th e fe m a l e co m p e t i t i o n was won by Jiwon Jeon of Hills International in Brisbane following a tense playoff with Karis Davidson from Sanctuary Cove.

Both players finished with a total of 293 but Jeon won at the second playoff hole with a par at the 322m 18th while Davidson finished with a bogey. Third round leader Amy Walsh from the Gold Coast dropped from contention with a disappointing final round of 81.

As a result of her victory, Jeon now gains automatic entry to the RACV Ladies Masters at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast in February.

Queensland Minister for Sport Steve Dickson, Charles Earp, President of the Greg Norman

G o l f Fo u n d at i o n a n d G o l f Queensland President Peter Castrisos presented Sullivan and Jeon with their winner’s trophies.

Greg Norman Golf Foundation CEO Rae Clarke said it was an exciting tournament which attracted many talented young golfers.

“This is the second year of the new multi-course format tournament which is seen as being the ultimate test of golf for junior players,” she said.

“The final 130 players who were successful in making it to the final round at Palmer Coolum Resort played extremely well resulting in some truly amazing junior golf on this world renowned course.”

T h e f i e l d fo r t h i s m a j o r invitation-only junior championship comprised of 224 male and female players from overseas, all states of Australia and of course many Queensland juniors. After the 54th hole the golfers are cut leaving 130 to battle it out in the final round.

Past winners of the under-18, 72-hole event, which is run by the Greg Norman Golf Foundation, include golfing luminaries such as Adam Scott (1997), Karrie Webb, Katherine Hull, Amy Yang, Steve Bowditch, Andrew Buckle and hot prospect Cameron Smith. •

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juniors

Stolz, Shin shine at Bonville Australian Golf’s future is looking brighter than ever after the successful staging of the 2013 Bonville Champions Trophy, held recently at Bonville Golf Resort as part of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation.

The event saw 41 of New South Wales’ leading junior golfers aged 13 to 17 tackling the challenging Bonville layout in full tournament conditions for 72 holes over three days.

Concord’s Zac Stolz (son of Australian pro golfer Andre Stolz) overcame a slow start to the tournament before finding his groove and shooting in the red. After rounds of +1 and +2, round 3 saw Zac jump up the leaderboard and signal his intention to challenge the early tournament leader Harrison Endycott (Avondale Golf Club). Zac’s round-3 score of 7-under 65 closed the gap to just two strokes heading into the final round. The final day saw Zac jump out of the blocks and was 5-under after just 7 holes, overtaking Endycott. Two nervous bogeys on the 14th and 16th holes were the only speed bumps for Stolz on his way to a 4-shot victory over Endycott, claiming the title of 2013 Bonville Champions Trophy Winner.

In the girls, 15-year-old Shelly Shin (Concord) came out firing on day one of the event with a bogey-free 69, opening up an early 5-shot lead over Lizzie Elmassian from The Australian Golf Club. A further shot back was 14 year-old Celina Yuan from Bankstown Golf Club. Shin’s score also gave her the Bonville Ladies Course Record, representing the first time a female has finished under par in tournament conditions on the Bonville layout – with 15 pars and 3 birdies).

Round 2 saw Shin stumble with a 74, and Yuan closed the gap by one with a solid 73. Elmassian had a tough day shooting in the mid 80’s and in the process created a two-girl race. Round 3 saw

Zac Stolz and Shelly Shin with the iconic Jack Newton

JNJG Champions Trophy ‘Class’ of 2013

Yuan close the gap even further, shooting a round of 70 to Shin’s 73. Consistent golf during round 4 by Shin saw her shoot 73 and claim victory at the inaugural Bonville Champions Trophy over Yuan, who finished with her worst round of the event, a 5-over 77—but set her intentions to return next year and battle for the title.

Other notable scores for the event include 15-year-old Issac Noh, who went very low during the second round carding a 67 which included 7 birdies. Another 15-year-old, Charlie Pilon, shot a bogey-free 69, while Kevin Yuan of Bankstown shot two rounds under par including a 68.

Bonville Golf Resort’s General Manager, Brad Daymond was delighted to see the ability of all the golfers and especially the winners in Zac and

Shelly who both put on master classes especially when all players had only enjoyed one practice round prior to playing the course.

“We saw Shelly break the Ladies Course record during her first round, and almost saw Zac break our Men’s back marker record in his final round.

We look forward to welcoming the event back in future years. It is our goal to assist JNJG to grow junior golf participation. By creating such a desirable event, we hope to inspire junior golfers of all levels to work at their game in an attempt to qualify for the Bonville tournament,” Daymond said.

This end-of-season Champions Trophy Event will be held annually and, according to the iconic Jack Newton, should be a popular event

for years to come.

“It’s a pretty good test around Bonville for them,” Newton said. “I think most of them are pretty impressed with the setup and it’s got that ‘wow factor’. It will be a big buzz for all of the players,” he said.

Each of the 41 juniors enjoyed the Coffs Coast with four days of accommodation, meals and five rounds of golf. Whilst the focus was obviously golf, small touches such as a pizza and pasta movie night were arranged for the juniors ‘under the stars’ on Bonville’s Terrace Lawn, with popcorn and frozen drinks to enable them to enjoy themselves during Tournament Week.

More information: www.bonvillegolf.com.au; www.jnjg.com.au •

THE LANDMARK NELSON BAY $200 per person $150 per person

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res@landmarknelsonbay.com.au groups@landmarknelsonbay.com.au www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

43

new gear

NEW YEAR, NEW GEAR > We highlight the latest products to hit the market Sureshotgps GW2 Golf Watch The new Sureshotgps GW2 Golf Watch combines essentials from a sport watch as well as a golf GPS. The Sureshotgps GW2 Golf Watch is a light-weight and comfortable accessory that provides you with easy-to-read live distances to the front, centre and back of the green, plus a handy hazard information system at the touch of your wrist. The GW2 Golf Watch also doubles as an everyday sports watch, with a real time display, alarm, odometer, round timer and stopwatch.

The GW2 comes ready to play straight out of the box with no setup required, simply strap it on and you are good to go. Pre-loaded with Australian and New Zealand green courses be ready to play or jump online with your lifetime membership to the Sureshotgps international database where you can get free downloads and updates for all your favourite greens.

Visit www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists

44

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

GolfBuddy LR3 Laser DMD Weighing just 200 grams, the GolfBuddy LR3 Laser is one of the most compact, light and powerful laser rangefinders in the market and, true to the GolfBuddy name, is packed with features to help golfers get the ultimate in on-course yardage accuracy.

The LR3 features three operational modes: The ‘Scan’ function provides a continuous 10-second display of all objects located; ‘Flag’ hones in on the pin and factors out background noise to give you precise readings, and ‘Normal’ provides a direct distance to any target of your choice, from flags, doglegs or hazards Highlights include: Accuracy: +/- 1m; Yards or metres display; Automatic shut-off after 10 seconds; 6x Magnification; Up to 4,000 scans battery life; 7 degree field of view; Diopter adjustment (eyepiece focus); 23 mm objective lens. It is water and dust resistant, and suitable for golfers who wear glasses www.golfbuddy.com.au

OGIO Machu Cart Bag The Ogio Machu Cart Bag is a premium bag that allows golfers to store their gear in an organized and protective environment. The bag features a16-way 2XBarrel cart top with integrated handles; and front dual putter pit, zipperless Ball Pocket, TORQ™ Strap, Cart strap channel, 9 pockets (8 zippered), Insulated zippered cooler pocket, Weather-resistant fleece lined valuables pocket, Detachable front pocket panel for embroidery/logo application and Pen sleeve and divot tool sleeve.

RRP $49.95

Sureshotgps Solar Power Pack What happens when your golfing tech gear or mobile is running low on juice?

Sureshotgps has the answer with their new SS Solar Power Pack. Now you can recharge any of your Sureshotgps products and your mobile device all while you are on the go.

No matter how far away from an electrical outlet you are, you will never be without power. This lightweight and compact device recharges itself under artificial light and sunlight.The power pack will suit most other brands of golf GPS units as well as mobile phones including iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and BlackBerry.

RRP $199.00

RRP $349.95

Visit www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists

www.cooperativegolf.com.au

new gear

TaylorMade SLDR 430 Driver A more compact version of the SLDR 460, the 430 model features the same distance-producing technology found in its big brother: low and forward centre of gravity placement that promotes a hotter launch, lower spin and faster ball speed.

SLDR 430 also incorporates the same innovative sliding weight mechanism TaylorMade introduced with the SLDR 460. A blue 20-gram weight slides on a track located on the front of the sole. Movable weight shifts the clubhead’s CG horizontally toward either the heel, to promote a draw, or toward the toe, to promote a fade.

TaylorMade Golf Tour Preferred Irons Tour Preferred MB is an authentic muscleback player’s blade, precisely forged of soft, 1025 carbon steel.

Tour Preferred MC combines a player’s shape with a shallow “muscle cavity” to boost MOI, creating an unparalleled blend of beauty, feel, workability and stability.

Tour Preferred CB is a full-fledged cavity back that maintains the shape of a player’s iron and the elegant look of a blade when soled behind the ball.

All three models feature a hand-polished satin nickel-chrome finish and are equipped with KBS Tour steel shafts and tour velvet grips.

Custom shafts and grips are available. www.taylormadegolf.com.au

SLDR also incorporates TaylorMade’s Loft-sleeve Technology, which allows the golfer to easily adjust the loft. Golfers can choose from 12 positions within a range of plus-or-minus 1.5 degrees of loft change. The more loft added, the more the face closes and vice-versa.

Available through custom order in three lofts – 9°, 10.5° and 12° (10.5° and 12° available in left hand), www.taylormadegolf.com.au

RRP SLDR 430: $529

RRP SLDR TP: $639

RRP

Tour Preferred MB (right hand only) 4-P: $1155, the MB 3 iron available separately:

$165

RRP

Tour Preferred MC 4-P: $1155, the MC 3 iron available separately:

$165

Exotics XCG7 Beta Adjustable Driver

Exotics XCG7 Beta Fairway Wood

The new XCG7 Beta Adjustable Driver features upgraded performance in a 6A4V titanium, 440cc deeper-faced head that produces a lower, penetrating trajectory. The driver’s advanced Beta titanium face delivers powerful launch speed at impact for the ultimate performance for better players.

The XCG7 Beta fairway wood model features a slightly smaller head, deeper face, and produces a slightly lower, more penetrating trajectory. The face is combo-brazed to the Beta’s hyper-steel body to produce Exotics legendary performance.

As a result, the CT reaches the USGA-allowed maximum.

Four advanced-position hexahedron weight pads maximize MOI for greater stability. The weighting also positions the centre of gravity in the optimal location higher and closer to the face to minimize spin and deliver a more penetrating launch angle.

Variable face thickness technology offers multiple levels of thickness that maximize the spring-like effect from more points on the face, especially in the heel and toe areas. www.cooperativegolf.com.au

RRP

Tour Preferred CB 4-P: $997.50, the CB 3 iron and AW available separately:

$142.50

Maximizing distance, the Power Grid positioned directly behind the sweet spot creates an accordion effect and increased spring-effect by flexing at impact.

Hexahedron sole weight pads are positioned back in the heel and toe to increase MOI and maximize stability on off-centre contact – in the Beta, the weight pad design positions more weight forward in the head, raising the centre of gravity and producing a more penetrating trajectory. www.cooperativegolf.com.au

Exotics XCG7 Beta Hybrid The XCG7 Beta hybrid incorporates a lightweight beta titanium crown that weighs only 6 grams. The crown allows for additional precise weight positioning in the head to deliver Tour-calibre trajectory and versatility.

Maximizing distance, the Power Grid positioned directly behind the sweet spot creates an accordion effect and increased spring-effect by flexing at impact.

Hexahedron sole weight pads are positioned back in the heel and toe to increase MOI and maximize stability on off-centre contact.

Further enhancing stability, weight is removed from the rear centre of the sole courtesy of a dual-step cavity. www.cooperativegolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

45

new gear

Callaway Speed Regime With Speed Regime, the unique HEX Aerodynamics profile and overall construction of each golf ball maximizes its performance based on what each swing speed range needs to achieve the most distance and the best performance. The HEX pattern is specifically engineered to optimize lift with long, stable, penetrating ball flights, while the soft urethane cover delivers Tour-level control on shots into and around the green. The soft inner core with low spin off the driver gives long distance, while a firmer outer core with higher spin rates for more spin and control, and aggressive stopping power on short irons and wedges. The SR2 and SR3 balls also include thin inner and outer mantles that increase ball speed and reduce driver spin to maximize distance.

RealXGear Xtreme Cooling Products RealXGear’s range of Xtreme Cooling Products will save you from the heat this summer! Simply by wetting their products, they go cold and stay cold – the RealXGear cooling towels and collars will stay cold for up to 6 hours. To reactivate, run them under the tap again. No refrigeration is needed. They can be kept in your golf bag after use ready to keep you cool again on your next round.

And they are machine washable. The RealXGear range includes cooling towels, collars, visors and hats. At an affordable price, they are a must to keep you cool on the golf course this summer and a perfect stocking filler for Christmas. Available at all good golf shops.

RRP $59.99

PER DOZEN

www.realxgear.com.au / jon@realxgear.com.au

The Callaway Speed Regime 1 is for driver swing speeds of 90mph and below.

The Callaway Speed Regime 2 is for driver swing speeds between 90mph and 105mph.

The Callaway Speed Regime 3 is for driver swing speeds of 105 mph and above. www.callawaygolf.com/au

Callaway Super Soft The Super Soft is the softest golf ball Callaway has ever made. The ultra low compression reduces spin and helps those with slower swing speeds compress the ball, which lead to greater distance. Its low-spin characteristics mean the ball is also super straight, making it great for most golfers—especially those with slower clubhead speeds.

The Super Soft is available in traditional White or the newly formulated Optical Yellow for hotter visibility in the air or on the ground. Put the Super soft golf ball to the test with your wedges and see the difference.

RRP $27.99

www.callawaygolf.com/au

The Experts in Custom Club Fitting

your local experts

One of the biggest handicaps that most golfers have is ill-fitting, mass produced equipment. Industry surveys show that over 95% of golfers are playing with clubs that do not fit them. Golf clubs are like shoes. If your shoes don’t fit, your game will suffer.

At Golf Shops, we can custom-fit and custom build clubs to match each golfer, whether they are a novice or a single figure marker.

Personal fittings can be performed by PGA Golf Professionals at any of our stores nationwide. In fact, every one of our stores has fully qualified PGA Golf Professionals on staff to ensure you get the right advice.

Our fitting process is the most comprehensive available.

Here is what is involved: • Detailed evaluation of your current clubs • Discussion of your strengths, weaknesses and playing goals • Dynamic fitting analysis • Recommendation for club specifications • Expert advice on the options for club selection and set configuration

Call your local Golf Shop today to book in your club fitting experience.

Find your nearest store at www.oncoursegolf.com.au

46

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

RRP FROM $24.95

new gear

Cooling Products

RRP $16.50 (incl free delivery)

keeps you cool all day long!

The PuttLess

RRP $24.95

MySunscreen Remover It might look like something you’ve never seen before, but MySunscreen Remover is a handy tool for summer. Designed to scrape away and gently remove sunscreen from your skin – as well as dirt, oils and excess dry skin – it will make your skin both cleaner and smoother. After golf sunscreen and sweat is wiped away and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. If you wear sunscreen when you play golf then this is a great product to help you look your best all summer.

www.mysunscreenremover.com.au Coupon Code: INGOLF1* for FREE shipping (*valid until 31-3-14)

Xtreme

The PuttLess is a clever, hand-held precision golf tool. Quick and easy to use, it’s guaranteed to improve your putting.

Uniquely designed to help you ‘pick the line’ or ‘visualise the correct path’ to the hole, The PuttLess will ensure you sink more putts more confidently and consistently. With the line chosen and The PuttLess back in your pocket, you can address the putt with just the distance to hole to judge.

This simplifies the thought process by allowing you to focus on only one aspect of successful putting.

Multi-purpose, it is also designed to act as a ball marker and pitch mark repair tool.

NB: The PuttLess is currently being reviewed by the R&A and USGA.

