Inside Golf March 2014

Australia’s

Most

Read

Golf

M aga z i n e

InsideGolf Issue 104

www.insidegolf.com.au

March 2014

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Golf Australia's plan to boost women's golf is hitting the mark

Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

Last month, we reported on Golf Australia’s plans to boost women’s participation in golf via radically overhauling women’s dress codes and potentially bringing an end to the traditional men’s-only Saturday competitions, etc.

While many of you responded with positive feedback about the plans, there were a few of you who weren’t terribly impressed—especially regarding the highly-coveted Saturday tee times.

Indeed, some of you went so far as to announce “If we have to give up our Saturdays to ladies, then I may as well give up the game completely!”

While that may be a bit of an overreaction, I understand that many of you feverishly cherish your Saturday golf and don’t always want to embrace change. But the fact of the matter is that the game of golf is changing, whether you like it or not.

The line between Men’s and Women’s golf is becoming slightly more blurry.

And I, for one, am thrilled.

Recently, we reported on the historic achievement by Robyn John, who became the first female captain at Moss Vale Golf Club in the club’s 100+ year history. This month, we’ve got an equally inspiring story about Nerida Wilson (page 30) who was elected as Cairns Golf Club’s first woman president.

These two individuals earned their titles not because they were ladies, but because they were the best individuals for the job. They represent forwardthinking attitudes in a climate where we need the most energetic, intelligent and creative people “at the helm” if we want

to preserve this great game. All egos and traditions aside, it’s “all hands on deck”.

So I applaud the clubs and their members for their progressive approach to what has traditionally been an oldschool mentality.

Remember, women represent the fastest- growing demographic in the sport, with 41 per cent of all new players being female. In Australia, roughly 22 per cent of club members are female.

This represents an enormous market that clubs, manufacturers and other businesses are slowly beginning to recognise (and target).

It’s also why the “Men’s Golf Club” mentality is slowly fading away in many countries around the world. Augusta National Golf Club famously announced that they had invited former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore to become the first female members since the club was founded in 1932.

And there are many who predict that the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews will finally break their 250+ year “moratorium”, and invite their first female member before too long.

So when it comes to Saturday comps, what is the harm with opening up the tee sheets to anyone who wants to play, regardless of gender (or age, for that matter)? A full tee sheet is, after all, still a full tee sheet, right? From a club/industry perspective, getting more people on the course is the main goal.

And don’t forget the flow-on effects from having more people on the course on a Saturday. Imagine a “Family Day” where you have mums and dads competing on the course, the kids in a clinic at the range, and a rousing BBQ at the end of the comp. Sound familiar?

If you’ve been to a weekend event for AusKick, Cricket, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Cycling or (insert any other sport here, really) then you’ll know how

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Golf tournaments like the Vic Open are proof that men and women can compete simultaneously, and the excitement that is driven by events like this proves that the general golfing public supports the model.

As long as someone pays their dues, plays at a reasonable pace, respects the course (and fellow golfers) and enjoys themselves, then, in my opinion, that’s all we can ask.

See you (all) on the fairways.

• 18 holes of golf at Links Hope Island • Shared electric golf cart with GPS • 2 sleeves of TaylorMade ‘Lethal’ golf balls (valued at $34) • A chance to win a TaylorMade SLDR Driver (valued at $530)

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Social and registered golf clubs are invited to play our Single and Team Stableford event. With great prizes up for offer it’s an event not to be missed.

Richard Fellner Group Editor

NEXT MONTH Our inbox (and voicemail box) has been inundated with heaps of letters and messages from many of you regarding Golf Australia’s recent rollout of the Slope System, as well as handicaps, the state of Australian Golf, etc. Your letters (and concerns) were far-reaching and extensive.

Rest assured, your voice has been heard, loud and clear.

Inside Golf is currently sitting down with Golf Australia to discuss your letters and concerns.

Next month, we will publish an extensive story detailing “both sides of the fairway”, and present a “Report Card” on the Australian Golf Industry. Stay tuned!

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

The Links Hope Island Coca-Cola Social Golf Club Challenge.

5

Date: Format: Cost:

Sunday 6th April 2014 Single or Team Stableford Event $95 per player (4 players per team) Social Clubs may enter more than one team To Enter: Contact our Corporate Events Manager on 07 5530 9014 or ashlee.kachel@linkshopeisland.com.au

Hope Island Road, Hope Island, QLD 4212 For golf bookings phone 07 5530 9033 or email golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au

www.linkshopeisland.com.au

news

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Robert Allenby recognised for charitable work

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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, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Michael Green, Gary McInnes, Karen Lunn, Stephen Pitt, Steven Jeffress, David Cox, Sharon Nott, Stan Connor, Allan Green, George Begg, Richard Woodhouse, Andrew Dowling, Tiffany Mika, Mat Howe, Bret Kennedy 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 courtesy Adams Golf/TaylorMade It’s official: 42,945 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: April – September 2013

Distributed to golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month

A fab five for Karrie FURTHERING her status as Australia’s greatestever golfer, Karrie Webb clinched her fifth ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open title with a one stroke victory at Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne.

The 39 year-old Queenslander finished at 12-under par with a final round 4-under par 68 to beat Korean Chella Choi who carded a 2-over par 74.

“I feel very fortunate to have won today. But I liked my chances at the start of the day because of the wind picking up. If we had another day like we had the first three days, I probably was a little too far back to have a chance, so I was thankful for the weather changing and I played as good as I have in a very long time,”Webb said.

“I was hitting some quality shots early on and I realised that I’d gotten into that mindset

and so I stayed on top of myself to make sure that that’s what I did and never tried to hit a shot. I just played the shot that the conditions dictated,” Webb added.

The victory is Webb’s 52nd professional title and comes with a US$180,000 winner’s cheque.

Australian Amateur champion Minjee Lee finished in a tie for 11th place as the leading amateur after slipping to a final round 78 in the windy conditions but Webb heaped praise on the 17-year old from Perth.

“She’s got more talent in her little finger than I ever did at 17. She should hold her head up high. She’s played very well the last two weeks, probably the best out of anyone consistently the last two weeks. She should be really proud of herself. You’ll definitely see a lot more of her,” Webb said. •

Robert Allenby has been recognised by the Golf Writers Association of America for his contributions to charity.

In honour of his charitable work for cancer, Allenby has been awarded the 2014 Charlie Bartlett Award presented by Aberdeen Asset Management.

Past winners of the Charlie Bartlett Award include Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, K.J Choi, Lorena Ochoa, Ernie Els, Tom Watson and Payne Stewart.

Allenby’s philanthropic endeavours are well known in Australia with the Robert Allenby Golf Day and Gala Dinner raising more than $26million over 23 years for Challenge, a charity supporting kids with cancer.

He has now started raising money for a charity which supports children with special needs and cancer in his American home state of Florida via his three day BlueWater Golf Invitational.

Wh i l e Al l e n by i s h u m b l e d by t h i s recognition his main motivation is the pain of losing his childhood friend to leukaemia.

Allenby also lost his mother to breast cancer and has been a huge supporter of fellow PGA Professional Jarrod Lyle through his two leukaemia battles.

“I’m very humbled, very honoured,” said Allenby. “But nothing has changed with the cause. We’re still trying to help children with cancer.”

In 2012 Rober t Allenby was also honoured by the Australian Golf Writers Association. •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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24

COVER STORY An interview with Ernie Els

14 22 26 29 32 43 48 51 58 62 64 70 71 72

INDUSTRY The inner-workings of golf ON TOUR Touring Pros & Aussie legends WOMEN Latest results PEOPLE Inspirational individuals JUNIOR NEWS Tomorrow’s stars today

by David Newbery KOORALBYN Valley Golf Club will receive a major facelift after JHC Subsidiary, headed by Peter Huang, bought the hotel resort from the receiver for an undisclosed sum.

Huang told Inside Golf more than $10 million would be spent upgrading the golf course and facilities.

“We are aiming to open on 27th June,” he said.

“It’s a tight schedule, but we will endeavour to do it.

“We are planning to fully renovate the golf course and the resort.

“When the work is complete, it will be one of the most unique resorts in the world.

“It will be the first and only integrated tourism, health and wellness resort in the world.

“We will be offering over 70 different recreational activities. There will be skydiving and water activities, a multiple sports centre, koala centre, crocodile centre, fish feeding, African face massaging and more.

“It will be unique and nothing in the world will compare with Koorlabyn Resort.”

Huang said he planned to market the newlook resort worldwide.

“The Australian market is too small and not sustainable,” he said.

“We need to get international students and

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international tourists to come to Australia.”

Meanwhile, a local real estate agent said when the resort closed about five years ago it took the heart out of the community.

“The sale of the golf course is going to set the real estate market on fire,” he said.

“There’s even talk about putting a road from Kooralbyn through to Boonah.”

Located in the Gold Coast hinterland 64kms south of Brisbane, Kooralbyn occupies 330 hectares of future urban land, a 100-room hotel build by the Japanese in 1991, 36 lodges, a private airfield, polo field, equestrian field and an international school.

Adam Scott and Jason Day graduated from the school along with Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman.

The Desmond Muirhead-designed Kooralbyn layout is one of the best in the land and was once a glamour playground for golfers and their families before it closed and was left to rot.

Professionals and amateurs alike loved the golf course and so did the media.

In the 1990s, the resort hosted the popular Battle of the Media competition.

Media personalities from magazines, newspapers, radio and television would flock to the resort in the hope of winning the “battle” and bragging rights over their rivals. •

TECHNOLOGY High tech golf INSTRUCTION Top tips to play better SENIOR AMATEURS Results and events CALENDAR Results, news & tournaments 19TH HOLE The best parts of golf YOUR VOICE Your letters and comments Demo dates Test-drive the latest gear Golf directory Great deals around Australia

Lift-Outs Golf Travel Golf in Thailand, Hawaii, Fiji and more!

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ANOTHER month, another strategic acquisition in the golf industry.

MSL Solutions Limited last month expanded its company portfolio when it acquired Golf Link Partners (GLP) for $5.2m.

MSL Solutions managing director Craig Kinross said the GLP business had a longterm exclusive license from Golf Australia (GA) to implement and manage the Australian handicapping system until 2030.

GLP provides easy online access to more than 1200 clubs and more than 400,000 golf club members across Australia.

Each member pays an annual fee of $2.50 for the service.

In addition Golf Link Partners has significant intellectual property value through its commercialised initiatives including the Lexus Cup, Race Series, Competition Rank, Tee Times, Vouchers, Golf Mates and SMS solution.

“The acquisition also provides us additional opportunities to grow our top line revenues in our Micropower and iseekgolf businesses,” he said.

“We see this as a rare opportunity to advance our market position substantially with the acquisition of such a complementary business, with significant long-term contracts, pursuing similar strategies in the same market.

“In essence this is a natural evolution for our business and helps to maintain clear market leadership. It provides clear synergies on the cost side and it is a relatively simple integration.

“We are currently addressing the critical factors for successful integration execution including a focus on customers throughout.

It’s about developing clear product roadmaps, developing rigorous plans to achieve synergies and staying in constant communication with employees and stakeholders.”

Kinross said the mechanics of the acquisition involved acquiring 100 per cent of the shares in Golf Link Partners Pty Ltd and was based on the outcome of a comprehensive due diligence.

“We were not the only interested party and the board was determined to act quickly to secure the business,” he said. •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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news

$2.5m fire bill for Shepparton Golf Club Henry Peters ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

S

hepparton Golf Club says the damage bill from a fire that roared through its clubhouse roof on a Saturday afternoon in late January could reach two and a half million dollars.

“I’d put a conservative estimate at two million to probably two and a half,” the club’s General Manager Stephen Seagrave says.

“The insurers came up with that figure based on the fact that our roof space is about 1800 square metres. To rebuild something of that size you’re probably looking at around $1200 per square metre.”

The club expects to be fully insured for the damage that was caused to 90 per cent of the clubhouse roof.

It says the replacement of the roof will be finished no later than November this year.

“That’s not great for us but at least it gives us a time frame,” Seagrave says.

CFA investigators determined the January 18 blaze was not deliberately lit, suspecting it was caused by a rubbish bin that self-combusted in a loading bay beside the clubhouse.

Members became aware of the blaze at around 1pm, noticing smoke billowing from the clubhouse roof.

CFA arrived on scene shortly after and put the fire out around 2pm.

“It’s gone up our back wall and through the heart of the building into the main room of our clubhouse and our bar facility, we’ve lost

8

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

the entire roof there,” Seagrave says.

The roofing above the men’s locker rooms was completely gutted by the blaze while a full carpeting replacement will be needed.

Partial damage was also inflicted on the roof above the pro shop while the ladies locker room endured smoke damage.

“We must also thank the CFA for a fabulous job in not only putting out the fire, but being sensitive to our club’s honour boards and memorabilia which dates back to the earliest meeting in forming the club,” Seagrave says.

Shepparton’s bar and bistro was out of action for close to two weeks and there was no pro shop for a week resulting in significant loss of revenue.

“We lost all our normal member lunches and bar sales that happens during the week with our men and ladies. The men play Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays, the ladies play Wednesdays and Saturdays so we lost all their trade.”

Seagrave estimates the club lost up to three thousand dollars in green fee income.

“We do a large amount of green fees, probably more than most Melbourne clubs do. Luckily it’s a quiet month for most golf clubs around Australia. If we had have lost the building in October, that would have probably cost us around 20 thousand dollars in green fees.”

With work yet to be completed on removing the damaged roof, the club is bracing for the discovery of further damage that hadn’t been accounted for initially.

“As we remove part of the roof, (we) may see more damage than what we’d anticipated.”

The club says members and local businesses alike have made generous offers to support the club through its rebuilding phase.

“Mooroopna Golf Club allowed members to play at Mooroopna while we were discovering how bad the damage was with no green fees. It’s a fabulous gesture from them in particular.” •

European Tour announces new Spanish event A new tournament, the NH Collection Open, will be played at La Reserva de Sotogrande Club de Golf in southern Spain from April 3-6, 2014.

The €600,000 event will be dual-ranking, meaning the field will comprise players from The European Tour and the Challenge Tour, and prize money will count towards The Race to Dubai, the Challenge Tour Rankings and Ryder Cup qualification.

The field will consist of 144 professionals, with four places being allocated to tournament invitations, four to Spanish professionals and the balance of the field split equally between The European and Challenge Tour categories. For the purposes of the Challenge Tour Rankings only, the prize fund will be capped at €450,000.

It will be The European Tour’s first visit to the Andalucía venue, which opened in 2004 and has since become one of the most prestigious courses in the Costa del Sol region.

Spain has long been a strong partner of The European Tour, and following some tough economic challenges in recent years, the arrival of a new event is an extremely positive sign.

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to announce this new tournament in southern Europe, and hope this is a sign of recovery after a difficult time economically in this region.

“It will give our Members another opportunity to play, and for Challenge Tour Members the NH Collection Open is a great chance to earn instant promotion to The European Tour.

“La Reserva de Sotogrande is a superb Cabell Robinson design located in the iconic golfing region of Andalucía, and I’m sure the players will enjoy the tournament.” •

news

Celebrities, sports stars set to make the cut Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

The PGA of Australia says it could allow sports stars and celebrities to compete against professionals in more of its future events.

AFL superstar and talented golfer Brendon Goddard was a major addition to last month’s Victorian PGA Championship at The Heritage Golf and Country Club – albeit as part of the pro-am format for the first two rounds of the 72-hole event.

General Manager of the PGA of Australia’s Tournament Division Simon Butterly says, in future, Goddard and other celebrities who are capable enough may be pitted in direct competition with professionals.

“It’s possible as long as the PGA (of Australia) is comfortable. First of all, there needs to be positions available and a level of comfort that they are of a standard that befits a PGA Tour of Australasia event.”

Finding professional athletes capable of matching the pros shotfor-shot remains a challenge.

NRL star Braith Anasta missed the cut at the 2011 NSW PGA by 20 shots, while former Test cricketer Dean Jones had little success as an amateur at past Victorian and NSW Opens and the Victorian PGA before he turned pro and headed for the PGA of Australia’s Legends Tour.

The PGA of Australia says, at the very least, it is determined to continue the pro-am format at the Victorian PGA. “It’s obviously a deliberate ploy to try and attract non-golfers to watch the game as well as garner

Brendon Goddard (photo courtesy of The PGA of Australia) extra attention for the event,” Butterly says.

“If we go down that pro-am format again, we’ll definitely be looking to get some names out there. We’d certainly look at obviously nonfootballers as well, we’d look at other celebrities.”

Goddard played alongside Victorian pro Jack Wilson and New South Welshman Kurt Barnes at The Heritage – a rare chance for amateurs to play alongside the pros during a competition round.

It was the first time the 28-yearold had tackled a championship course in tournament conditions.

“I’ve played in pro-ams before but

I’ve never played in the first round where the guys are competitive.

I t was a great exper ience, I loved playing the golf course in tournament conditions,” Goddard said.

Goddard – who has played 227 games at Essendon and St Kilda Football Clubs – said his form at The Heritage was far from his best.

“I’ve been struggling the last month or so. I struggled to break 80 I reckon. Kurt played really well, Jack struggled a little bit, but all in all it was a really good day.”

G o d d a r d ’s p l a y w a s g o o d enough to impress 23-year-old Wilson, who won the 2013 WA

PGA and finished third behind Adam Scott and American young gun Rickie Fowler at last year’s Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines.

“He’s certainly very talented,” Wilson said of Goddard.

“He hits it a long way, he had both Kurt and I covered all day. It was a pity he was hitting off the forward tees because it would have been good to see how far past he was actually hitting it. He eagled 12 and made a number of birdies out there.

It was good to watch.”

Goddard said his hunger for success on the football field is easily transferred to the golf course.

“Regardless of who I’m playing with, I’m always trying to win. I’ve got that stubbornness about me.”

With several AFL seasons still ahead of him barring major injury, Goddard would not comment on whether he is considering turning professional when he hangs up the boots.

“I’d just love to play golf and practice and see how good I can actually get. I’m really competitive, I love the competitive side of the game, the mental side of the game.”

Maintaining form on the golf course while maintaining his football workload remains a work in progress for Goddard.

“As it gets closer to games, I struggle just to get out there and play. I still manage to play probably once a week, but it’s just about practice, as most golfers know. I struggle to get out there and hit balls. My short game just dwindles away as the season gets closer.

Goddard is taught by worldrenowned swing coach Dale Lynch at the Bann Lynch Golf Academy in Melbourne. •

Vale Jim Mooney Jim Mooney was a well-known figure in golfing circles in NSW and further afield.

Born in Junee, NSW, he started playing golf in 1954 at Junee Golf Club. By 1955 he had won the NSW Under-16 Schoolboy Championship.

In 1957 he was Riverina Junior Champion.

He left Junee in 1959 when he was transferred with the Rural Bank to Sydney not only to further his working career, but to further his golfing ambitions. Upon arrival in Sydney, he joined St Michael’s Golf Club where he was a member for 54 years.

In 1959 Jim represented NSW in the Interstate Junior Series and the following year captained the victorious Interstate Junior Team. The boy from Junee was certainly making his mark in the golfing world.

He was St Michael’s Junior Champion twice, St Michael’s Club Champion seven times and he won the St Michael’s Cup twice. Jim was part of two winning Group 1 Pennant Teams in 1970 and 1973.

Jim’s name is etched on the honour boards of St Michael’s 32 times and, beginning in 1959, he won Championships in each of six decades, culminating in 2000 when he was St Michael’s Senior Champion and then backed up again the following year.

In 2013 Jim was made a Life Member of his beloved St Michael’s.

Jim also won many Club Championship events around the city and state, and made many friends throughout NSW during his years playing golf.

Jim fought bravely for 5½ years to beat cancer, but finally succumbed on 8 December 2013 and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is now “walking heaven’s fairways!” •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

9

news

Golf in the City an ace for Sydney NSW wins Blind Golf Interstate Challenge Gary McInnes

Take The CocaCola Social Golf Challenge Links Hope Island invites all Social & Registered Clubs to enter a team in the The Coca-Cola Social Golf Challenge which will be held on Sunday, 6th April 2014. The event is co-sponsored by TaylorMade.

The Coca-Cola Social Golf Challenge is a fun day for all players giving them a chance to play against other Social & Registered Clubs to win a 50% discount off their next Social Club Day outing at Links Hope Island.

There will be prizes for Best Individual Scores, Best Team, Nearest to the Pins and Longest Drive. Social Clubs are encouraged to enter more than one team.

The Entry Fee is $95 per player (4 players per team) and includes golf, cart, lunch and a preferred rate voucher for a return game at Links Hope Island.

For more information or to download The Coca-Cola Social Golf Challenge flyer visit www.linkshopeisland.com.au or contact Ashlee K achel on (07) 5530 9014 or ashlee.kachel@linkshopeisland.com.au •

10

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Michael Green

ed@insidegolf.com.au

@AussieGolfer

A brand-new indoor golf centre has opened in the heart of Sydney’s CBD aiming to attract business men and women who want to work on their golf swing between meetings and business calls.

Golf in the City opened late last year with great success, attracting golfers who don’t normally have the time to get out for a game during the week and also enticing new golfers who are looking to take up the game in a social, friendly atmosphere.

The centre features six state-of-the-art golf simulators featuring over 80 championship golf courses, across 46 countries including St. Andrews Old Course, Pebble Beach, Kapalua

and Torrey Pines—and Golf In the City will be pitting businesses against each other in a monthly team challenge.

Throughout the year, corporations and businesses can enter teams in the ‘Sydney Corporate Golf Challenge’ where four golfers can play for monthly prizes. The top five teams will qualify for a Tour Championship for end of year prizes which include an all-expenses-paid golf trip for the team to Barnbougle Dunes.

The centre is set up for functions, team building, private parties and offers a lounge equipped with a bar and large screen TV’s.

In a time when golf is struggling to attract new golfers due to longer working hours and weekend commitments, Golf in the City seems like the perfect place to inspire people back to the game.

Golf in the City is located in Spring St, Sydney.

For details see: www.golfinthecity.com.au •

On 2 February 2014 the Yass Golf Club hosted the 20th Interstate Challenge between blind golfers from New South Wales and Victoria. Each team consisted of several members with the 5 best stableford scores to count.

The NSW team was too strong for the VICs to take back the Don Hogg Memorial Shield.

Rod Mills, with his caddie Sam Porter, was a runaway winner of the individual event with 45 stableford points. This was an outstanding effort considering the very hot conditions on the day.

John Haywood, President of Blind Golf New South Wales, accepted the shield on behalf of the team, and he and Doug Sloan, President–Blind Golf Victoria, both thanked the Yass Golf Club for hosting the event and allowing the use of its facilities. Both also thanked the caddies for supporting their player in the event.

Yass Golf Club President Michael Broers responded on behalf of the Club.

Anyone wishing to learn more about either playing blind golf or caddying for a blind golfer may contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731. They may also go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com The next major blind golf event will be the Victorian Open to be held at Rosebud Country Club on 12-15 March 2014. •

news

Hot Summers wins Qld PGA MOST players would have given up a long time ago, but not Anthony Summers.

The New South Welshman ended a 23-year drought for his first title of his career.

Summers turned professional in 1991 and last month registered his maiden victory at the Coca-Cola Queensland Championship at City Golf Club, Toowoomba.

The 44-year-old carded rounds of 61-62-70-63 for a 256 total – three shots clear of big-hitting Kiwi Ryan Fox. David Bransdon (261) finished third.

“I’m ecstatic, relieved, elated,” Summers said. “I’m just feeling a whole mix of emotions at the moment.

“I’ve had a lot of chances to win in the past so to have a three-shot buffer on the last was fantastic.

“I was still as nervous as a kitten on the 18th hole – my heart was beating a million miles a minute.”

Summers said he was blown away

by Fox’s length off the tee.

“Ryan’s length is prodigious, if he hits it straight there won’t be too many who can compete with him,” he said.

Summers sealed the victory with a miracle eagle on the par-5 16th hole.

“I hardly missed a fairway all week and I hit the worst tee shot of the week, it was a big spear cut right with my three wood,” he said.

“I was under the trees with a little gap then I had to go over the trees further down.

“My last words as I put my club down were, ‘be nice.’ I thought this could go anywhere.

“It clipped a little bit on the way up and down. Next thing I heard was a massive roar and I was just in shock.

“It was ridiculous but I am going to take it with both hands and run.”

After struggling with a back injury in the final two rounds, Summers was relieved to finally have his name engraved on the Charles Bonham Trophy.

“I have a long history of back issues and it felt very close to going this morning,” Summers said.

“I was very concerned, I didn’t go to the range at all this morning, I spent a lot of time with the physio.

“I have had a good history at the Queensland PGA. “I finished second here in 1996 and had a couple of thirds including last year. It’s nice to get my first win at a tournament I have played well in the past.” •

Aussie trolley wins Golf Europe award

THE Australian owned and designed QOD, the world’s smallest electronic golf trolley, recently received the prestigious Golf Europe Product Award for Trolleys 2013.

Judged by a panel of experts, QOD beat major brands across the award evaluation criteria to take home the title. The trolleys were judged on their functionality, degree of innovation, user friendliness and comfort, design and style, trend character and the cost-benefit ratio.

Sydney-based Managing Director of QOD, Collin Hiss, says the trolley is the result of seven years of detailed research, design and development.

“As a new-comer into the Golf Europe Product Awards, it was a complete shock that our product surpassed the extremely high standards and qualities set by and observed in the other European entries,” says Collin. “ This win is a testament to our team’s skills and continued commitment to deliver the world’s most efficient compact electronic

golf trolley with the aim of making every golfer’s life easier.”

QOD takes only a few seconds to assemble, and measures an amazing 27cm x 30cm x 42cm. Powered by the lightest lithium-ion batteries of its kind, QOD is a single piece of modular construction, which has been designed with three key factors in mind – simplicity, compactability and reliability.

The use of high-tech components including telescopic designed wheels and body, a whisper-quiet motor and continuous pace control has also given it a unique edge over other trolleys in the market.

This leading-edge electronic trolley continues to capture the attention and interests of golfers from around the world since it was released into the market. Currently, golfers in more than 10 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia are enjoying the benefits of the QOD innovation.

For more information, visit www.qodgolf.com.au •

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news

The ‘other’ Woods wins in Australia

Mercedes-Benz Duntryleague Classic a hit

American Cheyenne Woods secured her first major professional tournament when she held off a strong challenge from Australian amateur Minjee Lee to win the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast.

The 23-year-old shot a final round of fourunder-par 69 on the RACV Royal Pines layout to finish the tournament at 16-under-par, two shots ahead of 17-year-old Lee who also posted a 69 to finish on 14-under-par. South African Stacy Lee Bregman (72) and Swede Camilla Lennarth (70) finished in a tie for third position at 12-under-par.

Another Swede Caroline Hedwall (66) soared up the leaderboard to finish in a share of fifth position with South Korean amateur So Young Lee and fellow compatriot Minsun Kim. It’s the best result in Woods’ two-year professional career, with the interest in the niece of superstar Tiger Woods resulting in the American Golf Channel taking the final two hours of the broadcast live into the United States.

Woods was absolutely elated with her win.

“This is a huge accomplishment for me,” she said.

“The Ladies European Tour has been great to be able to play this last year, I’ve been able to see all of these great players, play with Solheim Cup members, so I’ve learned so much from all of these girls and to be able to come out here and actually compete with them and come out on top was huge for me.”

“All off season I was just getting ready with my coach back home and he told me he thinks that this is my year, my time to finally get a win and to have it this early in the season is exciting, especially with European Tour and then here in Australia. I’m just really proud with how I played this week and followed through all four days and finished strong.”

The 4th Mercedes-Benz Duntryleague Classic held at Duntryleague Golf Club in January proved to be an outstanding success with Margaret Shwabsky from Concord Golf Club proving a very popular winner.

Margaret, who amassed 142 stableford points over the 54-hole event, edged out Duntryleague’s John Slade by one point.

Both Margaret and John have been supporting this event since inception so their wins were very well received by all.

Club President, John Cook, told the competitors at the Gala Dinner that the Club was ready to start major repair work on their on-course dam that will ensure more water.

Players came from NSW, Victoria and Queensland to experience the great food, wine and golf. Everyone who comes to play the event seems to come back the following year and bring others with them. The beautiful summer weather in Orange makes it a great place to be at this time of the year.

One of the features of the tournament is the magnificent food and wine that is served during the tournament at the “Welcome Cocktail Party” and the “Gala Dinner”. Next year, the Monday night BBQ and presentation has been included in the golf package.

Duntryleague is a high-rated championship course and also has a magnificent 1876 Guest House and has very reasonable accommodation packages available throughout the tournament.

Everyone is now getting ready for the 5th Mercedes-Benz Duntryleague Classic set for 17th – 20th January, 2015.

At $285, the event represents excellent value. An early bird special of $260 for the 2015 tournament is available until 14th November.

More info: www.duntryleague.com.au, or call (02) 6362 3466. •

Cheyenne Woods (Photo: SMP Images) Woods started the final round with a one shot lead, she immediately picked up a shot with a birdie on the par-4 1st.

A bogey on the par-4 4th and a hat-trick of birdies on the par-4 6th, 7th and 8th by the reigning Australian amateur champion brought the pair together. However, Woods took the outright lead again with a birdie on the par 5 9th.

