Inside Golf, August 2014

Australia’s

Most

Read

Golf

M aga z i n e

InsideGolf Issue 109 August 2014

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Technology

How Cobra Puma Crafts Colourful Performance

Father’s Day Favourites Great golfing gear for Dad

Instruction

Mental skills for junior golfers (and their parents)

Travel Insert

Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Central Coast

The Open Championship

Rory reigns at Royal Liverpool

PLUS:

Matt Jones on the daily grind of a PGA Tour pro

The US PGA Championship Preview

“Unquestionably one of the World’s finest golfing experiences” Robert Trent Jones Jr.

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starters box

More clubs are feeling ‘Wi-Fine’

O

ver the last few years, I’ve had the chance to tour many of the brand-new or upgraded clubhouses and courses that have been popping up here in Melbourne. Last month, Gardiners Run and Huntingdale were the latest in a growing band of clubs who have unveiled sleek, modern facilities to their members and guests.

One increasingly popular feature of many of these new clubhouses— which is something that almost any club can adopt—is the incorporation of special rooms or zones with Wi-Fi coverage; giving members access to the web for little or no fee.

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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 Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Michael Green, Karen Lunn, Stephen Pitt, Mat Howe, Brian Thorburn, Henry Peters, David Merriman, Richard Nizielski, Andrew Crockett 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: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Robbie O’Donnell M: 0439 144 256 | E: robbie@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 | E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Advertising Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 National Agency Sales (non golf) Marc Wilson | M: 0419 107 143 New Zealand Sales: Daniel Sim M: 0439 856 752 | E: daniel@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Cover Photo: Courtesy of PGA of Australia It’s official: 43,575 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2013 - March 2014

Distributed to over 425 golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month

Consider this: It’s likely that your membership (or your local community) contains a significant number of “telecommuters”— employees or business owners who aren’t tethered to an office, but instead work from cafes, etc. You probably also have a large number of retirees and juniors/students who actively use tablets/phones to read news, do work, or...ahem... read the latest issue of Inside Golf online (see related story.)

Many of these people actively search out local cafes with free WiFi, and settle in with a few coffees (or even lunch) while they work online.

These people are the lifeblood of many cafes. So ask yourself: How much better would your Food & Beverage sales be if you could convert just a few of these locals into “regulars” at your club? What if these people brought a friend/colleague as a guest? And what if that guest also happened to be a golfer looking join a club?

Huntingdale, for example, has integrated Wi-Fi throughout their new clubhouse, and built a special “Business Centre”, as well as multi-use

per year

board rooms, etc, which gives members and guests the opportunity to check emails, make phone calls, get work done, etc., without the “Taboo/shame” of using their devices. Huntingdale have realised that technology is something to be embraced in the modern world.

I’ll be clear, I’m not advocating using a mobile phone on the course (unless it is an emergency, or to legally use a smartphone GPS app, or communicate with the Pro shop for specific reasons). I’m also not in favour of free reign to make/take calls in the clubhouse, etc. But the fact of the matter is that today’s golfer is part of a generation that is increasingly dependent upon staying connected. So why not use this to your advantage, and make it one more service you can offer to your members?

See you on the fairways.

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Richard Fellner–Group Editor

Inside Golf launches FREE Golf App 2.0 If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store...and it’s absolutely FREE. Now, not only can you view current and back issues of your favourite golf magazine for free every month, but our new app includes the latest and breaking news across a variety of categories, tips and instruction, gear reviews, quizzes, puzzles, social media and more.

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about these devices. Indeed, many clubs are discovering that offering services like free Wi-Fi can be a huge benefit not only to members, but to the club itself.

†

Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY

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Richard Fellner

n! o so g n mi o C INTRODUCING A NEW

Plus! Members will enjoy preferred rates at sister clubs Noosa Springs Golf & Country Club and Dragon Lake Resort in Guangzhou, China.

Plus, our unique Golf Map is updated each month with links to reviews and information about all courses featured in both the main magazine and Inside Golf Travel.

back in 2006. Inside Golf was the first on Facebook and Twitter, the first to launch a fully integrated online/offline advertising media platform, and the first to make the foray into tablets and mobile devices.

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Download it today from the App store (search Inside Golf Magazine), or scan the QR Code. Alternately, get the link from our website or at http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD.