“Simply wet and they stay cold for up to 6 hours!”

www.ThePuttLess.com

WE TRIED IT

(AND LOVED IT) New 2014 SuperStroke Flatso Putter Grips Richard Fellner Over the last year or two, fat putter grips (especially the Super Stroke grips) have been cropping up in more and more players’ bags. Phil Mickelson used one to win last year’s Open Championship, Jason Dufner did the same at The PGA Championship, and 19-year-old Jordan Spieth used one in his victory at the John Deere Classic. In fact, as I scanned players’ bags at many events, I saw heaps of Super Stroke grips in play.

So when I got the opportunity to test-drive (uh...testputt) the 2014 Super Stroke Flatso Putter Grip, I was keen to see what all the hype was about. Could these big grips really make a difference in our putting?

The answer (as I discovered) is a resounding YES! To put it simply, the Super Stroke Flatso Putter Grip is one of the best putting products I have ever tested.

It has completely transformed my putting, and has significantly improved my confidence around the greens.

The Super Stroke Flatso Putter Grip effectively “quiets” your wrists; inhibiting wrist action while enhancing shoulder rotation during the stroke. This can be effective in reducing the yips, or simply boosting confidence and consistency in the stroke itself. In

addition, the fat grip improved the overall feel of my putter from a balance and weighting perspective. It allowed for “even pressure distribution” in my hands, and made the putter feel more like a natural extension of my body.

More importantly, it has helped me shave (on average) between three and four putts per round.

Overall, I found the Super Stroke Flatso Putter Grip to be an absolute game changer. If your putting could do with some improvement, then I highly recommend you test one out.

(I should note that adjusting the grip on your putter can affect your putter’s swing weight, so be sure to chat with your local PGA Professional about this when installing a new grip).

The new Super Stroke 2014 range include the Flatso, Flatso Mid and Flatso Ultra, so there is a size to suit every player’s needs.

TigerShark Golf Australia: 0407 173 332

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

47

www.realxgear.com.au

gear

WE TRIED IT

Prepare to fall in love again: Bertha’s back in a BIG way Inside Golf was the first golf publication in Australia to demo the new Big Bertha drivers, and we were absolutely blown away by the performance, feel and versatility of this sleek and powerful lady.

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Like a feel-good love story where the forlorn hero—after years of pain and suffering— suddenly finds himself face-to-face with the lost-but-never-forgotten “love of his life”, so too will golfers around the world find themselves rekindling an old flame by the name of “Bertha”.

I remember it as if it were yesterday. It was 1991. Callaway had launched an innovative driver called “Big Bertha”. This modern, sleek and highly radical golf club raised many an eyebrow when it was first launched.

Having played the relatively small, “old-school” persimmon drivers for most of my life, I was hesitant to “ask the new girl on a date”, but with a deep breath and a bit of wide-eyed curiosity, I summoned the courage and took her home.

That day changed my (golfing) life forever.

And I wasn’t alone, as golfers around the globe fell in love with Bertha. She proved to be the pin-up girl of a generation of golfers.

Callaway has been planning to bring the Big Bertha brand back for quite a while, but they have been patiently holding out...waiting for exactly the right technological breakthrough to do justice to this iconic brand. To give the lady a homecoming that she richly deserves.

And it appears that they have done just that.

With the recent announcement of the Big Bertha and Big Bertha Alpha, Callaway has introduced some amazing technology that is sure to be a game changer.

Inside Golf was the first golf publication in Australia to demo the new Big Bertha drivers, and we were absolutely blown away by the performance, feel and versatility of this sleek and powerful lady. Here’s what we found:

The Big Bertha Alpha Driver

Designed for the accomplished player (Elite amateurs to Tour Players) The Big Bertha Alpha Driver enables independent adjustments of loft, lie, Centre of Gravity (draw) bias, and – for the first time – Centre of Gravity height.

The Big Bertha Alpha features a revolutionary “Gravity Core” weight, which sits within the clubhead in a carbon tube that connects the crown and sole. Made of Tungsten, the Gravity Core insert is heavier on one end (10.5g) allowing the user to change the vertical CG and thus alter the spin rates.

When the heavy end is closest to the sole, it will create a lower CG and lower backspin (for a flatter, more penetrating trajectory accompanied by more roll out.) When the heavy end is inserted first (closer to the crown), it creates more of a mid-CG position (for a more controlled and workable ball flight and less roll out.) Player testing has shown as much as a 600rpm spin differential between the two Gravity Core settings without a change in loft.

Big Bertha Alpha also enables golfers to make adjustments to CG bias, which helps influence the shot shape. Big Bertha Alpha has a screw port in the heel and toe of the body and comes with four interchangeable weights: 1g, 3g, 5g, and 7g. (The driver is delivered with the 7g and 1g weights installed as standard, with the other weights included in a packet.)

The Alpha head comes with 9 degrees of loft when set to standard, but with the Advanced

Adjustable Hosel, golfers can independently adjust loft and lie angle and choose from four lofts (from -1 to +2) to optimize launch angle and backspin, and two different lies, Draw and Neutral.

OUR TEST This club felt a bit heavier than the Big Bertha standard driver, but this did not detract from the overall balance or feel. In truth, it felt great at address, and the added weight actually promoted a slightly slower takeaway, and more relaxed tempo.

Off the face, this driver really performed, launching the ball like a cannon. The low, penetrating ball flight ripped through the sky, and produced some amazing distance and roll. Like its sister driver, the “Thwack” sound was pleasing to the ear, while the springlike effect off the face was equally satisfying. As expected, our off-centre hits didn’t give us the same forgiveness of the sister club, but for those golfers who consistently smash it off the screws, this isn’t an issue.

With all of the weighting and adjustment options available on this club, it’s almost like the “Swiss Army Knife” of drivers. For the golfer that likes to tinker with the technology, and customise every tiny aspect of their driver in order to maximise the performance, then Big Bertha Alpha is just the ticket.

A truly exceptional, innovative (and even a little bit sexy) driver that is sure to take its place in history among the game-changers of golf.

Big Bertha Fairway Wood The Big Bertha Driver

The Big Bertha Driver debuts the company’s Adjustable Perimeter Weighting technology, which features an 8g sliding weight that can be moved around the perimeter of the driver head to optimize shot shape and control dispersion. In addition, Big Bertha enables golfers to independently adjust loft and lie angle to help translate the added ball speed into more distance. Golfers can chose from four different lofts (from -1 to +2) to optimize launch angle and backspin and two different lies, denoted by ‘D’ for Draw and ‘N’ for Neutral, to optimize the directional bias. Together, these provide eight unique combinations that help golfers optimize their distance and dispersion.

OUR TEST The Big Bertha features a deep blue colour that was very pleasing at address. The overall balance and feel of the club was comfortable 48

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

(and comforting), without any distractions or gimmicks. The impact sound was a satisfying “Thwack”; not a trace of any tinny or ringing sound that has become common among some metal woods.

Impact with the ball felt solid, with just enough “spring” off the face. In flight, our shots had a very consistent trajectory, and even our off-centre hits still managed to eke out plenty of control and distance. It is a very forgiving club, yet still has heaps of workability. And this is what will make it appealing to most golfers, as it gives the experienced player the ability to carefully shape their shots (without sacrificing distance), while the higher handicapper will benefit from plenty of distance and control, even when the impact is off centre.

The new Big Bertha is a brilliant, exciting club that will appeal to golfers of almost any level.

Be prepared to fall in love all over again.

The new Big Bertha line also features a new fairway wood. With a thinner, lighter, more robust 455 carpenter steel face, the club offers more distance and playability. The New Advanced Adjustable Hosel Technology allows you to increase or decrease your loft (up to +2° or down -1°) and adjust Draw or Neutral bias, optimizing your launch, backspin and dialling in your preferred shot shape. The Premium Mitsubishi Fubuki High Performance Shaft increases energy transfer, resulting in more ball speed while delivering higher launch for low spin, with a smooth, consistent feel.

Availability: Both the Big Bertha and Big Bertha Alpha will be available on February 14 (Valentine’s Day, how appropriate for rekindling a love affair!)

RRP (in $AUD) Big Bertha Driver: $499. Big Bertha Fairway Woods: $339 Big Bertha Alpha Driver: $619.99 More information: www.callawaygolf.com/au

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pga igi

Online learning open to managers David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

A NEW generation of golf club managers is onestep closer thanks to an education initiative between the Golf Management Australia (GMA) and PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI).

Golf club managers, assistant managers and those who want to break into the golf industry now have a career-defining opportunity to embark on the GMA-endorsed PGA IGI Advanced Diploma of Management.

The advanced qualification will incorporate best practice principles for use in the industry with the aim of producing the most golfspecifically educated managers.

It will cover a broad range of club related subjects including: • financial management for golf clubs; • s t rate gi c p l a n n i n g a n d e f fe c t i ve organisational governance; • marketing; • golf course maintenance; • effective leadership and team management; • business planning; and • developing systems for regulatory compliance.

GMA president and Lake Karrinyup Country Club general manager Damon Lonnie said the content had been chosen to reflect the education needs of GMA members and was the result of a 2011 survey.

“We conducted a survey of our members to get a feel for what qualifications they did or didn’t have,” Lonnie said.

“What came out of that survey was encouraging because many of our members did have a tertiary education degree or above.

“But we identified that there was still a good percentage of GMA members that didn’t have that tertiary qualification or who wanted to validate their current skill set.

“We believed it would be beneficial for them to get a qualification under their belt to not only help them do their job, but to grow and go further in the industry.”

“I think current managers that see an opportunity or a gap in their education and training should definitely look at doing the Advanced Diploma of Management.

“It’s also a great opportunity for assistant managers or those wanting to break into the industry.”

Dominic O’Brien, Dean and Executive Officer of PGA IGI, said the qualification was also open to professionals in other golf industry positions.

“I am sure we will also receive interest from AGCSA (Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association) and PGA professionals,” he said.

With a 20-year history in providing education for the golf industry including the Diploma of Golf Management, PGA IGI will conduct an initial three-day introductory workshop in May. Following the workshop, managers have an opportunity to complete the theory-based course via the PGA’s e-learning platform, The Fairway.

“The modern manager is time poor so it’s about providing the best platform for them,” he said.

“We will do a workshop so they receive

face-to-face direction and then provide them with ongoing support across the Fairway and with online forums.

“It’s about providing the tools, resources and different theories so managers, and those hoping to become managers can reassess, evolve, improve and look towards better career opportunities.”

O’Brien said the modern golf club manager had to be a jack-of-all-trades.

“In the golf industry there are so many compliance issues and multiple pieces of legislation to negotiate,” he said.

“On top of that, a manager has to be a leader, manage human resources and the club’s finances. At bigger golf clubs you can have up to 60 staff so you have to understand the laws around people management – what you can and can’t do. Add to this list environmental law, golf course maintenance as well as the operational side of golf courses and food and beverage and the modern manager needs to wear many hats in one day.”

“We are certainly aware of the challenges faced daily within the industry and that’s where the PGA IGI comes in.

“Our new qualification is designed to fulfil the skills gaps or validate current practices.

Overall our Advanced Diploma is designed to tackle all of the prevalent issues faced by today’s managers,” O’Brien said.

Anyone interested in commencing the Advanced Diploma of Management can also apply to complete the qualification under VET fee-help, which is similar to HECS. For information, contact Joshua Madden on (07) 5657 6109, email jmadden@pga.org.au or go to www.pgaigi.com •

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12/01/14 8:26 AM

instruction

How to practise for improvement Richard Woodhouse

Do you have the correct amount of loft on your putter?

richard@kdvsport.com

Glenn Whittle How often do we see good results on the practice fairway which often don’t translate to the golf course? This is a statement that is echoed amongst amateur golfers. So what’s the reason for this? Pressure? Conditions?

Environmental factors? Well, possibly all of the above, but I see the main cause to be the way we practise.

It is very easy to get sucked into poor practice habits which we may not be aware of. Due to these habits that we create on the practice fairway, our oncourse performance is consequently affected.

For a player to perform at his or her best, I like to ensure the student’s practice time is efficient; there is nothing worse than spending time working on improvement in a practice scenario and not reaping the rewards when it counts. The way I achieve this is by randomising the players practice time rather than falling into the trap of conducting “blocked” practice.

BLOCKED PRACTICE VS RANDOM PRACTICE Blocked practice is where the player is working intently on a technique improvement in a very controlled environment; striking ball after ball to one target with the same golf club running minimal routine. Studies show this practice may be effective “right here and now”creating rhythm, timing and initial satisfaction on ball flight and

glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

strike improvement. However, when the student returns to the range during their following session or to the golf course under pressure, how much of the swing improvement has really been retained? The answer: not much.

Random practice is approaching your practice session with a system whereby you conduct a full routine (pre and post shot) with every shot taken. By practising in this manner we create an environment where the brain is forced to learn the skill each and every time we run the process; no longer are we simply allowing rhythm or timing to take place to produce the pattern we are striving for.

At the time, the practice session may

feel ”harder”and more“uncomfortable” due to the fact that you are not just “beating balls” as you would in a “blocked” session. This may lead to a feeling of less improvement but in fact you will see that the random practice (new shot every time, full Pre-Shot Routine with shape and trajectory in mind) creates far improved retention of information for the following session and onto the golf course for the moment of truth.

All of this taken into consideration we are creating an environment of not only coaching the players to execute a range of different flights but also speeding up their improvement cycle as a whole. •

Richard Woodhouse is an AAA PGA professional at the KDV Sport Academy of Golf in Carrara, Qld. At KDV Sport Academy of Golf they pride themselves on giving measured, precise information to the student, combing Trackman data with specific physical screening to help you understand your golf swing, measure improvement, and make practice more effective. www.kdvsport.com Email: Richard@kdvsport.com 0415 853 337

You don’t often hear many golfers of any skill level talk about the loft of the putter, mainly due to the fact that they don’t even know that the putter should actually have loft, let alone how much is right for them.

Putting is about feel, touch, seeing the line, reading the putt correctly, and being consistent. If you set up the same each time and your stroke is reasonably repeatable then loft (and lie) are very important.

Recently I did a putter fit for one of my clients at The Sydney Putting Studio. He has the exact same putter as me although his putter had only 1 degree of loft. Putters will vary based on manufacturing inconsistencies, although the high-end putters tend to be pretty consistent. As for my student, he tends to play the ball a little back in his stance and he has forward shaft lean (de-loft) at impact.

At impact he actually had negative loft. In his case I changed his ball position only slightly. For him to achieve a perfect roll, he needs the

putter to have around 4-5 degrees of loft. This, coupled with the set-up changes, helped us achieve perfect roll using a slow motion camera.

Knowing his history and where he will get back to over time with his set up, I personally want to err on the side of “extra loft” which is why having a coach who also knows the importance of putter fitting is key to putting consistently well.

Next time you are in the market for a new putter, don’t just try a few and go by look alone. Let your local PGA Pro fit you correctly, The length, lie, loft, weight, shape, shaft position, grip thickness all needed to be considered. •

The 2008 NSW PGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com teaching Panelist. Visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com or www.whittlegolf.com

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51

instruction

How a student changed the way I teach – Part 4 your body to move at all through this part.

Hands open and palms facing each other, uncock your hands directly down at the ball: slowly to start with, building up to faster and faster – where you feel the blood rushing to your finger tips – uncock your hands “under” from the top and allow them to uncock “over” at the bottom (hands fully uncock with thumbs pointing at the ball) Drill this in until it becomes natural and the thumbs point easily and automatically at the ball.

5. As in 4) above with your body frozen in position, but after impact, allow the momentum of your hands to release your body up to a fully balanced finish. Drill this in up to a full power swing where consistent balance is easy to achieve.

Note how the release at the bottom with the hands triggers the body release to an easy balanced “over the front foot” finish.

6. Take some full practice swings with a club, retaining the feeling you developed in 5) and then hit some balls retaining that same “feeling” as well.

Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

This month, I’d like to share how we approach teaching a student today when handling both the “Quick Fix” Patient and the “On the Path to Better Golf Student” and deliver the desired results for both.

Prior to 1992, I was more inclined to approach a lesson as a “Quick Fix” as we did not have the luxury of the extensive “online learning Programs” of keytogolf.com The fact that most of us start off as “Quick Fix” Patients looking for results is a given as we need to test the abilities of the Instructor to communicate workable information to get us hitting better than when we arrived on the lesson tee.

FIXING THE SLICE

For instance, we need to see that if we come with a “slice” we need to have some knowledge on how to stop the slice or at least lessen it so we can play on the course and not hit it in the trees, water, or out of bounds on the right most times.