The world No.363 didn’t relinquish that advantage, adding birdies on the par-5 12th and 15th before a triumphant birdie on the par-5 18th completed a five-birdie, one-bogey final round.

For Lee, she was thrill with her efforts, “Yeah, I haven’t really been in this situation before so I am happy with how I played today and hopefully

there are many more to come.”

Defending champion Karrie Webb had a week to forget, following a disqualification for signing an incorrect scorecard on the Friday.

Webb shot a two-over-par 75 in her second round, but signed a card which had her scoring a one-over 74—the discrepancy due to a bogey on the par-five 12th which had been marked down as a par.

“I was thinking that I’d miss the cut so I was very careless in the score tent; was already planning what I was going to do for the weekend, where I was going to practice, that sort of thing. So, just a little careless and not taking the usual time to do my card like I normally would,” she said. •

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from the ceo

Karen Lunn

Stephen Pitt

Executive Director – ALPG

What a start we have had to the 2014 ALPG season! The ALPG Club Car Series got underway at the BWAC ALPG Pro-am Yamba GC in January.

The event was a new event on the ALPG schedule in 2014 and proved extremely popular with all of the players, many of them splitting their time between the practice fairway and the golden beaches of Yamba.

Our international visitors were very appreciative of the warm sunny conditions, especially those from the Northern Hemisphere who had come from Artic like conditions. The event was won by popular French player Joanna Klatten in a playoff with Queensland’s Bree Arthur after both players shot 70 in tough afternoon conditions. The new event was a huge success all round and ensured the ALPG would be returning to Yamba in 2015.

From there the ALPG ventured to Antill Park Country GC in the historic town of Picton in NSW, some 80kms south-west of Sydney where Klatten’s love affair with Australia continued.

She was the winner by a stroke to NSW’s Corie Hou and it looked like the ALPG players would start taking up a collection for Klatten’s flight back to France if she kept this kind of form up!

Next stop was Moss Vale GC in the beautiful southern highlands, where we witnessed the first

CEO – Golf Australia

Bree Arthur Australian victory of the summer with Bree Arthur making up for her disappointing playoff loss to Klatten only days earlier. She shot a 6-underpar 67 in the second round to pip former world number one Laura Davies and the impressive South African Stacey Bregman by a shot. This was Davies’ first outing of 2014 and she was really happy with her form after spending the Christmas Break at her home in England.

Just 5km up the road the testing challenge of Mt Broughton Golf and Country Club awaited the players for the biggest two-day pro-am in ALPG history. The purse of $50,000 lured a fantastic field and up and coming Swedish star Daniela Holmqvist held out NSW’s Sarah Kemp by 2 shots for her first tournament victory. It also ensured that she would leave Australia with better memories than she did from her last trip down under when Holmqvist was bitten by a redback spider whilst attempting to qualify for the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at Federal GC. For Kemp it was her 4th straight top 5

finish and the hard work she had put in over the off season was starting to pay off.

Back to the big smoke it was for the last of the ALPG 2014 Pro-am series as the players headed to Castle Hill Golf and Country Club for the Renault Ladies Open. Another of our international visitors Scotland’s Kylie Walker shot a magnificent 7 under par round of 67 to beat the luckless Sarah Kemp by a single shot. It was Walker’s first victory as a professional and after a disappointing 2013 season she will look to kick on and fulfil the promise shown early in her career. Kemp was left heading into the Bing Lee Fujitsu General NSW Women’s Open winless in 2014 but in good form and leading the 2014 ALPG Club Car series with 2 events to go.

A big thank you to our partners Club Car, Volvik and Cobra Puma and all of the event sponsors and partners for making the 2014 ALPG Pro-am Series such a huge success and a big thank you to Renault Castle Hill for supplying the ALPG staff with a Renault Koleos for our trip! •

On all fronts, February was a fantastic month for women’s golf in Australia headed by terrific tournaments and the launch of our new women’s fitness participation program called SwingFit. As I write this, we’ve just completed a pulsating ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club with Karrie Webb celebrating an astounding fifth victory in her national championship.

There were so many storylines that came out of another terrific championship on Melbourne’s sandbelt and it was fantastic to witness the drama of such a close battle right to the very end.

Outside of the wonderful wins for Karrie and Cheyenne Woods, one of the biggest stories to come out of both the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open and the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters was the performance of National Squad member Minjee Lee who finished second on the Gold Coast and coled the field into the final round in Melbourne.

A two-time Australian Amateur champion, US Junior champion and Australian Junior champion, Minjee’s abilities are recognised around the world and it was wonderful to see that talent on display in professional tournaments.

After her victory, Karrie reflected o n M i n j e e’s e f fo r t s a t b o t h tournaments.

“She’s got more talent in her little finger than I ever did at 17.

She should hold her head up high.

She’s played very well the last two weeks, probably the best out of anyone consistently the last two weeks. She should be really proud of herself. You’ll definitely see a lot more of her,” Webb told the media.

We will definitely see much more of her and more of her fellow National Squad member Su-Hyun Oh who lit up the field with a third round 66 at Victoria Golf Club.

What it did show was talent for all ages. Karrie has inspired so many young girls and women to take up golf or continue with it. In addition to all the Karrie fans, there are a growing number of fans for Minjee – people keen to see one of the undoubted future stars of Australian women’s golf add to the mark she’s already made on the game so far.

Th e I S P S H A N DA Wo m e n’s Australian Open was also the perfect occasion to launch our new women’s participation program called Swingfit which will be piloted at centres around the country.

In each session the instructor takes women through a general warm up, followed by conditioning exercises, golf specific instruction, games, drills and concludes with a social gathering.

For more information visit www.swingfit.golf.org.au •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

13

industry news

Coolum staff going the way of the dinosaur?

AMID growing financial losses at his iconic resort, Clive Palmer has reportedly sacked half the staff of his Palmer Coolum golf resort, The Weekend Australian has reported.

While no official numbers were released, as many as 90 staff were purportedly made redundant, leaving the total remaining staff at about 90. This is significantly down from the 650 staff employed by the resort when Mr Palmer acquired the resort three years ago, when it was managed by Hyatt.

In the years since Palmer took over, the resort has reportedly been suffering slumping occupancy and revenues. The Australian PGA was forced to abandon the facility for their annual PGA Championship, while Sunshine Coast locals and the wider community of holidaymakers have been staying away from the course and restaurants, potentially due in part to the large dinosaur-themed setting that Palmer has established. Executive managers and staff have reportedly left the resort in droves, including the resort’s head, Bill Schoch; the general manager, John Eaton; and the directors of engineering, rooms, finance, spa, and restaurants, as well as the managers of housekeeping and engineering.

Noel Mooney, president of Coolum Business

and Tourism, described the resort as a “ghost town”. “It’s not looking promising for staying open,” he said. “He should give it to someone

who knows how to run a resort.”

A senior source said the resort had been losing about $500,000 a month. •

ClubLINKS to manage Glen Waverley, Oakleigh MELBOURNE’S Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Golf Courses will soon be managed by ClubLINKS Golf Management Pty Ltd, after Councillors adopted a recommendation from its Executive to engage ClubLINKS for two years.

ClubLINKS’ Chief Executive Officer, Mark Brayshaw, was pleased to win the Tender and continue his company’s expansion into the Municipal golf sector.

“ClubLINKS Golf Management is thrilled to have won a very competitive Tender to manage the Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Golf Courses for the City of Monash.”

“We look forward to working with the team

at the City and applying our experience in Municipal golf learned at Moore Park Golf (Sydney) and Wembley Golf Complex (Perth).

This new Contract represents an important growth area for ClubLINKS Golf Management.

We believe we have unique strengths to offer Councils across Australia as they manage their golf courses.”

ClubLINKS will commence its management

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

of Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Golf Courses on 1st April 2014, for a 24 month period.

Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Golf Courses join ClubLINKS’ stable of existing golf clients, including Bingara Gorge and Moore Park Golf (NSW), Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club and Sandhurst Club (VIC) and Wembley Golf Complex (WA).

Located at the national headquarters for the PGA of Australia at Sandhurst Club in Melbourne, ClubLINKS delivers facility and community management services to a number of established and green field golf clients across the country.

More information: www.clublinks.com.au •

Lady golfers give back

The Coolah Lady Golfers in rural New South Wales have a special goal for their golf club’s community fundraising.

Their aim is to dig deep and donate to cancer research at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. By helping scientists at the institute in their work investigating blood, breast, bowel, ovarian and lung cancers, they hope to make an impact of the health of people across Australia and around the world.

The Coolah Lady Golfers have been fundraising for the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute since 1976, donating nearly $73,000 to medical research.

Lady Golfer Kath Mogg said members of the club were passionate about helping the community.

“We keep supporting the institute because cancer touches families everywhere, young and old,” Kath said. “Our Cancer Golf Day brings our small community together making a contribution to find new ways to diagnose and treat cancer.”

Professor Douglas Hilton, director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said golf clubs played an important role in enabling medical research.

“Australian golfers have been great supporters of the institute and our scientists for nearly 40 years,” Professor Hilton said. “Community support for medical research through donations and fundraising is crucial in allowing our scientists to do what they do best.

It was because of community support that the institute’s Professor Don Metcalf could discover how hormones called ‘colony stimulating factors’ trigger production of the immune cells that fight infections. Professor Metcalf’s research has led to a drug that helps to boost these immune cells after chemotherapy, helping more than 10 million cancer patients worldwide to recover from cancer treatment.

The institute’s scientists are working to improve outcomes for people with many types of cancer, as well as other conditions including immune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious diseases such as malaria.

To find out how your golf club can support medical research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, call Alice Robinson on 03 9345 2929. •

industry news

Golfers lose out to developer THE closure of the Fairway Golf Driving Range and Putt-Putt at Toowoomba is a huge blow for the city’s golfers, but perhaps the biggest losers will be the schoolchildren who honed their skills at the range.

Chris and Matt Britnell, who operated the popular range on leased land, closed the doors for the final time last month after the landowner sold the land to a property developer.

Chris Britnell told Inside Golf the driving range first opened in the mid-1980s.

“We have been here for 12 years, but the range has been here since 1985-’86,” he said.

“Prior to that it was cricket grounds where golfers would hit balls when cricket wasn’t being played so this piece of land has a bit of golf history.”

Chris said the closure of the driving range was a sad day for all golfers of all levels.

“We had a schoolteacher ask: “What are we going to do now?”

“It was ideal for the kids because they could jump on the school bus, slip out here, hit a heap of balls and head back to school.

“It is so quick because they didn’t have to pick up the golf balls or anything like that. And if there were students who needed help with their swing, there was a pro here to help.”

Still, it’s not the end of the road for golfers and students.

The Britnells are the club professionals at City Golf Club where adequate practice facilities are available.

“Our aim is to keep growing junior golf,” Chris said.

“The short-game facilities at City are fantastic, but when it comes to the full-swing it’s not as easy as at a driving range.

“At the range they didn’t have to pick up balls and you could have them

hitting balls and keep them in a line.

Safety was a lot easier to police.”

The Britnells are hopeful of opening another driving range in the near future.

“We will certainly be trying to get another driving range going again,” Chris said.

“We have looked at a few parcels of land that could be suitable, but the challenge is, a) can you get the land and b) can you get it approved by council to be a driving range.

“We don’t have anything definite, but we have one in the pipeline that may or may not eventuate.”

Chris said the range is not the first to close and won’t be the last.

“The same thing happens to driving ranges all around the place,” he said.

“They (ranges) start up on the edge of town where the land is a bit cheaper then as the place develops and grows the land becomes too valuable to be used as a driving range.” •

Rookie professional squad named Golf Australia has announced the members of the Golf Australia Rookie Professional Squad for 2014.

The squad members are: Rebecca Artis, Jake Higginbottom, Nathan Holman, Stacey Keating, Bryden Macpherson, Cameron Smith, Matt Stieger, Brady Watt and Jack Wilson.

The program comprises nine players this year.

The Golf Australia Rookie Program offers a way of assisting professional golfers as they enter the most exciting yet challenging time of their professional careers; finding and establishing themselves on an international Tour and understanding the demands of travelling to different parts of the world whilst at the same time trying to compete against the best players in the world.

Successful applicants each receive a rookie scholarship that is offered for a period of one year with a review after six months. The scholarship holder can be part of the program until their fifth year of professional golf.

There are two streams of funding within the scholarship.

The Training and Preparation funding offers support to access to coaching, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, sports psychology, physiotherapy and advice from nutritionists.

The Competition and Travel Funding helps cover a range of player expenses including airfares, accommodation, entry fees and caddy fees.

Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said this year’s squad includes a number of new

professionals in addition to several players who have Tour experience.

“It’s a challenging environment out there on Tour when players have to coordinate all of their travel, budgeting and various other matters – in addition to playing professional golf at a competitive level and improving their games,” James said.

“The purpose of this program is to ensure these players do not have any of their development compromised by challenges that arise. We work to make that transition to professional golf and Tour life as smooth as possible.

It is based on a culture of success and it is important that these athletes continue to track towards top 100 world ranking status in order to be considered again for the program in the future,” James said. •

Golf NSW welcomes its new committees The Golf NSW Board has welcomed its new Committees for 2014.

Golf NSW sought “Expressions of Interest” from all golf club members in October last year to assist with the operations of Golf NSW, as they embarked on significant change in the administration of the game.

The Chairman Chris Allen and Deputy Chairman Sue Fabian are ex officio members of all Committees.

The Men’s and Women’s Match Committees have been amalgamated, and in addition there is a new Governance and Planning Committee, which will oversee the progression of the recommendations from the Governance and Structural R eview which was completed in 2013.

The new Committees will be more strategic planning focused with the aim to develop the game for golfers of all ages and abilities. The Committee will meet three to four times a year at the Golf NSW Office. They will address the following key areas: Golf NSW

Events, High Performance, Rules and Amateur Status, Handicapping and Course Rating, Club Support, Game Development and Promotion, State Representative Teams / Selectors, Sponsorship, Communications and I.T. •

Congratulations to the following members on their appointments: Finance, Audit & Risk Andrew Tharle (Chair) Alan Harrison John Robinson Sue Fabian

Governance & Planning Sue Fabian (Chair) Alan Harrison Other members TBA

Handicapping & Course Rating Lynne Ritchie (Chair) John Locke John Miller Brian Lanz Jann Pearson Olwyn Johnstone Colin Kaye

Match

Rules

Alan Harrison (Chair) Sue Fabian Les Browne Rhonda Magner Andrew Robb Lynne Robson Robert Scott Sharon Thompson

Frank Gal (Chair) John Robinson Michael Palmer David Shannon Moya Shepherd Judy Haddrick

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

15

industry news

PGA IGI swings into new Sydney campus THE PGA of Australia’s highlysuccessful International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) has teed off 2014 in style with the launch of its spectacular new campus at Manly’s worldrenowned International College of Management -Sydney (ICMS).

The PGA has been impressed by the ICMS’s approach to the IGI program with the PGA’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Thorburn saying at the launch of the project – attended by about 100 golf industry leaders and higher education academics – that the ICMS partnership opened “a new frontier for the PGAIGI with the opportunity to expand into Sydney resonating as a logical next step”.

“ICMS’s ability to co-deliver and provide pathway options into various degrees, whilst utilising their campus, was a partnership that fits very well,” he said.

“This new campus displays how serious we are about the education platforms available and how golf and education provides a fantastic starting point to a career in this great game.”

Gavin Kirkman, the General Manager of Member Services at the PGA, believes that the PGA IGI is “changing the game from the inside out” based on the calibre of IGI graduates (some also PGA Members) working throughout the various aspects of the golf industry around the world.

“That trend is set to continue as the PGA’s external education arm grows with the announcement of our new ICMS partnership and Sydney campus,” Kirkman said.

“Much hard work has been done through the PGA’s education programs so far, but the goal is to train the next generation of industry

ICMS’s Ann Whitelock Courtney-O’Connor and the PGA’s Brian Thorburn at the launch of the new PGA IGI campus in Sydney professionals for the challenges that lie ahead.”

The Dean and Executive Officer of the PGA IGI, Dominic O’Brien, is equally enthusiastic about the Sydney expansion and especially the partnership with ICMS. “We now can provide a Gold Coast and Sydney campus to complement our pathway into higher education and potentially the PGA,” O’Brien said.

Surprisingly the spark for the PGA IGI’s first expansion from its established Queensland Gold Coast base was initiated by PGA Member Philip Baird, the Manly Golf Club’s Director of Golf, while he was introducing a new club member to playing golf.

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its potential. “It just made sense to partner with the PGA IGI. Our strengths provide great synergies and new opportunities,” she said. “ We both focus on student outcomes and learning. We provide a personalised touch to our delivery that ensures our students have the skills, knowledge and, most importantly, the confidence to succeed after they graduate.”

And just 10 months later in February the PGA IGI – ICMS partnership became a reality with the official launch where Whitelock CourtneyO’Connor made a special presentation to Baird for the role he played in the partnership idea.

Regarding the vital golf training element for the campus, the PGA IGI

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A CH Y T A N RE RY D E F E DIF EV

When Ann Whitelock CourtneyO’Connor, the Chairperson of Scholarships and Corporate Relations at ICMS, decided to join her local golf club in April last year she could not have realised it would be the first step in boosting the PGA IGI project which has been growing the Australian golf industry’s reputation worldwide.

Baird, a former PGA Board Member, after learning more about the ICMS structure from Whitelock CourtneyO’Connor saw an opportunity for the PGA to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with ICMS to grow and expand both organisations’ potential student base with a new campus in Sydney.

Whitelock Courtney-O’Connor examined the idea and agreed on

has come up with a brilliant solution in the Monash Country Club.

Monash is just 20 minutes’ drive from Manly and offers a championship course, full-size driving range, shortgame practice facilities and two highly accredited PGA Professionals in Glenn Phillips and Steve Keogh.

The PGA IGI, now based at Sanctuary Cove, began on the Gold Coast in 2005. However its roots trace back to nearby Griffith University which commenced a joint program with the PGA in1993.The combined courses have had more than 600 male and female graduates take up careers in golf in all corners of Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the USA. In 2014 there are 65 students enrolled in years one, two and three in the various diploma and degree courses at Sanctuary Cove.

The Sydney campus’ first intake of students is set for May 2014.

Established in 1996, the ICMS is an award-winning global leader in management and applied vocational education training. It offers -- with key strategic industry partners -- degree, diploma and masters level programs covering commerce, property, retail sports and events management, hospitality, tourism and now the golf industry.

Occupying a spectacular site in spacious grounds at Fairy Bower overlooking Manly’s world famous beaches, the college currently caters for more than 1000 students from 44 countries. Approximately 40 per cent are from Australia and New Zealand, 20 per cent from USA, 20 per cent from Asia and 20 per cent from Europe. About 1500 students have graduated from the College.

For more information: www.pgaigiaustralia.com •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

industry news

MIA Sports leads golf studio surge Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

For years Inside Golf has been espousing the benefits of clubfitting and golf instruction technology to help golfers of all levels play better golf. With the aid of launch monitors, video cameras, advanced computer programs and motion capture technology, you can now see— in minute detail—exactly what is happening during every microsecond of your swing.

From things like swing path to clubhead speed to impact angle and swing “efficiency”, new golf clubfitting technology can uncover the nuances of a swing that could not be caught by the naked eye. And when placed in the hands of an experienced PGA teaching professional or clubfitter, it can have an amazing impact on your game.

So it’s no wonder why more and more “golf technology studios” are cropping up at golf clubs across the country. These studios help golf clubs and courses to not only use technology to give more accurate information to their members/ guests, but it also helps provide a better overall service to these golfers as well.

One of the leaders in this section of the industry is MIA Sports Technology, a UK-based company that specialises in the growing market of golf studio design.

Last year, we featured MIA and their amazing cutting-edge installation at The Learning Centre at Northern Golf Club in Melbourne. Since then, the company has expanded at a rapid rate, with robust installations at courses including Ballarat, Victoria, Rosebud, Melton Valley, Queens Park, Centenary Park and, most notably, the PGA of Australia’s studio at Sandhurst. Not surprisingly

The Heritage under receivership (again) High-tech golf studio installations like the new Bolton Performance Golf studio at Rosebud Country Club are changing the face of golf instruction and clubfitting. for a technology of this calibre, there are many more installations in the pipeline.

These courses have each installed a unique configuration of leading-edge technology solutions in their locations, from indoor studios to outdoor/driving range setups with FLIGHTSCOPE ball-tracking radar, to V1 software/ coaching systems and SAM Balance Labs and SAM Puttlabs.

“In our first year in the Australia market we are extremely pleased with the quality of the jobs undertaken,” says Scott Barradell, a AAA PGA Professional at Melbourne’s Northern Golf Club who also designs and manages installations on behalf of MIA Sports.

“All installations are different in a variety of ways, but each offers the customer a unique experience, which can only increase the value of their businesses,” he says.

Each of these installations is packed with a complete array of high-tech wizardry to suit golfers of every level—from beginner to Tour professional. From the live video capture, to launch monitors to the 3D swing analysis and banks of cameras and video screens, the studios

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can capture heaps of data about your swing and the effects it has on the golf ball—like sidespin, launch trajectory and the like. This can be highly beneficial for successful clubfitting, golf tuition and more.

Once your swing is sorted, you can then get your putting in order. The SAM Puttlab is an intricate and highly-advanced system that uses a motion sensor device clipped on to your putter. After a series of five putts with the device, the computer crunches the numbers and then displays a plethora of information about your putting path, speed, putterface impact location, consistency and more. Using this data, your pro can determine the exact type of putter that matches your game, and can also offer any advice or instruction to improve your overall stroke.

As the modern golfer has come to expect this type of service and technology at their club these days, don’t be surprised if you see one pop up at a club near you in the near future.

For more info contact MIA Spor ts/ Scott Barradell on 0438 686 453, scott@miasportstechnology.com. Or visit www.miasportssolutions.com •

YARRA Valley’s famed Heritage Golf and Country Club is once again in financial turmoil. Lawler Draper Dillon Chartered Accountants were last month appointed as Receivers & Managers to both Golden Heritage Golf Pty Ltd and GHG Services Pty Ltd the owners and operators of the Heritage Golf and Country Club. The appointment was made by Morlend Finance Corporation (Vic) Pty Ltd. Hamish McKinnon from Bent & Cougle Chartered Accountants has been appointed as Administrator to represent the unsecured creditors.

Golden Heritage Golf Pty Ltd took over the 175.95 hectare Heritage Estate in 2011, following financial/investment issues that resulted in the property being placed in receivership in 2010.

The Receivers & Managers have advised that their brief is to maintain the operation of the property and prepare it for sale. It is understood that Members’ playing rights will not be affected by the appointment.

The facility is 43 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley and includes two 36-hole golf courses — one designed by “Golfer of the Century” Jack Nicklaus — as well as club facilities, a spa complex and extensive land holdings. •

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How to improve your service ‘touch-points’ Mike Orloff Golf Industry Central mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au

T

o be considered a facility with “good service” you must really provide consistent—not just occasional— good service throughout all areas of the operation at all times. This can sometimes be a challenge when you have multiple staff that the client comes into contact with during their visit to your course.

Every time a customer interacts with your business, it is called a “touch-point”. How you manage and set expectation for each of these touch-points is the key to providing good or excellent service. It is very important to have repeatable procedures that all staff can implement every day and most importantly that also adds to the entire experience. Many industry procedures nowadays actually work against this overall experience. (i.e. hotel check-in: why do we need to give all our information again when checking in? Didn’t we give it all when confirming the initial reservation?)

Players coming to your facility fit into two categories, First time, and Repeat.

First time clients must go away with a good/ great first impression or you risk them not coming back again, and worse, spreading the word to their circle of influence that the service at your facility is not that good.

This negative feedback is so much easier to disperse in the age of emails and online forums where there are no taboo subjects.

A first impression is culminated by their overall experience during their visit—staff attitude, course condition, how easy to make their booking, pace of play etc. Each area of their experience is basically a touch-point that you must address with training or expectation and will be dependent upon your course standards.

Repeat clients are slightly different since they are coming back with a specific expectation that is based on all the prior times they visited you, and from the recommendations and feedback they may have received from friends that validated the initial impression. Clients that have had more positive experiences than poor experiences will keep returning especially if they feel their value for money equation is correct.

The important thing to remember is that each customer’s overall experience can be broken down into several touch points; each with its own deposit or a withdrawal.

6 easy ways to provide engaging service by managing your service touch-points.

1) Have a standard phone script for all areas of your operation. Train staff on the appropriate way to answer calls, put clients on hold, and to take a message. Hold them accountable for not following standards, as it’s vital that everyone answers the same way, all the time. Consistency is key.

2) Pro shop staff needs to be proactive and get out from behind the counter. We call this “counteritis”, when staff would be caught lazily behind the counter and not helping clients or cleaning the shop. This seems to happen more when it’s not busy, like in the afternoon and the GM is away for the day.

3) Food and beverage staff should be trained to ask a client if they would like another drink when current one is half full or a coffee/ dessert after their meal is done. Not only is this an expected requirement at good restaurants, it’s also a great way to improve your average spend for the day.

4) Course maintenance staff—the expectation at a good service facility is that

staff stops for players, on minimum say “hello”, and if you really want to impress, give staff some used balls each day that they are able to give to players that may have lost theirs. This is good service and an easy way to help your pace of play improve.

5) 3 metre rule—all staff should say “hello” to all clients that they come within arms-length of throughout the day. If all staff did this throughout the day, you would be known as the “friendliest” golf course around.

6) Reward return or repeat customers by at least remembering their name, what they like to drink, and any other specific item you have learned about them. They will be blown away if you ask them something they didn’t realise they told you. i.e: he/she was getting ready to play in the Club Championship and you found out they played well or won. • 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

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general managers

GM Scott rules where sharks lurk David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

BEING a golf club manager and a rules expert can be equally challenging, says Scott Wagstaff.

Scott is the general manager at Carbrook Golf Club in Brisbane’s southeast and each year acts as a rules official at the Australian Open so he should know.

The 37-year-old, known as the Shark Whisperer by some of his peers, has been at the helm at Carbrook for four years.

Why Shark Whisperer?

Well, not long after taking on the role Scott called me to say there were a number of large sharks residing in the club’s main dam.

At first, I dismissed it as a publicity stunt.

So he grabbed his camera, dumped an unclaimed meat tray in the dam and filmed the sharks feasting on the meat.

Since posting the footage on YouTube there has been more than 2.2 million hits worldwide and wary golfers no longer retrieve balls from the dam.

Scott loves his job and is equally passionate about the Rules of Golf – a knowledge he acquired while working as golf operations manager at Golf Queensland.

He has officiated at eight Australian Opens and a number of Australian PGA Championships mostly without incident, but there have been a few run-ins with disgruntled players.

As part of the job, Scott once had to tell another Scott (Adam) he was not entitled to relief.

“He wasn’t too happy about it, but accepted it,” Scott said.

Rules officials certainly have to have a thick skin.

DOUBLE ACT: Carbrook Golf Club manager Scott Wagstaff doubles as a rules expert.

Tiger Woods and Peter O’Malley.

At New South Wales in 2009, Scott copped a “It was great to meet Tiger and watch him verbal blast from a player after denying him relief.

“He wanted relief from a catering stand and play, especially as the crowds and atmosphere the relief option was in a bush,” Scott explained. were amazing.

“He should have been able to get better relief “He is a phenomenal talent and while I have but the Local Rules didn’t consider this scenario. seen many players play, he is easily the most “Understandably, he wasn’t happy and he talented and impressive person I have watched.

“I was also invited to be part of the Rules team gave me quite a spray. I felt terrible in giving this for the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, ruling, which was extremely unfair.

“Eventually, after some discussion, the head which was an absolute privilege. The US PGA referee, after considering the situation, gave the Tour, who run the event, are certainly in a class player the relief he should have got which was of their own when it comes to managing golf the right decision. events. It was an amazing experience.”

“He cooled down and apologised to me later Scott has come full circle at Carbrook. for what he had said.”

He did his traineeship there under the Still, Scott says the job has given him guidance of long-serving club professional Tony Di Tomasso. opportunities afforded few people.

Di Tomasso is still there, but he now answers “I have been blessed with my Rules officiating,” to his former trainee. he said. “A couple that I will cherish are being “Tony was a good boss,” he said. “We continue Rules official for the final group in the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes, which included to have a good working relationship because

Tony will always go the extra mile.

“Many other managers don’t have that luxury.”

Scott developed a good work ethic while working towards a Bachelor of Business degree in the mid-1990s.

“While I was studying I worked as a pizza delivery driver before moving into a management role,” he said.

“Towards the end of my degree I realised golf was my passion and I decided to do a traineeship.

“I aspired to be a playing professional and played full-time after I finished my traineeship.

“I played a full season and came to the realisation I wasn’t going to be a good enough player.”

By then the travel bug bit and Scott headed overseas. Following a stint in Ireland (where he worked as a plainclothes security guard at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin) and a six-month stay in Scotland, he returned to Australia, where he was eventually approached by Carbrook Golf Club.

“Golf club management wasn’t what I really aspired to do, but it did fit my skill set and I have enjoyed it and love the club life.

“I enjoy the fact that you are much closer to the end user. You can make a bigger difference in a club environment.

“If you want to make changes, you can. It was more challenging in my last job because you are relying on districts and clubs to make the change.

“I have a very supportive board so I am happy in my work.

“The club is heading in the right direction. It’s a metropolitan club with a country golf club feel.