A drill such as set out here will do this and at the same time add distance to all your shots.

There are six parts to this exercise: 1. Holding the club at the top of the backswing position, uncock the wrists so that the clubshaft will move into line with the left arm – the clubhead and clubshaft move under the right forearm from the start of the downswing.

2. Holding the club at the top of the backswing – uncock so that the clubhead and clubshaft move out and over the right forearm – the clubshaft will move out of line with the left arm when the downswing is started in this way.

3. From the top of the backswing, uncock the wrists so that the clubshaft moves fully into line with the left arm as the hands, arms, and clubhead move down towards the golf ball.

As the clubshaft moves fully into line with the left arm and the arms hit up against the body, the left wrist and clubface rotate

towards the ball. This uncocking action and left wrist rotation create an uncocking and locking-in feel of clubshaft to the arms. The body remains fully turned away from the target in this part of the exercise.

4. Without a club, freeze the body at the top of the backswing position and do not allow

Drill in your hands and arms daily (part 4 – 6 above) at least 60 repetitions a day and pay exact attention to where the hands and arms are at any given point in the drill as described in the pictures and videos. When practicing at the golf range do steps 1 – 3, repeat 3 – 5 times and then hit the ball without thinking and gaining feedback. •

Peter Croker has been a PGA member since 1971 and has given lessons with his Croker Golf System to professionals including Vijay Singh, Arnold Palmer, Rocco Mediate, Fred Funk, Olin Browne, and Bob Charles. Based on the Mornington Peninsula, he delivers school instruction, individual lessons, and has an “Online Lesson Program.” http://keytogolf.com or phone 0415 292 549

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instruction

How are those New Year’s resolutions going?

• Do you need to improve your nutrition? Y/N If you answered no to all of these questions then you will just have to accept the skill set you have and most likely your handicap will not improve. That’s just how it is.

If you have answered yes to any of the questions above, then congratulations, you are ready to be a better golfer.

Now that you have established your goal, you need to work out the following:

Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

Here we are into the second month of the year already! How are those New Year’s resolutions going with your golf?

Are you still sticking to the resolutions? Or is all too hard?

If it’s all too hard and you’ve given up already, then it’s highly likely you don’t have a plan and you don’t know how you are going to get there.

Let me ask you this: Do you want to play the best golf of your life this year? Do you want to get your handicap down to a handicap you have always dreamed of?

Let me share a little secret: You can do it! But you have to want to do it.

You can dream all you like, you can set New Year’s resolutions, you can even write down your goals but if you are not taking action on them, well, you just won’t get there. That’s just reality.

If you do want to take action then this is what I want you to do: 1. Determine your handicap goal for 2014.

2. Write down the following on a card that you are going to read to yourself each morning and night... “By 30th December 2014 at 5pm, I am playing off a (your desired handicap) or something better. Thank you.”

Now that you have established the handicap, how are you going to get there?

Below I have a few questions for you, that you can just answer yes or no: • Do you need to have lessons? Y/N

• Work out the days you are able to practise.

• Work out what you are going to practise.

• Work out the days you are going to play competition.

You will likely need lessons to improve technique. No point practising if you are practising the wrong technique.

It is as simple as that. It is not rocket science!

But, you do need to take action and work on it… you do need make a commitment to yourself that you are going to do it, no matter what.

I am giving out a Putting Plan to help you get started on your quest. Email me to get your copy: tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au.

Enjoy working out your goals and I look forward to hearing how you go with achieving your goals. •

• Do you need to improve a particular area of your game? Y/N • Do you need to practise? Y/N • Do you need to allocate more time to practise? Y/N

• Do you need to practise on the golf course?

Y/N • Do you need to get fitter? Y/N • Do you need to work on your mental game? Y/N

Tiffany Mika is the Golf Teaching Professional at Bayview Golf Club in Mona Vale. Contact her at tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au. www.theladygolfteacher.com.au

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53

section header

What made Tiger

“great”? …and what you can learn from it

In 2009, Tiger was at the top of the world. Then it all came crashing down. But now, years later, he is still struggling to get his game back on track. What has changed?

Christian Small ed@insidegolf.com.au

It started at the beginning of the 2009 season.

Everyone in the world inside and outside the ropes thought that Tiger Woods was Superhuman. This made him a marketer’s dream and close to impossible to beat down the stretch.

He was the greatest the game had ever seen (he was ahead of Jack Nicklaus on Major wins and Tournaments wins and the same stages in their careers) and many thought he was also a great man...with his perfect family, lifestyle and his foundation, Tiger appeared to be perfect.

Then it all fell apart and for the whole of 2010 Tiger tried to get his life and his game back on track. Now four years on, why is Tiger still not able to add to the tally of majors he already holds (14)? What is different now? Why was someone who was so dominant down the stretch, now unable to close out a tournament with dominance, or more importantly win a major?

Tiger won 14 majors (in 47 starts) in 12 years as a professional from 1997 through 2008. In this period we have seen some of the most dominant wins the world of golf has ever seen.

Since 2009 Tiger has played 19 majors for NO wins, even though he has won the tournament prior to a major eight times and won numerous times on the regular PGA tour. How can this be?

The pattern that Tiger is creating is becoming glaringly obvious. He is now unable to close and perform under extreme pressure.

What made Tiger “Great”? In my opinion, it’s not that he hits it the farthest, or that he has the best stroke or that his swing is the best. They say that he is mentally tougher, but what does that mean? Why did it seem like he could always hit the shot under pressure and now he can’t.

Some suggested his mother’s Buddhist background may have allowed him to use mediation techniques, allowing Tiger to get into that “zone”. But what is the “zone”, and if 54

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

he could get there when he wanted/needed to before, why can’t he now?

Where has this mental toughness gone? Once, when he hit the lead on the last day you could turn the TV off knowing that he was unbeatable.

Now he is not able to get into the lead of a major and when he gets close he plateaus or fades as quickly as he arrived.

We have just seen him lead the FedEx cup playoffs going into the final round only to finish 13 shots from the eventual winner Henrik Stenson.

My belief to what made Tiger so “great” is that his father instilled a belief in him. A belief that he could rely on that had nothing to do with technique. A belief system that he called Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This is the same belief that the military rely on and relates to information or a process/procedure that they KNOW to be true. That is, if he did “X” he would get “Y” as a result.

As an example, if you want the ball to go in the hole from four feet, creating “this motion” and “that motion” will give you the best chance.

This was his SOP and it was his way of doing things. It was what he believed in and what he relied on under pressure.

Many instructors and sports psychologists teach players to visualise the shot and have trust or belief in yourself and your practice. I don’t teach this as a “Core Value” nor do I believe Tiger sees this as a core value.

Yes, this concept has merit and it can assist, but can it work under extreme pressure, consistently? The answer is NO! It works sometimes, as it works on a secondary level of performance under pressure, which is a mind diversion from reality technique. It tries to get you to believe what you imagine will happen will occur. This is a “sometimes strategy” and Tiger wasn’t a “sometimes”, he was a lock. He produced the shot, it seemed, every time and he forged the most successful career in golf around this concept.

From what we know and read, Tiger has worked with three main coaches the last 17 years. Butch Harmon, Hank Haney and now Sean Foley.

We know from Hank Haney’s book that Tiger

hated missing left. So I believe the reason Tiger is now unable to close out a Major tournament is that the swing concept he is working on does not suit his swing profile. Tiger was a blocker under pressure (missing right) but he knew this and although he didn’t accept it, it didn’t burn him up like hitting the ball left did.

Both Butch Harmon and Hank Haney had Tiger swinging in a way where the ball rarely went left and subsequently when Tiger was under pressure and went back to his core SOP concept, (if I move this way I will get this result), he would see a shot that went on line or if he missed, it would be right. With Sean Foley’s swing concept of working the arms left through and post impact, Tiger is swinging in the direction he does not want the ball to go.

Think about this from your perspective as a regular golfer. You slice to the right but aim left and someone says you need to aim straighter or as they may phrase it “You can’t hit it straight if you aren’t aimed straight”. You don’t want to line up straighter because your ball slices so you keep aiming left and playing for it. This is the same internal battle that I believe Tiger Woods is having.

Having met Sean Foley at the 2010 British Open at St Andrews (whilst my student Kurt Barnes was having a practice round with Foley’s student Hunter Mahan) and getting to better understand what Sean Foley teaches, I do not believe his method will work for Tiger. Doesn’t mean he can’t win with it, as he has proven before he can win PGA tour events with three different swings, even when he is not at his best.

Winning on the PGA tour for Tiger is like you winning your club competition. It is no big deal for him and hence he does not have a huge amount of internal pressure associated with it. This allows his swing to hang together. In saying this, last year I have seen Tiger hit some of the worst shots left coming down the stretch.

Even when he wasn’t under pressure because he was so far in front and the tournament was locked up.

Put Tiger in a major where he wants to win more and his pressure levels created by desire are at their highest and the swing concept he is applying is not holding up. It is easy to say that

if he didn’t hit the flag stick here or he didn’t get that penalty there then he would have won, but the stats don’t lie. ZERO Major victories in his last 19 starts.

I believe what made Tiger great was a belief that if he moved his body a certain way, in a certain sequence, he would get a certain result and he relied on this under pressure and it worked. He built belief in himself off the back of seeing these results. Over the years of applying this process and winning he believed he was a winner and eventually he became the best in the world and dominated for 15 years. Remember, he was trained from before he can remember so not even Tiger probably fully understands what he did or does that has allowed him to dominate like he did. Hence today he cannot understand why he cannot perform when he wants to.

Now he is different! He has a new core motion that he believes in and when he moves this way under pressure it doesn’t work? Why? Because I don’t believe Sean Foley’s method suits swing profiles for players who have a miss that blocks right. Or, more specifically, Tiger Woods’ swing tendencies.

Please don’t get me wrong, I am a Tiger admirer and I wish Tiger would break Jack’s record. I sit back in awe of a person that has done all that he has and still works as hard as he does. He was and still is the benchmark in so many ways.

So the question must be asked: How long will Tiger persist with his Sean Foley swing without a Major? If he wins a major this year, will one major in six years be enough to keep Tiger committed to the Sean Foley plan?

I know that Sean Foley’s method can trick Tiger into thinking he is hitting it better than ever, as covering the ball and holding the face through impact and releasing left enables you to hit some amazing shots. Although when the core concern of a player is most evident, that being when they are under the most pressure, this is when the flaw in Sean Foley’s successful method shows up in Tiger Woods’ swing profile.

For more information about me and monthly newsletter updates please subscribe to my newsletter on my home page at www.christiansmall.com.au •

mental game

Chokebuster: how to mentally keep a great round going Mat Howe

ed@insidegolf.com.au

Do you know someone like this: They get a good round going and then… bang! As sure as the sun comes up they start throwing in bogeys, double bogeys and many others.

At some stage most of us have thrown away a great round. The situation becomes unbearable, though, when you keep doing it round after round.

Many people have asked me about this situation so let’s get clear on what the mental challenge is. Basically, you start feeling mentally uncomfortable with the score you have. Your score seems too good to be true. Your mind, being the good Samaritan that it is, wants you to avoid pain, so it tries to help you get back into a comfortable situation. This can be triggered from a simple comment from your playing partner like “Gee Bill, did you realize you are five under your handicap? If you keep this up and you are going to win this thing today”.

Here’s the good news. The problem is not so much finding out that you are going great, but rather what you do with this information in your mind. What happens to most people in this situation is they start overthinking the situation.

They start thinking ahead and lose the great mental focus that they’d had.

The Solution Your best approach is to focus on one shot at a time all day long. Here’s how:

Mental tools needed: Self-Talk, Letting go, Composure.

Step 1 - The moment you become aware that you are starting to tighten up and play some below-quality shots you need to stop and take time out for a few seconds. This gives you a chance to stop the old mental pattern from continuing to run.

Step 2 - Remind yourself that you are getting tight because you really want to do well today.

In order to get back to some neutral emotions you need to convince yourself that if you have any chance of playing well today you need to loosen up immediately and start caring less about where your next shot ends up.

Step 3 - You can now do a great job of focusing on your routine of playing the next shot. Stick to your rhythm and normal pace. If people start talking up your situation just says “thanks” and mentally make a note that this is a reminder to start becoming more carefree and loose. How tightly you grip the club should let you know whether you are loose mentally and physically.

If you don’t have a definite simple repeatable shot routine you will be in trouble at this point.

The routine makes you able to put your mind somewhere productive rather than it just going anywhere and probably being destructive.

Here are some answers to some common questions regarding polishing off a great round.

Q. All my playing partners know I always choke. They love taking joy in seeing me throw it away all the time. How do I get through all their constant reminders?

A. The past does not equal the future. Keep that in your mind. If you really are having a hard time you can use a mental technique developed

by Victor Frankle (Logotherapy) which basically prescribes that you tell yourself that if you are going to stuff it up again and choke that this time you are going to actually try and do the biggest choke of all time. It sounds silly, but try it for yourself and see how hard it is to then feel anxious about your shots when you are actually trying to be a choker.

Q. The physical feelings are so intense when I am going great. How can I get my mind to slow down and my body to relax?

A. One of the best ways to calm yourself down is to get into a meaningful conversation with a playing partner. This automatically takes care of a lot of things because your mind will be busy attending to the needs of the conversation and not worrying about how tense you are. Physically letting your arms be free and loose is also a great way to get the tension flowing out of your system.

If you can have a genuine laugh at your situation you are well on your way to free flowing golf.

Bringing home a good round tip for your next game The golden rule of overcoming the choke is to keep your focus solid regardless of the feelings you experience. Keep your mind on the job if things do not feel right. For example, over a putt focus on your pre-putt routine as you normally would, rather than have your thoughts focus on how trembling your hands are. •

Mat Howe is a Golf Mind Coach with a degree in Sport Psychology and has mentally coached golfers from the international professional playing standard through to beginners.

Coaching can be done over the phone and clients range from 14 – 80 years old. Introduction sessions are $55 and last for around 30 minutes. mhmgolf@yahoo.com. 0410 695 605

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

55

fitness

Establishing a basic golf fitness program Lateral lunge

Reverse flie

Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

As it is the middle of summer—one of the best times to be playing golf in Australia—I imagine there is more focus on getting out there and hitting balls, rather than spending hours in the gym preparing to play golf.

Even though that may be the case, having a basic golf fitness program in place that is not time consuming, which covers the fundamentals, can be helpful.

Without knowing everyone’s personal golf fitness requirements, it is hard to design a program which will specifically target your personal golf fitness needs.

However, there are certain aspects, which if addressed, can benefit most if not all of your golf fitness requirements.

STRETCHING: Taking a few minutes to stretch each day can

greatly improve you mobility.

The general guidelines for stretching are: 1. Stretch to the point of discomfort not pain.

2. Breathe while stretching 3. Never bounce 4. Always stretch in straight lines, avoiding rotation of the limb being stretched.

5. Ask yourself: am I feeling the stretching where I am hoping to?

BASIC STRENGTHENING EXERCISES: Here are two exercises for the main golf muscle groups. Do two sets of 12 repetitions for each exercise (or the required time amount where applicable).

Lower body:

The Lunge Squat: Place a box behind you.

Put the rear foot on the box; the front leg will take the majority of the weight. Keep the hips and shoulders square, squat with the front leg and return to the standing position.

Speed: 2 seconds down / Hold 1 second / 2 seconds up.

The Lateral Lunge: In a standing position, take a large step to the side and land in a lunge position. Be sure the foot and knee are aligned.

Pushing off from the bottom position, return

Side bridge

to the standing position and repeat for the other side.

Speed 1 second down /Hold 2 seconds / 1 second up.

Upper body:

Reverse Flies: Stand in a golf posture, holding a stretch-band with the hands shoulder width apart.

Engage the lower abdominals to stabilize the torso and draw the shoulder blades down and back.

With straight arms extend them away from the centre of the body, 90 degrees from the body.

Hold for a moment and return to the start position. Repeat for the required repetitions.

Speed: 2 seconds down / Hold 1 second / 2 seconds up.

Push-ups You should know what a push-up is. However, there are a few points to remember.

• Brace through the abdominals • Draw the shoulders down and back • Maintain good posture throughout the movement

Core:

60 degree seated hold

underneath your shoulder. Make sure your shoulders and hips are stacked on top of each other. Lift your body and hold the position for as long as you can. Repeat each side twice. Build up to 1 to 1 and half minutes.

60 degrees Seated Torso holds: Feet flat on the floor and knees bent at 90 degrees. Sit back so the torso is at 60 degrees. Engage the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. Hold this position for 1-2 minutes.

These exercises will cover the fundamentals of your golf fitness.

Please be aware, if you do experience any pain then stop the exercise immediately and seek the advice of a health professional.

Happy golfing. •

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

seniors

Big year ahead for national Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

If you’re a senior golfer over the age of 55 then there is a wonderful calendar of events available during 2014. All mainland states now have their own Senior Order of Merit competition and for those ready and able to travel interstate there is the Australian Senior Ranking competition run

by Golf Australia.

The Australian Senior Ranking Competition

The competition began in 2006 when it was called the Australian Senior Order of Merit. In the inaugural year it included the Australian Senior Amateur Championship, State Senior Championships plus a few additional events.

Now renamed the Australian Senior Ranking System, the competition continues to grow and in 2014 provides a yearlong series of 16 major golf tournaments for senior golfers that covers every state and territory.

January

Stefan Albinski, Rodney Barltrop and Murray Martin, the only senior golfers who have won both a NZ and Australian Senior Amateur title.

The 2014 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic was played on January 20-22 using each of Royal Melbourne’s famous layouts, the West Course (number 1 in Australia), the East Course (8) and the Composite Course. This was the second playing of the event and once again the entries for the event were outstanding. A ballot was needed to reduce the field to the maximum of 108 and a handicap of 5.4 was the cut-off position.

The winner was not known when this story was written but can be found on the AUSOOM website. If you missed out on a start this year then work hard to reduce that handicap for 2015.

a large field so enter early. 2013 winner ACT senior Bill Banks will be keen to defend the title he has now won a record equalling 6 times (golfing legend Tony Gresham shares this record with Banks).

March 16-17 are the dates for the Lake Karrinyup Senior Classic in Perth. This magnificent course is rated number 11 in Australia and is the venue for the Perth International each year, Australia’s richest professional golf event. Why not join defending champion Graham Bowen (WA) in testing yourself on the same course where last year Korean Jin Jeong won the Perth International in a play off from Ross Fisher (UK).

Following straight after the Lake Karrinyup event is the West Australian Senior Amateur Championship beginning March 19. This year the tournament is being played at one of Perth’s best courses - Mt Lawley GC (57 in Australia). There will be keen interest as leading senior Stefan Albinski attempts to make it six WA Senior titles in a row!

February The next senior ranking event on the calendar is the Tasmanian Senior Amateur starting on February 12 at Mowbray Golf Club in Launceston.

There have already been two tournaments in the ranking year so if this is your first event it is important to have a good finish. Although the 2013 Tasmanian Senior Champion, Stefan Albinski, will definitely be back to defend his title some of the leading seniors will be missing as they compete in the 2014 New Zealand Senior Amateur Championship starting on February 13.

Just a few days after the NZ Seniors and starting on February 18 is the annual Australia vs New Zealand event for the Sanctuary Cove Trophy.

The tournament is being played at Muriwai GC just outside Auckland and once again a 12-man team of Australians will be playing the Kiwis in this Ryder Cup format competition. The Kiwis have now taken the lead with four victories in the seven years of this event.

March March is a busy month with the NSW Senior Amateur at Tuncurry GC starting on March 4.

Tuncurry is one of the state’s better tests of golf and as always this event is sure to attract 58

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

April If you have never played at The National GC then make sure you get there for the National Masters beginning April 8. The tournament is played over all three of their championship courses - The Moonah (number 7 in Australia), The Old (12) and The Ocean (36). The defending champion is NSW senior Roy Vandersluis and he will be back to enjoy the wonderful National hospitality as he tries to win the green jacket for the second time.

The last three days of April are the dates for the NSW Senior Classic. This event is played over three great golf courses - The Lakes Golf Club (number 14 in Australia) and the venue for the 2011 and 2012 Australian Opens, The Australian Golf Club (17) will

host the Australian Open in 2014 while the beautiful tree lined Avondale (59) is considered by many as the best on Sydney’s north shore. No wonder this is a very popular event and NSW’s David Limbach will need to be at his peak to defend the title he won in 2013.

Senior Order of Merit. Played in conjunction is the annual State of Origin Challenge between NSW and Queensland where teams of 17 players compete for their state over the three days.

May

September is another busy month with three national ranking events. The first two are played in South Australia beginning with the Grange Senior Classic on September 4.

Also known as “Tony Mazzone’s Tournament” after the very popular sponsor and host of the tournament, the 2014 championship will be played on the new Greg Norman designed East Course. Local Grange member Bill Winslow is the defending champion.

Beginning two days later is the 2014 South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Fleurieu GC, not far from Victor Harbour.

Described as being “modelled on the links style courses of Scotland” this will be the first senior event for Fleurieu. With the surrounding area often called “Adelaide’s playground” the 2014 championship should attract a large field. Queenslander Peter King is the defending champion.

The Australian Senior Amateur Championship begins at Mandurah GC (one hour south of Perth) on September 30. This is the most prestigious event for the year and as usual most of Australia’s top level senior amateur golfers are expected to make the trip to the west for the tournament. Mandurah is a very good course and was the venue for the 2011 West Australian Senior Amateur.

The 2013 Australian Senior champion was New Zealand visitor Murray Martin who joined a select group of seniors who have won both the Australian and New Zealand Senior Amateur Championship (Stefan Albinski and Rodney Barltrop are the others).

The Northern Territory Senior Amateur Championship is being held in the last week of May at Palmerston GC in Darwin. This is a very interesting course and has hosted quite a number of major events in recent years. Local player Tom Harold is the defending champion and if he can reproduce the same excellent form displayed in easily winning in 2013 he will be very hard to beat again.

July The “Queensland Double” begins on July 16 with the Queensland Senior Amateur Championship played over 54 holes at Carbrook GC, located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Carbrook is another challenging course and always produces a worthy champion. South Australia’s John Beaumont won when the event was last here in 2010 while the defending champion will be Victorian Alan Bullas who beat a good field at Oxley GC in 2013.

The week after the Queensland Senior Amateur is the Gold Coast Senior Classic starting on July 21. This event is played over 54 holes on three of South East Queensland’s best - Royal Pines (host of the Australian PGA Championship for the next five years), Sanctuary Cove’s The Pines (number 58 in Australia) and Lakelands (76). Defending champion is Queenslander Trevor Box who was also the winner of the 2013 Queensland

September

seniors

senior amateur competition

The 2014 Australia Asia Pacific team.

October Once again Rosebud GC is the venue for the Victorian Senior Amateur Championship beginning on October 20. It will be the fifth consecutive Victorian Seniors championship played on the most enjoyable Rosebud course.

It is sure to attract a top level field of Victorian and interstate players. The convincing winner in 2013 was Victorian Chris Tatt and he will be back looking to make it a total of three state championships having also won in 2009 at Horsham GC. The following week the Australian Senior Matchplay is scheduled to commence on October 27. Most senior golfers have memories of an important match play game sometime in their career and this championship will definitely provide some more. At the time of publication the date is known but the 2014 venue is unconfirmed so stay tuned for official notification expected in the first few months of the year.

As it carries a national title most of Australia’s top senior’s now add the Matchplay to the itinerary when planning their golfing calendar each year. West Australia’s Ian McPherson was the winner in 2013 when the championship was played at Thirteenth Beach GC in Victoria.

November The 2014 ACT Seniors Championship will be played November 11-13 at Gungahlin Lakes, Gold Creek and Federal (number 96 in Australia) golf clubs.

Six Australian senior golfers will be flying off to Hong Kong and the Discovery Bay Golf Club for the 2014 Asia Pacific Senior Amateur Championship beginning November 19. The team will be selected after the 2014 South Australian Senior Amateur Championship with the top four seniors on the ranking table at that time being automatic selections and two more players then added by Golf Australia.

Who can play?

You need to be 55 years or older on the first day of the event. While some of the events have handicap restrictions e.g. the 2014 NSW Senior Amateur Championship has a handicap limit of 15.4, there are others without any handicap limit. All entry forms contain this information.

The National.

Some events are very popular and a ballot is often required. In this case a player’s handicap is used. The best policy is to enter and wait to see if a ballot is needed.

At the end of each year the Australian Senior Matchplay Championship is played. Any senior golfer who has played at least one event during the preceding 12 months can enter the Australian Senior Matchplay Championship.

Normally there are 32 players in the main event and 8 in the Over 65 “Super Seniors” category.

If the number of entrants for the Matchplay Championship exceeds the field size then a player’s ranking points are used to determine who gets a start in the championship field. The same ranking points are used to determine the seedings for the Matchplay draw. Again, if in doubt the best strategy is to enter and wait to see who and how many players enter.

How does the Ranking Points System work?

The Golf Australia web site has full details on the Senior Ranking System. While each senior ranking event stands alone with prizes awarded in both scratch, age and handicap divisions there are also ranking points awarded to all players at the conclusion of the tournament.

In summary, each event is given a rating based on the strength of the field. The number of competitors from inside the Top 20 on the Current Senior Ranking Table is used to calculate the field strength. The highest rated event is the Australian Senior Amateur with an automatic Level 6 rating with most other events achieving a level 3, 4 or 5. A higher rating event means a higher number of points available for players in that event.

Throughout the year a player’s points are totalled and divided by seven to give an average.

If the player plays less than seven events the divisor still remains at seven so clearly it is best to try and play in at least seven of the events during the year.

If a player competes in more than seven events then his points total is divided by his actual number of events e.g. a player competing in 9 events will see his points total divided by 9 to produce his average points score.

As well as the major points table to identify the best senior amateur golfers over 55 there is a separate ranking table for those seniors

over the age of 65. Points in this competition are taken from the main table - the only criteria being a player must be 65 years old when the event is played.

There is also a year-long National Senior Handicap competition. The competition awards points to the top 40 places in the handicap section of each event. This allows all golfers to aim for a major medal at the end of the year.

The winner in 2013 was Graeme Altmann, a 9 marker from Victoria, who defeated Tasmanian 8 marker Noel Mills in a close finish.

A full table of points for all competitions is available on the AUSOOM website (www.ausoom.com).

When are the Ranking Points used?

At different times during the year various national senior teams are selected. The Golf Australia Rolling 12 Months points table is used as a basis for this selection.

By using a rolling 12 month table selection is always based on a player’s performance over a full 12 months period. As each event is played in a new year the old event drops off e.g. points gained in the 2013 Australian Senior Amateur Championship will remain current until the 2014 Australian Senior Amateur Championship is played.

A 12 man Australian Senior team has already been selected to play New Zealand early in February (detailed report in a future issue of Inside Golf).

2014 will again see a 12 man Australian Senior team selected for a Ryder Cup format match against the Australian Defence Forces Golf Association on March 31-April 1. Selection in the Golf Australia team will be based on the ranking table but any senior who has represented in either the Sanctuary Cove or Asia Pacific teams in the preceding 12 months is ineligible for selection. This means at least 24 seniors are rewarded with team selection each year.

The team for the ADFGA match was be selected following the Royal Melbourne Senior Classic from 20-22 January. The generous hosts and the venue for the ADFGA matches is once again The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula. As always they will present a tournament to remember.

The six man team to represent Australia in

the 2014 Asia Pacific team will be selected after the 2014 South Australian Senior Amateur Championship in September.

At the end of each ranking year Golf Australia medals are awarded to those seniors in the top three positions in the overall scratch, the over 65 years section and in the handicap competition.

The final event in the ranking year is the Senior Matchplay Championship played in late October.

How do I enter a National Ranking event?

Entry forms are always available on the AUSOOM website (www.ausoom.com).

Depending on the event, entry forms may also be found on the various state or host club’s web sites. Some events also provide online entry using the Internet.

Entry fees for all events are kept quite low to encourage as many seniors as possible to participate. It is quite common for seniors to share accommodation and car hire costs. It doesn’t take long to find a few golfing mates willing to add another to their travelling group.

You do not have to be a very low marker to play and enjoy the competition and the friendships that will soon be made. If you have thought about playing in one or more senior events before but never actually gone ahead then why not make 2014 the year you start you will love it. •

Upcoming Senior Events Feb 3

VIC Yarra Courses SeniorRosanna GC Feb 3 NSW Wollongong Seniors Feb 4 QLD Noosa Springs Seniors Feb 10-11 VIC Surf Coast Seniors - The Sands GC Feb 10 QLD Wynnum Seniors Feb 12-14 AUSTTasmanian Senior Amateur – Mowbray GC Feb 13-15 NZ Senior Amateur – Omaha GC, Auckland Feb 13-14 VIC Lonsdale Seniors Feb 17-18 Australia vs New Zealand – Muriwai GC, NZ Feb 17 NSW Concord Seniors Feb 28 QLD Bribie Island Seniors Feb 28 VIC Box Hill Seniors

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

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golf nsw

2014 Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship 2014 Men’s and Women’s NSW Championships The 2014 Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship will be held at Bermagui Country Club on 7- 9 April 2014.

2014 will see a change in format for the event. Traditionally played over five days with match play on the last three days, it has been condensed to three days with all players now participating on each day.

The Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship will be played over 36 holes qualifying rounds, with the four best scratch scores to qualify for the Senior Amateur Championship Match play.

For players who do not qualify in the Senior Championship Match Play, there is also match play broken down by age category: • Age 55 to 59–four to qualify for match play • Age 60 to 64–four to qualify for match play • Age 65 to 69–four to qualify for match play • Age 70 plus–four to qualify for match play For all those who do not qualify for any of the match play components, an 18-hole stableford event will be held in the morning on the final day.

The format is as follows:

Dierdre Brander, 2013 Champion Monday 7 April: 18-holes stroke Tuesday 8 April: 18-holes stroke Wednesday 9 April: AM–Semi Finals Match Play (Championship,

55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+) 18-holes stableford (for those not participating in Match Play) PM–Finals Match Play (Championship, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+) The event will see a host of recognized golfers competing, however for every serious competitor, there will be a handful of participants out to enjoy the few days of golf. All women senior golfers from around the State are encouraged to get a group together, travel to Bermagui, and participate.

The Championship is open to female amateurs who are 55 years of age or over as at the first day of play, whose handicap does not exceed 28 strokes at the date of entry.

The event is also part of the Women’s NSW Senior Order of Merit.

The presentation of all trophies will take place at Bermagui Country Club on Wednesday 9 April 2014.

Entries are now open–$70 via hard copy, or $60 online. To enter visit www.golfnsw.org.

Entries close Friday 24 March 2014.

For more contact Christy Collier on 02 9505 9105 or christy.collier@golfnsw.org •

2014 Men’s and Women’s NSW Srixon Metropolitan Major Pennant The 2014 Men’s and Women’s NSW Srixon Metropolitan Major Pennant season is due to commence on Sunday 9 February 2014. 2014 is an exciting year for the Sr ixon M etropolitan M ajor Pennant Competition with Women’s divisions being introduced.

In the Men’s competition, the Clubs participating in the Major Pennant are divided into five Divisions with four Sections in each Division. The 2014 Major Pennant Season will consist of six preliminary rounds, semi-finals and finals. Players must be male amateur golfers who are current financial members of the Club they are to represent as at 1 March 2013. Each Club will field a team of seven players for each match to be played

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

in the format of scratch match play over 18 holes.

In the Women’s competition, the Clubs participating in the Major Pennant are divided into three Divisions. The 2014 Major Pennant Season will consist of five or six preliminary rounds (depending on a Clubs division), semi-finals and finals. Players must be female amateur golfers who are current financial members of the Club they are to represent as at as at the first programmed round of the Competition. Each Club will field a team of five players for each match to be played in the format of scratch match play over 18 holes.

The 2014 Srixon Metropolitan Major Pennant season will come to an exciting finish

with all five Men’s Divisions and three Women’s Divisions playing off at Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club on Sunday 30 March 2014. St Michael’s Golf Club were crowned the Srixon Men’s Metropolitan Major Pennant Division 1 Champions in 2013 and will be looking to back this up with another strong season in 2014. The 2014 will be an unknown quantity for the Women’s Competition with no prior year champion to defend their title and it will be an interesting season to see if clubs Grade strength will convert to a strong season in the Sunday Pennant competition also.