“It’s friendly, welcoming and has a relaxed experience and the golf course is now very good,” Scott said. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

21

tour talk

with Steven Jeffress

A strong year ahead Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

2014 started with a nice change to the last 12 months, after having a break from the game not touching a club and merely just relaxing with family and friends. It’s always difficult working my way back into practicing, which I mostly do at the beautiful Southport Golf Club, on the Gold Coast. Most of my practice at the moment has been on the range, working on some small technique changes which can be a little dangerous for me. Sometimes when I think too much about technique, I take that mental state out on the course and concentrating on how to hit it rather than where to hit it and thus affecting performance.

So as I get close to competing I will make sure that I at least play plenty of holes and work on the art of scoring, not technique. I have been working with my coach Kev Morley on taking my hands out of my swing a little, which is coming along nicely. I still have a long way to go to ingrain the change (as a general rule it takes you about 10,000 balls to change technique), so I still have a fair few to go this early in the year.

My goal is to spend about three hours a day on my long game, and 1.5 hours each on my chipping and putting, in addition to gym and physio work. Southport Golf Club have built a new chipping area which is I think the best on the Gold Coast so it’s great for working on my

short game. I had a few other commitments, one of those was looking after my friend and former caddy Rob Beecher, who badly broke her foot in November last year and is only starting to walk now. So I have been her taxi a few days a week, as she couldn’t drive.

Though given she helped me for years on the bag, it’s the least I can do.

Small technique changes at the start of 2014 related to a club fitting I had in early January, which resulted in new set of Titleist irons. I am now using a shaft called KBS C Taper Tour which is feeling good, but is a completely different shaft than I was using, so they are taking a little getting used to. It’s amazing how different shafts can flight the ball differently. My old shafts are designed to get in the air, which was causing my ball to fly to high. At the fitting, I was launching my 6-iron at 21 degrees. US PGA standard is about 16 degrees, so basically way too high.

The new shafts have brought the flight down so it’s just a matter of trusting the lower flight.

I have also been in the gym working on my fitness, even though you wouldn’t think so!

I’m finding as I get older, it’s a little harder to lose the festive weight!

In reflecting on a great year I thought I would put together some facts about my year in 2013.

Last year I played 304 days out of the year.

This does not include travelling in-between events which can take a day or even two sometimes, depending on how far we are going. Given that the average person works about 235 a year–no wonder I needed a break

at the end of the year.

In 2013 I spent more than 200 hours travelling, approx 100 hours actually sitting in an airport and was lucky enough to visit 10 countries. I think Virgin and Jetstar are happy if I continue playing!

My first event for the year was the Victorian PGA Championship at the Heritage Golf Club.

I finished 11th there last year so I was looking forward to returning to a course that I feel

comfortable and enjoy. Unfortunately I hadn’t brushed the rust off enough after my break and missed the cut by a shot though as I write to you here at the QLD PGA Championship, I am really looking forward to a nice run of events with the Victorian Open and New Zealand Open to follow.

I’m hoping the hard work will pay off through these events but more importantly help me prepare for the year ahead in Japan. •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

cover story place. I’ve always wanted to play around the world.”

An interview with Ernie Els David Cox

ed@insidegolf.com.au

E

rnie Els is in a buoyant mood as he looks ahead to the 2014 Masters. At 44, the four-time major champion is in the twilight of his career but after a top four finish at the US Open last year, he’s shown that he’s still a contender for golf’s biggest crowns.

It’s been quite a resurgence for Els over the past two years. After two decades of entertaining crowds all over the world with the languid beauty of his game, the ‘Big Easy’ had been written off in some quarters after a dismal 2011 season. He missed the cut at three of the four majors as his putting disintegrated and with his ranking heading south, he failed to qualify for the 2012 Masters. But the bitter disappointment of missing out on Augusta for the first time since 1993 proved the catalyst for a remarkable transformation, and just a few months later he clinched his second Open title. It meant he became the eighth player to have won major titles in non-consecutive decades, joining a select club which includes Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

“Eight? I didn’t know that. Thanks!” Els said, sounding genuinely surprised. “Any time you’re mentioned in the same sentence as legends like Jack and Gary it’s obviously special and yes, it means a lot to have been successful over a long period. That’s what any athlete hopes for.

I really hope I can continue to win majors and winning the Open is about as good as it gets, right! That old Claret Jug is the Holy Grail.”

Els admits he’s been driven by a desire to prove the doubters wrong in recent years but while that can work as an added motivation, he’s also found it can be detrimental to his game as he’s playing with a little more tension.

“Some people think that you’ve played your best golf and you want to prove that you’re still up there,” he said. “It depends on how your year is going. If you’ve had a pretty good year you kind of just flow with it. When you

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Has his psychological approach to the game evolved with age? Els ponders the question.

“I guess age takes away some things but gives you others,” he says eventually. “I don’t hit the ball as far as I did, but on the upside a bit of age and experience can help you especially in the majors. When you’re defending champion, you arrive earlier in the week, but other than that you just try to do your own thing – basically, stick to what works best for you. The balancing act is doing enough to be mentally and physically sharp, but not too much that you run down

‘The Big Easy’ joins Adams Tour Staff I

Ernie Els, a four-time major champion, has agreed to a multi-year contract to play Adams equipment and wear the brand’s logo on his bag, shirt and headwear. “’The Big Easy’ is a natural match for Adams, with our philosophy of creating the easiest to hit golf equipment,” said John Ward, Adams Golf President. “Ernie’s worldwide appeal and iconic status fit our international business growth as we extend our stronghold in hybrids to other categories.”

I

Ernie is working with the Adams Tour and R&D teams to add a range of Adams equipment into his bag, including the new Tight Lies fairway woods, XTD hybrids and irons.

“As a player, there are many factors in something as fundamentally important as your equipment. Everything about Adams impresses me, starting with the enthusiasm and energy from company leadership and R&D, along with their strong products,” Ernie said.

“I’m partnered with a company where innovation is at the heart of everything they do, where they’re always looking to push the envelope and pursue new ideas that ultimately help players of all skill levels play better.

“In many respects this feels like the start of an exciting new chapter for me. Adams is an ambitious, growing company that wants to expand internationally and is opening offices all over the world so we’re a pretty good fit, as I still like to play a global schedule.”

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“It’s the variety which I love about links golf,” he says. “It’s the challenge of moving your golf ball around and hitting different type shots. You can use your imagination and in that sense it’s the opposite of one-dimensional golf, you’ve always got options. That suits the way I like to play the game. I love hitting the ball off that links turf, as well. It’s the best.”

Many older sportsmen describe the globetrotting as being the part of their job that they enjoy the least but Els is the exception. While many players in their forties often succumb to the temptation of basing themselves purely in the States and limiting their travel, Els still relishes the opportunity to tour the world.

“I think if you ask Gary [Player] or myself, we’ve always been doing that,” he said. “I love it. I try to play a bit more over in North America, but keep finding myself wanting to play overseas. Once you go to a certain place, the Scottish Open, the Open Championship, whether it’s in Dubai or Australia, whatever, you find that you keep going back there. You make friends and you have good tournaments and you feel like you want to go back there. As it turns out, I’ve been having a 23‑year career now, and I’ve been doing it a long time. I really don’t think I ever thought wanted to play one particular

As he explains, succeeding on a links course is not about length off the tee but rather a shot selection and course management nous which only improves with age.

“You have moments in your career when your confidence comes and goes, that’s natural, but even during the tough times my game never left me. I still felt like I had more wins in me.”

have had a bit of a tough year, you almost feel like you need to prove stuff to people, so that can add pressure.”

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Els’ love of links golf also contributes to his desire to roam. He’s a master on the links course having finished in the top ten on no less than 12 of his 19 Open appearances and with recent history showing that experience can be a crucial advantage [Darren Clarke was also over 40 when he won in 2011 while

Greg Norman and Tom Watson have come close in recent years at the ages of 53 and 59 respectively], we can expect him to remain a contender for several years to come.

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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cover story

the energy reserves. That’s where a bit of experience comes in handy.”

Ernie Els, in brief

Does that experience makes it easier to deal with the highs and lows of the sport? “The tough times still hurt, but yeah, maybe you have a bit more perspective. The interesting thing is, the wins in some ways feel more special now than before.”

As a former World No.1 Ernie is one of the most prolific winners of his generation. Ernie has triumphed in tournaments in South Africa, Europe, the US, Asia, the Far East, the Middle East and Australasia. His 70 professional global victories include two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Match Play Championship crowns.

Els’ moment of glory at the 2012 Open Championships came at the expense of his good friend Adam Scott who spectacularly imploded over the closing holes having led by four shots with four to play. However in one of golf’s most heart-warming turns, Scott enjoyed his moment of redemption at the Masters last year and Els was one of the first to congratulate him.

For as much success as he’s achieved on the course, however, Els’ success off the course is equally impressive.

“We saw each other and actually played a few times soon after his win,” he says. “He deserved that first major and I couldn’t have been more pleased for him. Scotty’s a good buddy of mine and of course I felt bad for what happened to him in the Open, but I saw him at the Bridgestone [the prestigious World Golf Championship event] a few weeks later and although the pain was still there he was handling it unbelievably well. He’s a classy guy.

I said then that I thought he’d bounce back pretty quickly and win a major and he did.”

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 to help young individuals and families on the autism spectrum. The Els Center of Excellence will make available the very best practices in education and therapy with a global reach.

Els has been chasing his own elusive Green Jacket for two decades now, coming second in 2000 and 2004 and while it’s been nine years since he last finished in the top five, his Open success has encouraged him that Masters glory is still within reach.

“I’ve been trying to win the Masters and the PGA [Els needs those two to complete the full set of major titles] for 20 years and it obviously doesn’t get any easier, but I like to think I’ve got a little bit left in the tank,” he says. “You have moments in your career when your confidence comes and goes, that’s natural, but even during the tough times my game never left me. I still felt like I had more wins in me.

Lytham gave me a new lease of life and for the next five years I’m teeing it up in every major.

If I’m on my game, I can definitely still win one of these things.” •

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The Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation was established in 1999 to identify and assist young talented individuals, in golf, predominantly from families of limited resources and deliver to them educational assistance and playing opportunities in order to produce successful young leaders and develop their playing ability to its full potential.

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For his charitable endeavours Ernie has received many awards, including: • Charlie Bartlett Award by the Golf Writers Association of America.

• Jefferson Award, essentially a Nobel Prize for Public Service, for outstanding athlete in service.

• Named one of the ‘Top Five Most Positive Athletes in the World’ by the United Nations NGO Voting Academy.

• Golf Foundation Spirit of Golf Award for his achievements as a player, for his contribution to golf and commitment to young people in golf and education.

• Metropolitan Golf Writers Association (MGWA) Winnie Palmer Award for his foundation work on behalf of autism. The MGWA had previously conferred on Ernie its prestigious Gold Tee Award.

The Ernie Els portfolio of companies includes Ernie Els Design, a full service golf course design company with currently 11 golf courses open for play and many other exciting new projects in various stages of planning and development, and Ernie Els Wines, which produces eight award-winning wines from its vineyard in Stellenbosch.

Ernie was born in South Africa on 17 October 1969. As a youngster, he was outstanding in cricket, rugby and tennis. At the age of 13 he won a significant regional tennis event, the Eastern Transvaal Junior Championships. A year later aged 14 and playing off scratch, Ernie won the World Junior Golf Championship in San Diego, California, beating Phil Mickelson into second place. Ernie was just 16 years old when he formally competed against professional golfers.

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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women

Klatten dominates Women’s NSW Open F renchwoman Joanna Klatten fired a dazzling course record nine-under-par 63 closing round to win the Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open by three strokes.

The 28-year-old, who finished at 16-underpar, made nine birdies in a flawless display around on the Oatlands golf course to triumph from Canberra’s Nikki Campbell (66) with England’s Hannah Burke (68) and South Australian Stephanie Na (70) a shot further back in a tie for third.

The pace was set in round 1 by Western Australian Kristie Smith, who opened up with a fine seven-under-par 65 to lead the field.

Round 2 was dominated by Victorian Lindsey Wright and Stephanie Na. Wright equalled the then course record 64 on Saturday, which included seven straight birdies. Na carded a 66 and they both shared the lead at 10-under-par heading into the final round.

It was tight at the top for the first half of the final round, with the lead changing several times, Wright, Campbell, Smith and Minjee Lee were all in contention, with Klatten working her way through the field.

Choi youngest winner of NSW Amateur Thirteen-year-old Doey Choi created history, becoming the youngest ever competitor to win the Women’s NSW Amateur Championship. Over sixty women competed in the major national amateur event which is also a National and World Ranking event.

Choi’s name will be etched on the Trophy alongside acclaimed golfers Pat Borthwick, Edwina Kennedy, Rachel Hetherington, Karrie Webb and Nikki Campbell.

Even at such a young age, Choi was

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South Korean Mi Hyang Lee fired a course record nine-under-par 63 to spoil the Lydia Ko party in the ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch.

The LPGA-based player carded a flawless final round which include an eagle and seven birdies at the Clearwater Golf Club to finish at nineunder-par and win by one shot over defending champion, Ko.

Klatten opened strongly with five birdies on the front nine and also finished the victory in style with birdies at the 17th and 18th holes.

“I just played really great from tee to green, putted well, chipped well, hit almost every fairway in regulation.”

It was her second professional victory and both have come in Australia, the other at the 2012 Victorian Women’s Open.

This is Klatten’s third win so far on the ALPG Tour this year, as she won the first two Club Car Series pro-am events in Yamba and Antill Park.

Klatten’s triumph followed a good season on the Ladies European Tour where she was 13th on the money list last year and had three top-10 finishes.

For Campbell, a final round of 66 wasn’t enough to secure a second ALPG victory but she was very pleased with her week.

When asked about her round, she responded, “It was fantastic, I have to say it was one of my best rounds of golf, ever.

“It was really good, that was the best finish I have had in this tournament, so I was pretty happy with how I played all week, it was steady, second was a good finish.”

“I have shot nine-under before as an amateur but this one felt like I was in perfect control of my game and my emotions, so I am extremely happy. undaunted about making history. Exhausted and elated she spoke about her win, saying “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, probably will later tonight…but, [I feel] pretty good.”

The final match was played over 36-holes and Choi stamped her dominance early on, leading 3up through 18. In a remarkable victory, the thirteen year-old closed out the match against her more experienced opponent Ali Orchard (QLD) 5/4. The win follows on from a great few weeks of golf for Choi, who was also the youngest player to compete in the 2014 Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open two weeks prior.

The 2014 Women’s NSW Amateur Championship is a gruelling event, taking place over six days from Wednesday, 29th January to Tuesday, 4th February. To even be eligible to play in the NSW Amateur Championship Match Play, Choi and her competitors had to be amongst the leading sixteen women from the 72-Hole Stroke Play

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Minjee Lee took home the leading amateur medal, the current Australian Amateur champion finished at 11-under-par and tied for 5th. event concluding after three days of play at alternating venues, Castle Hill Country Club and Pennant Hills Golf Club.

The Match Play was then seeded and played at Choi’s home Club, Concord Golf Club from the 2nd to 4th February. The first day saw sixteen women compete for a quarter finals berth. Choi, who qualified ninth, defeated fellow NSW player Elizabeth Elmassian 2/1.

Meanwhile top seed Anna Stanton (QLD) had a convincing win over Isabella Chan (NSW) 6/5.

In a major upset, the number one seed Anna was knocked out by Choi in the quarter finals. Taking full advantage of this pivotal win, Choi built her momentum to another victory defeating Jaimee Dougan (QLD) 3/1 that afternoon in the semi-finals.

Choi and her last opponent Orchard went head to head over thirty-six holes on the final day. A fitting end, Choi holed a 30ft birdie putt to secure the win. www.golfnsw.org

Lee, who was out one hour and twenty minutes before the last group had an agonising wait to see if the players still out on the course could catch her. With one to play, Ko, overnight leader Anya Alvarez and American Beth Allen were just one shot behind, and could force a playoff if any of them birdied the last. Unfortunately Allen and Alvarez both missed the green in regulation and played aggressive pitch shots trying to force a playoff, they both walked off with bogey after missing their par putts.

Ko had a 20-foot birdie chance but it slipped by, so the title was Lee’s.

Queenslanders Bree Arthur (66) and Sarah Jane Smith (65) were the leading Australians finishing at fiveunder-par total and tied for sixth position. Nikki Campbell (68) was a further shot back and tied for 9th.

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Handicap slashed in quick time GOLD Coast golfer Trent Arthur is well on track to achieving his goal of a scratch handicap within 12 months of returning to the game after an extended break.

The 27-year-old joined Gold Coast Country Club in April 2013 on a handicap of 22.

Today the 27-year-old is playing off 1.8.

“Golf excites me,” Trent said. “I’m passionate and I have a new found belief in myself. If you set your mind to something, you can do it.

“I love playing golf so I have decided to push myself to the limits.

“I’ve set myself some new goals for 2014. I want to be the first ever scratch golfer in 12 months and start playing with the big guns of the sport. It’ll be a lot of hard work, but when you love something it’s motivating to exceed yesterday’s best.”

Trent says once he has achieved his dream of playing off scratch he will pursue a career in the golf industry.

“I am looking at doing a traineeship or a university course through the PGA International Golf Institute on the Gold Coast,” he said.

Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Trent was introduced to the game in the late 1990s by his grandfather, who signed him up at Surfers Paradise Golf Club.

But in his late teens, Trent lost interest in golf and switched to football.

Football, surfing, fitness and food were his main interests when he completed school to start a plastering apprenticeship with his father.

It didn’t take him long to realise it (plastering) wasn’t for him as his passion was in health and fitness and he began a career as a personal trainer after completing his qualifications.

Having the responsibility of his own business,

GOING DOWN: Trent Arthur’s handicap has been in freefall.

Trent quit football and turned his attention to golf.

After purchasing his first set of clubs at the start of 2013, he met Gold Coast Country Club professional Richard Rhodes and was persuaded to join the club.

The pair struck up a deal.

Richard would provide the golf lessons and Trent would help Richard with his fitness.

So, Trent joined the golf club in April 2013 on a 22 handicap and with a goal of reaching 15 by year’s end, but he reached his goal within a month.

A month later, he was playing off a 10 handicap and for the first time broke 80 off the stick.

A natural goal-setter, Trent aimed to be a single figure handicapper by the end of the year, but achieved that within three months.

Teaching pro Richard was doing a fine job and Trent reciprocated. Richard shed unwanted weight and was much fitter and stronger thanks to Trent’s proven personal training methods.

By August 2013, Trent was down to a six handicap and had his first par round and after seven months had his first sub-par round.

He even recorded his first hole-in-one.

“I owe a lot of my success to Richard and being able to play golf almost every day,” Trent said.

According to pro shop staff, Trent practices all areas of his game each day.

He even volunteers and helps the kids at the club with their fitness.

“Trent has provided his time and effort regularly assisting with working bees and any new development around the club,” a pro shop staffer said.

“Not only is Trent a giving and caring person he will always be one of the first to put his hand up to provide help in any way he can.”

As his current profession is in the fitness industry, Trent has already provided free personal training to members of the club and in particular a few of the pros and elite juniors.

Those who know Trent well say he is “down to earth and genuine”.

“He has the determination and drive to better himself and those who have helped him achieve his goals,” said girlfriend Nicole.

“He’s a top bloke and deserves being recognised and appreciated for his work.” •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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people

Changing of the guard David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

CAIRNS Golf Club’s past president Paul Chirio says the Tropical North Queensland club is in safe hands following the appointment of Nerida Wilson as the club’s first woman president in its 90-year history.

“The club has had its financial challenges in recent years, but with Nerida at the helm, and with a new board, we are optimistic about the future,” said Chirio, who has completed his threeyear tenure as president.

A high profile barrister and the 2014 Queensland Regional Woman Lawyer of the Year, Nerida received two thirds of the member vote in a contested election at the December 2013 AGM. “I hope the election outcome is an indication that members see in me qualities they feel will benefit our club and take it in a new direction,” she said.

“I served as vice-president in 2013 during a challenging apprenticeship and members had a chance to observe my capacity as a director before voting.

“The result represents an enormous changing of the guard and it’s absolutely not about

gender, although that need not be ignored.

“My relationship with members is similar to any relationship – it is based on hope, trust and a commitment from me to bring my absolute best to the role.”

Nerida says she wants to see the club become “more inclusive, to trade profitably and become environmentally sustainable”.

“I am fortunate to chair a new board of talented directors who are committed to revitalising our club and our venue after a long period of renovations and financial challenges,” she said.

“It will be more than just a golf club. I hope in time our venue will be a sporting and social hub for the local community and appeal to a cross section of gender and ages – whether they want to play golf or utilise our venue for events, or simply choose to come here for a drink and a meal.

“I want us to be seen as inclusive rather than exclusive.

“We hope to shake off a perception that our venue and our club is only relevant and of value to playing members or that we are an exclusive member club that is closed to wider community.

“We are open for business, family friendly and are no longer insular.

“We are a legitimate alternative to other

Nerida Wilson, Cairns Golf Club’s first woman president venues for weddings and other functions.

“We have the most spectacular view of any venue you can find in the local area and a newly renovated clubhouse that offers wonderful service by outstanding staff.”

Nerida acknowledged the outstanding efforts of the club’s staff, who have played a vital role in ensuring the club’s daily operations and services continued to tick over in the absence

of a general manager.

“Our staff members have a real sense of ownership and belonging and many of them have been with us for years.

“Unfortunately, we were without a general manager for most of last year. Our staff have been the backbone of our club and made sure that operations haven’t been affected in the absence of a GM.”

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people The good news is the club has just appointed a new general manager Matt Bolton who joins the club in March.

Nerida believes “40-something” Matt will bring experience and vitality to the role after his many years as marketing manager for the Taipans NBL team, and his most recent experience as a hotel manager.

“Apparently Matt used to jump the fence as a little boy and collect balls from the course, so you could say he has an established connection with the club before even starting in the role.”

As for the course, Nerida sings the praises of Superintendent Brendan Clark. For the past five years, Brendan has worked his magic and his goal is to make the golf course one of the best in the land.

“I share Brendan’s vision that our course attracts top-100 status,” Nerida said. “We are working very hard to try to get it there.

“Brendan has ensured the club has attained recent EPar accreditation and we feel that is a very positive step in the right direction.”

If Nerida has her way, golfers won’t be the only people to enjoy the course and picturesque surrounds.

“One of the real hopes I have is we are not only going to be sustainable as a business model, but that we are going to be environmentally sustainable.

“For the first time, we are formulating a water management plan and hope to open up the course to the community for activities other than golf – such as plant and bird identification and perhaps even a collaboration with our local Botanic gardens.

“We employ Michelle Musgrave as a fulltime horticulturalist and her hard work and knowledge has been invaluable to the outstanding improvement in course presentation and beautification.

“We hope to create wetland areas to attract

Nerida stops in for a lesson from club professional Darren Golder native species and offer public walks through the golf course. “ The current board is committed to value-adding and using the land we have responsibly and sharing it with others for their enjoyment” Attracting more juniors and women golfers is also high on Nerida’s agenda.

“I would hope at a golfing level that we would reinvigorate juniors and women,” she said.

“There needs to be continued efforts to

attract boys and girls and the development of women in golf.

“Our club pro Darren Golder and his assistant pros Jason Roach and Rob Dehne have devised a number of programs specifically around juniors and women and those programs are now starting to bear fruit and attract attention.

“The board is so impressed with the work Darren and Brendan are doing within their own departments we have for the first time nominated both in various categories in the upcoming Queensland Golf Industry Awards.

“We are proud of their achievements and felt it was time to put our people and our club forward and to share and promote our achievements within the golfing community.”

Speaking with Nerida, it’s not hard to tell she is passionate about the club’s future, but I was keen to find out more about her golf and outside interests.

“I was born and raised in Cairns and didn’t take up playing golf until I was 30,” she revealed.

“My parents were members of the Cairns Golf Club, but they dissuaded me from picking up the clubs too early and encouraged me to play team sport,” said Nerida, who plays off a seven handicap.

“I wish I had started earlier and taken it seriously because I took to the game naturally and quickly. Regrettably, a 15-year hiatus due to completing my law degree and establishing a career means I am not on the leaderboard anywhere near as much these days.”

Nerida captains the women’s pennant team and has aspirations of winning the club championship.

A keen hiker and with a strong interest in the environment, Nerida recently returned from Tasmania where she completed hikes in a number of Alpine areas and Maria Island.

“I enjoyed the hikes very much and I have returned home committed to seeing more of my region on foot, if I am not playing golf,” she said.

“I was struck by the beauty of areas such as the East Tarn Shelf, Lake Webster and Hartz Peak in Tasmania and of course Maria Island.

“I have invested in a new backpack and my hope for the year is to find time to regularly put it on and head for the hills.

“It’s good to get away from the phone and have time to think and, importantly, to cultivate a deeper appreciation of my environment.” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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juniors

Juniors from the bush have a blast in Sydney Sharon Nott

ed@insidegolf.com.au

Now in its ninth year the Bush to City golf camp gives the opportunity for country juniors in the Western area of NSW to be invited to come to Sydney and experience professional golf coaching, game play on city golf courses as well as squeezing in some city sightseeing.

The camp was a little different this year.

Three juniors, who are all in foster care and just starting out on their golfing pathways, travelled with me by car from Dunedoo. The team consisted of 13-year-old Sean Kerr from Dunedoo and 15-year-olds Daniel Green and Danielle Kaperonis from Neilrex and members of Binnaway Golf Club. Country Junior Golf Head Professional Eddie Emerson organised the coaching and game play whilst we were in Sydney, as well as a number of surprises for the kids.

Hitting the road at 9am on Sunday we took a break at Lithgow Golf Club and played a quick four holes. The girls lost so we were on washing up duties that night!

Hassan Walls was a nice picnic lunch break and we had a few stops over the mountains as we checked out Evans Lookout, Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters (although we reckon it’s three-and-a-half sisters!)

When in Sydney we were fortunate to have the use of a house at Ramsgate which meant some early morning swims and running in and along Botany Bay each day.

St. Michael’s Golf Driving Range is where we did most of our coaching, and anyone who knows Eddie will know he has an endless list of contacts. He arranged for the kids to meet former JNJG Junior from Narrabri, Matt Steiger, who was getting ready to head over and do the Asian Professional circuit. Matt hit a few demonstration shots as well as giving a helpful talk to our aspiring junior golfers.

Teaching Professional Robbie Curtis at St. Michael’s took time to go through chipping and bunker work. Woo Kim, who has been on the PGA Tour for the past ten years as well as the mini USA Tour, also took time out to spend an hour with the juniors on the range.

We stopped in at Hudson Park on the way back on Thursday for a final coaching session at the driving range and putting green.

The weather played a factor with our golf games but we managed nine holes at Bondi, which was very scenic and two half-rounds at St. Michael’s Golf Club. The kids really appreciated

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Summer community golf coaching course at Gold Creek

the grass greens and the lush fairways. It was a massive contrast to the very dry course at Binnaway at the moment which is in drought conditions, and the sand greens that are at both Dunedoo and Binnaway.

Although golf was supposed to be the highlight of the week, l am afraid a Fire Truck ride in a 1938 Dennis seemed to be what the kids were talking about the most. Imagine three kids and two adults sitting on either side of the beautifully restored truck tooting a ’rrrr rrrrr’ horn as we travelled along South Head Road in the heart of Sydney’s most prestigious suburbs (Vaucluse, Rose Bay, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milson Point) waving to everyone, and having three police cars following us at one stage. You realise it was a once in a life time experience...thanks heaps Anthony Cox who not only is a keen golfer at Royal Sydney but has a passion for restoring vehicles.

We had a full week of golf, adventures and meeting people. A visit to The Royal National Park saw us canoeing and swimming up the Hacking River. We had a Green Tree Snake check us out which had Danielle screaming all the way back to Neilrex, just as well the rest of us stayed calm!

JNJG CEO Peter Van Wegen took time to come out and meet the kids at St. Michael’s and found out all the things we had been up to, as well as listening to what the kids have been doing and planning to do at school.

TAFE Fitness Instructor Brad Marshall met us at St. Michael’s for an evening fitness session.

Daniel is now going to put into place a workout session for the 50 residents at Neilrex.

I lost the kids in the Powerhouse museum (they would have spent all day there if we had time). The Beatles mania on display when they

visited Sydney in 1964 was rather scary, l just hope my mum wasn’t one of the screaming fans!

The playground at Darling Harbour with the ‘Spider Web’ filled in time as the team scrambled up to the top...l took their word of the great views.

Eddie organised surprise tickets to an evening session of Circus Oz, which was showing at Darling Harbour. We soon realised that our golf flexibility training will need a lot more work.

We also took the kids to the Golf Museum on our way home on Thursday with curator Tommy Moore going through the equipment and how technology has changed golf clubs, golf balls, golf shoes and attire. It was certainly a walk down memory lane.

“Thank you for all the wonderful things we did while we were down here” is what the kids wrote in our Reflections Book. A lot of people made things happen and the support from Country Junior Golf and JNJG made the camp possible.

Life is about opportunities and experiences and for three kids from the bush they shared a great five days that will be with them forever.

Their freshness and enthusiasm, l am sure, left a mark on all the people they met, even the ones we waved to during our fire truck ride.