Draws and any other relevant information can be found at www.golfnsw.org or by contacting Olivia Wilson on (02) 9505 9105 or via email olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org •

2013 champions Jordan Zunic & Cameron Davis The 2014 Men’s and Women’s NSW Foursomes Championships are being held at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club on Sunday 13 April 2014. Both of these events will be an 18-hole stroke play format. Also run in conjunction with these events is the NSW Foursomes Champion of Champions. This is open to any foursomes pairing that are the current Foursomes Club Champions at their club.

The Men’s NSW Foursomes Championship is open to any male amateur pairing with a combined handicap of 10 and under. The Women’s NSW Foursomes Championship is open to any female amateur pairing with a combined handicap of 20 and under. The Championship will be hotly contested, with a contingent of the best in the state turning out each year to play.

In 2013 there was some great scoring with the pair of Jordan Zunic and Cameron Davis posting an exceptional score of 66 to take out the Men’s Championship, while Tess Macdonald and Doey Choi took out the Women’s Championship with 79.

There are a number of prizes awarded for the Championships, including scratch and nett winners.

To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org •

golf qld

Samen-Curtis and Foley triumph at Qld Amateur Fayde in for Matthew Samen-Curtis (Headland) and Samantha Foley (Royal Pines) have emerged triumphant after three gruelling days at the Boys and Girls Amateur.

Samen-Curtis, like many of his compatriots, battled on the first two days but stayed in contention with timely birdies. As overnight leader, and ultimately Championship Runnerup, Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast) looked like kicking away on the opening nine of the final day, Samen-Curtis stormed home with a back-9 of 7-under 29 (one eagle, six birdies, one par and a bogey).

With four holes remaining, Samen-Curtis was cruising. An untimely double-bogey on the 15th gave Sullivan optimism, but Sullivan’s own bogeys on 16 and 17 allowed Samen-Curtis the luxury of a four-shot buffer heading down the par-5 18th. Tapping in for his 12th birdie of the day, Samen-Curtis was excited to celebrate his victory with his parents and sister.

The Girls Amateur was equally as enthralling with Samantha Foley birdieing the 71st and 72nd hole to claim a one-shot victory over Karis

Matthew Samen-Curtis and Samantha Foley Davidson (Palmer Gold Coast). Recovering from a first round 80, Foley had rounds of 1-over, 2-over and 3-under to capture the Championship.

Trailing Davidson by five shots after 54 holes, Foley applied early pressure in the final round, turning in 4-under 34. Both girls showed the

strain of a tough three days with bogeys on the incoming nine. It was Foley’s birdie on the penultimate hole which was the deciding factor, with Davidson and Foley both making birdies on the 72nd.

The 14 and Under Boys and Girls divisions were won by Cameron John (Waverley) and Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) respectively.

John was especially dominant with 11 shots separating him and Runner-up Chris Jimenez (Pacific). The Girls Runner-Up was first round leader Doey Choi (Concord), who finished only one shot behind Kay. With players making numerous birdies and eagles during the Championship, it was Lisa Edgar who achieved the rarest of feats. Playing her 63rd hole, Edgar left the putter in the bag when she holed out with a 9-iron to record an albatross.

Congratulations to Indooroopilly Golf Club and their staff for another fantastic event. The course was in first class condition and players are looking forward to returning in 2014.

More info: www.golfqueensland.org.au •

City Golf Club extends sponsorship to 2016 Golf Queensland has announced the City Golf Club will be extending its sponsorship through to 2016.

The City Golf Club will continue to be recognised as the major sponsor of the Queensland Men’s Sand Green Championship and Queensland Men’s Country Week Championship.

“Golf Queensland is thrilled that the City Golf Club has re-signed as a sponsor for the next three years,” said Golf Queensland CEO Lindsay Ellis.

“The City Golf Club has provided sponsorship for these two tournaments since 2011 which have been some of the highest participated Championships on the Golf Queensland calendar.

“The new agreement highlights the City Golf Club’s high level of support for regional golf and

Golf Queensland is very appreciative of their continued support,” Mr Ellis said.

City Golf Club President Ed Britnell said he was looking forward to working with Golf Queensland for another three years.

“The City Golf Club is once again delighted to continue its association with such time honoured events on the Queensland golfing calendar,” Mr Britnell said.

“We are both privileged and honoured to be in a position to be able to support the game of golf in a wider community.

“We trust that these championships will once again be most successful and enable many golfers in Queensland to be able to participate and enjoy the game and camaraderie.”

Located in Toowoomba, City Golf Club’s magnificent 18-hole course is the host of the Coca Cola Queensland PGA Championship. City Golf Club is a full-service golf club, offering bar and dining, entertainment, function centre and onsite motel.

The Queensland Men’s Sand Green Championship will be held 6-8 June at Hughenden Golf Club, with the Queensland Men’s Country Week Championship being held 11-15 August at Indooroopilly, Redcliffe, Nudgee and Virginia Golf Clubs. •

fun with Golf Queensland Queensland-based golf clothing company Fayde will team up with Golf Queensland in 2014 as the official apparel sponsor.

The two-year agreement, beginning on 1 January 2014, provides uniformity across Golf Queensland and importantly promotes team spirit within the organisation.

“Today people have a bit of fun on the golf course with their apparel,” said Golf Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis.

“Not only is the product technically great to wear on the golf course, but it looks fantastic off the course.”

“The QAS squad also has the advantage of working closely with the team at Fayde to design specific styles and patterns,” Mr Ellis said.

Director of Fayde Peter Casey said he was looking forward to working with Golf Queensland in the New Year.

“We have informally been working with Golf Queensland since we started our brand two years ago and we are excited to be more formally involved with the Golf Queensland team,” Mr Casey said.

“Fayde is focussed on delivering commercial product to golfers for all ages. We take pride in developing a golf brand based in Australia that the youth of today can call their own.

“Joining with the QAS and having their input in development of some product is an example of how we are trying to do things more personally and a little different.”

Fayde is an Australian company based in the southern Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh Heads.

Fayde specialises in golf specific clothing and has a mission to develop value for money products that are technical and functional, while daring to be commercially different. •

Queensland Women’s Fourball Championship (Presidents Cup) Monday 31 March 2014 Emerald Lakes Golf Club Entries close Wednesday 19 March 2014

Avoid disappointment and enter early! www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

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calendar Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers.

Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition.

A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score.

Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Shelly Beach Golf Club 2nd Qualifying Round 2nd February 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 9th February 2014 4th Qualifying Round 16th February 2014 5th Qualifying Round 23rd February 2014 Final 2nd February 2014 Massey Park Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 1st February 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 8th February 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 15th February 2014 4th Qualifying Round 22nd February 2014 5th Qualifying Round 1st March 2014 Final 8th March 2014

February Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary charity golf day Where: Mansfield Golf Club (Vic) When: Sunday 23rd February, 10.30 for 11.15 shotgun.

Info: www.mansfieldgolfclub.com.au

The competition is for teams of 3 people playing a pre-selected drives Ambrose over 18 holes. Entry is $55 and includes morning tea, BBQ lunch and roast dinner. There are a Nissan and a Holden car on offer for a hole in one on two different holes. There will be an auction after golf with Craig Willis as MC. All funds go to the purchase of essential medical equipment for the Mansfield Hospital.

Entry forms available from the Mansfield Golf Club website.

March Women’s Summer Meeting

When: March 3-6, 2014 Where: Bowral, Highlands, Moss Vale and Mt Broughton Golf Clubs The Women’s Summer Meeting is the first of the three Golf NSW Women’s Meetings held each year with entries from all around the state. These events present an opportunity for competitors to enjoy some excellent golfing courses and experience the hospitality the Southern Highlands has to offer. The Autumn

Woolooware Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 8th February 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 15th February 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 15th March 2014 4th Qualifying Round 22nd March 2014 5th Qualifying Round 29th March 2014 Final 12th April 2014 Rosebud Country Club 1st Qualifying Round 15th February 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd February 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 8th March 2014 4th Qualifying Round 15th March 2014 5th Qualifying Round 22nd March 2014 Final 29th March 2014 Balgowlah Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 15th February 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd February 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 8th March 2014 4th Qualifying Round 22nd March 2014 5th Qualifying Round 12th April 2014 Final 4th May 2014 Orange Ex-Services Country Club 1st Qualifying Round 15th March 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 29th March 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 5th April 2014 4th Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 14th June 2014 Final 22nd June 2014

Meeting is held in the ACT and the Mountain Meeting is held in the Blue Mountains. What makes these events unique is that they are open to all handicap levels and the array of prizes facilitates all handicap ranges.

The Summer Meeting is a four day event which begins with a 36-hole event scratch event. Day 3 is an 18-hole foursomes event, followed by a four person team event on Day 4. The draw is semi seeded for Days 1 and 2, with players nominating their playing partners on Days 3 and 4.

Golf NSW is committed to promoting and encouraging the game of golf and believe this tournament is a great way for all women golfers to compete at all levels.

Entries close Friday 14 February.

For further information: Fiona Carroll on 02 9505 9105 or fiona. carroll@golfnsw.org

Men’s NSW Sand Greens Championship When: March 8-9, 2014 Where: Manildra Golf Club.

The Men’s NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship is open to male amateurs whose handicap does not exceed 36.4 strokes at the date of entry. The Championship is played over two rounds of 18-holes (36-holes), scratch fourball stableford. Handicap events, run in conjunction, are conducted as two 18-hole fourball stableford events using the stroke index of the club. The entire field contests both rounds.

Entries are available at www.golfnsw.org.

69th Annual Blue Mountains Golf Week When: 23-28th March Where: Blue Mountains

Schedule: Sunday 23rd March: Blackheath - Men & Ladies Single Stableford - 8am to 12.30 pm. Monday 24th March: Wentworth Falls CC – Men & Ladies Single Stableford - 8 am to Noon. Tuesday 25th March: Lithgow GC - Mens Single & 4BBB Stableford - 8 am to Noon, Springwood CC - Men & Ladies Single Stableford - 8am to 12.30 pm. Wednesday 26th March: Blackheath GC - Men & Ladies Single Stableford - 8am to 12.30pm. Thursday 27st March: Leura GC - Men & Ladies Single Stableford - 8 am to 12.30pm. Friday 28th March: Springwood CC - Mens Single Stableford - 8 am to 12.30 pm, Wentworth Falls CC - Men & Ladies Single Stableford 8 am to 12.30 pm. Entry Fee $16.00 per Player per Event.

Phone Tony Busch BMDGA Sec. on 02 4754 3083 or buschatandlj@bigpond.com for an entry form.

For entries after 17th March – contact the concerned club direct.

April NSW Veterans Strokeplay Championships Where: Richmond, Penrith and Stonecutters Ridge When: 14-15 and 16 April 2014.

Info: Chris Evans, Secretary, WSRVGA on 0413 912 888

After 8 years at Bankstown and Liverpool, the 54-hole Championships are moving to Western Sydney in an attempt to include more country participants.

Richmond Golf Club is undergoing significant course renovations in preparation for the 2013 Australian Seniors PGA and the Veterans will be the big winners in 2014.

Penrith Golf Club has hosted many State Championships and is in excellent shape. Both Richmond and Penrith are great walking courses for the senior golfer.

The final 18 holes of the Veterans Championships will be played at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Links, a brand-new Greg Norman resort course proving incredibly popular with all golfers.

RACV Cape Schanck Resort to host Pro Am Golfers are invited to attend RACV Cape Schanck Resort’s third Pro-Am golf tournament on 18 March.

The resort’s 18-hole, par 70 championship golf course is consistently rated among Australia’s best 100 courses and last year’s Pro Am attracted 140 players, including 72 professionals.

Designed by renowned course architect, Robert Trent-Jones Jnr, the course has huge greens with large open bunkers, tree-lined fairways and spectacular ocean views on 11 holes.

Entry fees are $120 per person, including golf with motorised cart and meals, plus great prizes for competitors in both A and B grade. Entries close at 5pm on 21 February.

Call RACV Cape Schanck Resort on 03 5950 8000 or visit www.racv.com.au/resorts for more information.

A range of accommodation options are available and spectators are more than welcome to come along and enjoy a feast of golf. •

A U S T R A L I A’ S M O S T R E A D G O L F M A G A Z I N E

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Hundred Hole Hike a hit Down-under Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

On AFL Grand Final Day in 2012, it only took an instant for Steven Blackford’s life to change forever.

The former leading rep for Oakley Golf was at a pub in South Melbourne when he was King Hit and suffered an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) that still affects him today.

But the attack on Blackford has inspired a small part of Victoria’s golf community to give selflessly to the City of Greater Geelong.

Brett Morrissy – a friend of Blackford’s and former Captain at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads – had spent most of 2012 looking for a charitable cause to help drive a fundraiser challenging golfers to trek 100 holes in a single day.

The tragedy that befell Blackford gave impetus to Morrissy’s vision.

In late 2012, Morrissy found a group of inspired golfers and formed the ‘Hundred Hole Hike Downunder,’ which as the name suggests, challenges golfers trek 100 holes in one day to raise money for those like Blackford who suffer an ABI. “Every day there is a new ‘story’ about an Acquired Brain Injury,” Morrissy says.

Staged at Thirteenth Beach in Barwon Heads, the event raised more than $30,000 in 2013.

But the stakes were raised considerably last month, when more than 20 golfers turned out for the second annual staging of the Hundred Hole Hike Downunder on Thursday January 23.

Morrissy says last year’s event alone had a tremendous impact on the wider Geelong community.

“Some (funds) went to Steve to help him out, and the rest went to our fundraising partner, the Karingal Foundation here in Geelong, which has funded the opening of the first ever Acquired Brain Injury clubhouse,” Morrissy says.

The facility acts as a ‘drop-in’ centre for people with an ABI to seek support and interact with others who are having a similar experience.

“Karingal has been great, as I needed to find an organisation that could help us gather the funds, and manage the not for profit donations and tax deductions,” Morrissy says.

This year’s event saw some players break through the 100hole barrier and take on six full rounds totalling 108 holes.

“It’s further than a marathon plus you’re playing golf at the same time and scoring,” Morrissy says.

But the challenge was made easier by the Karingal Foundation’s

‘Music to a Tee,’ which gave golfers a second wind in their hour of need.

From midway through the fifth round, a live concert kicked off beside the clubhouse in a bid to get the golfers across the line.

The success of the 2014 instalment has Morrissy focused on expanding the Hundred Hole Hike Downunder to regional centres around Victoria and interstate.

“We are hoping that we now have a model that we can run multiple Hundred Hole Hikes next summer,” Morrissy says.

“I have had preliminary talks with a couple of the sandbelt clubs to add some higher profile. We can see a day where we have Hundred Hole Hike and Music to a Tee across Victoria, and perhaps interstate. Maybe one up near the Murray (River), up at Horsham where Karingal and (its) foundation group can really work with the local communities to set up this ABI clinic so that we can have these hubs around the state for people that don’t have any support,” Morrissy says.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit Karingal’s website at www.karingal.org.au and www.hundredholehike.com or email Brett Morrissy at brett@flatstick.com.au •

Nudgee’s charity day success NUDGEE Golf Club’s charity golf day to raise much-needed funds for children affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has netted $6000.

“The four-person ambrose event and the day was extremely well supported by local businesses, club supporters and Nudgee Golf Club members,” said the club’s general manager Aaron Muirhead.

“These type of events have proven very successful in the past and when I heard of the tragedy that occurred in the Philippines late last year, I wanted to do something to raise funds for the kids that had been affected.

“We did a similar thing for the Haiti Earthquake affected kids in 2010.

“I would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters and participants on the day for contributing to this worthy cause.

“The charity day raised just under $6000 at the conclusion of the event, but the club has put in the difference to make the total and even $6000 to go toward the ‘Save the Children’ fund.

“We certainly hope that the money gets to the Philippines and is used in an appropriate way to assist the kids impacted by this tragedy.” •

Simon Masters Royal Melbourne 21-year-old Queenslander Simon Viitakangas took out the 2014 Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Rounds of 70, 70, 70, 72 (282) gave Simon a two-shot victory over fellow Australian Todd Sinnott.

The event matched over 50 elite amateur golfers from 10 countries and they were severely tested by the elements across the four rounds.

Simon has been playing the game since he was 12 when he was inspired by his Finnish father and his New Zealandborn mother to pick up the clubs. In 2012 he took out the Port Phillip Amateur and was runner-up in the Gary Player Classic.

Viitakangas plans to play as many amateur events as he can this year and hopes to enter the Australian PGA tour school at the end of the year.

Sinnott, who had a share of the overnight lead with Viitakangas recorded four bogeys on his front nine--when the conditions were at their toughest--making the 21-year-old’s task that much more difficult. The wind was a major factor in the fourth round’s higher scores; the round of the day, two under, belonged to Lucas Herbert, who finished in third place.

American Cameron Wilson finished one shot ahead of fellow American Max Buckley and three other Australians Cory Crawford, Daniel Hoeve and Taylor MacDonald.

Simon Viitakangas (right) accepts the Master of The Amateurs Trophy with (from left) Tournament Director Peter Mann, Honorary Chairman Jeff Kennett, and 2013 Champion Viraat Badhwar It was a good day for the Australians who also took out the World Cup run in conjunction with this event. Eight countries entered teams: New Zealand, England and the US shared second place followed by Mexico, China, Japan and Chinese Taipei The Australian Master of the Amateurs is the highest ranked Amateur Championship in Australia ranked in the top 20 in the world by the R&A. www.masteroftheamateurs.com.au •

Women’s NSW Bowl & Goodwill Plate When: Various Where: Various

The NSW Bowl and Goodwill Plate are annual competitions run at club level in NSW. Clubs nominate specific dates to play these events and the overall state winners are determined at the end of the year. Both events are open to all affiliated clubs in NSW and clubs can choose a suitable date between January and September to run each competition.

The Women’s NSW Bowl is a special annual competition to support the Women’s NSW Open. The Competition is a 4BBB Stableford event for mid-week and weekend, open to female amateurs who hold a current Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is played at Club level between 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2014. As well as a prize, the Overall Winners will be rewarded with a trip to the Women’s NSW Open in January 2015, including the opportunity to play with a well professional player in the Pro-Am. Entry for the NSW Bowl is just $5 per pair.

The Women’s Goodwill Plate is a special annual competition to raise funds for donation to a Charity recommended by the Board of Golf NSW. The chosen charities are Carer’s NSW and the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Research Institute. The Competition is an 18-hole stroke handicap event for midweek and weekend, open to female amateurs who hold a current Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is to be played between 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2014. The State Winner will be determined by the number of strokes (if any) the nett result is under the AWCR of the course on the day of play. The overall winner is determined

by Golf NSW and receives a prize in acknowledgement of the achievement.

Both events are hugely popular with over 3,000 players from 96 clubs competing in the NSW Bowl and 4,200 players from 103 clubs competing in the Goodwill Plate in 2013. www.golfnsw.org

Srixon Women’s Major Metropolitan Pennant When: Various Where: Various Golf NSW announced the addition of a Women’s Metropolitan Pennant Competition for 2014, to be played on Sunday in conjunction with the Men’s Metropolitan Pennant Competition.

The Srixon Women’s Major Metropolitan Pennant has been introduced to allow working women and school girls the opportunity to participate in a Pennant competition without having to take time off work or school. Srixon, who currently sponsor the Men’s Major Metropolitan Pennant, have come on board to sponsor the event.

Dates of play for 2014 have been scheduled, and can be found on the Golf NSW website (www.golfnsw.org).

The event is open to all Sydney Metropolitan Golf Clubs affiliated with Golf NSW. Each club may be represented by one team only. Matches will be played in three grades.

Major Pennant teams consist of five players.

The event is a contest between two Clubs. Matches are played over 18-holes of match play without the benefit of handicap. The Competition will be conducted in a home and away format in Divisions 1 & 2 and will be played at one venue per week in Division 3. Promotion and relegation between Divisions will occur, which will initially be determined by the handicaps of the likely participants. Players who participate in Major Pennant may not play in the NSW Women’s Grade Competition (see draft conditions for further details).

Caddies will not be required (i.e. caddies are allowed, but there is no obligation for a Club to provide a caddy for their players) and the Finals Day for both the Men’s and Women’s Pennant will be held at Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club on Sunday 30 March 2014.

For further information: Olivia Wilson on (02) 9505 9105 or olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org.

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

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the 19th hole

We are all custodians of the game Robbie O’Donnell Matthew Pitt ed@insidegolf.com.au

When Richard Hadlee met Donald Bradman, he was in awe of the great man. In his prime, Hadlee was a man Australian cricket fans loved to take the mickey out of, but he was also widely respected for his great ability, work ethic, competitiveness and sportsmanship. The two men, who were both knighted for their services to cricket, discussed the game they loved and Bradman offered one simple piece of advice to Hadlee. Sir Donald told Sir Richard, “We are all custodians of the game.”

There is a great resonance in these few words.

If you love the game and benefit from the enjoyment, camaraderie, friendships and (for some) prosperity of playing the game, then with that comes a responsibility to give something back. Others have come before us to create the game we love playing. We are indebted to them and we owe it to future players to continue that legacy and uphold the game and deliver it in good shape to those who follow in our footsteps.

Bradman took up golf seriously in his fifties, became a scratch player and went on to regularly break his age as a member of the Kooyonga Golf Club in Adelaide. He was a very competitive pennant player, renowned for his humility and rarely ever speaking about cricket while on the golf course. Without doubt he would have brought the same attitude of custodianship to the game of golf. From what I have seen and heard from Adam Scott, I should think it is an approach and philosophy that he shares.

In the same spirit (although of arguably slightly diminished ability), I too am a former cricketer who has taken up golf. I have played a lot of sport over a long period and golf is a little kinder on my joints now than some other sports. I have been bitten by the golf bug in a big way and am unashamedly a massive golf tragic. Golf now plays a significant part in my life and, if you are reading this, I’m sure it is the same for you.

I am fortunate that I am able to play a lot of golf and I am now also working in the golf industry. This means I meet and talk with many golfers and lately a hot topic of discussion has been subsidised golf memberships at clubs that, not so long ago, offered memberships that were unaffordable to many. Often I hear the question asked, “Why is that?” or “Are golf clubs really hurting that much?”

The answer, obviously, is yes and the evidence is all around us. Some examples are the increase in group buying discounts for quality golf courses, the disappearance of joining fees and the increased competition among clubs that has seen the rise of discounted memberships and a broader range of membership options.

Many clubs are struggling to maintain or grow their memberships as golf battles to attract new players.

The reasons for this are a regular topic of discussion among golfers I know. One theory I have heard is that it is intimidating to join a golf club if you are new to the game. I recently met a couple of young golfers who had decided to take up our great game. Both had invested in a brand-new set of clubs (or cleverly intimated that golf clubs would make a great Christmas 64

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

gift) and set about hitting the fairways in their local area.

Many social rounds later, both decided that it was time to join their local club, obtain a handicap, meet some likeminded golfers and make use of the practice facilities and the resident PGA Professional. Once they had learned something of golfing their ball, the time then came to play in their first Saturday competition.

Without having played an official competition round before or knowing anyone who could assist with their knowledge of the more obscure rules and golfing etiquette, the two new golfers were left to their own devices for the duration of their round.

“You took a drop in the wrong place, two shot penalty”, “You just stepped on my putting line”, “Hurry up, we are holding up the group behind us”. These were the comments continually directed at them, without any assistance or advice nor effort to make them feel welcome. By the end of their round, any hint of excitement or achievement had been replaced by frustration and despair.

Was this what being a member of a golf club was like? Were all members going to treat them like this? Does the game of golf want us? Are there better ways to spend our time? With these questions running through their minds, the only place those shiny new golf clubs were going to end up was in the garage gathering dust and that was exactly what happened.

I am not for a second suggesting that all golf club members treat new or prospective members in this way. There are hundreds of thousands of super people playing golf in Australia who go out of their way to support their club and the game by generously giving their time and goodwill. Unfortunately, the positive efforts of so many are undermined by the disturbing number of golfers having a negative influence on the game.

Fortunately, with a little guidance, our two new players found their way past their poor first impressions of golf and they are now members

of another nearby golf club (and a social golf club) and they are thoroughly enjoying their experience.

I was fortunate to be introduced to the game by someone who educated me on the details of the rules and etiquette of golf. Not everyone starting their life in golf is so lucky.

We’ve all experienced what it is like to pick up a golf club and swing it for the first time, which is intimidating enough, but when we add to that the rules and etiquette a new golfer needs to learn, it can become a daunting prospect.

It is a shame that some golfers, for whatever reason, are reluctant to welcome new players. If we take a custodial approach, as golfers, we all share a responsibility to try and grow the game and assist it to prosper. If this means patiently explaining a confusing rule to a new player, or politely helping them understand the value in leaving their golf bag at the exit point of a green or lining up their putt while others are playing their shot, then these are small contributions we can all make.

When Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne met Don Bradman, the great man told them that the standard of cricket was better now than in his era. So they asked him what he thought he would average if he played today.

The Don paused and reflected and replied “70, probably”. Tendulkar and Warne were surprised and Sachin asked, “Why 70 and not your actual average of 99?” Bradman replied, “You have to remember, I am 90 years old.”

Golf may offer the greatest challenge of any game to our skill and character and we are all custodians of the game but, as Bradman proves, we can take our responsibility seriously and still have fun with it. That is a significant part of why we play sports – for the enjoyment and camaraderie. I now take great pleasure from introducing new people to our wonderful game. If we all encourage one person to try their hand at golf this year and we make it a positive and welcoming experience, we can help foster the fraternity of golf and make our own small contribution to the good of the game. •

Qld Cricketers’ Club expands boundaries If you love sport and travel, then read on.

Last year, the Queensland Cricketers’ Club (QCC) launched its Social Golf Club much to the delight of members.

Now the club is giving its members and those who wish to join the club a number of new sporting and travel experiences.

QCC Chief Executive Officer Tony Kent said members had enjoyed a number of new initiatives including golf, Penfolds Lunches, Mary Ryan book launches, Business Leaders’ Lunches, the Ambassadors’ Annual Dinner, an Ashes First Ball Dinner and New Member Evenings.

“And we have been reinstating the members over 25 years’ service awards,” he said.

“At the annual general meeting, members had been asking ‘when will group travel be available’? Well here it is. The Queensland Cricketers’ Club, in conjunction with Ambassador Travel, has put together some mouth-watering experiences.

“Anyone can join the QCC and become a member today,” he said.

For as little as $120 per annum, new members can enjoy the wide-range of activities and travel experiences planned.

In March, QCC will take a group to Launceston for the AFL opening season game and an optional game of golf.

In June, a 20-nights’ trip to Mission Hills, China, Ireland and Hong Kong has been planned.

Then there’s four nights in Melbourne for the “horse race that stops the nation” along with a hit of golf.

Maybe three nights relaxing and golfing on Hamilton Island is more your style?

If you are over 40, like cricket, golf and fancy going on safari in South Africa, well, that is on the cards as well.

QCC is already planning to take a group to the UK for the 2015 Ashes and Rugby World Cup. In addition, QCC is considering a number of two and three-day trips to combine golf, cricket, fishing and camping/caravanning.

In September, QCC will take a group of members to the Birdsville races.

Sounds like 10 nights of “socialising and outback fun”.

If you enjoy travelling and golfing with likeminded people, please contact Heidi via email at reception@qldcricketersclub.com.au or on (07) 3896 4533 •

Keep up with us online!

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the 19th hole

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

I was hitting some 8-irons on the practice fairway at Mount Broughton Golf Club the other day when out of the blue, I caught one right out of the hosel. It wasn’t an ugly shank that went along the ground for the first 20 feet then spiralled off, just in front of point. It was one of the most majestic looking shanks I’ve ever seen. It took off like a perfectly-hit short iron with just a hint of fade… roughly 45 degrees to the right of where I was aiming.

My coach (who I won’t name for fear of legal reprisals), and I have been working on my rotation through the ball which delays my hand action… actually, I won’t go into the details because I’m even boring myself with that stuff.

The short story is that I’m trying to commit to a full follow through, no matter what part of the face the ball comes from. The result is some of the loveliest swings ever seen on Mount Broughton’s driving range along with some of the worst shots The NSW Southern Highlands has experienced.

As a rule, I don’t hit a lot of “Hilary Swanks”, “Tara Banks”, “Blankety Blanks”….. I usually save my “Diary of Anne Franks” for a special occasion.

Like when I was drawn with the major sponsor during a big Pro-Am at Muirfield in Sydney.

On the par-5 13th I was 30 metres short of the putting surface in two, with plenty of green, slightly uphill and a lie you could eat your lunch

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

off. Give him a couple of donuts and a 7-iron and Homer Simpson would have got this within 2 feet. My sponsor mate, who I’d given a chipping lesson too just a few holes earlier, was standing just to the right of me, taking great interest in his mentor’s technique.

You know when you hit a shank, the first thing you notice is the horrible noise it makes?

It’s not the usual soft juicy sound of a lovely Titleist Pro V1 coming right out of the middle of an expensive forged carbon steel iron. It’s more like when you push the old Victa 2 stroke over an exposed piece of blue metal. The bigger issues for me on this occasion were the next two noises that quickly followed.

One was a dull sickening thud, then the sound a crow makes which closely resembles a rather nasty yet descriptive term used commonly in

the English language. My untimely Shank had hit my sponsor square on the left knee. He bravely attempted to cover his obvious pain with something along the lines of, “No worries mate, I’ll be fine”. Although a minute later, when my back was turned, I did hear a murmur of “This bloke’s worse than me!”

I’ve had another more public “Sherman Tank” which I estimate, was witnessed by between one and two thousand people. My nervous per-round practice sessions were usually a personal battle of trying to successfully warm up without successfully throwing up. On this particular occasion, the only place left on the range at the Aussie Masters, was two blokes up from Greg Norman which meant exposing myself to 1000 or so Shark fans. Greg was firing his darts at the yardage markers so I figured I’d aim down the left edge of the range away from harm’s way. Tragically, my first wedge shot was a clean “Taxi Rank” which flew 38 degrees to the right smack into the metal 75 metre marker!

Now I have 2000 thousand fans thinking I’m a bloody threat to the shark and wondering if this talented unknown can go two from two.

I had no choice but to quickly realign myself towards the 75 metre post and try like hell to catch the next one out of the toe. Luckily it landed within 10 metres of the marker, so I faked a shoulder injury, put my wedge against my bag and waited until everyone focused their attention back on the defending champion.

I know I’m not the only one with a socket story so I would love to hear from my fellow heel hitters via email to Inside Golf. In fact why don’t we start up our own exclusive club and call it….. “Absolute Shankers”. C’Mon readers… you’ll feel better if you talk about it! •

The quick nine quiz With David Newbery

1. European PGA Tour player Wade Ormsby was born in which Australian state?

2. In which Australian capital city will you find Gold Creek Country Golf Club?

3. Which country does Australian Men’s Amateur champion Tae Koh represent – Korea, Thailand, New Zealand or Japan?

4. West Australian Minjee Lee successfully defended her Australian Women’s Amateur Championship crown – true or false?

5. May a player about to start his round seek advice as to clubs used at various holes from a player who has just finished?

6. Which annual tournament is associated with Sun City, South Africa?

7. In which year were the Rules of Golf first written down –1744 or 1774, 1844 or 1874?

8. Who was Doug Sanders speaking to when he said: “If you don’t shut up, I’m going to tell where you swam across the border” – Lee Trevino, Roberto de Vicenzo, Jesper Parnevik or Seve Ballesteros.

9. In what year did Robert Allenby win the treble – Australian Open, Australian PGA and the Australian Masters?

ANSWERS: (1). South Australia; (2). Canberra; (3). New Zealand; (4). True; (5). Yes; (6).

Nedbank Golf Challenge; (7). 1744; (8). Lee Trevino; (9). 2005.

Shank you very much

the 19th hole

A love/hate relationship Michael Green

ed@insidegolf.com.au

@AussieGolfer

In a particular state, in a particular city, in a particular suburb, lies a golf course that I particularly love to play. The first time I played the golf course I played particularly well and ever since I’ve been particularly enamoured by it.

My problem is that one of my long-term golfing buddies dislikes this particular golf course almost as much as I love it. He has only ever played poorly there while I’ve played some of my best golf.

And this is how golf courses are generally loved or hated.

It begins with a straight drive, a chip-in or perhaps a bounce off a tree that rebounds back into the middle of the fairway. The game is good and so is the golf course.