A special thanks to St. Michael’s Golf Club for allowing us to use their great facilities and thanks Eddie, for your continual support of country junior golfers. I am sure that the kids will be a lot more focused with their approach to golf and developing their own golf game. l am also sure that Sean, Danielle and Daniel will be encouraging other kids in their towns to take the game up on a more serious level.

It certainly is a game that can be played by all!

For information on how to run a “Bush to City“ Camp visit: www.jnjg.com.au •

While enjoying the warm weather experience and the excellent facilities at Gold Creek, Jack Newton Junior Golf delivered a Community Golf Coaching Course for 15 interested golf club members and schoolteachers. JNJG ran the course over two evenings, and the recently appointed Gold Creek Professional, Matt Millar conducted the practical section on the driving range.

Most in the coaching session knew how to play golf, however Matt was able to explain the basics of golf in simple terms which allowed the participants to not only understand the game from a coaching perspective but assist with their own game.

Gold Creek Junior Promotions Officer, Karen Burton and her volunteer assistants completed the course in preparation for their School Holiday Clinic for juniors.

Karen planned a three-day junior golf program and a Term 1 junior program.

Golf Club members from Yowani, Belconnen Magpies, Royal Canberra, and Murrumbidgee attended as well as a few schoolteachers.

The course is designed for club personnel interested in developing junior and beginner programs, parents, schoolteachers and students. It provides participants with the skills necessary to be a beginner coach. The course is a Golf Australia and Australian Sports Commission (ASC ) initiative and successful completion of the course provides ASC accreditation for the participant.

JNJG intends to run another course later in the year. Anyone interested in participating can express their interest to Sue Harrison at sue@jnjg.com.au •

juniors

Junior joy at The Lakes Stan Connor

Junior Development Co-Ordinator The Lakes Golf Club

Against the background of The Lakes Golf Club’s profile as a recent Australian Open golf championship venue and of Adam Scott’s success at the 2013 US Masters, the Club identified an opportunity to promote the development of junior golf.

The concept was to frame an event without the frills (and expense) of a charity or corporate golf day – just a game of golf on one of Australia’s best golf courses at an affordable price so that young players could test their skills over the same fairways as their champions and heroes.

The requirement that juniors be accompanied by an adult was introduced to encourage participation by youngsters who might not otherwise have entered without the support of a mentor. The broad spread of handicaps tends to confirm the worth of this initiative – it wasn’t just an event for elite players.

The Club was also fortunate to attract the support of a major sponsor, Concourse Golf, a 100% Australian owned company specialising in the design and production of premium golf buggies.

The event was a single stableford medley starting from the 1st and 10th tees. The field of 100 players got underway in fine, warm conditions.

The winners on the day were: Junior Male winner Junior Male runner-up Junior Female winner Adult Male winner Adult Male runner-up Adult Female winner

Matthew Frith Brady Allison Christina Kang Dean Job David Limbach Angela Dane

(12) (12) (20) (10) (1) (23)

36 pts 36 pts 25 pts 36 pts 35 pts 25 pts

Matthew Frith is just 13 years of age. He is a junior member of Kareela Golf Club and was recommended to participate in the event by Kurt Stegbauer, Head Professional /Director of Coaching at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range at Menai.

Linton and Brock Speechley, Matthew and David Frith

Michael Dane, Angela Dane, Christina Kang, Matthew Dane Christina K ang is a junior member of Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club and was encouraged to participate in the event by her mentor on the day, Angela Dane, from the same club.

Special thanks to Christian Gillott, Jim

Harkin, Sharne Aldridge, Kim Archer and Jan Round. Their help in the development and implementation contributed immeasurably to the success of the event. Thanks also to GOLF Link for their co-operation in promoting the event. •

New site for golf tourism Adam Scott’s 2013 US Masters victory, followed by the success of our recent summer of golf with victories for Scott, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy, has put Australia and New Zealand in the spotlight for golf tourism.

Hoping to build on the increased interest in golf tourism both locally and abroad, a new website was launched last month: www.iseekgolfhotspots.com. Built by the creators of www.iseekgolf.com the new site is a region-focused golf tourism website which lists both national and international golf travel opportunities.

Craig Kinross, Managing Director and CEO of iseekgolf.com, says “We are very excited to leverage off our online golf community (boasting over 1 million page views per month) to make this move into golf tourism and focus on marketing regional golfing hotspots. Golfers are a high-yield visitor segment with an average spend 27% greater than leisure travellers according to Gold Coast Tourism. The aim of the site is to deliver high value visitors to golfing hotspots both domestically and internationally for Australian and international golfers.”

In addition to golf, the new website will focus the traveller on experiencing the surrounding region with some of the most unique tourism attractions, local wine & food and accommodation offerings.

Golf Tourism is a booming industry. It is estimated that 56 million people play golf worldwide: Of this, between 5% and 10% travel overseas each year with their main purpose of playing golf.

According to the National and International Visitor Surveys for the year ended 30 June 2013, carried out by Tourism Research Australia, there were 178,000 international overnight golf tourism visitors to Australia, accounting for 12.0 million accommodation nights.

Domestically Australia had approximately 1.6 million domestic overnight golf visitors in the same period, accounting for 9.4 million visitor accommodation nights.

More information: contact 1300 663 813 or admin@iseekgolf.com •

2014 MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL SAVE $2,200 PER MEMBERSHIP WHEN YOU JOIN BURLEIGH GOLF CLUB Contact Allison (07) 5572 8266 NO JOINING FEES • • • •

Full member • 6 day Country • Comps 7 days a week Unlimited course access • Limited positions available PGA Club Pro Craig Brown, driving range, practice facilities, bar, bistro, pokies, member functions

*Conditions apply

Centrally located in Miami, Burleigh Golf Club, is a private members golf course. This is your invitation to enjoy a diverse selection of membership options.

Burleigh Golf Club - Gold Coast - Australia - www.burleighgolfclub.com.au 34

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Discoveries need golfers Medical research needs golfers as much as it needs scientists.

Over the past 40 years, Australian golfers have contributed almost $1.5 million to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

In that time, we have improved the lives of more than 10 million people worldwide with drugs that boost infection-fighting cells during cancer treatment.

With your support, we can improve the lives of tens of millions more.

Help us to continue making discoveries for humanity by nominating the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute as the beneficiary of your charity tournaments.

Call Alice Robinson on 03 9345 2929 to discuss supporting the institute at your next charity golf day.

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research 1G Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Email: alicer@wehi.edu.au or to make a donation online please visit www.wehi.edu.au

CANCER

|

IMMUNE

DISORDERS

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TOWARD S

OUR

INFECTIOUS

CENTENARY

IN

2015

DISEASE

clubs

Monash Country Club: a true members’ course George Begg ed@insidegolf.com.au

When it comes to golf clubs that cater to their members’ needs and wishes before all others, you wouldn’t have to go too far past Sydney’s Monash Country Club to realise that this is one golf club that ticks all of the boxes.

Nestled in the leafy section of Ingleside on Sydney’s North Shore region and next door to the Garigal National Park, Monash issues the challenge to members and visitors alike to take it on at their own peril.

The course has 18 superbly laid out holes which were originally designed by James Herd Scott in 1950 and they are currently undergoing some sweeping changes by noted golf course architect Bob Harrison and his alteration to the original design should enhance the charm of the course further.

Well-known Sydney professional and now golf commentator Paul Gow was a recent visitor and in his words, “Not that anybody really cares what I think, but if the 3rd green is anything to go by in the changes that will be made, I think that the club has done a fantastic job and the design of the new green at the 3rd could be one of the best that I have seen in recent years.

I get worried when course designers step in and want to change things too much and this hasn’t happened here,” he said.

One thing that caught the writer’s eye at Monash was the well-designed and strategicallyplaced bunkers on the new holes, (there are over 45 on the entire course). The consistency of these and also the length that the course designer has gone to with the texture and depth, could not be faulted.

Monash Country Club’s new 3rd green. (Photos by Karen Hill) With a length of 6,033 metres and a par of 72, the greens were quite fast and also the fairways were of a kikuyu strain which has been well manicured. The design keeps the player interested and the tall trees that line the fairways leave little hope for any errant shots.

The course tempts the player with a mixture of up-hill and down-hill lies with varying degrees of blind-shots from some of the tees. Many say that this is detrimental to the layout but a true golfer really does love a challenge and playing Monash from its back tees certainly provides a challenge to all categories of players that grace its fairways.

Members and visitors alike can be assured of a warm welcome and this was experienced first- hand on a recent visit. The clubhouse is well appointed and has splendid views.

Monash is, in the words of Jack Nicklaus, “a good members club” and those whom I met on my visit were indeed proud of what they had there. It appears that the committee are

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Monash Country Club’s 14th green and clubhouse working hard to give the members what they want and who can complain about that?

Having toured and played many courses in Australia and overseas, the writer decided to see

what Monash had to offer whilst in Sydney for the Australian Open and I am glad that I made that decision. To re-iterate an often-used quote

by Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll be back.” •

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.

Offers reflecting fair value for the purchase of intellectual property rights to the finished video products and associated raw footage, websites, brandings and equipment will be considered.

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36

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

TINTED FOLD DOWN WINDSHIELD FOR CLUB CAR PRECEDENT. 4mm thick. Includes brackets, bolts etc.

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Further information: info@golftvaustralia.com or phone 0449 790 894 www.golftvaustralia.com www.vimeo.com/channels/australiangolflibrary www.youtube.com/user/golftvaustralia

clubs

Oakleigh Charity Day to raise urgent funds Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

The Oakleigh Centre says it’s in urgent need of donations at its charity golf day at Metropolitan Golf Club this month to improve what it says are overcrowded and outdated facilities.

“They just need to be done up. The whole structure is fading, it’s very old, it’s very sad,” says Oakleigh Centre Administration Officer Carmen Wills.

“There’s 20 people living in (one) house where they should be in smaller houses with about four of them.”

Situated in the Melbourne suburb of Oakleigh, in the heart of the golf sandbelt, the Oakleigh Centre is a not-for-profit organisation offering support for an ageing group of 68 intellectually disabled residents.

On Sunday March 23, the centre will stage its 19th annual charity golf day at Metropolitan with the goal of funding upgrades to its accommodation, day services and bringing support to its staff of more than 100.

“This event raises approximately $40,000 for the centre, and with last year’s profits we were able to purchase a new 12-seater bus,”Wills says.

Participants of the charity day will be in the running to secure a golf shirt signed by Masters Champion Adam Scott, which will be subject to a silent auction throughout the day.

Golfers will also vie for glory in individual and team competitions and can try their luck on a betting hole and raffles.

The event also offers a rare chance for golfers to play Metropolitan, a private golf club consistently ranked among Australia’s top 10 courses.

Superclub gets super branding The spectacular Metropolitan Golf Club will host a charity golf day for Oakleigh Centre.

“We’ve got a good relationship with the (Metropolitan) golf club,” Wills says.

“We have a barbeque, they run everything for that. They help us out with the event, we just have to do the fundraising side of it and they give us the golf course free for the day so it’s a great relationship to have.”

The centre has also sold Christmas trees since the 1960s to raise funds, which is its only other major source of donations.

“Without those we probably wouldn’t be able to get the support to buy the new buses or do anything extra because the funds from (the Department of Human Services) are very minimal these days,” Wills says.

Another top priority for the Oakleigh Centre is funding its new Active Ageing program.

“A lot of our residents, they have been coming to the day service but they now need to move into a more one-on-one program, so they have gone into Active Ageing. Things like that require a bit more funds to back it.”

The entry fee is $130 for individuals and $480 for a team of four.

Places are running out with 256 golfers expected to compete across morning and afternoon shotgun starts.

Anyone seeking further information can email Carmen Wills at cwills@oakleighcentre.org or call her on 9569 0603.

For further enquiries, visit the Oakleigh Centre website www.oakleighcentre.org The Oakleigh Centre also welcomes any additional donations. •

The recently-merged Kingswood and Peninsula golf clubs have officially rebranded the club, sporting a new name and logo.

Last month, The “Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club” was announced as the new name of what is expected to become a “Superclub” in Melbourne’s sandbelt area. With two full 18-hole courses, a massive membership and plenty of money to soon fill the club’s coffers (following the future sale of the Kingswood property in Dingley Village), the club is well poised to thrive amidst the financial difficulties that are affecting many clubs across Australia. •

Keep up with us online!

Catch the latest golf news online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf ). Feedback? Drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

ENROL NOW FOR MAY 2014 INTAKE

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

37

acgc

State colours to fly at RACV Royal Pines

RAA Auto Club Golf Championship sizzles at Blackwood

Club Assist RAA BBQ at Blackwood Golf Club

Allan Green

ed@insidegolf.com.au

Brett Ogle with some of the 2012 ACGC Championship Finalists on the Suzuki Hole at RACV Royal Pines Resort RACV Royal Pines Resort, the home of championship golf in Queensland, is buzzing after the success of the Volvik Ladies Masters in February.

This month, the resort is set to welcome the 70 winning pairs from each of qualifying events across Australia in the final of the 2013 Auto Club Golf Championship.

The ACGC finalists receive travel, accommodation and golf costs for the three days of the Championship Final being held from the 26th-29th of this month. Many of the finalists

have taken advantage of their success by bringing along family and friends to cheer them on and enjoy the elegant surroundings of the RACV Royal Pines Resort. All participants and sponsors will be enjoying the first class hospitality and Championship Golf facilities during the ACGC final; we also hear the stage is set for one heck of a party at the Gala Presentation Dinner which will wrap up the three days of the Championship.

Major partner Suzuki are also

set to wow the field with a few surprises and this year will again be presenting the keys to a sensational Suzuki Kizashi to the lucky hole-inone winner.

Feeling green with envy? Don’t despair, you may still have a chance to snag yourself and a playing partner a ticket to the big event at the final NRMA qualifying round being held on the 16th of March at Yamba Golf Club, see the website www.acgc.com.au for details and to enter your pair. •

94 compe titors (47 pairs) braved the 40-Degree heat at Blackwood Golf Club to complete in the final South Australian ACGC qualifying round. Event partner Club Assist supported the day by bringing along the RAA Club Assist BBQ and firing up the grill for a pre event lunch, which proved just the thing when washed down with an ice-cold Schweppes refreshment. The Golf Course was at its best with some exceptional scores being recorded. The winners on the

day were Phil Desteno and Shaun Ellerby, securing one of the last few spots in the Championship Final with a combined Stableford Pairs score of 81. The RAA was represented by Matt Selth, Senior Marketing Coordinator on the day, who was thrilled to see the Auto Club involved in such a professional tournament and is working on securing more metro ACGC rounds for Adelaide in 2014.

Many thanks to the Blackwood Golf Club for hosting the event and Matt Dent the Club Professional who is already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.

More info: www.acgc.com.au •

The Peregian Springs Golf Club “The Signature” Golf Event Play in the Yalumba “The Signature” Golf Event on Wednesday May 14th at the Peregian Springs Golf Club prior to the Noosa Food and Wine Show beginning on May 15th.

Entry Fee is $85 for Visitors Inc: 18 Holes Stableford Competition with a Golf Cart.

Open to Both Men & Ladies.

Win Magnums of Yalumba “The Signature” plus other great wine prizes on offer for both divisions including NTP and Long Drive.

9am Shotgun Start.

Light Lunch and Wine Included.

Location: Peregian Springs Golf Club, Peregian Springs.

10 Mins from Hastings St, Noosa.

Entry Form available on-line.

Hire Clubs are available from the golf shop

www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

07 5471 5471 38

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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new gear

T

itleist, the #1 ball in golf, has long been trusted by the majority of players, both amateur and professional, across the worldwide professional golf tours and at every leading amateur tournament around the globe.

And while the industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls are the most recognised brands in the high performance category, Titleist offers a complete line of precisionengineered golf balls which are designed to help golfers of all levels and abilities to enjoy that extra performance on the course, and make those critical shots when it counts.

“When we make an improvement to a Titleist golf ball, it’s in direct response to what golfers tell us they need and want,” said Bill Morgan, Senior Vice President of Titleist Golf Ball R&D. “We’re constantly in the field talking with golfers, capturing their launch conditions on all types of shots, and observing how different golf balls perform for their game. All of this information feeds the product development process and allows us to focus our design efforts and ultimately our prototype testing in ways that will enhance performance for these golfers.”

Last month, Titleist launched their new 2014 NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity and DT Solo golf balls, all featuring innovative core, cover and aerodynamic technologies. These new 2014 models offer the same renowned quality and consistency that have become synonymous with the Titleist name.

More than 40,000 golfers from around the world participated in the white-box testing and validation process, with golfers receiving prototype NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity or DT Solo golf balls for on-course evaluation.

Player feedback was then gathered through Team Titleist and shared with Titleist R&D.

Titleist delivers advanced performance with 2014 line > Here is the full rundown of the new Titleist models: and soaring flight on all full swing shots for more precision and shallower angle of descent for more roll out. A softer compression core also provides a more playable feel in the short game.

New Velocity The 2014 Titleist Velocity is powered for even more distance as the result of innovative design technology. New Velocity utilises a reformulated, exclusive LSX core that produces a very fast ball speed, giving golfers explosive power off the tee and shorter approach shots into the green.

A new, spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design with 7 different dimple sizes is highly symmetrical (three axes of symmetry) with a more uniform surface coverage. It delivers a more penetrating

New DT SoLo The new Titleist DT SoLo golf balls have been redesigned to provide even longer distance on full shots along with the distinctly soft feel, greenside control and consistent quality that are the DT standard. 2014 DT Solo retains its super soft compression, fast core and soft ionomer cover. A new spherically tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple design, with a more uniform surface coverage, delivers a tighter, more consistent flight for even longer driver and iron distance.

The combination of the super soft core and soft cover blend gives golfers a distinctly soft feel with responsive short game performance.

New DT Solo is available in both white and optic yellow colours.

Velocity is available in single (#1, 2, 3, 4) and double-digit (#00, 11, 22, 33) play numbers.

Player Benefits • More explosive distance on all shots •D eep downrange peak trajectory and shallower angle of descent for more roll • More playable feel in the short game • Tighter, more consistent ball flight Advanced technology •R eformulated, proprietary LSX core • NAZ2 cover formulation •N ew spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design

RRP $37.95 /dozen

Player Benefits • Distinctly soft compression feel • Longer distance with driver and irons • Responsive short game performance • Trusted quality and consistency Advanced technology • Super soft compression, fast core • Soft ionomer cover blend • New spherically tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple design

RRP $29.95 /dozen

New NXT Tour Engineered for high performance, the 2014 Titleist NXT Tour golf ball utilises advanced multi-component technology that delivers low driver and long iron spin for exceptionally long distance and scoring performance.

It features a new proprietary softer compression dual core and a softer, thin Fusablend cover. The result is a softer, truer feel on all shots while maintaining its exceptional distance and excellent short game control on shots into and around the green that is only exceeded by Pro V1 and Pro V1x. NXT Tour retains its spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design that produces a piercing and stable ball flight for consistent distance and trajectory control.

New NXT Tour S The new Titleist NXT Tour S golf ball is designed for players seeking NXT Tour performance – outstanding distance, consistent flight and commanding short game control – with an even softer compression feel. The new model has been reengineered with a proprietary softer compression, highly resilient core and softer, thin Fusablend cover to deliver a softer feel on all shots. (New NXT Tour S is even softer than the prior generation model as well as its 2014 NXT Tour counterpart.) NXT Tour S also retains its spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design for a piercing and stable flight.

Player Benefits • Exceptional distance • Consistent flight • Commanding short game spin and control • Softer feel on all shots • Excellent durability

RRP $47.95 /dozen

Multi-component technology • Proprietary softer compression dual core • Softer, thin Fusablend cover • Spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design

Player Benefits • Outstanding distance • Consistent flight • Commanding short game spin and control • Even softer feel on all shots • Excellent durability Advanced technology • Reengineered softer compression, highly resilient core • Softer, thin Fusablend cover • Spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design

NXT Tour S is available in both white and high optic yellow colours.

RRP $47.95 /dozen www.insidegolf.com.au | September 2013

43

new gear

TOP PICKS FROM THE PGA SHOW >

Greg Norman Performance Eyewear

Norman’s line of glasses for 2014 offer five new styles including a wayfarer style which is made of rubber.

There are three lenses and the price range varies accordingly.

“We do a high contrast golf lens at $75 retail, a polarized lens at $99 retail, and a new polarized lens called a melanin polarized lens for $129,” said Dan Pady Director of Greg Norman Eyewear.

The emphasis here is on the sporty lifestyle.

Glasses can be worn at the course and beyond.

“All of our frames are a really comfortable fit,” Pady said. “It’s one thing that I really make sure that every single pair has a great fit.” www.sporte-leisure.com.au

Inside Golf was at the 2014 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. Here are some of the latest and greatest golf products to hit the market!

Greg Norman Summer 2014 range The men’s and women’s lines for 2014 offer various options and a bit of sophistication in their appearance. They strongly suggest a lifestyle philosophy for consumers to wear them both during round and after for one’s non-golf events as well.

For the women there are three lines for 2014: “Wild Thing”, “Beach House”, and “Piccadilly”.

The “Wild Thing” lives up to its name in animal prints and color blocking for its skirts, skorts, and shorts.

The “Beach House” line is characterized by green, pink, and white colors.

The “Piccadilly” line utilizes red, black, and white to the fullest.

“These have something that pops with a little sophistication,” Director of PR and Marketing Jennifer Hawkins said.

RRP

starts from

$59.95

“It’s all from tech fabric, super lightweight.

This is moisture wicking with spandex fabric. There is no cotton at all so it’s all performance fabrics, it’s all play-dry here.”

Golf Buddy PT4 Our Australian market has been very strong with handheld GPS devices and rangefinders and 2014 is no exception. The new PT4 from Golf Buddy is their flagship model and one that is very user-friendly.

For the men there are good variances from the purple-based “Skyline” which is a fun, modern line to the Red, White, and Blue collaborations in “Americana”.

“We’ve gone from a 3 inch pressure touch screen to a 4 inch capacitive touch screen, so it’s really more like your smart phone to use,” Golf Buddy Australia General Manager Jamie Stark said.

“The fabrics lend themselves to just being where you need that moisture wicking, easy care,” Hawkins said. “When you’re traveling you want a shirt that doesn’t need ironing,

“It’s brighter, more vivid, and really takes the hand-held GPS to the next level. It’s slimmer, lighter and the larger screen makes for much easier reading of distance and hazard information. It’s our newest premium touchscreen PT4.”

You want to make things as easy and accessible as possible. It’s not going to shrink, it’s not going to fade.”

For more information contact Sporte Leisure 02 96935777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

Golf Buddy’s course database leads the market with over 37,000 course worldwide in over 130 countries.

“It’s really important for us to keep our course maps updated. Our users can keep their unit up to date without any membership or subscription fees and they can be confident that they’ve got the latest course data. They can play anywhere and know that their unit has the latest changes and the right course maps,” Stark said. “We also verify, and walk the course, to make sure that our data is as accurate as possible.”

RRP $499.95

The PT4 will be available in April. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au 44

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

FootJoy D.N.A. Acushnet’s FootJoy D.N.A. (DryJoys Next Advancement) is a distinct departure from the more traditional FootJoy look that we’ve been accustomed to.

Its aesthetically pleasing and modern exterior complement its insulating yet breathable interior. The SnugFit tongue adapts to the contours of your foot. The MicroVent Technology assists in breathability for the top of your foot, the portion that usually gets hot most quickly.

Adam Scott wears these shoes in competiton.

He put them straight into play after receiving them at the Presidents Cup and hasn’t looked back. He also wore them for the entire Australian Summer of Golf with great success.

“You’re really going to feel the leathers,” said Doug Robinson, Vice President, Footwear Product Design & Development Worldwide at Acushnet.

Some of his design philosophy has incorporated the influence of leather soccer shoes.

RXG Power Bank Portable Charger

There are also six colors to choose from and the DNA is available in a BOA version.

Never be flat on the golf course again!

Carry the RealXGear Power Bank portable charger in your golf bag and charge up your phone or GPS if you are running low.

The charger is compatible with iPhone, Android, Blackberry and various golf GPS units. Also brilliant off the course, for use in cars, camping, etc.

Availability: March 2014

www.realxgear.com.au

“It takes a lot of things that the golfer is looking for and it puts it into one package,” Robinson said of DNA. “It’s got the stability, it’s got the contemporary look, it’s got the traction, and it’s got the soft feel.”

Colours: White/liquid grey featuring the BOA Lacing System, white/liquid navy, white/off white, black/liquid grey, white/liquid electric green and grey/liquid orange. www.footjoy.com.au/DNA

Bushnell Laser Rangefinders The Tour Z6 Jolt is an incredibly fast rangefinder. Bushnell’s display of information is five times faster than previous products.

This particular unit gives half-yard accuracy from 5 to 125 yards. The Z6 utilizes the Vivid Display Technology of Bushnell and it displays improved contrast, clarity, and light transmission.

The name of the product comes into play when a target is found, as it jolts (vibrates) assuring the player of the distance.

The 2014 Pro X7 gives half-yard accuracy ranging out to one mile. A very powerful tool indeed.

Cobra Drivers and Irons The Cobra Drivers and Irons for 2014 are flashy, and the return of Greg Norman to represent these products is certainly an added point of notice.

Cobra’s Bio Cell and Bio Cell+ Drivers are the central, flagship products in 2014.

They come in five colors: Blue, Red, Orange, Black, and Silver.

The major differences between the Bio Cell and Bio Cell+: The Bio Cell+ has a white perimeter from the top view, it is 440cc instead of 460, and promotes an even lower trajectory and lower spin trajectory with a slight right bias. Bio Cell has a slightly left bias.

“We make it pretty easy for the player, we’ve got a MyFly 8, loft and lie adjustability system which allows the player to adjust from 8 to 11 degrees, so in there somewhere is the right loft for

99 percent of golfers,” Cobra Director of Research and Testing Mike Yagley said “With our club, we’ve got a SmartPad technology which allows that club to rest almost on a single point, and its right below the centre of gravity. So when you adjust the loft, the face doesn’t do much.

It stays pretty square the whole time.”

When it comes to the Bio Cell and Bio Cell+ irons there are some differences.

“Bio Cell short irons are a 431 stainless relatively soft steel, the Bio Cell long irons are 17-4 stainless, a little bit stiffer, a little bit more ball speed because of their stiffness,” Yagley said.

The Bio Cell Irons have a stronger loft on each iron compared to the Bio Cell+.

“The Bio Cell+ irons are 431 soft stainless steel all the way through,” Yagley said. “There’s a much thinner top line, less offset, more of a player’s club.

It’s going to remind them of their old forged blade in the long irons but it’s not going to behave like a forged blade.” www.cobragolf.com.au

RRP $24.95

Bushnell prides itself in the Pro X7’s ability to give a 20 or 30 yard assessment in the same amount of time as one at 1,000 yards.

For the Pro X7, Bushnell was looking to make a faster, most accurate rangefinder in the golf market. They harnessed US military-grade laser technology and use it for the Pro X7.

There are four user settings so one can adjust the brightness in virtually every lighting situation on the golf course.

There is the jolt technology in the Pro X7 as well, helping golfers instill confidence in their decision making. Couldn’t we all use some of that confidence?

Available in Australia from April. www.bushnellgolf.com

PING i25 Irons and Driver PING introduces a whole new line of i25 irons this year and they have a sleek, pleasing look to them to keep the single-digit players happy and provide them a club to that promotes shaping their shots. The lower you go in the set,the weighting gradually comes out to the perimeter.

The look and feel of the irons are inviting when standing over the club.

The same can be said of the Karsten irons which offer a much bigger and wider sole and plenty of flex in the face to give the amateurs that trampoline effect. They are quite offset and they get the ball airborne in a hurry.

The new i25 Driver features some not-sosubtle stripes across the top of the head that provide one’s overhead alignment. They are done so symmetrically that when standing over the ball the geometric line is maintained (That is not the case when you view it at other angles.)

“It’s about getting that center and mass back and down, getting the mass away, moment of inertia leads directly to maintaining a similar ball speed and spin,” PING’s Director of Engineering Paul Wood said. “Because that’s what you want. You want your mis-hits to be similar to your good hits.

“How it looks, how it feels, how it sounds, is all kind of the design and balance,” Wood said.

“For us we feel like we have a balance of a super-forgiving driver, something of a

traditional shape, it has the look, all of that stuff that we know that’s important to a player to get them to be comfortable, it’s also the engineering that will keep them coming back for years.” www.ping.com www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

45

new gear

WE TRIED IT! >

TWO GREAT AUSSIE INVENTIONS! Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

The PuttLess We love new inventions and gadgets at Inside Golf. Especially when they are Australian made.

So we were thrilled to hear about the Aussiedesigned PuttLess, a unique golf tool that acts as a putting improver, ball-marker and repair tool all in one.

The principle is simple: when you’re on the green, simply place the PuttLess behind the ball and look down the black line towards the hole. The tool is designed to help you ‘pick the line’ or ‘visualise the correct path’ to the hole.

For many of us who draw a line on our golf balls to aid alignment, the PuttLess takes this one step further, and visually extends

46

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

your line dramatically, thereby helping you engrain the line into your brain. Adjustments are easy, as the PuttLess can swivel on the tiny pivot at the tip.

Once you are comfortable with the line, you pop the PuttLess back into your pocket and then make your putt. This simplifies the thought process and allows you to then focus solely on your distance, which is key to building confidence and consistency – no more indecision during your stroke!