Conversely, a topped tee-shot, a lip-out out for par or your first shank in four years and suddenly this isn’t the place you want to be right now, no matter how good the ocean views are or how lush the fairways are supposed to be.

It’s a familiar story among us golfers. We are a fickle bunch and we tend to only like (or love) golf courses where we have played well.

It’s human nature and this is almost entirely the reason golfers love (or hate) golf courses.

It could be argued that some courses set up better for a left-handed golfer or someone with a high ball flight, but like dinner at a restaurant or a holiday in a foreign city, if your first experience is a bad one it’s hardly a place you want to run back to any time soon.

It’d be easier to find a whale that wanted to head back to the beach than a golfer who was willing to return to a golf course where he had sacrificed a dozen balls to Neptune.

Golf clubs know this (not the whale thing) and most of them do everything within their power to ensure your time there is a good one. The course could be immaculate with reduced green fees and a food cart that swings by every other hole but a bad experience is more often a direct result of bad golf - and less to do with the golf course.

I know a golfer who only likes three golf courses. He has only ever played ten different courses in his life but at least he claims he knows what he likes – or where he plays well.

He conveniently forgets the shocking round he had last week (the course of love never did run smooth), and tends to recall that

first ever round that solidified his fondness for his local links.

Professional golfers aren’t immune from this sort of thing either. How often have you heard a pro utter the phrase, “I love this golf course. I always play well here”? The truth lies somewhere closer to when the sentences are reversed.

Tiger Woods has said it many times in reference to Bay Hill Golf Club where he has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational a ridiculous eight times – just over 10% of his total number of PGA Tour victories.

Of course, confidence is a wonderful thing and it’s amazing how well you can play on

a golf course you’ve already played well on before.

And so it is with one of my golfing mates.

I can’t get him within a five kilometre radius of this particular golf course anymore. It is a huge blow to my confidence. I used to get my annual dose of golfing chutzpah each time we faced off on these fairways.

Now I’m resigned to playing a different golf course if I want to resume our annual “Duel in the Sun”—which doesn’t appeal to me one little bit. My adversary wants to play at a golf club just down the road from his house. Apart from being an inferior track, I just don’t like that golf course at all – I’ve never played well there. •

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

the 19th hole

Carbrook 22 years in the making 500 reasons

IT’S been 22 years in the making.

Last month, Carbrook Golf Club in Brisbane’s east added the final piece to the jigsaw when it opened the new 10th hole Mother Nature destroyed a year ago.

More than 100 people including members and invited guests watched as club stalwart Hans Jebbink struck the first tee shot signifying the opening of the hole.

“The work on the golf course, which began way back in 1992, is now complete,” said jubilant Carbrook Golf Club general manager Scott Wagstaff.

“The 10th hole was almost destroyed during the 2013 Australia Day floods so the club moved forward its plans to rebuild the fairway rather than repair what was a poor area of the course.”

The 10th hole project was 355 days in the making because the low-lying fairway had to be raised to protect it from future extreme weather events.

During the operation, thousands of golf balls were netted from the huge lake that is front and right of the tee block.

“The newly-grassed 10th fairway has gone from the poorest area of the golf course to the best conditioned area in a matter of months,” Wagstaff said.

A number of distinguished guests including the Federal member for Forde Bert Van Manen MP, State member for Redlands Peter Dowling MP and Logan City Councillor Darren Power attended the opening.

Peter Dowling MP, who was representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation Steve Dickson MP, was the second to tee off in the ceremonial opening and entertained the audience with his colourful speech during the formalities.

to meet up

MAKING THE CUT: Roslyn Jebbink (centre) cuts the ribbon to open the 10th hole at Carbrook watched by (left to right) Peter Dowling MP, Hans Jebbink, Bert Van Manen MP, Cr Darren Power, Andrew Ward.

“This project was made possible because of some fantastic people and organisations including the Queensland Government (Department of Sport and Recreation) who responded so quickly to the club’s call for help and provided assistance through their Flood Recovery Program,” Wagstaff added.

“There was also a significant contribution and volunteer assistance from club members Hans and Roslyn Jebbink, who covered the costs of turfing the hole.

“That brought forward the opening by one or two months.”

Yamba a big hit with players TO channel Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 41 professionals from around the world who played in Yamba Golf and Country Club’s inaugural BWAC ALPG pro-am said: “We’ll be back.”

Okay, Arnie said, “I’ll be back”, but it’s a mute point.

A club spokesperson said players from Australia, France, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand and the Cook Islands joined 123 amateurs at the event.

“It’s hoped it will become an annual event at the Yamba Golf and Country Club,” the spokesperson said.

Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten walked away with a $3000 cheque after edging out Aussie Bree Arthur on the second extra hole.

Klatten praised the Yamba club for its great

course and excellent facilities and indicated she would return next year.

Wendy Shanahan scored 38 stableford points to win the women’s amateur event – two clear of Jenny Stratford, Pauline McKinnon and Jen O’Neill.

Bruce Lulham (40 points) won the men’s event on a countback from Warren Hughes with 40 points.

Perth professional Dannielle Montgomery pocketed $1000 when she won the one-shotto-the-green shootout.

“The whole event was a huge promotion for Yamba with overseas and those from various parts of Australia making the first visit to our beautiful area,” the spokesperson said.

“They were unanimous in saying that they would all be back.” •

Did you know about Ko? FORMER world number one amateur Lydia Ko played 25 professional tournaments as an amateur and never missed a cut.

As an amateur, the 16-year-old won four professional tournament and passed up around $US1.2-million.

Ko, who won the New Zealand amateur championship as a 13-year-old, reached number four in the world playing as an

amateur – the highest ranking a Kiwi golfer has reached.

Michael Campbell got to number 12 after winning the US Open in 2005.

Ko needed a dispensation from the LPGA, as 18 is the standard starting point for a professional. LPGA commissioner Michael Whan signed off on her joining the play-forpay ranks. •

Club president Peter Anemaat acknowledged the contribution club partner Premium Haulage made to the project providing an extraordinary amount of assistance and going beyond the call of duty of many occasions to create the new hole.

“Now it’s time for the members to enjoy the finished product,” he said.

“While the course is complete, it is not the end as the club is focused on continued improvements and to ensure the course remains one the members can be very proud of.” •

The power of one

THERE was a nice anecdote relating to Tiger Woods and his former caddie Steve Williams on the US PGA Tour website.

On a stinking hot day in 1999, Woods was playing against then world number one David Duval in a televised exhibition called the “Showdown at Sherwood”.

It wasn’t an official PGA Tour event so the caddies wore shorts.

A PGA Tour rules official ordered the caddies to change into long pants. Duval’s caddie complied, but Woods’ caddie Steve Williams refused to follow orders.

The rules officials made it clear to Williams that if he did not change into trousers, it would be the last time he caddied on the PGA Tour.

Woods, who was listening to this conversation, wasn’t too pleased and interrupted by saying, “Guess I’ll be playing in Europe next year.”

The rules man backed down and Williams wore shorts.

It wasn’t long before shorts were approved for caddies on the tour.

Woods not only won the argument, but the match. •

Putter collector Bob Abbott (left) and John Sellwood.

IT’S a small world.

One man’s ambition is to play 500 golf courses while another has a goal to collect 500 putters.

Recently, Gympie’s Bob Abbott, who collects putters (see story page 31), visited Keperra Country Golf Club’s John Sellwood whose mission is to play 500 golf courses around the world.

He has already played more than 470.

Inside Golf put the pair in touch after John indicated he had a number of hickory shaft putters that may interest Bob. John’s wife Glenda answered the door and, lo and behold, the pair realised they attended the same Gympie primary school more than 55 years earlier.

“Glenda went to the same school as me and was a class or two below me,” said 72-yearold Bob. “My old man had a milk run when we were kids and we delivered milk to her family home.

They lived four streets away.”

Bob’s trip to Brisbane also proved worthwhile.

After John handed over seven putters, Bob snared another 14 putters on the return trip.

“I went to Brisbane to see John and before I left I looked on the internet and went to Vinnies, Endeavour and a five or six others shops before returning via Caloundra, Maroochydore and Tewantin,” Bob said.

“I picked up another 14 on the way back.”

That put his putter collection at 529, but he wasn’t finished yet.

He dropped into the Gunabul golf course, a par-3 course he helped set up, and was given two putters.

“I was the greenkeeper there for about 18 months after I was made redundant from my job,” said Bob, who spent four years as greenkeeper at Gympie in the 1980s. •

Electricity bill shocks club

MANY golf clubs are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

As soon as a club’s management suggest membership fees have to increase to cover rising costs like council rates and electricity charges the members complain and threaten to resign their membership.

Recently, one New South Wales golf club was hit with a $6000 increase in council rates.

And that’s not all.

The club also copped a $27,000 increase in electricity charges.

Little wonder, golf club managers walk around with frowns on their faces.

In case you are wondering, no, the club in question didn’t add floodlights to its golf course. • www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

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your voice

Letter of the Month Time for a change “Price on application” proudly boasted the website. No, I wasn’t interested in buying a house. I was simply looking for a game of golf.

There it was – in capital letters – “GREEN FEES – Price on application”. The sort of thing you normally see when daydreaming through the real estate in Vaucluse or Toorak. Not on a golf club website.

Golf doesn’t get any more elitist than this.

And therein lies the problem with our great and wonderful game, with too many clubs reluctant to change with the times, appeal to the younger generation, pull down all those signs that tell us what we cannot do, rather than welcoming, friendly, positive promotions.

Sadly “the tradition continues” as Jack Newton used to tell us in mocking terms during the telecast of the Australian Masters.

And, sadly, golf clubs are going down the gurgler by refusing to move with the times.

We have all read excellent ideas promoted by this magazine in recent years, pay-as-you-play

Ups and Downs

I turned to page 82 of the 100th issue of Inside Golf, only to find my achievements and fears all on the one page!

Firstly, Michael Green’s article about having a great round, then slipping straight back to mediocrity. Secondly, below that, a reader’s excellent day of golf where he had the best score of his life.

Well I’ve just done the second, and am currently fearing the first!

After years of slowly creeping up the ranks of B Grade, I finally got myself into A Grade by playing to a 17, with 91 hits, and reaching 20 handicap.

My best score, and one I doubted I’d ever better.

But recently, I achieved something I never thought I would. Playing stableford with a newish 40 marker and a beginner on 45, I started par, par. A double-bogey 5 on the par3 third had me thinking “well, that’s that then”.

But then I parred the 4th, 5th and 6th! I finished the front-9 with 41 hits, 6 over the card, and 22 points.

Now, this is usually where my game goes pear shaped, and if I’ve had a good front-9, I have a bad back-9, or vice versa. But I went on to par four holes, and came in with 44 hits, 7 over the card, 21 points.

Now to the good golfer, 85 hits for 43 points may not sound much of an achievement. But I seem to have had numerous obstacles thrown in my path this year, with injury and weather included, so I was absolutely gobsmacked when it came back that I played to an 11 handicap, due to our course rating, and dropped to 18 handicap.

But now I am wondering, Michael Green, what will happen next game?

Nonetheless, I would like to say to club golfers of all ages and handicaps, don’t ever think you won’t play well with high markers in the group, or carrying an injury, because when the Golf Gods choose you, they don’t see any setbacks!

Carolyn Doyle, Casino GC 70

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf membership, afternoon golf for the kids with the hole the size of a bucket and tees half way down the fairways.

But how many clubs have actually introduced these schemes? A lot less than the number of clubs who are facing financial ruin, that’s for certain. This fantastic game we play has survived for about 500 years. The ball has changed dramatically, so too the drivers and irons we use. It’s time the club committees across the country also changed.

The great rocker Jimmy Barnes is a member of my club. Now there’s an idea for golf’s new theme song: “Working Class Man”.

Owen Dally, Mount Broughton

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YOUR VOICE Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us

via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

Pull the Pin II

Re: JJ’s letter on pin placements (Pull the pin, December issue). He mentions a standard recommendation from a greenkeeper he knew of 6 back, 6 middle and 6 front (or 6 easy, 6 medium, 6 hard). This is OK but not enough.

S ome M atch Committees seem to think that “hard” can be interpreted as “brutal” or fail to consider the way the hole is designed.

There is excellent material supplied by the USGA in its Publication “How to Conduct a Competition” and the R&A in “Guidance to Running a Competition” (both available on the internet). Unfortunately, too many Match Committees and maybe the Greenkeepers don’t know this material exists.

The Hole Placements section includes the following: “There must be enough putting green surface between the hole and the front and the sides of the putting green to accommodate the required shot. For example, if the hole requires a long iron or wood shot to the putting green, the hole should be located deeper in the putting green and further from its sides than should be the case if the hole requires a short pitch shot.

In any case, it is recommended that generally the hole be located at least four paces from the edge of any putting green. If a bunker is close to the edge, or the ground slopes away from the edge, the distance should be greater, especially if the shot is more than a pitch.”

As well “…. beware too many positions on one side or the other of the green with a resulting premium on drawn or faded shots.

One should also try to keep a balance of using the left and the right of the green. For example, on the first nine there may be four to the right, four to the left and one in the centre. The second nine should be similar. Also, one should vary as much as possible the number of paces from the front edge of the green.”

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ACROSS

1 Take turns (6) 4 Break in play (8) 10 Patron who jointly supports a tournament financially (9) 11 Suffers defeat (5) 12 Par score (7) 13 Country of golfers Martin Wiegele and Markus Brier (7) 14 Sprint (4) 16 Scoring by counting the number of shots taken (6,4) 18 See 26-down 21 Winner of the 2013 World Challenge, ____ Johnson (4) 24 Feelings of great warmth and intensity (7) 25 Universal remedy (7) 27 Travelled rapidly (5) 28 Level during matchplay (3,6) 29 Spreading out (8) 30 Kingdoms; domains (6) Answers: page 73

Examples of these principles can be seen on the televised tournaments. Take a typical par 5. A good one will usually have a difficult hole position because the players will be playing a pitch shot if they play the hole the way it is designed. However many big hitters will have a go at the green with their second shot. This is dicey but this is the risk/reward stuff we all really enjoy.

Richard Soady, via email

(Handicap) anchors away!

As a 70 year-old, after playing my last 44 rounds of golf in 7 months on my anchored handicap I ask Golf Australia to consider a

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down

1 Second at the 2013 Alfred Dunhill Championship, _______ Finch (7) 2 Style (5) 3 Winner of the 2013 Nedbank Challenge, ______ Bjorn (6) 5 Violent wind (7) 6 Refined (8) 7 Team that won the 2013 World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne (9) 8 Great excitement (7) 9 A view in a specific direction (6) 15 Golf-ball shape (9) 17 Individual winner of the 2013 World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne (5,3) 18 Sightseeing trips to see African animals in their natural habitat (7) 19 A stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features (7) 20 Throws out (6) 22 Aerial soccer shots (7) 23 One of a kind (6) 26 & 18-across Winner of the 2013 Alfred Dunhill Championship played in South Africa (5,10)

review on their method of fixing an anchor.

With a bulging disc in my neck my golf swing has been severely compromised in the last 12 months. I still like to play regularly twice a week with my friends but am becoming frustrated by not being able to play close to my anchored handicap. Occasionally playing to one’s handicap keeps the enjoyment for all golfers. We need to encourage our golfers to remain in the game. I can see many senior golfers being lost to the game as they get ailments as they get older. There is a mechanism for this to be done now but it needs to be simplified.

Adrian, via email

demo dates Callaway

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com

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Location Big Bertha & X2Hot Demo Day New South Wales Forbes Golf Club Wentworth Golf Club Drummond Casula Thornleigh Golf Centre Pambula Merimbula Golf Club Strathfeild Golf Club Concord Golf Club (Members Only) The Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range Cammeray Golf Club Sharks Driving Range Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club Gosford Golf Club Drummond Golf Gosford Moore Park Driving Range Drummond Golf Port Macquarie Port Macquarie Golf Club Gold Creek Country Club South West Rocks Golf Club Drummond Northmead Canberra International Golf Centre Federal Golf Club Hawks Nest Golf Club Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex Indooroopilly Golf Club Virginia Golf Club Brisbane Golf Club Toowoomba Golf Club Horton Park Golf Club Gripped on Golf Instore Drummond Golf Woollongabba Instore Drummond Golf Underwood House Of Golf Bundall Helensvale Driving Range Redcliffe Golf Club ‡ Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Parkwood International Burleigh Golf Club Warwick Golf Club Palm Meadows Driving Range Victoria / Tasmania Growling Frog Golf Course Yarra Bend Golf Course Albert Park Driving Range Drouin Golf Club Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club Ballarat Golf Club Barwon Heads Golf Club Riversdale Golf Club Metropolitan Golf Club Sandringham Driving Range Kingston Heath Golf Club Rossdale Golf Club Western Australia Marangaroo Golf Course Carramar Golf Course Hartfield Country Club Maylands Peninsular Golf Course Cottesloe Golf Club South Australia Drummond Golf West Beach Driving Range Gawler Golf Club fitting days New South Wales Elanora Country Club ** Belmont Golf Club * Killara Golf Club ** Monash Golf & Country Club ** Bathurst Golf Centre * Dubbo Golf Club * Mudgee Golf Club * Pennant Hills Golf Club ** Queanbeyan Golf Club * Belconnen Golf Club * Gungahlin Lakes Golf Course * Federal Golf Club * Wynnum Golf Club * Victoria/Tasmania Queens Park Golf Centre * Anglesea Golf Club * 13th Beach Golf Links * Drummond Golf Cheltenham *

Day

Date

Time

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday

February 04 February 05 February 06 February 06 February 06 February 11 February 11 February 12 February 12 February 13 February 13 February 14 February 14 February 20 February 26 February 26 February 26 February 27 February 27 February 27 February 27 February 28

2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 8pm 10am - 1pm 4 - 6.30pm 10am - 12pm 5 - 7pm 4.30 - 6.30pm 5 - 8pm 2 - 5pm 7 - 10am 12 - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 9 - 12pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 6pm 10am - 12pm 8am - 12pm

Tuesday Wednesday Friday Friday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Friday

February 04 February 05 February 07 February 07 February 08 February 12 February 12 February 13 February 13 February 14 February 15 February 17 February 18 February 20 February 21 February 26 February 28

6.30 - 8.30pm 12 - 2pm 1 - 4pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 1pm 9.30 - 12pm 1.30 - 4pm 2.30 - 4.30pm 3pm - 6pm 1pm - 6pm 11am - 3pm 12.30 - 2pm 9.30am - 12pm 5 - 7.30pm 3 - 6pm 9.30am - 1pm 3 - 6pm

Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Thursday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

February 01 February 04 February 05 February 05 February 05 February 07 February 08 February 13 February 14 February 19 February 26 February 27

10am - 1pm 5 - 8pm 5 - 8pm 9 - 11am 11am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 10.30am - 1pm 11am - 1pm 3 - 5pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 11am - 1pm 11am - 1pm

Saturday Saturday Thursday Saturday Thursday

February 01 February 08 February 13 February 15 February 27

9 - 12pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 1pm 7 - 11am 10.30am - 1.30pm

Wednesday Thursday

February 05 February 27

4 - 7pm 11.30am - 1.30pm

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Thursday

February 04 February 05 February 06 February 07 February 11 February 12 February 12 February 14 February 18 February 19 February 20 February 21 February 27

9am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 3 - 6pm 12 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 3pm 8am - 12pm 3.30 - 6pm

Thursday Friday Saturday Friday

February 06 February 07 February 08 February 28

9am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 4pm

Location

Day

New South Wales Oatlands Golf Club ◊ * Pymble Golf Club ◊ * Monash Country Club ◊ * St Michael’s Golf Club ◊ * Moss Vale Golf Club ◊ * Cabramatta Golf Club ◊ * Concord Golf Club ◊ * Elanora Country Club ◊ * Drummond Golf Casula ◊ * New Brighton Golf Club ◊ * Yowani Golf Club ◊ * Federal Golf Club ◊ * Canberra Int Driving Range ⁰ Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Queanbeyan Golf Club ◊ * Royal Canberra Golf Club ◊ * Yass Golf Club ◊ * Drummond Golf Fyshwick (Gold Creek G.C)⁰ Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Avondale Golf Club ◊ * Thornleigh Golf Centre ◊ * Morisset Golf Club ◊ * Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex ◊ * Indooroopilly Golf Club ◊ * Golf Central ⁰ Toowoomba Golf Club ◊ * Caloundra Golf Club ◊ * Tweed Heads Golf Club ⁰ Parkwood International ⁰ Royal Queensland ◊ * Palm Meadows Driving Range ⁰ Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy ◊ ⁰ Wodonga Golf Club ◊ * Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club ◊ * Rich River Golf Club Resort ◊ * Yarra Yarra Golf Club ◊ * Sandhurst Golf Club ◊ * Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ◊ ⁰ Kew Golf Club ◊ * National Golf Club ◊ * Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * Peninsula Golf Club ◊ * Sandringham Golf Driving Range ◊ ⁰ Green Acres Golf Club ◊ * Ranfurlie Golf Club ◊ * Mildura Golf Club ⁰ Warragul Country Club ◊ * Warrnambool Golf Club ◊ * Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex ◊ * Indooroopilly Golf Club ◊ * Golf Central ⁰ Toowoomba Golf Club ◊ * Caloundra Golf Club ◊ * Tweed Heads Golf Club ⁰ Parkwood International ⁰ Royal Queensland ◊ * Palm Meadows Driving Range ⁰ South Australia Drummond Golf - West Beach ⁰ Robe Golf Club ◊ * Western Australia Mount Lawley Golf Club ◊ * Marangaroo Golf Club ⁰ Wembley Golf Club ⁰ Lakelands Golf Club ◊ * Royal Fremantle Golf Club ◊ * Wannaroo Golf Club ◊ * Albany Golf Club ⁰

Mizuno Location

Date

Time

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday

February 03 February 04 February 05 February 06 February 07 February 10 February 11 February 12 February 13 February 14 February 18 February 19 February 19 February 20 February 22 February 23 February 24 February 25 February 26 February 27 February 27 February 28

1 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 4pm 8am - 1pm 5 - 8pm 1 - 5pm

Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday Thursday Friday Friday

February 04 February 04 February 07 February 08 February 11 February 14 February 20 February 21 February 29

5.30 - 7.30pm 9am - 12.30pm 3am - 6pm 9am - 12.30pm 12 - 4.30pm 4 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Thursday

February 06 February 06 February 07 February 08 February 12 February 13 February 13 February 14 February 16 February 18 February 19 February 19 February 21 February 22 February 23 February 25 February 27

4 - 7pm 11am - 4pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 1 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 3pm

Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday Thursday Friday Friday

February 04 February 04 February 07 February 08 February 11 February 14 February 20 February 21 February 29

5.30 - 7.30pm 9am - 12.30pm 3 - 6pm 9am - 12.30pm 12 - 4.30pm 4 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm

Wednesday Friday

February 05 February 28

3 - 7pm 9am - 1pm

Wednesday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Friday

February 05 February 07 February 12 February 19 February 20 February 26 February 28

10 - 1.30pm 12 - 4pm 4 - 7pm 9.30am - 1pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 1 - 5pm

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date

Time

New South Wales Thornleigh Golf Centre - Golf Expo * Tuesday February 04 4 - 7pm Drummond Golf - Northmead * Thursday February 13 4 - 7pm Golf Paradise Tuesday February 18 5 - 7pm Moore Park G. C. * Tuesday February 25 4 - 7pm Victoria Mga Driving Range Tuesday February 04 4 - 7pm Eastern G. C. * ** Wednesday February 12 9am - 1pm Morack G. C. * Thursday February 13 4 - 7pm Sandringham Driving Range Wednesday February 19 5 - 7.30pm Growling Frog G. C. * Saturday February 22 10am - 2pm Commonwealth G. C. * Thursday February 27 10am - 2pm South Australia The Grange G. C. * ** Saturday February 01 10am - 2pm Western Australia Collier Park G. C. Saturday February 01 8am - 12pm Lakelands G. C Saturday February 08 10am - 2pm Fremantle Public G. C. * Wednesday February 19 12 - 5pm Carramar G. C. Sunday February 23 8am - 12pm Wembley Golf Complex Friday February 28 12 - 4pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. ‡ Callaway Odyssey Demo Day Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

www.insidegolf.com.au | Febuary 2014

71

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“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag”

Yamba Golf & Country Club features an 18 hole championship golf course, located right in the heart of Yamba.

• clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

• 18 hole golf course • Fully stocked ProShop • Tuition for all ages available • Motorised cart hire • In club dining at Fairways Bistro • Function room for weddings, special occasions or conferences • Live entertainment and activities throughout the week • Courtesy bus • Open 7 days a week • Stay and Play Packages available

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February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Ladies Competitions every Saturday from 9am till 11am and Tuesday from 8am till 9am.

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Crossword Answers R I C H A R D S A F A R I S

O T A T E A H A O S P O N S T M P V E R A G E S C A S H S T P J C H W A R T E S E E R V O U R I N R A C E D A A A I P L A Y I N

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www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

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T

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

• 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied).

• 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

Packages starting from:

• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool.

• Large Groups Welcome

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 Ring toll free for free brochure

74

February 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

$489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share *Conditions apply

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

golf directory

Golf Cart Slowing Down?

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB

Need new batteries?

Don’t replace them… Restore them with the Battery Reviver.

The Battery Reviver can bring old batteries back to life by sending a high frequency pulse through the batteries dissolving the sulphate build up and turning the sulphur crystals back into sulphuric acid. The Battery Reviver is powered by your golf cart batteries and it can be left connected permanently to increase the life of your batteries by up to three times, or used occasionally to restore them.

30 DaY

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website www.batteryreviver.com.au

SatISfaCtIoN GUaraNtEE or YoUr MoNEY BaCK.

At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

• • • •

Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale Fully Licensed Clubhouse Social Clubs & Corporate Days

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

start of our membership year, so why not consider membership at the beerwah Golf club

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611

HUNTER VALLEY GOLF GETAWAYS Golf & AccommodAtion pAckAGes from Just $65pp Including • 18 Holes of Golf • Accommodation • Sleeps up to 40 people

Great traditional Country Style • Singles to Large Group Accommodation • Fantastic Location for Wineries/Golf Courses • Local Access to Stonebridge GC, The Vintage, Cypress Lakes G&CC and Hunter Valley G&CC

Live entertainment thurs - sat nights • The Award Winning Kurrajong Restaurant • Great Pub-Style Atmosphere • TAB • KENO

Ph: (02) 4990 1002 234 Wollombi Road, Cessnock, NSW 2325 cessnockhotel@outlook.com

Offered by LEMON TREE

PASSAGE MOTEL

A family run business for 18 years Best Service & Best Value Guaranteed

This Excellent Package includes • Twin share accommodation & cooked breakfast at Lemon Tree Passage Motel (3½ Star) • 18 Holes of golf (at the course of your choice) • $20 dinner voucher at a local restaurant • Non golfing partners catered for • Special arrangements/prices for groups • All golfers staying multiple nights during the week, pay only $50 for accomodation (twin share) including cooked breakfast

www.lemontreepassagemotel.com.au

(Between 9am - 9pm, 7 days) Ph 03 5873 4477 Fax 03 5873 4511

Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW Contact michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au or visit our website

www.murrayrivergolf.com.au For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2014

75

online shopping for great golf gear is so easy NIVO • DAILY SPORT • CUTTER & BUCK • BIRDEE • SPORT HALEY • BETTE & COURT • LOUDMOUTH GOLF • JAMIE SADOCK • GREG NORMAN • NANCY LOPEZ PLUS A GREAT RANGE OF GOLF ACCESSORIES & GIFTS. For personal service phone (07) 3279 1358 or 0418 754 717 or visit us anytime by appointment

www.vanityfairways.com.au

Golf Cars / Refreshers Shuttles Resort Vehicles / Utility Vehicles MAJOR BRANDS

E-Z-GO

BadBoy

Club Car

Yamaha

Cushman

WIDE RANGE OF

QUALITY

USED GOLF CARS

THIS MONTHS SPECIALS 4495

$

8990

3300

$

$

QUEENSLAND PH (07) 3807 8895

RXV 2 SEATER

EZGO ST480

TXT 2 SEATER

Light Almond RXV New Batteries and New Rain Bag Covers.

Good Contition.

Tough as Nails

2007 Almond TXT with New Batteries and Esky.

3950

$

2500

3250

$

$

NSW / ACT

PH (02) 8064 9950

EZGO RXV

2010 Ivory RXV. Battery Filling System, Sand Bottles Split Windshield, Charger.

4900

CLUB CAR PRECEDENT

EZGO TXT

2007 Model.

Solid Windshield, Charger and Sand Bucket Ring. As is.

2008 Champagne TXT Split Windshield, Sand Bottles and Charger. Or $4250 with New Batteries.

3300

2950

$

$

$

RXV 2 SEATER

YAMAHA G22

CLUB CAR PRECEDENT

2009 Green RXV. New Batteries. Includes Rainbag Cover and Split Windshield.

2005 G22 Good Condition. Includes new Batteries.

2005 Precedent.

2010 Batteries.

VICTORIA

PH (03) 9558 1211

View our full range of quality used vehicles @ www.ezgo.com.au/used-cars QLD (07) 3807 8895 NSW/ACT (02) 8064 9950 WA (08) 9244 1727 SA (08) 8352 6622

VIC (03) 9558 1211 TAS (03) 6248 1481 NT (08) 8946 4480 Fiji (+679) 670 0955

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 7 Days penrith_golf@iprimus.com.au

FACTORY SALE! Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA Postage and handling any quantity.

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale Individually boxed balls

$18

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel 144 Balls for $216

Great value Lob, Sand, Gap & Pitching wedges

$49

Half Price

Rubber grips Mens Black Srixon or Cleveland Ladies Tour Special Minimum qty 10

Callaway Hex Chrome

19º #3 Reg / Stiff 22º #4 Reg only 19º #3 Left hand Reg only Includes cover

$2

each

(not fitted) Plus postage

8 Graphite Irons 1 Hybrid Rescue 1 Graphite Driver 1 Graphite Fairway 1 Callaway Deluxe bag 1 Odyssey putter

$199

Black or Blue Large (76cmx51cm)

Compact 8” diameter

$20

$229

Optima TS+

TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Seniors Flex Graphite Irons 4-Sand Wedge 8 Irons Seniors Flex Only Right Hand Only

$599 Plus postage

Nike Covert VRS Irons

3 piece ball Long and soft 3 piece quality $168 for 144 Individually boxed

8 Irons 4-PW + Gap wedge Dynalite 90 Regular or Stiff shafts

½ PRICE!

$14

Game improvement Doz

TaylorMade 5 piece Tour Balls

$33 $31

doz

$799

$499

SRIXON ALL WEATHER GLOVES Mens Left or Right White or Black Mens - S, M, ML, L, XL Ladies - S, M, L

5 FOR

$45

INC. POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUST

doz

adidas shoe Callaway Warbird Late specials

$38

US Size: 9.5 ONLY Breathable Not waterproof

Srixon Q Star Balls

Plus Balls

Callaway Hex Chrome Plus balls PING i20 Left hand drivers TaylorMade Spider S Right & Left hand putters (including covers)

Individually boxed $180 for 144 balls

$15

dozen

adidas BOA leather shoes

Pure white or Tour Yellow $216 for 144 Individually boxed

2 year waterproof BOA tightening system No traditional laces

$18

Callaway HX Diablo

TopFlite Gamer V2

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

TaylorMade R1 Staff Tour Bag

Individually boxed

$899

$156

Callaway Deluxe Golf Towel

$129

$20 Dozen Balls

Mens right only

SAVE$60

$189

doz

$239

Distance ball with great feel

$29

doz

Callaway Graphite Set Bag + putter package

Srixon Distance Balls Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

$27 $33

SAVE $150

Fully adjustable top quality driver Includes cover & wrench

Eagles & Birdies Cypress Point bag 14 Full length dividers Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket Lots of colours

TaylorMade RBZ Rescue Hybrid

Seniors Flex Right Ladies Flex Right Mens Flex Left

$99

Left hand ONLY

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

TaylorMade R1 Driver

Cleveland CG-16 Wedges

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

Callaway Hex Balls

Callaway Hex Black Tour

per dozen

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

White or Black Doz

US Sizes: 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12

$30/doz $149

TaylorMade Burner balls $199

Great for golf ball competitions Bulk qty 144 balls ($15 a doz) Individually boxed

$129 $180

Distance ball with great feel