Practising with The PuttLess will ingrain what correct alignment looks like, which will increase your confidence on the course.

Practising with The PuttLess in place also promotes a slight upward strike, a skill of many of the game’s greatest putters.

We really love this little tool, and found it quick, easy and very helpful on the greens.

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

Vision ProSoft 808 Chances are, you’ve heard of (and have seen) the popular Vision+ golf balls. Conceived and designed by Aussies Bill and Wayne Bosley, the Vision+ balls have become famous for their big, ultra-bright visibility and the equally big numbers on the side. Great for players of all levels, the Vision brand has quickly grown in popularity across Australia and the globe.

Building on the popularity of the brand, The Bosleys have recently taken the next step up, launching the new ProSoft 808, a premium tour-type ball that offers increased feel with the putter, better control around the greens, and lower levels of back and side spin on fuller shots and drives to help players hit more fairways.

We took some of the ProSoft 808 prototypes out on the course last month, and we were thrilled with the overall feel and control of the ball. In truth, they performed admirably, and were well on par with Tour-Type balls on the market. They produced a solid amount of backspin around the greens when needed, and were equally well-behaved off the

RRP $19.95

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tee; finding the fairway despite the “very average” swings we were afflicting on the ball. Durability is another strong point with the ProSoft 808, as they took a beating over the few rounds, with nary a scratch or scuff (and despite all that, they still felt very soft off the clubface, due to the Vision GelSkin technology).

One of the more exciting aspects of the Vision balls is their ultra-high visibility. These babies positively glow in the sunlight, acting like a beacon from down the fairway. They are, by far, the most visible golf balls we’ve ever played.

Interestingly, The ProSoft 808 balls are so bright that they even glow in the dark! Great for those of us who play well into the darker hours.

The ProSoft 808 is definitely one for the “Must Try” list.

More information: Contact Wayne Bosley from BozGolf 0419 489104 wayne@visiongolfball.com, or visit https://www.facebook.com/VisionBall

new gear

VICE Golf

Loudmouth-Turtle Creek Apparel

German premium golf ball manufacturer VICE has arrived in Down Under. VICE is the living proof that Tour-level golf balls of the finest quality do not have to cost between $5 and $6. With their Pro model starting at $2.95, VICE is offering a 3-piece top-level ball with Cast Urethane cover. The pro model is recommended to players who are used to playing with balls like Titleist Pro V1, Nike 20XI and Srixon Z-Star.

Loudmouth Golf, the leading brand in colourful sports and lifestyle apparel, has collaborated with Turtle Creek Apparel to create custom Loudmouth Golf pants. The design features their iconic turtle logo.

The unique pricing is only possible by selling the balls online and exclusively on the company’s website.

Turtle Creek, founded in 1995 and relaunched as Turtle Creek Apparel, has a well-established reputation. Turtle Creek Apparel are innovative in their designs and committed to continuously improving their brand and product, with further ranges planned in the future.

www.vicegolf.com.au

GolfBuddy VT3 Smartwatch GolfBuddy announces the launch of its updated VT3 device, the world’s first talking touch screen golf GPS.

Available in men’s pants, shorts, and women’s skorts, the Loudmouth-Turtle Creek apparel is roomy, comfortable and made in 97% cotton, 3% spandex for the ultimate fit.

Loudmouth-Turtle Creek pants are available online and in select pro shops. www.turtlecreekapparel.com.au

NEW GEAR> Bridgestone New B330-RX

The latest versions of Bridgestone’s popular TOUR B330-RX family of balls now feature the newly patented Hydro Core Technology. This groundbreaking technology provides golfers with swing speeds less than 105mph longer distance and greater accuracy.

The affordable GPS rangefinder combines highquality audio and TouchSwipe screen functionality to offer an even more userfriendly and intuitive experience. Golfers can now use the LCD display screen to navigate the distances to the green on over 37,000 courses worldwide - all at the touch of a finger!

The TouchSwipe screen also gives users to access GolfBuddy’s wide range of features, including Touch ‘N’ Move flag, Dynamic Green View, Round scoring, Shot Distance Measurement, GPS Tracking/Odometer and Digital date and clock.

Weighing in at just 27 grams (including battery) , the GolfBuddy VT3 can be worn in five different ways - on the wrist, attached to an optional retractable cord, or clipped to a hat, belt or shirt pocket. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

During testing, engineers discovered that a prototype with water in its core formulation produced 30% more gradation. This increase allowed for greater spin reduction from the inner and outer regions of the core, producing longer distance and improved accuracy.

Like its predecessors, the new B330-RX and B330-RXS golf balls feature a 3-piece urethane cover and continue to rely on Bridgestone’s Dual Dimple Technology. The B330-RX and B330RXS are optimized best for players with swing speeds below 105 mph. The B330-RX is designed for players with a distance preference while the B330-RXS is targeted at those seeking maximum greenside spin.

RRP $55.00

www.bridgestonegolf.com

Odyssey Metal-X Milled Putters Odyssey’s new Metal-X Milled putters are the most technologically advanced milled putters on the market. The face features Metal-X roll technology in which chemically milled oval depressions maximize the mechanical lock with the golf ball dimples to increase friction and impart proper launch.

The result is a more controlled and consistent roll. A Stabilizing Crossbar visible from the back stiffens the face without adding much weight to stabilize sound and feel.

Metal-X putters also come with three sets of customizable weights to fine-tune your preferred head weight for either 340g, 350g, 360g heads. Multiple head weights allow players to customize feel based on different playing conditions including green speeds.

Further proof that Odyssey engineers think of everything: the sleek weight wrench doubles as a proper divot tool.

Available in #1, #7, #9 High Toe and Rossie models.

Nike Performance Cart II Bag Nike Golf introduces the new Performance Cart Bag, a premium golf bag designed to conveniently store any and every item golfers might need during a round. With 19 pockets throughout the bag – 13 external and six internal – there is a designated spot for every item.

A signature feature of the Performance Cart Bag is the Nike Flip & Grip waterresistant pocket, which provides uncomplicated strapping to the trolley or cart and a convenient additional pocket for valuables. The Flip & Grip also houses an easily accessible exterior range finder pocket. There is a large insulated cooler pocket for beverages as well as two apparel pockets with additional internal pouches to prevent smaller items from dropping to the bottom of the bag.

Colour Offerings: White/ Venom Green-Dark Base Grey; Black/Dark Grey www.nikegolf.com

RRP $379.99

RRP $299.99

INDUSTRY GEAR

Nike VRS Covert Forged irons Built with metal wood distance in mind, Nike Golf’s new VRS Covert Forged irons provide high-speed performance in a premium design. Nike Golf engineers incorporated a NexCOR face, Nike’s proprietary variable face thickness technology that delivers faster ball speed for greater distance. The new irons also feature a high-speed cavity back design with a lower, deeper centre of gravity for longer and straighter shots.

Nike’s X3X groove technology features grooves that are closer together and deeper on the clubface. Nike Golf engineers added width to the shape of the existing high-frequency X3X grooves to maximize spin and maintain ball flight, resulting in a 50-percent decrease in long iron dispersion from difficult lies.

Specifications: 4-PW, Nippon 950 GH: S/R (RH); #3, SW, Nippon 950 GH: S/R (RH) www.nikegolf.com

RRP $1,299.99 (4-PW), $184.99 each (#3, SW)

The new Toro Multi Pro 1750 With a tank capacity of 662 litres, the Multi Pro 1750 has an industry-exclusive six diaphragm pump. This powerful pump produces up to twice the flow of 2-diaphragm pumps to simultaneously achieve higher spray volumes and aggressive agitation needs. While spraying, the pump continuously agitates tank contents for a homogeneous mix and more accurate application of chemicals from start to finish, saving chemical costs and ensuring efficacy.

A completely redesigned elliptical polyethylene tank has no shelves or corners for chemicals to stick on, which helps ensure a 99% spray out, this means no more building up of chemicals in ‘dead spots’.

A rugged triangular 5.6 m wide spray boom provides fore and aft breakaway on impact while protecting nozzles. The boom extensions raise into a crisscross position for storage and transportation. www.toro.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

47

technology A quick chat with:

Tony Clark, CEO of PlaneSWING At this year’s PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, Inside Golf sat down with Tony Clark, CEO of PlaneSWING. Here are his thoughts on the state of the game, and the future of golf.

You’ve been to the PGA Show many times over the years. What changes have you seen?

TC: “This is my 10th year and I’d say that whilst it’s still huge, it’s gotten smaller; mainly because of the polarisation of the industry through acquisitions and mergers and the everincreasing cost of being here. Undoubtedly the biggest change has been the move towards technology products. Primarily products that provide electronic feedback like simulators and app-related products, many increasingly compatible with each other. Then there’s the constant flow of “here today, gone tomorrow” products and inventions that either don’t deliver on their promise, are inadequately funded or don’t have the personnel to take them to the next stage. “

But is this growing the game?

TC: “Good point! No. I’m a firm believer that accessibility and making the game fun is the way to grow this game. Accessibility in respect of the price of equipment; coaching and green fees and fun in respect of breaking down barriers and encouraging kids and families to join in and making people feel welcome.

I believe that people make too much of the time issue. I can appreciate that it can be half a day to play and time away from the family and I believe the answer is already there. We

have 18 holes. That’s 2 x 9 or 3 x 6. Take your pick. We can have reduced hole comps for those with commitments followed by the usual 18 hole comps either same day or next day. Whatever happened to PowerPlay? That was a great idea. Six holes, each hole has three flags. Tough, medium and easy and each scores different points. Great concept but never seemed to take off.

“There are plenty of initiatives in the mature golf markets but I’m not aware of a cohesive plan. I’d question whether or not these initiatives are properly evaluated on an ROI basis. It seems to be ‘throw enough mud at the wall and see what sticks’. What’s needed is good intelligence so they know what to do more of and what isn’t working. Maybe we need a Golf Tsar?!

“I hear some Pros complaining of being ‘cheap babysitters’ when coaching Juniors.

Well, to me that’s an ‘attitude’ not a ‘situation’ and it needs to be addressed.

“Products like Snag Golf deliver a good fun programme for kids and PlaneSWING will get a novice hitting the ball in the first lesson.

That’s massive. If people think this game is too difficult they lose interest very quickly.

Both these products address that.

“With all the new tech gadgetry we are in danger of information overload. And if new inventions don’t bring about an overall reduction in the scores people are shooting then what use are they unless they add fun?

“Another point is awareness. Golf is increasingly on pay TV. This immediately limits the audience. Sadly the short-term dollar will impact the long-term health of the game.

The main Tours have to take responsibility for this”.

Any other growth areas that have merit?

TC: “Yes. Fitness! I know that the vast majority of golfers pay little attention to this but to me it’s essential if you want to keep playing at a decent level. We’re all living longer so you have to be fitter for whatever it is you want to do. In the case of golf, flexibility and stability are key to generating power and minimizing injury. Golf is a far more physically demanding game than people think. There’s a lot going on in the golf swing and many of the lower back, hip and knee issues can easily be avoided.

“Greg Rose and Dave Phillips at TPI are leading the way as a group educating the Club Professionals and we’ve seen an increase in the emergence of specialist trainers like Ben Shear (Luke Donald’s fitness coach) that work with Tour Players and golfers that understand the importance of maintaining their fitness so they can play better for longer.

“Go to most gyms now and there will be a trainer that has a golf programme. But you know it isn’t about pounding weights. If golfers just gave 10 minutes a day to dynamic stretching especially before hitting a ball we’d likely see a reduction in golf injuries and people swing more freely and enjoy the game more. Every golfer should consult a golf professional. If they aren’t fitness specialists themselves, they’ll refer you to someone who is”.

So do you see golf having a bright future?

TC: “I do, despite course closures and a reduction in memberships so long as the associations have a plan and that they analyse what works and what doesn’t. It’s not a quick fix. But in the meantime a huge weight of responsibility rests with the Clubs and the Pros to truly encourage and embrace participation”. •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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technology

New Aussie technology revolutionising game measurement Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

STATISTICS in golf are an increasingly prevalent part of the modern game. Fairways Hit, Greens in Regulation, Putts and Sand Saves are a few of the many metrics that golfers measure each round.

Many apps and websites have been designed to collect and analyse these major golf statistics.

After (or during) a round, a golfer simply enters the stats and, once the numbers are crunched, the data reveals a detailed, insightful story about the golfer’s strengths and weaknesses on the course.

Or does it?

“Lies, Damned Lies and (golf) Statistics” The truth is, many of the traditional statistics don’t tell an accurate story, and may actually be telling you the opposite of what you need to know.

“Even if you hit more fairways, hit more greens and have fewer putts, your score can still actually go up,” explains Stuart Leong, co-founder of ShotsToHole.com, a highperformance golf statistics, analysis, training and player management tool.

“For example, you could hit 18 greens in a round, but putt poorly. You could hit more fairways, but be on the wrong sides, with poor angles to the green. You might even be better off on some holes missing the fairway to get a better approach.”

Total Putts, too, is a stat that doesn’t always ring true, Leong says.

“You could have 38 putts and be putting well, or you could have 27 putts and putt horribly. If you miss every green, you should be able to chip the ball close to the hole; if this is the case, 27

Stuart Leong’s high-tech ShotsToHole system is turning statistics analysis on its head putts may not be a good putting day. Likewise, 36-38 putts can be a great day: if you’re 25-40 feet from the hole, and two-putt from that distance, you’re world class. Elite amateurs will three-putt that about 8-9 per cent of the time, while the average 90-shooter will three-putt between 33-50 per cent of the time from this distance.”

During his early career as a touring professional, Leong began to discover that certain statistics weren’t representative of his game.

“I kept pretty extensive data as I played. I found that when I hit more than 14 greens in regulation, my score actually went up. So I started to question everything that I’d been practicing for my entire golfing career. Everything (previously) had been about trying to hit as many greens as possible, which, when I look back at it now, was stupid.

“So I came up with some different ways of analysing the data.”

A better story through better metrics Working with Paul Messner, Leong (who has held positions including Manager of the PGA Learning Centre at the PGA National Office at

Sandhurst Club, Manager of Coaching Programs for the PGA of Australia and currently Technology Director for Golf Australia, and one of the GA National Coaches) began designing a complex stats program which threw out the conventional wisdom of the “fairways and greens” mentality.

Together, they developed ShotsToHole.com, a web/cloud-based data collection tool. The system allows golfers and coaches to measure and analyse over 70 golf stats, set and track goals, monitor progress and more.

“With this data, a coach can tell you exactly what you need. They could tell you that if you hit it X feet closer to the hole, then you’ll save X number of shots in a round.

“The average person that shoots 90-100: if they hit it just 70cm closer from 20-40 yards away, they are going to save nearly a shot. If that same golfer can hole just four per cent more putts from 3-40 feet, they are going to save .8 of a shot. Hit it 4 yards closer from 80 to 140 yards, you’re going to save a shot. Six yards closer from 140 to 200 yards, you’ll save a shot.

If you hit it 10 yards further, you’re going to save

Antill Park

1.1 shots. Driving it 10 yards further could be as simple as a buying a new driver and getting it fit, matching a golf ball or it could be a long term project involving developing your body and or technique.

“This kind of information lends itself to a different kind of lesson and approach. A coach might put together activities to help you become aware of how far you hit the ball, or things to control the trajectory, etc. Skills that are specific to help your scoring.”

ShotsToHole.com has been adopted by many Tour players. PGA TOUR pro Patrick Reed— having worked on specific skill sets to improve aspects of his game uncovered by the system— recently shot three rounds of 9-under-par 63 in January’s Human Challenge, helping him capture his second victory in nine tournaments.

While the system is used extensively by tour players and elite amateurs, it is very easy to use and is also beneficial for the everyday golfer.

“We’ve signed up every elite golfer under Golf Australia and the State programs. We’ve even got junior golfers using the system on their phone, typically it takes them 6 minutes to capture a round after their game.”

“There are nearly three million shots in the database, so you can compare your data to golfers of a similar level, or a level you aspire to achieve, and see how your skills actually compare to others. This helps you understand what you need to do to reach your goals.”

NOTE: Inside Golf is currently trialling the ShotsToHole.com system, and will do a full report in a future issue. •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction

Understanding impact: why the ball curves Richard Woodhouse richard@kdvsport.com

As a coach it is my job to help the player improve their ball flight. For some players this is to create draw, minimise fade, launch higher, launch lower...there are different shapes that suit the individual’s game.

The most important factor for me is that my players completely understand what is happening at impact and how these impact collision parameters create the ball flight shape.

This month, I’ll discuss curvature. Launch height and landing angle can be for another lesson.

If the player can understand why the ball is moving the way it does then this game can be a lot easier to play.

Why does the ball fade? Why does the ball hook? Is my face open? These are all questions we get on a daily basis; the answer is fairly straightforward to understand.

I can narrow this discussion down to two key impact parameters; what direction is the face pointing in at impact and what direction is the club path moving in at impact.

Let’s start with club face angle, the club face purely determines the start direction of the golf ball; the club face alone does not curve the ball flight. For iron play the ball will launch 75% towards the face angle, for a driver it will launce 85% towards the face.

The face angle is simply the angle of the

club face at impact relative to the target line; if the face is open (to the right of the target line, for a right-handed golfer) we call this a positive club face. When the face angle is closed (left of the target line, for a right-handed golfer) we call this negative.

It is important to understand that the club face alone does not curve the ball, when we incorporate the orientation of the club path we now have two parameters that make the ball curve (spin axis tilt).

The club path is determined by the angle of which the club head is traveling in at the moment of impact; this is often confused by the club’s swing direction. Swing direction or plane as commonly known is the angle upon which the arc of the swing travels.

Club path is the direction the clubhead is

travelling in, relative to the target line, at the moment of impact.

When we then look at the combination of club path and face angle we have a model whereby we can understand the ball’s curvature. Let me give you some examples.

Club face = 2 degrees positive (open) with Club path = 4 degrees positive (right): Ball will start right of target and draw back towards the target (face angle was closed to the path) Club face = 0 degrees (square) with club path = 4 degrees negative (left):

Ball will start straight and have curvature to the right (face angle was open to the path).

As you can see by these two examples we can see the initial launch direction is responsible due to the face angle and the curvature of the ball is determined by the separation of the face and the path angles, this is called the “face to path relationship”.

As a player, once you understand the relationship between the face angle and the club path of the club head you will start to increase your ball flight control and not misdiagnose ball flight issues. •

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. Richard@kdvsport.com.

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51

instruction wedge play:

Thumbs up, GT Andrew Dowling

Director - Golf Programs Peak Performance Golf Australia

Pitching for golfers of all levels is a challenge.

The shot requires, like all other iron shots, the ability to control the carry distance with unerring accuracy. Unlike most iron shots where the carry distance is usually restricted to a gap of less than 10m, pitch shots can range from 30m-110m. And there is no one club in the bag that can consistently create so many shots of such varying distances.

To be successful, a pitching system is required. And the system needs to be such that it can be adapted to create up to at least eight shots with up to four wedges.

Graeme Taylor, a former captain of 13th Beach Golf Links, is a maths teacher who has a strong fascination with golf, the numbers that govern the game and how to achieve the lowest possible score. And as part of his determination to become the best player he can, he has developed a pitching system that is based on numbers and angles, and is simple, repeatable and easy to practise.

Graeme’s system presently incorporates four wedges (PW, GW, SW and LW) with two swing lengths.

Dave Pelz introduced the world to his clockface pitching system some time ago, and some very good players have adopted it and personalised it. But it requires control over three swing lengths that have no real proprioceptive basis. Interestingly, research has shown that most good golfers believe they swing the club to 7.30 or 9.00 o’clock,

but biomechanical analysis actually reveals this is not the case.

Graeme has developed two swing lengths that give the golfer the unmistakable ability to really control the swing length of the club.

If you have a bent for physics or kinematics, you will understand that one of the key factors in determining how far a ball will travel is the amount of force created by the golf club. And impulse (force x time) is the critical factor as the longer the swing, given all others factors to be equal, the greater the amount of force applied to the ball.

Graeme’s system allows you to accurately govern your swing length by creating angles based on the position of your right thumb in the backswing and the downswing.

With any of your wedges, you swing the club so your right thumb points vertically skyward. This creates a very controlled backswing length and supports the amount of force you can create and with excellent cadence control (and a pivot driven action) the downswing finishes with the right thumb pointing skywards too.

To create a second group of pitching yardages, GT swings the club until his left arm is parallel to the ground. Again, this position is very easy to replicate and requires only minimal proprioceptive control. Visually, this position can be rehearsed with the aid of a mirror and even with your eyes shut, you can find this position and you have four new carry distances.

For GT the PW swing to parallel produces a 98m carry and the other wedges, including the GW, SW and LW produce a selection of

Left: Swings 1 & 2, thumbs pointing skyward carry distances that support your scoring ability too.

For GT, his lob wedge carries 32m and his pitching wedge 74 metres using his thumb to thumb system. In windy conditions he adjusts the ball position using either a front, middle or back of stance ball positioning to control the ball’s flight and very importantly, to manage the intended spin rate of each shot.

Right: Follow-through, thumbs pointing skyward The GT wedge system can and will give you eight highly consistent carry distances ranging from thirty to just over one hundred meters.

GT, even in his sixties is still playing to single figures and with a swing that is somewhat unorthodox. Yet his ability to score has never been better thanks to a wedge game that is of his own design and based on sound mathematical principles. •

Tuncurr y Course rate Australi d in a’s Top 100 Pu blic Acc Course ess s

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The home of Sarah Kemp 52

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

REGISTER NOW! The Alice Springs Masters Games is Australia’s longest running multi-sport masters games.

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instruction

The search for consistency Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

When I meet a new golfer who has come to me for a lesson, I always ask “what do you want to work on today?” The most common answer is “I want to hit the ball consistently and I want more distance”.

Now, before you can even think about gaining more distance your goal should be to get more consistent. What would be more exciting: hitting the ball constantly down the middle of the fairway and the ball going where planned…or hitting the ball all over the place because you want to hit it harder and further?

The latter will create frustration and challenges.

I know which I would prefer, straight down the middle and the ball going where planned and hitting the ball in the centre of the clubface time and time again.

The reason why you will not be consistent in your golf swing, putting stroke, chip or pitch shot etc., is because you will be doing something different in your swing motion every time. It may be a little something here or a little something there that you change each time you hit the ball. Now, if you change something each time you perform your stroke, you are going to get a different result from the ball. Hence the inconsistency.

In order to become consistent you need to ensure that your swing motion is correct

in your golf swing, chip or pitch shot, putt or bunker shot.

Here are two major points on how to become consistent; 1. If you are struggling, then stop trying to work it out. Go and have lessons with a teaching professional so they can show you what you need to do. That is essential.

2. Once you have learned how to fix the inconsistent part of your game, you will need to practise. Don’t expect that once you have had a lesson that it will fix all your issues and you will suddenly be ‘cured’. You will need to spend some time developing your newly-learned skill.

In order to develop your newly-learned skill you will have to “ingrain it into your DNA” through repetition, repetition, repetition.

Highly successful sports people have developed habits to consistently perform at a high level. How many hours a day do you think, say, Adam Scott or Karrie Webb both have spent repeating the same habits to ensure that their golf swing is consistent? Many, many hours. And they continue to do so. It didn’t just happen overnight. So you shouldn’t expect that once you have a golf lesson that you have suddenly formed a new habit.

To form a new and consistent action it takes discipline, courage, trust and hard work. Let’s be realistic, it will take work to form a new habit. I have a few people that come for a lesson once every six months or so, expect to be fixed in that lesson, never practise and therefore won’t learn the new habit to be formed, and return in six months’ time where we revisit what we

it; you feel like you know what you need to do. You become highly motivated and excited about the change.

Phase 2 – The Fight-Through Phase

Great players like Adam Scott work hard to improve or maintain their consistency. There’s no quick fix! worked on six months prior.

How long does it take to form a new habit?

Research is indicating that it takes about 66 days to form a new habit. Most golfers won’t even give it a day when they have learned something new. It is the fear of making mistakes or not performing the stroke correctly in competition and fear of not scoring well. You just need to be aware that it will take some time to form a new technique, give it the time it deserves and look at the long-term benefits and not the shortterm challenges.

Below are three phases of forming a habit that will really benefit your golf;

Phase 1 – The Honeymoon Phase

This is what appears to be an easy phase. It’s like when you have been taught a new part of your technique and you can already feel the difference it is making. It feels easy, you get

This is where the motivation starts to deteriorate. It becomes challenging. You feel like you are struggling, you can’t seem to find that new technique that you thought you had at the lesson. You start to think that if you just go back to the old technique you will be better.

Just recognize that you need to work through this frustration. If you don’t, you will revert back to your old habit and will remain with the inconsistency. Go back and see your coach and ‘fight through’ the frustration.

Phase 3 – Second Nature

This is where you feel everything starts to feel automatic. You feel as though you are getting into the groove. You still may encounter setbacks in this phase and can revert back to Phase 2, but be prepared to make a commitment to yourself that you are going to form the new habit no matter what.

To be consistent will require effort and some golfers may not be prepared to work at it.

Great habits are formed daily. Good habits require consistent commitment. Make the commitment to make it past the fight-through, no matter how many times you go back to it, to reach new levels of success with your golf. •

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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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

53

mind

What do you learn from a mental golf coach?

Mathew Howe

mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au

As the years have gone by, many people have asked me what does a golf mind coach actually do? So I thought I would write this article to let people know what is involved in mental golf coaching and training.

First of all I don’t believe you need a degree at university to be great golf mind coach. In saying that, I did do a degree in sport psychology to find out what it was all about. The reason I say this is because like most things practical in life you need a different set of skills to what you learn at university which are mainly academic skillsets such as writing journal articles and essays. I do think the presentations we did at university did help when it came time to presenting in front of groups of golfers. What a solid mental golf coach needs in training is an excellent understanding of the mind, life, the game of golf, communication skills and the ability to help a golfer figure out and apply action to their personal puzzle.

These skills can be acquired from a variety of sources.

In terms of what the typical golfer will learn from a mental golf coach it can vary a lot! I break the category of golfing mental improvement up into 2 main areas.

1. How well you manage your life.

2. How well you manage your mind with golfspecific skills.

I can’t see the mental coaching learning process really being that successful without these two. So if you sign up for a mental subconscious CD program you are only really scratching the surface or taking out a small slice of the pie of what you could be doing. Another example might be the person that is awesome at playing golf but can’t get the best out of their golf because they have serious life issues which act as roadblocks. (e.g. drinking too much alcohol, no discipline, no drive to succeed, no family support etc.) You could say in some cases that being a mental golf coach is sometimes

being a life coach. It really depends on what is going on for the person. Not every human being is like a cheeseburger from McDonalds, we have different needs and sticking points.

Unless you take a holistic approach you are not really doing the mind side of things properly.

So let’s get to the heart of the issue now?

What do you actually learn from a mental coach?

The simple answer is mental skills. What this means is that our minds, just like our bodies, need conditioning and daily training. Yes it’s true that most of us have all the basic mental faculties to get by in golf. BUT, if you want to do more than get by, then a mental coach can assess where you are and point out the key areas for you to work on in a structured progressive way so that you definitely get better at those skills. Nine times out of ten this has a direct impact on your golf if the assessment process was performed correctly.

You may ask what are these elusive mental skills I may be taught?

In golf they could be: Focus, mental preparation, trusting/training skills, imagery, self-talk, confidence, persistence and desire.

In life they can be: Decision-making, organising, planning, goal setting, selfdiscipline, relaxing, lifestyle management (time management) and role modelling.

As you can see, some of the life mental skills can overlap into the golf-specific skills which is why people who ‘do well’ in life often succeed in their chosen sport. In summary, you will learn the right mental skills you really need to allow you to get past your sticking point/s. Hopefully the coach has some good communication skills which asks you quality questions so you think rather than just being told what to do. •

Mat Howe is a Golf Mind Coach with a degree in Sport Psychology and has mentally coached and caddied for golfers from the international professional playing standard through to beginners. If you have never had a mental coaching lesson before you may find it more practical and helpful than what you had first imagined. 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. Mat is based in Wollongong on the South Coast of NSW and can be contacted on 0410 695 605 or email at mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

fitness

Is technology (really) lowering your golf score?

Bret Kennedy Golf Fit Pro golffitpro@functionfitpt.com

T

he title above is an important question that we need to really take a close look at. Have you noticed that the scores achieved by the world’s top golf pros have not really changed in the past 50 years ? Let’s take a quick look through history: In 1942 the US Masters at Augusta was won

by Byron Nelson, with a score of 280. In 2008, 66 years later, Trevor Immelman won with the same score of 280.

The Open Championship at the old course at St Andrews was won in 1960 by Kel Nagle with a score of 278. The 2005 Open Championship, also held at St Andrews, was won by Tiger Woods with a score of 274. The second-place score for both the 1916 and 2005 events: 279 In 1966 the Doral Open was won by Phil Rogers with a score of 278. 41 years later in 2007, Tiger Woods won the WGC-CA championship at the same course. His score: 278.

Things don’t seem to be any different for amateur golfers these days either. 15 years ago the average American Male golf handicap was 16.2, while the average female golfer’s handicap was 29. Today the average American male golfer’s handicap is still16.2 and the average female golfer’s handicap remains at 29.

This information quickly shows us that even with technology advancing as much as it has, the scores have not changed. What does this mean for our golfers today and how do we improve on the scores? Quite simple, really. What we really need to do is look at how the body works, how the body reacts and responds to training stimulus, and what the problems are of the golf swing that can be fixed through postural analysis, training techniques, stability and nutrition.

You can pay as much money as you like for new set of clubs, and on top of that a golf pro coach who knows what he’s talking about and finding out what is wrong with your swing. And you will certainly be able to

find some improvement in your game as a result. But if your body is not geared towards correct posture, stable core muscles, effective elastic tendons and muscles, then no amount of instruction or technology will be able to fix every issue with your swing.

Take a look now at what is being produced for golfers. New club heads are coming out that are so big the amount of force generated by them in the swing and consequently in the follow-through is so great that your body needs to overcompensate in many areas. This overcompensation tends to lead to increased risk of injury, namely disk pathology— meaning there is more chance of you hurting your vertebrae during the golf swing than there ever was before. If you are unable to decelerate a golf club at which you can set in motion to around 110 mph, then you are at risk of injury. Let’s really take a close look at that acceleration during the golf swing.

The ultralight carbon fibre shafts that are currently being used in golf clubs, and the

larger driving head of the driver, when swung from the tee usually reach up to around anywhere between 90-120 mph depending on the person. It’s all well and good to be able to reach that speed during the acceleration phase of your swing, but if you are unable to use the antagonistic muscles of that swing to slow your club head down then you will over rotate, stretch the ligaments inside the joints, and increase capsular laxity, or loose joints.

So before you go out and buy yourself a new set of clubs, you should consider spending some money on personal training, postural assessment and corrective exercise. • Bret Kennedy’s “Golf Fit Pro” helps golfers get their bodies fit and ready for a long life of playing golf. He can be contacted on 0439 217 158, at golffitpro@functionfitpt.com, or via www.functionfitpt.com/golf-fit-pro

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

55

instruction

How a student changed the way I teach:

Part 5: controlling the emotions Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

In this month’s issue I would like to share how we approach teaching a student today when looking at “the Emotional state of mind ” for both the “Quick Fix” Patient and the “On the Path to Better Golf Student” and deliver the desired results for both.

We now consider the “Emotions” as a first step in helping a golfer gain results fast. (When you feel better you play better.)

When we refer to “Emotional Control” we are looking at where the student is on the “Emotional Guidance Chart” when they arrive on the Lesson Tee and then looking to move up gradually as they see results happening as the lesson progresses.

Here is a series of “Emotions” that will help you work from feeling bad about some part of your golf game to feeling better. If you find where you are emotionally on the scale and try and find thoughts that feel just a little bit better you will lessen negative or doubtful thoughts and “free up” more and more as you apply better swing mechanics from the keytoglf.com online programs.

Emotional Guidance Scale 1. Joy/Appreciation/Empowerment/Freedom 2. Passion 3. Enthusiasm/Eagerness/Happiness 4. Positive Expectation/Belief 5. Optimism 6. Hopefulness 7. Contentment 8. Boredom 9. Pessimism 10. Frustration/Irritation/Impatience 11. Overwhelmed 12. Disappointment 13. Doubt 14. Worry 15. Blame 16. Discouragement 17. Anger 18. Revenge 19. Hatred/Rage 20. Jealousy 21. Insecurity/ Guilt/ Unworthiness 22. Fear/ Grief/ Depression/ Despair/ Powerlessness It is important to establish a realistic “Emotional Level” to operate at during and after the lesson is done.

If the student is in “Fear” over a one-metre putt or a pitch over a bunker, to expect for them to exude supreme belief at the end of a 30-minute lesson is way outside the realm of reality.

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

The question is: What are the steps required to move from “Fear” towards “Belief” as a progression from “lack of technical ability” towards “competent” in the area of weakness in your game?

The encouraging fact is that when you can see that you are able to make simple movements that build greater and greater control, and an ability to hit solid golf shots that go to their target at short range, you can quickly move up the “Emotional Ladder” into states of “hopefulness” and “optimism.”

The trick is to remain in these higher emotional states as you continue with your lessons.

Enter the “Laws of Accuracy”Training Routine.

For example, when you want to become competent and maintain the “belief” that you can hole one-metre putts consistently, you do not start building a better technique at the one-metre range – this is too much stress if you have been having difficulty before you start the Putting Lesson.

In the “Laws of Accuracy”, Sasha Novak has us start at 10 cm (the width of the hole) – a

ridiculously short length putt that cannot be missed. After building competence at 10 cm you move progressively out in 10 cm increments – 100 holed putts in a row at each distance.

In keytogolf.com we have you do drills first to train in a solid stroke with no “breakdown” in the strike zone. Next, very slow and rhythmic swings with the putter governed to hit the ball the required 10 cm distance.

Confidence (real strong self belief ) comes with competence and competence comes with “right practice.”

Tim Kremer has been a “Master” in teaching “Emotional Control in Golf” and I am excited to have Tim present an “Introductory Module on Emotional Control” for our “keytogolf.com Online Program.”

Please check out Tim Kremer’s Online “Peak Performance Steps” https://vimeo.com/85971271 https://vimeo.com/85990877 Also - Please use Referral Code: KTGPCROK to access the 10% discount of the Module on Putting on keytogolf.com •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

seniors

Senior Golf across Australia – State Level Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

The February issue of Inside Golf highlighted the 2014 calendar of events that make up the Australian Senior Ranking system. This year there are 16 national level events that will include all the states and territories

of Australia. The top level seniors are striving for selection in representative teams that will compete at home and overseas during the year. All the players will enjoy competing on some of Australia’s very best courses.

While the national calendar is definitely a busy one there is a lot also happening in senior golf at the state level. •

Victorian Senior Order of Merit In 2006 Golf Victoria introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition for the Doug Bachli Trophy.

This competition has been very successful and now also includes a year-long competition for Over 65 players and also a year-long Handicap competition.

The defending champion for the 2014 Doug Bachli Trophy is Yarra Yarra senior Michael Jackson who also claimed the 2013 Over 65 trophy. Ignatius Duivenvoorden (Yarram) made it three years in a row in winning the 2013 Handicap Trophy.

The 2014 Victorian calendar includes ten 18hole events, fifteen 36-hole events and five 54-hole events played on many of Victoria’s best regional and metropolitan courses. This year the competition will see golfers count points gained from their best 15 events during the year.

The courses for 2014 include Royal Melbourne, Kooringal, Keysborough, Green Acres, The Sands, Lonsdale, Box

Hill, Cranbourne, Bendigo, Curlewis, Bright, Flinders, Portsea, The National, Warrnambool, Cobram-Barooga, Leongatha, Warragul, Heathcote, Shepparton, Tocumwal, Coomealla, Yarra Yarra, Kingston Heath, Victoria, Metropolitan, Commonwealth, Northern, Hidden Valley, Rosebud, Spring Valley, Woodlands, Neangar Park, Port Fairy and Sorrento. In 2014 there are twelve senior events that will also include a section for senior women.

The opening event of the year was the 54hole Royal Melbourne Senior Classic and the winner was Royal Canberra senior Bill Banks (81-77-75). The second event saw Chirnside’s Ray Walker and Eastern’s Andrew Hansen return rounds of 73 in the Keysborough Senior Amateur with Walker winning on a countback.

For further information including all the dates and venues for the 2014 Victorian calendar interested golfers should visit the www.golfvic.org.au •

West Australian South Australian Senior OOM Senior OOM The Senior Order of Merit competition in Western Australia runs from June 2013 to May 2014. At the conclusion of the season (the Mandurah Senior Open in May, 2014) the three players with the highest number of ranking points along with the leading WA player from the 2014 State Seniors Championship will be invited to form a representative WA team to compete in the 2014 Australian Seniors Championship.

Currently 18-hole events are scheduled for Araluen, Lake Karrinyup, Royal Perth, Lakelands and Mandurah Golf Clubs. The 54 hole West Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Mt Lawley and the 36-hole Lake Karrinyup Senior Classic will be held during March. These are the major events for the WA senior golfing year and also count towards the Australian Senior Ranking System.

With the two 2013 events (Araluen and Lake Karrinyup) now completed the leader is Mal Roberts from The Vines Golf Club. Roberts has recorded a win and a third placing and leads from Robin Dybeck (Mt Lawley) and Harry Crosby (Wanneroo).

More details on the WA Senior Order of Merit is available on the GOLF WA web site www.golfwa.org.au •

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The South Australian Senior Order of Merit competition began in 2012 with a six tournament competition. In 2013 a similar competition was again well received with increased participation in all events.

In 2014 the competition has grown with 18hole events scheduled for Blackwood, Thaxted Park, Tea Tree Gully, Mt Osmond, Flagstaff Hill and Kooyonga Golf Clubs. The season concludes with the 36-hole Grange Golf Club Senior Classic and the 54-hole South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Fleurieu Golf Club.

The 2013 South Australian Senior Order of Merit champion was John Beaumont from Mt Gambier Golf Club with Tony Timmins from Kooyonga the winner of the Over 65 competition.

Information on the South Australian Senior Order of Merit can be found on www.golfsa.com.au •

Keep up with us online!

Catch the latest golf news online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf ). Feedback? Drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

Peter Thomas and Darryl Hearsch – winners of 2014 NSW Senior Foursomes Championship at Kogarah GC

NSW Senior Order of Merit In 2006 the NSW Golf Association introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition and it was an immediate success with each event attracting large fields of senior golfers. Every year the competition has grown and in 2014 there will be 44 events with the Order of Merit competition allowing golfers to count their best 14 events.

Apart from the honour of winning the medals at the end of the year the NSW Senior Order of Merit is also used as a basis for selecting players to represent NSW in the Interstate Teams section of the Australian Senior Amateur Championship and the annual “Walking Stick” competition held between NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

The Senior Order of Merit Champions in 2013 were Ross Bockman (Long Reef) and Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) who amazingly finished in a tie with exactly the same points from their best 14 events throughout the 2013 season. Dale was also the winner of the Over 65 section.

The 2014 calendar has events on many of NSW’s best metropolitan courses including Kogarah, St Michael’s, Concord, Castle Hill, Pennant Hills, Monash, Royal Sydney, Bonnie Doon, The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale,

Penrith, Strathfield, Mona Vale, Oatlands, Pymble, Cabramatta, Carnarvon, Liverpool, Twin Creeks, Long Reef and Cromer.

The number of regional and country courses has expanded even more and now includes Belmont, Forster-Tuncurry, Gungahlin Lakes, Bowral, Manildra, Duntry League, Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Bonville, Ocean Shores, Port Macquarie, Mollymook, Kooindah Waters, Wyong, Newcastle, Shelly Beach, Port Kembla, Camden, Windsor, Merewether, Toronto, Waratah, Gold Creek and Federal. Another year of great golf courses!

The opening event of the year was the Belmont Seniors with Twin Creek’s Denis Dale winning with rounds of rounds of 73-74. The Manly GC pair of Darryl Hearsch and Peter Thomas played sensational golf to shoot two under par 70 in winning the NSW Senior Foursomes at Kogarah GC. Kooindah Waters senior Paul Day recorded a very good one over par 73 to win the St Michael’s Seniors.

All NSW Senior Order of Merit events include age categories and handicap prizes. A full calendar listing all dates and venues is available at www.golfnsw.org •

Coming senior amateur events March 3-4 March 4-6

Cranbourne Seniors (VIC) * NSW Senior Amateur Championship – Tuncurry GC March 10 Brisbane GC Seniors (QLD) March 10 Castle Hill Seniors (NSW) March 11 Pennant Hills Seniors (NSW) March 13-14 Bendigo Senior (VIC) March 14 Gungahlin Lakes Seniors (ACT) March 8 Redland Bay Seniors (QLD) March 16-17 * Lake Karrinyup Seniors (WA) March 19-21 * West Australian Seniors at Mt Lawley GC (WA) March 20-21 Alpine Seniors at Bright GC (VIC) March 20 Monash Senior Masters (NSW) March 20 Redcliffe Seniors (QLD) March 24-25 Mornington Peninsula Seniors at Flinders and Portsea GCs (VIC)

March 31 Carbrook Seniors (QLD) March 31-Apr 1 Golf Australia Seniors vs ADFGA at The National GC April 7 Southport Seniors (QLD) April 8-10 * The National Senior Masters (VIC) April 11-13 Laidley Seniors (QLD) April 13 Jubilee Seniors at Bowral GC (NSW) April 20 Royal Sydney Invitational (NSW) April 21 Bonnie Doon Seniors (NSW) April 28 The Lakes Seniors (NSW) April 29 The Australian GC Seniors (NSW) April 30 Avondale Senior Medal (NSW) April 28-30 * NSW Senior Classic (The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

seniors

Royal Melbourne Senior Classic

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2014 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic (Photo by Gary Lisbon) After a dramatic final round ACT senior Bill Banks was the winner of the 2014 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic played on the East, West and famous Composite course at the host club.

From a field of 108 participants, 64 came from interstate and 5 from overseas and overall represented 75 different golf club.

Banks had trailed the overnight leader Michael Barltrop (New Zealand) by seven strokes entering the final round but such is the difficulty of the iconic Royal Melbourne Composite course that this is never a safe margin. Playing immaculate golf and continuing his outstanding putting Banks returned a

final round of 75 while Barltrop slipped to a round of 86.

Banks was surprised with the win as he just returned to golf following shoulder surgery that had him out of the game for several months. “A couple of months ago I didn’t think I’d be playing golf again. I can now tick this off the bucket list” said Banks in his presentation speech.

Second place went to NSW senior Sal Ballard who had trailed the leader by 9 strokes but a great closing round of 75 moved him into outright second place.

He too was one of the only players who conquered the very firm greens. One stroke away in third place were Victorian

Ian Frost (80-77-79=236 and NSW player Paul Maslen (79-77-80=236).

Once again it was the hardness of the greens and the surrounds that presented the biggest challenge and not one player in a very strong field managed to score under 80 in all three rounds. Royal Melbourne is a demanding test of golf and everyone should try to play this tournament at least once.

As anticipated the 2014 Royal Melbourne Classic was a marvellous event with the organisation and hospitality a standout. It has quickly become one of the major events on the senior golfing calendar. •

Queensland Senior Order of Merit In 2013 Golf Queensland introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition for the state’s men and women senior golfers. In an ambitious program, 45 events were scheduled with tournaments ranging from Cairns in the north to Toowoomba and Warwick in the west and all along the Queensland coast to the southeast corner. In a slightly amended competition this year there will be forty events with senior men and women to count their best 8 results throughout the year.

The inaugural year was a resounding success due largely to the work of organiser Alan Davies who was justifiably awarded the Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year at the 2013 Queensland Sports Awards. At the end of the year the proud winners of the very first

Queensland Senior Orders of Merit Trophy were Trevor Box (Windaroo Lakes) and Wendy O’Connell (North Lakes) who incredibly had won 12 of her 14 starts.

For 2014 events are scheduled for the following courses: Palmer Colonial, Wynnum, Bribie Island, Brisbane, Redcliffe, Carbrook, S outhpor t, Laidley, H ills International, Indooroopilly, Mt Coolum, Pelican Waters, Caloundra, Burleigh, Coolangatta Tweed Heads, Horton Park, Nudgee, Ocean Shores, Bargara, Coral Cove, Hervey Bay, Palmer Gold Coast, Pacific Harbour, Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Mercure Capricorn Resort, Keperra, Headland, Brookwater, Gailes, Surfers Paradise, War wick , Dalby, Toowoomba C i t y , To o w o o m b a , V i r g i n i a and Oxley.

Once again the Queensland Senior Order of Merit presents a wide range of excellent golf courses. It is expected that local players will regularly be joined by holidaying golfers from many states enjoying the sunshine of the north and some world class golf facilities.

The opening event of the 2014 year was the Palmer Colonial Seniors with the men’s scratch a three way tie between Chris Gray (Coffs Harbour), Lindsay Brown (Keperra) and Mario La Chiusa (Nudgee) with rounds of 76. The women’s scratch was won

by Josie Ryan (Headland GC) with a round of 82.

All the information you need to play in any or all of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit events is available on www.golfqueensland.org.au •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

59

www.realxgear.com.au

golf nsw

Luck wins NSW Medal

Curtis Luck Western Australia’s Curtis Luck (Cottesloe GC) has continued his fine recent form by winning the 2014 Men’s NSW Medal, played at Castle Hill Country Club and Pennant Hills Golf Club on 29-31 January. 17-year-old Luck played outstanding golf with rounds of 68, 67, 69 and 65 for a total 269, winning the event by a whopping six strokes.

Over 220 competitors from around Australia, including a sprinkling of internationals, contested the event this year, which is a national and world ranking event.

The first round of 18-holes was played at Pennant Hills. Defending Champion Ben Eccles (Victoria GC) got off to a brilliant start by shooting a six-under-par round of 65. The Australian’s Kevin Yuan and New Zealand’s Jason Gulasekharam both had 66, while Isaac Noh and Aaron Wilkin were next with 67’s.

One of the day’s highlights was a hole-in-one

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at the 18th hole by Metropolitan’s Lukas Michel.

It is Lukas’ first hole in one and he was “thrilled to have one in such a prestigious event”.

The second round of 18-holes was played at Castle Hill. Eccles retained his lead after shooting three-under (69). Eccles, on 134 after 36-holes, led by one shot from England’s Ryan Evans (Wellingborough GC) and Curtis Luck who both had rounds of 68 and 67 for a total 135.

The leading 60 players plus ties contested the final 36-holes at Pennant Hills Golf Club.

Luck’s final round of six-under-par 65 was too much for his opponents to keep pace with as he ran away to a five-stroke victory over Eccles.

Cameron Davis (Roseville GC) & Kevin Yuan (The Australian GC) finished equal third on 277.

The NSW Club Champion of Champions event was played in conjunction, the winner was Harrison Endycott from Avondale Golf Club.

More: www.golfnsw.org •

Felton makes it a double for WA Western Australian golfer Jarryd Felton (Gosnells GC) won the 2014 Men’s NSW Amateur Championship played at Concord Golf Club on 2-4 February. This gave WA the double after fellow statesman Curtis Luck’s victory in the Men’s NSW Medal.

Felton, who qualified 5th for the Championship, won through rounds of 32, 16, 8, 4 in some tough matches.

First off the rank was Oscar Cadenhead (Hawks Nest GC), who Felton defeated 2up. Harrison Endycott (Avondale Golf Club) was next up, losing to Felton 3/1. In the Quarter Finals Felton came up against Brayden Peterson (Monash GC), winning that match 2/1. The semi final was a battle of the Western Australians, Felton coming up against his friend and team mate Luck. It was Felton who would go onto the record the victory 2/1.

On the other side of the draw 26th seed Victorian James Bannan (Rosanna GC) was quietly going about his business knocking off higher placed competitors, disposing of Englishman Ryan Evans, Grant Booth (The Australian GC), Jarrod Freeman (Cumberland GC) and Dale Brandt-Richards (Mona Vale GC)

Jarryd Felton on his march towards the title.

The final match between Felton and Bannan was played over 36-holes. Felton took the lead after 18-holes 1up, however Bannan continued to fight over the next 18. The match went down to the wire, Felton securing the victory on the 35th hole, winning 3/1.

More: www.golfnsw.org •

Stanton nabs Stroke Play Championship Queensland’s Anna Stanton (Palmer Colonial Golf Club) has won the 2014 Women’s NSW 72hole Stroke Play Championship in a dominant display over the 60-strong field. Played at Castle Hill Country Club and Pennant Hills Golf Club on 29-31 January 2014, 19-year-old Stanton had rounds of 74, 70, 75 and 75 for a total 294, winning the event by four strokes.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Stanton, who got off to a slow start. After the first 18-holes (Castle Hill) there was a three-way tie at the top of the leader board, Queensland’s Jamie Dougan (Beaudesert GC), Western Australia’s Hayley Bettencourt (Mandurah GC) and Sydneysider Emma Betland (St. Michael’s GC) all had rounds of one-under 73. Eight players, including Stanton, were hot on their heels, shooting even par rounds of 74.

The second 18-holes (Pennant Hills) was a

standout for Stanton, shooting a three-underpar round of 70, including five birdies. A number of players shot under par for the day, ensuring it was tight at the top of the leader board.

The final day of play was a seeded draw, played over 36-holes at Castle Hill. The leading group included Stanton, Ali Orchard (Sanctuary Cove Golf Club, QLD) and Bianca Ling (Kingswood Golf Club, VIC). Stanton played consistently, shooting two rounds of one over par rounds for the day. It was enough to secure her the Championship title.

Runner up was Bettencourt who finished on 298, while Celina Yuan (Bankstown Golf Club, NSW) came third on 299 on a count back.

The NSW Club Champion of Champions event was played in conjunction, the eventual winner was Aliza Huff from Pennant Hills Golf Club.

More: www.golfnsw.org •

golf qld

Juniors named for Interstate Series Golf Queensland has announced the 2014 Queensland Junior Interstate Boys’ and Girls’ Teams to compete in Victoria in April.

Golf Queensland’s Head Coach Tony Meyer said the selected players thoroughly deserve their places on the teams.

“All players have shown solid form in recent months and are looking forward to representing their home state,” Mr Meyer said.

“It will be exciting for many of the new members of the teams who will be playing in their first Interstate Teams Championship. It is an important event in our players’ development.”

In 2013, both the Queensland Boys’ and Girls’ Teams were victorious, with the Girls’ Team remaining undefeated for the past three years.

Three male and two female development players have also been selected to travel with their respective Junior State Teams to compete in the Australian Junior Amateur Championship. • Boys’ State Team: Liam Anderson (Coolangatta-Tweed) Hyunsik Kong (Emerald Lakes) Kodie Koski (Caloundra) James Macklin (Nudgee) Chris Park (Lakelands) Blake Proverbs (Pacific) Boys’ Development Players: Lawry Flynn (Brisbane) Connor Reeves (Hervey Bay) Jack Trent (Headland) Boys’ Coach: Grant Field Boys’ Team Manager: Shane Stevenson Girls’ State Team: Karis Davidson (Palmer Gold Coast) Samantha Foley (Royal Pines) Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe) Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) Kate Law (Maryborough) Stacey White (Pacific) Girls’ Development Players: Robyn Choi (Royal Pines) Tyla Smith (Coolangatta-Tweed) Girls’ Coach: Virginia Irwin Girls’ Team Manager: Jessica Jenkins

Over 1000 children join in the fun at Ladies Masters

Kelvin Grove State College enjoy a ‘Behind the Ropes Experience’ Golf Queensland exposed over 1,000 children to the game of golf during the week of the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast recently, through its community engagement activities plan.

The plan was initiated to promote the game of golf through working with children during high profile tournaments such as the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters and the Isuzu Queensland Open.

In addition to the Golf Queensland team, a number of the ALPG and LET Professionals assisted with the delivery and exposure of the game to over 600 students at schools. The professionals included Melissa Reid, Felicity Johnson, Tanya Patterson, Joanna Klatten, Sarah King and Phillis Meti.

Golf Queensland commenced activities with a clinic for Gold Coast Recreation and Sport athletes at the Cararra Gardens Driving Range. Athletes participated in a variety of golf skills challenges led by Lee Harrington (Golf Queensland Participation Officer, ALPG and PGA member) and LET Professional, Melissa Reid.

Local schools William Duncan State and Merrimac State were introduced to the national junior program MYGolf and students were able to try their hand at golf using specific juniorfriendly equipment on their school ovals.

The ‘Behind the Ropes Experience’ saw students from Kelvin Grove State College and Robina State High School attending RACV Royal Pines Resort for a day of golf activities which focussed on opportunities for students wanting to start a career in the golf industry. The students were able to gain a first-hand look inside the media centre, driving range, volunteer set up, tournament office and on course set up.

A junior golf activity centre was set up on the grassed area in front of the clubhouse over the weekend, with chipping targets, putting practice and other fun activities available, using the latest MYGolf and SNAG equipment.

Adrian Hewat, Golf Queensland’s Participation Development Manager who coordinated the week’s activities alongside Lee Harrington, said he was very pleased with how the week of activities unfolded.

“The students were very enthusiastic about participating in new activities and had a lot of fun learning about golf,” Mr Hewat said.

“Working with the community is a rewarding experience and teaching basic golf skills is one way we can give back.

“Golf is a terrific sport for children to stay active while learning some core life skills and we are happy to be further promoting the sport within the Gold Coast community.” •

Webb wisdom for Queensland elite amateurs Eight-time Ladies Masters winner Karrie Webb took time out during her Ladies Masters preparation in February to talk with four Queensland elite amateurs about life on tour, the transition to the professional ranks, her practice routines and more.

Amy Walsh, Rebecca Kay, Hyunsik Kong and Chris Park had the opportunity to ask questions and receive invaluable advice from the seventime major champion.

When asked what her best piece of advice would be for an elite amateur looking to take the next step, Webb said it was a hard time to determine whether playing professionally is the right thing to do.

“Goal setting is often an overlooked part of golf. Make sure you set goals and stay on top of them and create a process to achieve them,” she said.

“It’s also important to be creative with your game. Growing up in Ayr, I learnt to adapt to the conditions and create ways to make things better for myself. In that way, juniors need to develop not just the technical aspects of their game but also creativity in practice and attention to detail.

“When I was growing up, there were players that were a lot technically better than me, but you also need to have mental toughness, which I think is what got me through to where I am now.

“You have to love the game. I still put in the hard work and have been putting in the work since I was about 11 years old.

“I know that if I don’t put in the hard work and practice, that I’m not going to be good enough to keep competing.”

Queensland Girls’ Coach, Virginia Irwin, said the experience was enlightening for the juniors.

“For young elite amateurs to be able to talk so candidly with an accomplished professional golfer such as Karrie was a fantastic experience for them,” said Irwin.

“They asked her great questions and I’m sure it has inspired them to push themselves to achieve their dreams”. •

Qld Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championship Sunday 6 April 2014 Wynnum Golf Club Entries close Wednesday 26 March 2014

Avoid disappointment and enter early! www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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March

Little Wings Charity Day

When: 13th March Where: Dunheved Golf Club, Links Rd. St Marys Info: dunhevedladies@hotmail.com Dunheved Lady Golfers are holding a Charity Day in support of Little Wings, a local charity formed in 2011, which provides free air transport to and from Oncology Departments at Westmead, Nepean & Randwick Hospitals for children receiving specialised medical treatment for cancer.

The Charity day will be a fun Medley (mixed) Ambrose event for teams of four, with prizes to be won, as well as raffles and other fundraising activities.

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 US Masters Breakfast @ MGA

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.

Australian Men’s Interstate Teams Matches Where: Federal Golf Club When: April 29th - May 2nd Info: ph: (02) 6281 1888, www.fgc.com.au

“The Australian Men’s Interstate Teams Matches are Australia’s most prestigious Amateur Team Golf Championships.

Each State is represented by eight players who contest singles match play in a round robin format, concluding with a Final.

The first Australian Men’s Team Championship was played in 1894 between NSW and Victoria. The second Championship was played between Victoria and South Australia, while the 1906 Championship was played between Victoria, NSW and Tasmania. It was not until 1946 that all states contested the event.

November

Special Olympics 54 hole Tag Team Golf tournament

When: Monday 14 April, 2014 Where: Melbourne Golf Academy

When: 17th November 2014 Where: Riverside Oaks Golf Resort

Join the team at Melbourne Golf Academy for a delicious cooked buffet breakfast, and watch Aussie Adam Scott defend his US Masters title live on their big screen TVs. PGA Professional Vaughan Somers will host a putting competition at the conclusion of the Masters telecast. The winner will receive a 1000 ball card (valued at $110) and the runner-up a 500 ball card (valued at $60).

SCHEDULE: 6.00am Guests arrive, 6.30am Buffet breakfast served ,9.30am Putting competition (on completion of telecast), 10.00am Event concludes.

Bookings are limited. Cost is $25pp and includes breakfast, tea/coffee and putting competition.

Why not book a table for a group of friends? 9 max per table for only $200.

Melbourne Golf Academy is located at 385 Centre Dandenong Road, Heatherton, Vic. 03 9558 3477, www.mgagolf.com.au.

Tee off for charity, and help athletes with an intellectual disability. Each team of 2 plays Ambrose for 18 holes, then one player plays the next 9 holes as stroke, then players change for the following 9 holes. Lunch will be served during the two 9-hole stroke play. The final 18 holes will see both players again play Ambrose and partnered with another team of 2 to play 4 ball Ambrose.

Registration is a non-refundable $300.00pp deposit and fundraise a minimum of $1200.00pp. Includes breakfast, snacks and drinks on course, sit down dinner and plenty of prizes.

Every player will receive a players gift pack from Srixon valued at approx $150.00, including one dozen Srixon Golf Balls.

For more information about sponsorship or to register, contact David Streichler on 0428 038 311 or email davids@specialolympics.com.au

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. •

2014 Women’s Autumn Meeting

The first week in May will see the ACT host the popular Women’s Autumn Meeting from Monday 5 to Thursday 8 May at Federal, Yowani, Gold Creek, Queanbeyan, Gungahlin Lakes, Belconnen and Murrimbidgee Golf Clubs.

The Women’s Autumn Meeting is the second of 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 golf courses and experience the hospitality the ACT has to offer. The Summer Meeting is held in the Southern Highlands 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 Autumn Meeting is a four-day event which begins with a 36-hole scratch event. Day three is an 18-hole foursomes event, followed by a four person team event on day four. The draw is semi seeded for days one and two, with players nominating their playing partners on days three and four.

Players compete for the ACT Championship Cup and The Seat of Government Cup. In 2013 Paige Stubbs from Pennant Hills GC won the ACT Championship Cup for the best scratch score over 36 holes in Division 1. The winner of the Seat of Government Cup was Moss Vale’s Brenda Campbell.

The annual presentation dinner takes place at Yowani Country Club on Tuesday 6 May which includes the presentation of prizes for the first two days of the event. This is enjoyed by all in attendance and is a highlight of the event.

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 on Friday 11 April.

For further information about the 2014 Women’s Autumn Meeting contact Fiona Carroll at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email fiona.carroll@golfnsw.org •

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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calendar

Tri-State Masters set to tee off Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au

Tri-State Masters founder Shane Doherty (centre) with wife Kym flanked by son Garth and daughters Carmen and Monica, as well as entrants in the event last year.

Australia’s most unique event for A, B and C grade club golfers-which last year saw a record-breaking $250,000 in prizes on offer-will continue in May this year despite the passing of its founder, Shane Doherty.

Focused on the Murray River border location of Mildura in northwestern Victoria, the Tri-State Masters has attracted more than 5,500 golfers over the past 21 years, primarily due to its holiday atmosphere and camaraderie between players.

It was conceived as a 54-hole stableford event and has been very successful in attracting golfers from all over Australia and New Zealand to the golfing Mecca on the Murray, as a week-long, winter golfing escape.

The event this year will be renamed the Shane Doherty Memorial Tri-State Masters, to honour Shane who lost a battle with cancer in the middle of last year.

The support crew of family members who assisted him to run the annual event as well as various golf businesses in and around Mildura and overseas golfing tours, will continue to manage the tournament.

They have locked in the Tri-State Masters for Sunday May 18 until Friday May 23 with the tournament again comprising competition rounds at three different local courses on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the other days being social golf days.

This year’s final round will again be at Coomealla Golf Club just over the border from Mildura in New South Wales, following the two other competition rounds at Riverside and Red Cliffs golf clubs.

As well as the three competition rounds for men and women, there will be an optional 4 ball best ball at Mildura Golf Resort on the Tuesday and a four person ambrose event at Coomealla on Thursday.

That means participants will be have the option of playing four different courses as well as attending social events, on every night of the event.

The Shane Doherty Tri-State Masters will be restricted to 256 players again this year and entry forms will be posted in early February on the event’s web site at www.sunraysiagolftours. com.au as well as being mailed to leading golf clubs.

Shane’s wife Kym said: “We will be retaining the same key elements which have under-pinned the success of the Tri-State for the past 22 years.”

“They include offering tourism experiences such as an evening river cruise with entertainment and a variety of dining experiences including a “winemakers’ dinner” at the acclaimed Trentham Estate Winery, a gourmet BBQ and a hearty country-style roast dinner at one of the golf clubs.”

“The Sunraysia region weighs in behind the event enabling us to organise discounted accommodation at facilities including resorts, motels, on luxury houseboats, in hotels and in cabins located within caravan parks – there’s an accommodation option for every budget.”

“The tourism activities are designed to promote the camaraderie for which the Tri-State has become famous,” Kym said.

As well as A, B and C grade Stableford events which form the core of the tournament, there also will be an A-grade scratch event and special categories for the Over 55 years of age stableford champion and the Over 65 years stableford champion.”

“Fantastic support from an impressive list of sponsors allows us to package the entry fee, three competition rounds of the golf tournament, the opening cocktail party including food and refreshments, the final night presentation dinner and a welcome gift pack for just $230 for players and $75 for nonplaying partners,” Kym said.

Shane made an unrivalled contribution to promoting golf in the Sunraysia region including managing the 2004 Australian Veteran Golfers’ National Championship for 700 players as well as the Senior Pro-Am Championship held at Riverside golf club from 1999-2001 for the Victorian PGA Senior Professional Golf Championship; the Martin Petroleum Sunraysia Matchplay Championship from 1988-1997; President of the Sunraysia District Golf Association from 1994-1997; Captain of the Coomealla Golf Club from 1989-1991; President of Sunraysia Tourism Inc from 1993-1995; organiser and presenter of the Sunraysia Golf Show on Radio 3MA from 1993-2008 and being a weekly golf columnist in the Mildura Midweek and Sunraysia Daily from 1988 until 2013.

He also was a North Melbourne football tragic – a fact never missed by the ex-AFL footballers and umpires who have competed in the Tri-State Masters.

For more information: Kym Doherty 0408310532, www.sunraysiagolftours.com.au •

Mudgee to host NSW Championships The 2014 Men’s and Women’s NSW Mid Amateur Championships are being held at Mudgee Golf Club Sunday 18 May to Tuesday 20 May 2014. Mudgee will be a great venue for the event with a great course on offer and the township of Mudgee will be a perfect setting for the Mid Amateur contestants.

The Men’s event is a 54-hole event with 18-holes being played each day for the three days. The Women’s event is a 36-hole event with 18-holes per day being played on Sunday and Monday.

This is open to any male or female amateur, between the ages of 30 and 54 and has a handicap below 9.4 for men and below 18.4 for women.

The Championship will be hotly contested, with a contingent of the best in the state turning out this year to play. In 2013 there was some great scoring with Matthew Gaffney of Shelly Beach taking out the Men’s Championship by a mere shot from Logan Toms, while Gemma Dooley took out her third Mid Amateur Championship by four shots from Melissa Beavis and Jan Crichton.

There are a number of prizes awarded for the Championships, including scratch and nett winners.

Entries for this event will be open shortly. To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org •

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 Final 2nd March 2014 Massey Park Golf Club 5th Qualifying Round 1st March 2014 Final 8th March 2014 Woolooware Golf Club 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 3rd Qualifying Round 8th March 2014 4th Qualifying Round 15th March 2014 5th Qualifying Round 22nd March 2014 Final 29th March 2014 Wodonga Golf Club 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd March 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 12th April 2014 4th Qualifying Round 26th April 2014 5th Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 Final 1st June 2014 Balgowlah Golf Club 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 Howlong Country Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 8th March 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd March 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 4th Qualifying Round 31st May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 28th June 2014 Final 26th July 2014 Wakehurst Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 15th March 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 29th March 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 12th April 2014 4th Qualifying Round 26th April 2014 5th Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 Final 24th May 2014 Branxton Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 12th April 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 26th April 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 4th Qualifying Round 17th May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 Final 31st May 2014

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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the 19th hole

Golf’s most embarrassing shots that leads directly to the green. If you pull it off you’re looking at a remarkable, crowd-pleasing par, but when your ball hits a tree and bounces backwards, you’re looking a little red-faced.

This shot isn’t confined to shots bouncing off a tree. It’s been known to be played off fences, tee markers and golf bags. I’ve been told a story where the head wind was so strong that a skied driver flew up and back over the golfer’s head.

Michael Green

ed@insidegolf.com.au

@AussieGolfer

On the opening hole of a quick nine holes after work, I found myself over a chip shot from a tight lie just off the green. Ordinarily I would have putted it, but my mind wasn’t exactly focussed. Despite grabbing the wedge from the bag and playing two practice shots, I was still thinking about work.

Before I knew it, I was playing the chip shot.

As I drew the club away I realised something was wrong. My club hit the ground and bounced straight over the top of the ball, hitting the ground on the other side.

It was an air-swing. But an air-swing where I’d hit the ground, twice. After the shock and laughter subsided I began thinking about the most embarrassing types of golf shots. Some of you may have played these very recently, like me.

Putting off the green

The phrase “it’s still yours” is an embarrassing one to hear on the putting green, but when you’re forced to play the next shot from off the green it’s even worse. There are other, higher grades of embarrassment after putting off the green that can be listed like poker hands; putting into a bunker beats a chip shot - but they all get trumped by putting into a water hazard.

The double hit

The shank

Like Harry Potter’s nemesis Lord Voldemort, the shank is one of those terms we aren’t supposed to utter. The mere mention of the word can bring on hot flushes and cold sweats to golfers across the planet. Rarely seen on its own, The Shank can strike at any time, often hunting in groups of two or more and can infiltrate a swing game for weeks or even months.

The skull (aka the skinny)

The most common embarrassing shot is the skulled golf shot. Usually seen by golfers with a wedge in their hand, it is the act of hitting the golf ball directly without troubling the grass beneath it. The edge of the club strikes the ball about halfway up and travels no more than knee height above the ground – and four times further than you intended. Embarrassing, but there isn’t

a golfer that won’t sympathise when they see you play this shot.

The chunk (aka the fat one)

The opposite of the skull, the chunked shot can appear at any time, but is most commonly seen near the green. It’s usually the product of hitting too far behind the ball, resulting in a piece of turf travelling farther than the ball itself. This can be one of the most maddening shots in golf, as Hunter Mahan found out when he chunked a crucial chip during the Ryder Cup a few years ago.

The big top (aka the circus tent)

The topped golf shot doesn’t distinguish between playing abilities. Both high and low handicappers can get a case of the tops at any time. The low handicapper will feel the

embarrassment a little more though because while the high handicapper won’t be pleased with the result, he will appreciate that at least it went straight.

The shot that hits you

Brett Ogle perfected this shot at the 1990 Australian Open. Just a shot behind the leader, Ogle was playing the 71st hole and smacked a 2-iron into a tree. The ball ricocheted back into his knee. Some kind spectators iced his knee with a six-pack of beer but I’ve seen other golfers display different forms of this shot without the same kind of star treatment.

The shot that finishes behind you

Rather than chipping out onto the fairway, you decide to aim through a narrow opening

After Phil Mickelson recently did this trying to escape the bushes, some have wondered whether golfers should really be penalised for something that really isn’t to anyone’s advantage.

I’ve seen golfers double hit the golf ball so often (usually in bunkers) that I wonder whether they have perfected the shot. Three hits in the one swing aren’t uncommon either, as is the most embarrassing (and almost impossible) shot that rolls along the shaft on the follow through.

The air swing

Practiced and perfected at public courses around the country, the air-swing (or airy) is always funny to see when it’s not you committing the act. It’s not surprising to think that newbies will air-swing from time to time, but consecutive airies are truly a sight to behold.

The airy is only trumped by the grounded airswing that I’m now very familiar with. I’m proud to say it was just the one though. So, not that embarrassing really. •

Golf terminology could be Greek

By Brian Eagle DEPENDING on who is playing, golf is either a game or a joke, and there are certainly more jokers than players on the Sadstone Golf Course every weekend.

The sport, or joke, has its own vernacular lingo that could easily be interpreted as Greek by the uninitiated.

Here is a compilation of some classic comic interpretations of golf jargon that players, like divot destroyer Anna Bentgrass, club bender Larry Twist, green groper Fred Fumble and short hitter Dave Long often use.

Approach – conventional term for all strokes taken between your drive and your first putt.

Backswing – a menacing gesture, usually harmless.

Ball – a small pill with a liquid centre, followed by a larger pill of a slightly different construction.

Birdie – mythical avian creature, mostly legendary.

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Bogey – poor man’s par.

Bunker – a horrendous place. Hitler committed suicide in one.

Blaster – police term describing a golfer in a sand trap.

Caddie – a small boy employed at a liberal stipend to lose balls for others and find them for himself.

Chip – a short shot to the green that makes some golfers see red.

Course – a mirage. Looks smooth, lush and grassy from a distance, but up close it’s actually a dense desert with acres of dirt and five great creeks.

Divot – a flying carpet.

Drive – an afternoon spin (usually left to right) through a scenic, heavily wooded area.

Dud – the other golfer.

Eagle – another mythical bird, like the roc, seldom seen on golf courses.

Fairway – the well-kept and seldom used portion of the golf course.

Fore – golfing equivalent of the air raid siren. (Fall flat, face down, cover back and neck with hands).

Golfer – a man who blames fate for a slice into the woods but feels personally responsible when he makes a hole-in-one.

Green – a smooth looking area covered by special grass that prevents balls from travelling in a straight line.

Handicap – a device for “collective bargaining” on the last tee.

Hazard – man-made difficulty consisting of equal parts sand and water, intensified by profanity and ulcers.

Hole – a submerged metal container which, when putting for birdie from 10 feet, turns out to be the size of a thimble.

Hole-in-one – a stroke of genius.

Hook – an unexpected detour: turn left past 42 trees, then inquire of passing caddie.

Links – land adjoining the sea, frequented by a species of lost souls, hence “missing links”.

Par – mathematical perfection, usually attained with a soft pencil and softer conscience.

Pivot – hip swivel practiced by people who have more hip than swivel.

Pro – a teacher who has the ability to make

you believe you will one day be a golfer.

Putt – in sports, the biggest cause of a nervous breakdown.

Rough – natural habitat of Homosapiens Golfus.

Sand – a shifty substance. Principal element in golf course construction.

Score – a fable in 18 chapters.

Shaft – (a) the longest part of the club; (b) what you get by playing the club hustler.

Slice – an expanding arch on which most golf games are built.

Stroke – a convulsive spasm.

Swing – in music, rhythm and in golf, a jerk.

Tee – any one of 18 stations for mediation, lamentation or exultation.

Top – split-hair precision by which golfers with big swings “limit” ball’s flight to metres, even centimetres.

Yahoo – joyous sound emitted by golfers after (a) hole-in-one; (b) holing out from a sand trap and (c) seeing his ball on green after cannoning off two trees and ricocheting off rocks.

Yips – putters’ St Vitus’ dance.

I NCLUDI NG GS T - EXCLU DI N G D ELI VERY & FITTING

the 19th hole

‘Larry The Looper’… The Journey The quick nine quiz

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

With David Newbery

1. How many players won more than $US1 million on the US PGA Tour in 2013 – 52, 62, 72 or 82?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2 It had been 2 years since Linds and I had teamed up but when a strong bond is forged under great pressure, it takes a whole lot to break it…. Plus the fact that her regular caddy couldn’t make it. We did the “It’s good to see you, kiss on the cheek” thing which was great until I realised Linds had a mouthful of sandwich and I could feel a piece of lettuce hanging off my face. I must say I was a little surprised when I saw she had replaced her lightweight stand bag for a 10 inch Volvik Tour job. You could have fitted another 14 clubs plus Lydia Ko in this bad boy!

Anyway, off went the three of us, (Lindsey, Larry and Volvik 10” tour), on our quest to add a NSW Open title to the former world number 12’s bulging trophy cabinet. We opened up with a series of straightforward pars followed by a couple of nice birdies and by the end of the day “We” had shot a 2 under-par 72.

Whilst it was a steady effort it wasn’t exactly riveting and I found myself wondering if Brooksy and I could have won that fourth straight match.

The second round started off the same with three rather benign pars and I started asking myself if Wrighty fully appreciated the sacrifices 66

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

2. Which European golfer won the European Tour’s Race to Dubai money list in 2013?

3. Who heads the career money list on the European money list – Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer, Lee Westwood or Ernie Els? 4. A player takes relief under an applicable Rule and drops a ball on a fairway. The ball embeds on impact. Is the player entitled to relief under Rule 25–2?

5. Who said: “Most people want to spend all their time on the golf course, but if they want to be good players they’re wasting their time. You have to hit balls every day.

Was it Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman or Tiger Woods?

6. Can you name the first golfer in the last century (20th century) to win three Open Championships in a row?

7. In which country will you find The K Club – Keyna, South Korea, Ireland or Wales?

I had made to be there. That’s when all hell broke loose! Birdie, birdie, birdie. In fact, seven straight birds! And we have an uphill 10-footer for number 8 and what’s more, she was doing it with an absolute minimum of fuss. I guess when you’ve had putts to win US PGA Championships, it all seems normal but for me, it was nothing short of outrageous. Up till now, I thought being incontinent was when you travelled overseas.

Luckily, the clubhouse is right near the 11th green and I could run off to the Men’s and check I hadn’t embarrassed myself.

An hour and a half later we signed for a new course record, 8-under 64 and I didn’t give a rats about Brooksy.

Final round and we’re in the last group, tied for the lead at minus 10 with talented South Australian, Stephanie Na and the powerful Kristie Smith at 9 under. At this point I’m thinking to myself how good Lindsey Wright is as a player and for that matter, I must be able to caddy a bit. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I could make the transition from “1980 something player” to “21st century caddy” given that when I was playing, the only yardage my caddy would carry in his back pocket was how far away from his parole office he was allowed to be.

Unfortunately, Lindsey came out a little flat and despite a couple of early birdies, couldn’t quite repeat the birdie blitz of the previous day allowing the delightful French girl, Joanna Klatten who shot a brilliant 63, Nikki Campbell, England’s Hanna Burke and the sweet swinging Stephanie Na to slip by. Nonetheless, two caddy

gigs with Linds resulting in a 3rd and a 5th is not to be sneezed at.

Chapter 3 As you can imagine, word had now spread across the great oceans about my ability to caddy the ears off any tournament and it wasn’t going to be long before offers came flooding in.

South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace had just finished a brilliant 2013 winning three times on the Ladies European Tour resulting in a second place finish on the money list behind World number two Suzann Pettersen.

Obviously, Pace needed someone of my caddy creds to take her to the next level for the 2014 Women’s Australian Open so her people spoke to my Mum (sorry, “people”) and everything was in place.

Lee -Anne was a lovely person who immediately referred to me as Lardy (South African for Larry). Her first tee shot on the practice round split the fairway and she handed me back the three-wood. Everything was going swimmingly until suddenly she and our playing partner burst out laughing. I had missed the bag with her club and the grip was being dragged along the ground through the dirt. Mind you, it was a much smaller bag than Wrighty’s.

Tragically my journey with the South African star didn’t improve. On the fourth I tried to explain how we need to avoid a particular trap at all costs to which Lee-Anne replied, “Lardy, it would be better if you tell me where to hit it, not where not to.”

8. Which American golfer won the US Open, Open Championship, US Amateur and the British Amateur in the same year (1930)? Clue: He founded and helped design Augusta National.

9. What did George Grant invent in 1899 which has been used by golfers ever since?

ANSWERS: (1). 82; (2). Henrik Stenson; (3).

Ernie Els with €29,523,512; (4). Yes; (5). Lee Trevino; (6). Australia’s Peter Thomson; (7).

Ireland; (8). Bobby Jones; (9). The tee.

Aaaah (accompanied by a small sigh) it all seems so long ago now.

My epic journey started way back in the summer of 2014. I was sitting in my office which conveniently doubles as my ensuite, when the phone rang. I don’t usually have my phone with me in the office so the call actually caught me by surprise. This was handy as nothing much was happening to that point and the fright was exactly what I needed.

It was Sandy Lonergan, good friend and media coordinator for Australian Ladies Professional Golf asking if I was on the bag again this year. This is secret code for “Am I caddying for Aussie Champ Lindsey Wright in the Women’s NSW Open”. I had been so immersed in my new role as Australia’s oldest Assistant Professional at the beautiful Mount Broughton Golf and Country Club, I hadn’t given it much thought. Sure, the prospect of carrying 50 kilos of golf equipment around the hilly Oatlands course in the middle of a heat wave for 54 holes was appealing. However, as you can imagine, there were some issues I had to address before committing.

For one, who would hose the carts down on Saturday morning? Then there was the matter of how Brooksy and I haven’t been beaten at Friday arvo lawn bowls for three straight weeks.

As you know, when you get on a run like that, momentum means everything.

After successfully finding someone at my club who knew a gurney wasn’t something you carry an Italian footballer off the field in, and grabbing a six-pack of Toohey’s Dry for Brooksy, it was off to Oatlands and Lindsey and I were a team again.

By now, I could feel my confidence waning and my love of lawn bowls at an all time high.

The final straw came on the last hole when I again missed Lee-Anne’s bag, this time with her wedge. The good news was we found it… sometime later in her playing partner’s bag.

That was the last time I saw Lee-Anne Pace.

Lee-Anne is a very nice person and when her friend, who knows Lee-Anne’s game better than anyone, didn’t qualify for the Australian Open on the Monday, Larry agreed she would be a much better option to caddy.

Chapter 4 My extraordinary journey was over and my burgeoning career as a professional caddy has finished up with me back on the gurney at Mount Broughton.

What have I a learnt?

“Lardy” is actually South African for “futile”.

But Brooksey is lost without me. Sure he won our next match on his own but he had to go the bar himself after each end. •

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59 MATTHEWS AVE, AIRPORT WEST 3042 • PHONE (03) 9310 5011 www.boylesgolfshed.com.au • golfshed@alphalink.com.au Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/boylesgolf

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chips and shanks

Crocodile Hair today, rock gone tomorrow

IN the early 1970s, the subject of hair length and the acceptability of facial foliage was a major topic when it came to golf in the US. And that was just the women (only kidding. Please don’t send any more nasty letters to the editor … he’s under enough pressure and stresses every time a letter of complaint lands in his inbox.)

In 1971, Connie Madsen wrote an article in a US golf magazine saying the majority of US PGA club professionals frowned on long hair and facial hair.

“I can accept long hair if it doesn’t fall to the collar line and if it just looks casual and clean.

“I don’t mind a moustache if it isn’t one of those big untidy ones. But mutton chop sideburns are out. I think they just look ridiculous.”

He then gave examples of what he regarded acceptable long hair citing the tousled longs of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.

But he said Raymond Floyd’s mop of hair was too much.

Many were concerned some tour players were exhibiting a multitude of shaggy adornment.

“It just looks shaggy and unkempt,” he said in 1971.

Apparently, students were arriving home from college with long, flowing locks and they didn’t like it.

Your diarist wonders what he thinks of Miguel Angel Jimenez’s curly ponytail, Craig Stadler’s “big mo” or Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, et al.

The question of the employability of the young men frequently arose.

In an effort to get general opinion regarding hair length and the hiring of an assistant, a number of PGA members were asked if they would hire an assistant with long hair.

He certainly wouldn’t hire a Dustin Johnson-lookalike trainee with long sideburns and blob of hair under the centre of his bottom lip.

Australia’s own bushy-bearded Bronson La’Cassie is a definite “no-no”.

The next question was: “What do you consider to be an acceptable length?”

Want a piece of Noosa?

NOOSA Valley Golf and Country Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is offering investors an opportunity of a lifetime.

ONE of Queensland’s oldest golf clubs will celebrate its 75th anniversary next month.

Established in 1939, Ashgrove Golf Club in Brisbane’s north-western suburbs will celebrate the milestone on April 6 when the local community will be invited to attend a family-friendly day that includes putting competitions, five-hole golf for non-golfers as well as children’s activities.

Golfer coy on club of choice

“So we spent 25 years improving it.”

on La ’Cass ie

Brisbane club hits 75

• The golf course, which includes the manager’s residence, two squash courts and two tennis courts;

“When my company took over the golf club it was in the hands of receiver managers and it was rather rundown,” he said.

Brons

“It turned out to be a crocodile and it bit me,” he told reporters.

On Friday, April 11, the golf club will host a corporate day for local businesses.

Tony Karas sold his helicopter business in Papua New Guinea in 1987 and purchased the golf course because he wasn’t ready to “lie on the beach forever”.

“I draw the line when it gets so long that it begins to curl up and become matted. Then, I think it looks dirty.

He said he was looking for his golf ball when he stepped on what he thought was a log.

The club’s owner Tony Karas, who has owned the property for 25 years, has called for expressions of interest for:

• Six approved golf frontage lots.

“I have no objection to long hair as long as it is neatly groomed,” one club pro said.

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The 42-year-old company director needed 38 stitches to his left leg after managing to escape the five-metre reptile’s jaws by thumping it on the head.

• Development opportunity – 15 lots (DA pending); and

The final question involved facial hair … moustache, whiskers or mutton choptype sideburns.

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A GOLFER is suing a resort in Malaysia after a crocodile grabbed his leg and tried to drag him into a pond as he played the seventh hole.

Anyone interested in purchasing the golf course, the 15 lot development opportunity, an individual lot overlooking the golf course or the whole kit and caboodle can call 0402-152-687 or view the website www.noosavalleycountryclub.com.au

THERE’S been some debate as to the club Darryl “Milko” Hagarty used to score a rare hole-in-one at Yamba Golf Club in northern New South Wales.

Playing in a Saturday competition field against 166 other enthusiasts, Darryl got his ace at the 10th hole, but his club of choice remains a mystery according to a club spokesperson.

The story goes that his club of choice was a three-iron and the golf ball never left the ground rolling 145 metres into the cup.

Then, as the night got longer, his club of choice got shorter eventually finishing with a well-struck eight-iron straight into the hole.

Well “Milko”, whatever club you used, well done.

chips and shanks

The Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club The Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club celebrates Sixty Years of golfing on Saturday June the 21st, 2014. The club invites all Playing Members and Ex Playing Members and their Partners, Wives and Girlfriends to join them on this milestone event.

The club was established in 1954 under the original banner of Chrysler Australia. In the mid-seventies, Mitsubishi Motors purchased the Chrysler Car Plant and with the obvious changes the Chrysler Golf Club is now known as the Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club.

It is unclear how the golf club was formed, but it is thought that a couple of very keen staff members would play golf every week, and more staff members heard about the weekly event and joined in.. The club’s membership grew to well over one hundred members in the 1970 to 1980 period.

The club then had a permanent booking at the North Adelaide North Course, with hitoff at 7 am and the club played golf there for about sixteen years.

In the early eighties, the club, now known as the Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club, moved to the Belair National Park Golf Course and this has been home for the MSGC Golf Club ever since.

Tragedy stuck in the mid-eighties when all the club’s honor boards were destroyed in a fire at the then known Caddy’s Tavern. The club has replaced the honor boards but unfortunately had no back up of records of the early Champions and Committee Personal. If anyone has taken any pictures of these boards as a background it would be most helpful if the club could use these photos to help fill in the gaps. Alternatively, if

anyone has any knowledge of any names of any Committee Personal or Champions that were on these boards to come forward with the information. Just simply visit www.mitsubishistaffgolfclub.org.au.

Behind every successful club, sponsorship is a key element to longevity. Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club has had a close relationship with a number of sponsors. Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd, Bridgestone, Ceva Logistics, Manufacturing Focus, Thompson Playford Lawyers, Mike Taylor and Smiths and Channon are such sponsors who have sponsored MSGC for over twenty years. Their Sponsorship has been a key element to Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club’s success.

The Club plays about seven games of golf away from the Belair Golf Course on various Sundays during the year. This is a separate competition from the Saturday regular program.

One of these Away Games is a Family day. This family day is played at Ashbourne Golf Club, set in the hills south of Adelaide. Ashbourne Family Golf Day has been a part of the club’s history as far back as the mid-sixties. This day is where all the sons of the fathers would play and the wives of the husbands would all mingle with a glass of wine or a beer to wash down the BBQ provided.

With the closure of the Mitsubishi Car Manufacturing Plant, recruitment of new members has become more challenging, but the club now can consider membership applications from any member of the public.

The club has vacancies for new members, beginners to the experienced player, all are welcome.

The club is well supported by the Belair Country Club Owners Geoff and Jackie Balmforth and the club professional Mike Smith and Mike’s wife Kath Smith. Geoff and Jackie work closely with the MSGC with all of the catering needs and functions that the club endures during the year. Geoff and Jackie are also loyal sponsors to the club sponsoring a yearly event for the last five years and have a commitment to continue to sponsor this event for future years.

affordable price will give you membership with golf link which in turn gives the member a golflink card. This card enables the member to play on any club that is online with Golflink Australia. Playing with MSGC the individual can just pay round by round, especially if the individual can’t play golf on a weekly basis.

Mike Smith is an accredited Australian Golf Teachers Federation Coach. Mike and Kath Smith run the pro shop at Belair and sponsor the club’s monthly medals on a yearly basis.

If you are looking for a unique golf experience that incorporates the skills of golf and the fun and companionship of other players, or whether you are travelling through South Australia and would like a game of golf and a laugh, then the Mitsubishi Staff Golf Club could be your answer.

Joining this unique club at a surprisingly

www.mitsubishistaffgolfclub.org.au. •

Big Easy chips in … again

WIN

!

ERNIE Els has been hugely successful winning tournaments around the world, but he never stops helping people in desperate need.

Over the years, the Big Easy has helped raise millions of dollars for Autism Research.

y USG

ls

Ernie E

s courte (Photo

A)

He was at it again recently while holidaying in South Africa.

Ernie, an ambassador of the Sanlam Cancer Challenge that raises funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), took eight amateur golfers on the trip of a lifetime.

The two winners and six lucky draw winners met Ernie in Stellenbosch where he took them to his wine farm and restaurant aptly named The Big Easy.

He took them on a tour of his wine farm and through the winemaking process.

Sureshot SS Solar Power Pack For many golfers these days, there are few things worse than rocking up to the first tee and discovering that you forgot to charge your GPS unit or mobile phone.

“I was so star-struck,” said one of the members of the touring party. “I remember him talking to me but I can’t recall what he said.”

Ernie even passed around some of his trophies on display.

More than 36,000 golfers took part in 800 events to determine the 100 finalists who competed at the famed Sun City Resort.

The event raised more than $360,000 for CANSA.

Now, however, dead batteries are a thing of the past, thanks to the new Sureshotgps SS Solar Power Pack, a compact and clever accessory to charge your device on the go.

We took one out on the course recently, and simply loved it. It’s small and lightweight, and it very quickly recharged our device under both artificial light and sunlight. It comes complete with a cord and multiple adapters to suit most brands of golf GPS units as well as mobile phones including iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and BlackBerry. (Note: not suitable for iPhone 5.)

RRP: $49.95 Visit www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists.

WIN!

Inside Golf is giving away an SS Solar Power Pack to one lucky reader.

Visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions to enter!

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

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your voice

Letter of the Month In the January Issue, Matthew Pitt comments on social players and the decreasing number of players.

I am 84 and a social golfer these days.

However, I played off a single-figure handicap on my 76th birthday. The playability of many courses for the average player, especially women, has always been of concern to me.

Bobby Jones in his Foreword to Alister MacKenzie’s “Spirit of St Andrews” wrote: In large measure, the popularity which the game of golf will enjoy in the future depends on the quality of the courses we provide for the players of the future. A great majority of the players, then as now, will be “average golfers.”

Our courses must be built for them as well as for the “Scratch man.”

Modern equipment has arguably been of greatest benefit to the ‘low marker’, so the difference between them and the average golfer has increased greatly. Modern courses, despite protestations of the architects, are being designed to challenge the low marker, and as the good players have been able to hit the ball further, higher and with more stop, the courses have been made longer and tougher.

The result is that many lack much enjoyment for the ‘long marker’, not to mention the plight of the beginners.

Apart from enjoyment, the longer the course, the longer the time it takes to play.

Shanks for the memories Larry Canning’s article (Shank you very much, February Issue.) really hit home with me as I am also a sufferer and believe I am qualified to be inducted into the club.

My shanks started after watching Bruce Devlin play some low-trajectory, high spinning wedge shots in an exhibition match with Doug Sanders in the 60’s. I went back to my club and tried to play the same shots and have been shanking off and on since then. Prior to that I had reached single figures and never hit a shank.

Since then, amongst other things, I have lost the occasional pennant match and even monthly medals due to their unwanted appearance. There have been times when I have not shanked for several years and thought I had it beaten, but they have always returned when I least expect them.

At the age of 72, with an 11 handicap I feel privileged to be able to play the game so I can cope with them, but I am always looking for that magic cure.

Anyway, I still maintain it was all Bruce Devlin’s fault.

Alan Donaldson Circa 1988, Highlands Golf Club - Sub Junior Pennant Final. Our team of seven play against defending champions Mollymook in the finals match at Bowral Country Club.

I was playing off a two handicap, the number one player and team captain.

All other matches were decided and everyone was gathered around the long par-5, 18th green to watch with interest the result of my match against Todd O’Sullivan, to decide the winner of the Pennant. After two pure shots to the middle of the fairway and within 80m of the green, all I had to do was lob my ball onto the green for three, two putt and Highlands would secure its first ever Sub-Junior Pennant.

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March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

As MacKenzie wrote some 80 years ago, “We have already reached the stage where there is too much walking and not enough golf.” This time problem is compounded when there is thick rough requiring significant time to find one’s ball, and not just somebody else’s.

I live near Melbourne’s Beach Road; the dramatic increase in the number of bike riders on this road over the last decade, especially at the weekend, is huge. This is one indication of where people, who might have considered golf, are now obtaining their exercise while away from home for a fraction of the time taken by a round of golf. People are far less likely to be involved in several sports anymore, so golf must be able to compete with other sports in providing enjoyment per unit of time in this modern age, otherwise it risks become a sport purely for elite players, with the social player being reduced to older players who can no longer compete, or last the distance of modern courses.

Crossword > 1

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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!

My opponent had played his way up the fairway and was in trouble and it appeared that six would be his best score. I heard the screams of “C’mon Robbie” as I approached my pitch shot.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. I froze over the ball and backed off a few times, changed clubs a few times and after gathering myself, I proceeded to hit the biggest shank of my life. I looked up nervously to see my ball sail over the carpark. I subsequently lost my ball, lost my match, lost all my pride and we lost the pennant final!

To this day, many of my old junior buddies still remind me of that one shot and make comment with “shanks for losing the pennant for us”. Hopefully they’ll forgive me one day!

Rob Nancarrow

Redress the dress codes I loved what I saw in your article (Dress codes, playing rights to be overhauled, Feb issue). But, why not also change the men’s code too? I think a lot of boys/men won’t play because of the stuffy, exclusive rules on dress codes (i.e. collar on shirt rather than tee shirt). As long as the attire is safe, why not relax the code. It is a sport, after all.

Irwin Cozens

Remembering Al Howard I refer to your article in the February issue (Vale Al Howard), and the reference to him having set a course record at Cammeray. It was probably in 1938. As a sub-teenager I caddied (oops! carried his bag!) for Al on the day he set the record. He also won the event. Other competitors included Norman von Nida, Eric Cremin and Sam Richardson.

I am now 84 years of age and an active playing member at the Toukley Golf Club.

Kel Stillman

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John Green

YOUR VOICE Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us

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ACROSS

1 Runner-up at the 2014 Tournament of Champions, ______ Spieth (6) 4 Things thrown away (8) 9 Worrying problems (9) 11 Set to play (5) 12 Location (4) 13 Jonas Blixt’s partner at the 2013 Franklin Templeton Shootout (4,6) 15 Not wide (6) 17 Swings that miss (8) 19 American animals generally (8) 20 Muscle with two heads (6) 23 Had an impact on (10) 24 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2014 Sony Open in Hawaii, ____ Leishman (4) 27 Winner of the 2009 Bob Hope Classic, Pat _____ (5) 28 Australian who won the US PGA Championship in 1995 (9) 29 Profundity (8) 30 Summertime golfwear perhaps (6) Answers: page 73

Hurry up, already!

Regarding Slow Play (January issue), I believe that the main perpetrators of slow play are the current professionals who set a bad example for new golfers taking up the game.

I get frustrated when watching TV coverage of golf when the professionals take ages to line up a putt, particularly when they are not the first to putt on the green. They should be lining up their putt while other players are putting out.

I watched a tournament on TV and the eventual winner, on one of last few holes, was preparing for his second shot on his

30

DOWN

1 Winner of the 2014 Tournament of Champions, Zach _______ (7) 2 Swing back in the opposite direction (5) 3 Winner of the 2013 US Masters, ____ Scott (4) 5 A badge or distinguishing mark (8) 6 One of the Scottish venues in the Open Championship rotation (10) 7 Winner of the 2013 CIMB Classic where he beat Gary Woodland in a playoff (4,5) 8 Memorable expressions (7) 10 Difficult to endure (4) 14 Winner of 2014 Volvo Golf Champions tournament, Louis __________ (10) 16 Add strength (9) 18 Computer peripherals (8) 19 Played a low running approach shot (7) 21 Runner-up positions (7) 22 The tapered projecting part where the shaft of the club joins the head (4) 25 Player (5) 26 Unit used to measure small distances on an American golf course (4)

turn to play when he took out a club from his bag, had 4 or 5 practice swings, replaced the club in his bag, took out his bottle of water, replaced the bottle in his bag, took out the same club that he had before, had 4 or 5 more practice swings before finally hitting the shot.

I estimate that this shot took him at least 8 mins to complete. If this is not setting a bad example for young players coming through then I do not know what is.

Maybe it is time to start putting the clock on the professionals in order to encourage club and social players to speed up their game.

Garry Leo

demo dates Callaway Location

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com

www.callawaygolf.com

Day

Date

Big Bertha & X2Hot Demo Day New South Wales The Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range Wednesday Queensland Wolston Park Golf Club Saturday Matt’s Golf Centre & Driving Range Monday Victoria Park Golf Complex Tuesday Golf Central Driving Range Tuesday Bonville International Wednesday Golf Central Driving Range Thursday Coffs Harbour Golf Club Thursday Jindalee Wednesday Capricorn Country Club Friday Big Easy Driving Range Carseldine Thursday Drummond Golf Underwood Thursday Victoria / Tasmania Devonport Golf Club Sunday Launceston Golf Club Wednesday The Heritage Golf and Country Club** Wednesday MGA Driving Range Wednesday Devonport Golf Club Thursday long island country club Thursday Royal Hobart Friday Sorrento golf course Saturday Portsea Golf Club * Saturday Sandringham Driving Range Wednesday Centenary Park Golf Course Friday Western Australia Melville Glades Golf Club Saturday Melville Driving Range Friday Wanneroo golf club Saturday fitting days New South Wales Asquith Golf Club* Monday Bayview Golf Club* Tuesday Long Reef Golf Club* Wednesday Toronto Golf Club* Thursday Kooindah Waters Golf Club* ** Friday The National golf club* Friday South West Rocks Golf Club* Monday Victoria/Tasmania Drummond Golf Cheltenham* Saturday House of Golf Melbourne* Thursday Queensland Royal Queensland Golf Club * ** Wednesday Tewantin-Noosa Golf Club* Tuesday Caloundra Golf Club* Tuesday Virginia Golf Club * ** Wednesday South Australia Drummond Golf West Beach Driving Range Wednesday McCraken Golf & Country Club Wednesday The Grange golf club Wednesday

Time

March 26

5 - 7pm

March 01 March 03 March 04 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 06 March 12 March 21 March 27 March 27

10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 6:30 - 8:30pm 4:30 - 6:30pm 3 - 6pm 2 - 6pm 9:30am - 1pm 3:30 - 6pm 2 - 6pm 6 - 8:30pm 4 - 6pm

March 02 March 05 March 05 March 05 March 06 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 15 March 19 March 21

9am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 8am - 12pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 1pm 9am - 3pm 8am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 4:30 - 7:30pm 10am - 3pm

March 01 March 07 March 22

1 - 4pm 7 - 10pm 9:30am - 12:30pm

March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 14 March 17

11:30am - 3:30pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 2pm 1- 5pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 6pm 1 - 5pm

March 01 March 13

10am - 4pm 9:30 am - 6pm

March 19 March 25 March 25 March 26 March 05 March 12 March 26

Day

Date

New South Wales Narrabri Golf Club * ◊ Tuesday Moree Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Armidale Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Tamworth Golf Club * ◊ Friday Drummond Golf Expo (Dural) ° Saturday Drummond Golf Expo (Dural) ° Sunday Illawarra Golf Complex * ◊ Monday Bathurst Driving Range * ◊ Tuesday Mudgee Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Dubbo Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Wentworth Golf Club * ◊ Friday Catalina Country Club * ◊ Monday Edens Gardens Golf Club * ◊ Tuesday Tura Beach Country Club * ◊ Wednesday Narooma Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Mourya Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Mollymook Golf Club * ◊ Friday Marrickville Golf Club * ◊ Monday Pennant Hills * ◊ Tuesday The Lakes Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Toronto Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Muswellbrook Golf Club * ◊ Friday Georges River Golf Club ° Monday Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex * ◊ Tuesday Yamba Golf Club* ◊ Wednesday Coffs Harbour Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Golf Central ° Friday

Day

Parkwood International ° Thursday Golf Gurus @ The Big Easy ° Friday Palm Meadows Driving Range ° Friday Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy º Wednesday Kooringal Golf Club * ◊ Tuesday Victoria Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range º Thursday Riversdale Golf Club * ◊ Friday Sorrento Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Kew Golf Club * ◊ Monday Drummond Golf - Traralgon º Tuesday Sandringham Driving Range º Wednesday House of Golf - Ringwood * ◊ Thursday Ballarat Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Horsham Golf Club * ◊ Friday Murray Downs Golf Country Club * ◊ Saturday Drummond Golf - Mildura º Sunday South Australia Gawler Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Highercombe Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Flagstaff Hill Golf Club * ◊ Sunday Royal Adelaide Golf Club * ◊ Monday Mount Barker Golf Club * ◊ Monday Mount Osmond Golf Club * ◊ Tuesday Royal Adelaide Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Glenelg Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Clare Golf Club * ◊ Friday Grange Golf Club * ◊ Saturday McCracken Country Club * ◊ Saturday Western Australia Pinjarra Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Whaleback Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Hartfield Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Meadow Springs Golf Club * ◊ Wednesday Gosnells Golf Club * ◊ Thursday Royal Fremantle Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Collier Park Golf Club * ◊ Friday Maylands Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Northern Territory Alice Springs Golf Club * ◊ Saturday Flight Path Driving Range * ◊ Sunday

Mizuno

Date

Time

March 20 March 27 March 28

4 - 7pm 5:30 - 7:30pm 1 - 5pm

March 05 March 11 March 13 March 13 March 14 March 15 March 17 March 18 March 19 March 20 March 22 March 28 March 29 March 30

4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 5 - 7:30pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm

March 01 March 01 March 02 March 03 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 15

8:30am - 12pm 1:30 - 5:30pm 9am - 4pm 7:30 - 11:30am 1:30 - 5:30pm 9:30am - 1:30pm 7:30am - 5:30pm 8am - 4pm 10am - 3pm 8am - 2:30pm 8am - 11:30pm

March 05 March 05 March 06 March 12 March 13 March 15 March 21 March 22

9:30am - 1pm 4 - 8pm 9:30am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 7 - 11am

March 22 March 23

9:30am - 2:30pm 2 - 5pm

mizuno.com.au

Location

Day

Date

Time

New South Wales Thornleigh G.C.* Tuesday

March 04

4 - 7pm

1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 1- 5pm

Lismore G.C.*

Wednesday

March 19

1 - 4pm

Manly G.C.* **

Wednesday

March 05

8 - 11am

Drummond Golf @ Dural Driving Range Saturday

March 08

10am - 4pm

Drummond Golf @ Dural Driving Range Sunday

March 09

10am - 4pm

4:30 - 7:30pm 12:30 - 3pm 11am - 3pm

Royal Sydney G.C. * **

March 12

11am - 3pm

Drummond Golf - Nth Mead * Thursday

March 13

4 - 7pm

Golf Expo - Moore Park G.C. Thursday

March 20

3 - 9pm

Golf Expo - Moore Park G.C.

March 21

3 - 9pm

Moore Park G.C.* Tuesday

March 25

4 - 7pm

Queanbeyan G.C.*

March 26

12 - 5pm

March 27

11am - 4pm

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location

Location

Time

March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 17 March 18 March 19 March 20 March 20 March 21 March 24 March 25 March 26 March 27 March 28 March 31

11am–4pm 11am–4pm 12–5pm 9am–5pm 10am–4pm 10am–4pm 10am–2pm 11am–4pm 12–5pm 11am–4pm 9am–1pm 2–5pm 10am–3pm 11am–3pm 8am–12pm 2–5pm 9am–1pm 2–5pm 9am–2pm 9am–3pm 12–5pm 11am–3pm 2 - 5pm

March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07

5:30 - 7:30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 3 - 6pm

Wednesday

Friday Wednesday

Belconnen G.C.* Thursday

The Australian G.C.* ** Wednesday March 26 9am - 1pm Queensland Tewantin Noosa G.C.* ** Saturday March 01 7am - 3pm Baragara G.C.* Thursday March 06 11:30am - 3pm House Of Golf Hervey Bay* Friday March 07 10am - 3pm Brisbane G.C.* Friday March 07 2 - 5pm Golf Central Tuesday March 11 4 - 6pm Victoria Park G.C. * Tuesday March 11 5:30 -7:30pm Wynumm G.C.* Thursday March 13 2:30 - 5pm Oxley G.C.* Friday March 14 10 - 2pm Golf Central* Friday March 14 4 - 6pm Parkwood G.C.* Thursday March 20 4 - 6:30pm Drummond Rockhampton Friday March 21 1 - 5pm Pacific G.C.* Friday March 21 10am - 12pm Drummond Rockhampton Saturday March 22 9am - 12pm Headland G.C.* Tuesday March 25 10am - 2pm Gympie G.C. Thursday March 27 2 - 5pm Palm Meadows G.C. Friday March 28 1 - 4:30pm 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 | March 2014

71

golf directory

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

OAST C D L O G

Y A L P & STAY KAGE PAC

2 night accommodation and 2 rounds of golf (Duntryleague and Wentworth) - $210 pp twin share

• Packages designed to suit your individual golf needs. Packages starting from 3 day stays • 2 bedroom, spacious self contained apartments • Short stroll to Cavill Ave and Chevron Island and cafes, restaurants & bars • Resort facilities include swimming pool, spa, sauna, tennis court & BBQ • Transfers can be arranged to and from the airport/s and between golf courses

Contact David & Karen Ph: (07) 5592 3520 info@surfersmayfair.com.au

pp $208 From share twin eek w mid

om.au

LOOK CLEANER

No more after golf dirty, greasy feeling!

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) • Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

yfair.c a m s r e f r www.su FEEL CLEANER

Benalla Golf Club

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf @bigpond.net.au

Clearwater Noosa

Cleans the skin more effectively than traditional methods to remove sunscreen, dirt and oils after golf or being in the sun.

MySunscreen Remover actually works! ONLY $24.95 www.mysunscreenremover.com.au

Use Coupon Code* INGOLF1 for free shipping Valid until 31/3/14

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag” • clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

Your choice of resort and club courses.

• Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Tewantin Noosa • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Patented Softgrip Technology From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

1300 738 557 • www.kahmagolf.com 72

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

Some conditions apply

golf directory BANKSTOW N GOL F C LU B

Golf Cart Slowing Down?

Need new batteries?

Don’t replace them… Restore them with the Battery Reviver.

New Sunday/Public holiday memberships only $1220, great value. Only $23.50 per week, competition fees only $6, pay by the month plans available.

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.

Phone (02) 9773 0628 Enquiries: info@bankstowngolf.com.au

• 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

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

River Street, Yamba NSW | Ph (02) 6646 2104 | www.yambagolf.com.au

Gift Packs available 100% Premium Leather • All weather glove • Exceptional grip and feel • All sizes, left and right hand • Unique Australian gift

$2495 +P&H

Order online www.kakadugolfglove.com | Phone (07) 5450 7578

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.

›› Hole Out

Spectacular

Sapphire Coast Merimbula Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: M: E: W:

02 6495 2366 0437 801 270 info@pacificheights.com.au www.pacificheights.com.au

•All golf courses within 20 minute drive •Heated year round pool •Free BBQ area •500m walk to restaurants •FSC Apartments & Munn Tower House •Sensational views of Village, Lake & Ocean

Great Golf Packages

LET US QUOTE YOUR OWN PACKAGE 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM. 3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

Yamba Golf & Country Club features an 18 hole championship golf course, located right in the heart of Yamba.

$455 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

FROM

MEMBERSHIPS NOW OPEN

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Pambula Merimbula GC • Eden Gardens GC • Bega Country Club • Tura Beach Country Club

Crossword Answers J O H N S O N C H I P P E D

O R D A N D E D E A D A C H E C M A I T E G R E O D A R R O W A E S P R I T T E R S N H I N F L U E N C O I T E R E Z E L C E R E E P N E S S

I S C A R D S N A Y A S R E A D Y I N N I G N O R M A N N U O G I R S H O T S A T R B I C E P S N E E E D M A R C C I C O K I N G T O N C O D S H O R T S For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

73

golf directory

Offered by LEMON TREE

PASSAGE MOTEL

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

Play anytime - No waiting Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome $

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

$

100A Creek Road, Birkdale, Qld | Phone (07) 3207-2452

www.lemontreepassagemotel.com.au

*prices include GST

Established 1972 • Full length 27-hole course • Excellent greens • Professional tuition available • Clubs for hire • Open seven days - BYO • Electric golf carts available

GOLF MEMBERSHIP from $200 until 30/06/2014

Social Club bookings now available on Saturday’s

New members only

Golf Packages

pe

not available during competition or Saturday play or sunday before 12pm

• •18 hole championship course with enormous greens • •Twin Share electric cart hire • •Lunch

Great Course Great Deal

www.rikshagolf.com.au

Aquarius E

S

O

R

(02) 6680 1247 www.oceanshorescc.com.au

Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW Ph (02) 6680 1247 Fx (02) 6680 1721 Only 30 minutes South of Coolangatta and 15 minutes North of Byron Bay

This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out

Play & Stay for $120

*

*

Packages starting from:

• Large Groups Welcome

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881

$489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share

fro m

$220 va

A

• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool.

Package includes: • 2 games of golf • Meal • 1 night accommodation with continental breakfast

bersh em

ips

• 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Pro Shop

T

• 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied).

74

Bookings and enquires call

MAGIC MERIMBULA

• 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.

Ring toll free for free brochure

n

M

R

9

er so

Or visit

Phone: 1800 159 942 sales@rikshagolf.com.au

$4

rp

ila ble *Conditions apply

*Conditions apply

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

Casino Golf Club - West St, Casino NSW 2470 P: (02) 6662 1259 | E: admin@casinogolfclub.com.au

www.casinogolfclub.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

LADIES MEMBERSHIP OPEN

No Nomination Fee (Save $440) • • • •

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

Ladies Competitions every Saturday from 9am till 11am and Tuesday from 8am till 9am.

Friday and Sunday Open Medley Competitions.

Subscription year is 1st October till 30th September.

36 Hole Club including 3 practise putting greens, 100m pitching green with bunkers, 250m driving range and fully licensed 1 level air conditioned clubhouse

Nudgee Golf Club Incorporated

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah

1207 Nudgee Road NUDGEE QLD 4014 Phone: (07) 3267 7744 Email: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au www.nudgeegolf.com.au

admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611 NEW SOUTH WALES

HUNTER VALLEY GOLF GETAWAYS Golf & AccommodAtion pAckAGes from Just $65pp

69

$

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

AAA TOURISM

paCkaGe a

pp per day

min 4 share 2 room apartment

2 dAY - 2 nIGHT

MiNiMuM 3 dayS, 2 NiGhTS

$79 per person per day twin share

180

$

Genuine All Inclusive Golf PAckAGe

from

FREE bus Ex MElbouRnE MEtRo aREa, gRoup oRganisER F.o.C. oR $30 pER RooM pEtRol REbatE • On Course accommodation all on ground level.

Central to all Murray Courses • Self-serve, eat as much as you like, Buffet Continental Breakfast.

• Club Evening Dinner Voucher • Unlimited golf each day (conditions apply at some clubs).

• Non golfers deduct $30 per day.

• Single Supplement $20 extra per day.

• Upgrade to Spa Room or Cooked Breakfast Only $7.00 per person per day!

• FREE Golf Prizes – min. group of 12 • WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS $10 extra per person per day • FREE Internet Access

234 Wollombi Road, Cessnock, NSW 2325 cessnockhotel@outlook.com

All Murray Courses below available on our package

special paCkaGe B

SYDNEY

per person 4 share 2 room unit

InclUdeS: 2 nIG HTS AccOMMOd ATIOn 2 dAYS UnlIMITe d GOlF conditions app ly at som e clubs 2 BUFFeT cOnT InenTAl & cOOK ed BReAKFASTS 2 dInneR VOUc HeRS FOR GOlF + SPORTS clUB FRee GOlF PRIZe S FOR GROUPS OF 12 OR MORe

200

$

per person twin share

FRee BUS, ORGA nISeR F.O.c. OR PeTROl MOneY dOeS nOT APPlY

Stay at the newly renovated

WAGGA WAGGA BERRIGAN

CANBERRA

DENILIQUIN

ADELAIDE 8hr

Murray Downs L

A R A IVE MW GA A H R TOCU OG W ON RO AW ORO G C -BA ARR LON GA AM TON Y HOW ODON BR R A O W C PP RY SHE U ALB

RIC

MELBOURNE

THURGOONA

A family run business for 15 years Best Service & Best Value Guaranteed

CALL US NOW

1800 631 082 Tel: 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

All packages are available for stays at either www.thebreakers.com.au or www.paradiseisles.com.au

BArooGA’s lArGest on course AccommodAtIon

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2014

75

golf directory

Stay and Play from $525 per person (quad share)*

Includes: • 5 nights accommodation in a 2 bedroom garden view apartment • Breakfast included • 3 rounds of golf (Noosa Springs, Tewantin/Noosa and Peregian Springs golf courses) *conditions apply

Inside Golf Digital Now available on iPads and iPhones!

Get Australia’s most regularly read monthly golf publication directly on your iPad or iPhone.

Packed with our award-winning content, Inside Golf Digital includes bonus videos, photo galleries, links, interactive elements and more! All in an easy-to-read digital format, delivered directly to your device.

AustrAliA’s

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MAGAzine

InsideGolf Issue 104

www.insidegolf.com.au

March 2014

Only $0.99 per issue

GREAT GEAR

we explore The laTesT Gear aT The Us pGa Golf show INSTRUCTION:

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http://bit.ly/HSdId8 p: (07) 5449 7966 | e: holiday@munnabeach.com.au | www.munnabeach.com.au

InsideGolf

Motel Mulwala Golfing Mecca on the Murray 3.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation Pool, Austar with 25 channels, walk to pubs, clubs & restaurants We tailor golf packages to suit your needs, or try one of our standard packages conditions apply

$95pp twin share 1 nights accommodation, golf and Cooked Breakfast

$460pp twin share 5 nights accommodation, 4 days golf, 5 Cooked Breakfast & BBQ provisions for 1 night.

Group Bookings of 6 rooms or over, further discounts apply

Buy online, mail, phone

Contact Nick or Soph to discuss your next golf trip Ph: (03) 5743 2555 Email: enquiry@paradisepalmsmulwala.com 121 Melbourne Street Mulwala NSW 2647

www.paradisepalmsmulwala.com.au

Golf PackaGes

www.highteeladies.com.au Ph: 0419 501 229

“On COurse at Duntryleague”

“Rowan Cottage” is your ideal golfing destination located next door to the famous Duntryleague Guest House, approximately 3 ½ hour’s drive from Sydney.

Rowan Cottages is located only minutes to town in a quiet street where all Orange has to offer is at your fingertips.

Let us tailor your “Stay & Play Package” on Orange’s 3 Golf Courses: • Duntryleague • Wentworth Golf Club • Orange Ex-Services Country Club

packages starting from

$177pp

includes 2 nights and 3 days of golf on all 3 courses

Contact John on 0417 651 084 or Maureen 0417 651 005 Phone: (02) 6362 9146 • Email: rowancottage@live.com.au

www.rowancottage.com.au 76

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.thegripmaster.com

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 7 Days penrith_golf@iprimus.com.au

CLEARANCE SALE! Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA Postage and handling any quantity.

Cleveland 588 RTX Lob Wedge

14 Full length dividers Cooler pocket Putter holder Blue/Red or Blue/White

60º Loft Black pearl or Satin

$149

SAVE$20

Cleveland Hybrid Iron 588 Altitude

Pure white or Tour Yellow $216 for 144 Individually boxed

$18

Regular or Seniors Graphite Shafts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, pitching & sand wedges

$89 each

Doz

$26/doz $29/doz $32/doz

$149

$33

Doz

Maxfli Tempo White Balls $10/Dozen

$10

Doz

Distance ball with great feel Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

$156

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

TaylorMade RBZ left hand driver TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2

Late specials TaylorMade RBZ Ladies Driver $199 for pair 12º (HL) and Fairway Metalwood 19º (5) TaylorMade Burner Number (3) $99 incl cover 15º Stiff Graphite Fairway Metalwood

$20 Dozen Balls

10.5º Loft Regular flex Graphite shaft LEFT HAND ONLY

$239

$129

Includes Cover

TaylorMade 5 piece Tour Balls

Individually boxed

$33 $31

Optima TS+

Callaway Graphite Set Bag + putter package 8 Graphite Irons 1 Hybrid Rescue 1 Graphite Driver 1 Graphite Fairway 1 Callaway Deluxe bag 1 Odyssey putter

$49

Srixon Distance Balls

Callaway Hex Balls Chrome (3 piece) $299 Chrome + (4 piece) Black Tour (5 piece)

Callaway HX Diablo

Amateur Swing speed Urethane cover

TaylorMade Yellow Burner Balls

TaylorMade Spider S Putter Face balanced Right or Left hand 35” Standard length Includes cover

Bridgestone B330 RX Balls

$89

8º (low) bounce

Srixon Q Star Balls

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Eagles & Birdies Muirfield Bag 3.2kg $249

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

Rubber grips Mens Black Srixon or Cleveland Ladies Tour Special Minimum qty 10

$899

$2 (not fitted) Plus postage

Fairway 3HL 17º (4 Wood loft) RIGHT HAND ONLY Includes cover

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale Individually boxed balls

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel 144 Balls for $216

Callaway Deluxe Golf Towel

19º #3 Reg / Stiff 22º #4 Reg only 19º #3 Left hand Reg only Includes cover

Black or Blue Large (76cmx51cm)

$189

$29

$129 $20

$18

per dozen

TaylorMade RBZ Graphite Irons each

4-SW 8 irons Long Distance irons Regular flex Graphite Shafts Right Hand

Mens right only

TaylorMade RBZ Rescue Hybrid

$149

doz

doz

$249

$799

$490

Callaway Warbird SRIXON ALL WEATHER GLOVES Plus Balls Individually boxed $180 for 144 balls

$15

Mens Left or Right White or Black Mens - S, M, ML, L, XL Ladies - S, M, L dozen

5 FOR

$45

INC. POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUST

“ ANY LIE.

ANYTIME.“

Hitting a fairway off the tee is easy. Getting there in two is the hard part.

With Tight Lies I’m confident I can get there out of any lie.

#OwnTheSecondShot

THE NEW TIGHT LIES Easy to hit out of any lie just like the original, but now twice as hot for added distance from anywhere. © 2014 Adams Golf. #1 Hybrid on Tour claim based on 2013 usage on the PGA, Champions, and Web.com Tours, as reported by the Darrell Survey Co.