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

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www.linkshopeisland.com.au *Conditions apply. Please contact Links Hope Island for further details. † Golf Digest Magazine - 2013 Australia’s Top 100 Courses

news

Rory reigns at Royal Liverpool R

IN THIS ISSUE:

6 14 22 23 24 26 28 34 43 44 46 49 52 60 64 66 70 71 72

NEWS The latest golf buzz INDUSTRY The inner-workings of golf COVER STORY We chat with Matt Jones ON TOUR News and stories from the Pros JUNIORS Tomorrow’s stars WOMEN IN GOLF Growing female participation CLUBS Club news AMATEURS ACGC news NEW GEAR The latest and greatest gear FATHER’S DAY FEATURE Great gifts for dad TECHNOLOGY Inside Cobra Puma’s factory RULES Rule 28: Unplayable ball INSTRUCTION Top tips to play better SENIOR AMATEURS Results and events CALENDAR Results, news and tournaments 19TH HOLE The best parts of golf YOUR VOICE Your letters and comments DEMO DATES Test-drive the latest gear

www .insid egolf .com .au

GOLF DIRECTORY Great deals around Australia

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

e 10

// AUG

2014

ORY McIlroy has etched his name in history, following a dominant wire-to-wire win at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

With rounds of 66, 66, 68 and 71, McIlroy’s 17-under-par, 271 total was two shots better than American Rickie Fowler and the fast-finishing Sergio Garcia, who both finished on -15.

Rounding out the top-5 were Jim Furyk (4th, -13) and Aussies Marc Leishman and Adam Scott, who finished T5 on -12.

With a six-shot lead going into the final round, many assumed that a McIlroy victory was a certainty. But—as we all know—nothing is ever certain in golf. Despite a birdie on his opening hole—extending his lead to seven shots—Rory stumbled with consecutive bogeys on 5 and 6, before righting the ship with a birdie on 9, finishing even with the card with a 35 on the front-nine. Garcia, meanwhile, sank three birdies on the front, making up 3 shots on McIlroy and finishing with a 32 on the front.

The back-nine on a Sunday at a Major is usually where the drama unfolds, and this year’s Open was no different. An Eagle on 10 by Garcia edged him one shot closer to McIlroy, who only managed a birdie on the short par-5. A bogey on 13

by McIlroy added further fuel to Garcia’s run, cutting the lead to just two.

Garcia’s hopes were dashed, however, on the par-3 15th, as he failed to escape a pot bunker, leading to a bogey. Birdies

by Garcia on 16 and 18 were not enough to undo the damage, as McIlroy finished birdie-par-par to win the Claret Jug. In winning the Open, McIlroy claimed his third major title— with his 2011 US Open and 2012 US PGA victories—and at 25 years old is the third-youngest in history to win three of the four majors, behind Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. He is also well positioned to win the career “Grand Slam”, needing just a Masters victory to join Nicklaus, Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen as the only players who have won all four majors in their career.

For Garcia, it was a third runner-up finish in a major and a 19th top-10, while Fowler recorded his third top-five in this year’s majors after finishing fifth at the Masters.

Rory McIlroy with the spoils of victory (Photo courtesy of The Open Championship) For Leishman and Scott, they can walk away with their heads high, despite the disappointment of not claiming the hardware. Leishman’s stunning 7-under-par 65 on Sunday could have been even better, as a pair of Eagle attempts on 16 and 18 both narrowly missed going in. Scotty, meanwhile, has been in contention for the last three Open Championships, so one can only hope that a Claret Jug is in

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL SCORES – TOP 5 POS

Player

final ROUND

R1

R2

R3

R4

TOTAL

1

McIlroy, Rory

-1

66

66

68

71

271

T2

Fowler, Rickie

-5

69

69

68

67

273

T2

Garcia, Sergio

-6

68

70

69

66

273

4

Furyk, Jim

-7

68

71

71

65

275

T5

Leishman, Marc

-7

69

72

70

65

276

T5

Scott, Adam

-6

68

73

69

66

276

AUSSIES POS

Player

final ROUND

R1

R2

R3

R4

TOTAL

T54

Jones, Matt

+1

71

74

72

73

290

T58

Day, Jason

-1

73

73

74

71

291

T58

Senden, John

-1

71

74

75

71

291

72

Gibson, Rhein

+6

72

74

74

78

298

CUT

Rumford, Brett

75

73

148

CUT

Macpherson, Bryden

90

80

170

news

Griffin glorious in Korea; looks ahead to Fiji A

ustralia’s Matt Griffin continued his love affair with Korea, claiming his third win in the country at last month’s Korean PGA Championship.

The talented Victorian overcame a strong field at Sky72 Golf Club, near Incheon, via bogey-free rounds on the opening 36 holes, followed by back-to-back 66s at the weekend for a 20-under total of 268 and a three-stroke advantage over Moon Kyong-jun.

The victory earned Griffin a tidy 200,000,000 Korean won (approximately A$207,000), and represents his third win in Korea, including victory at the 2012 High1 Resort Open and the 2013 SK Telecom Open. Both wins were on OneAsia, the latter helping him to the number one spot on the OneAsia Order of Merit.

Following the win, Griffin announced that he will return to Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, the place that helped launch his career, for the inaugural Fiji International from 14-17 August.

Griffin won the 2009 Fiji Open and will return to the challenging course with fond memories.

“Being a previous winner gives me a big advantage heading into the tournament,” said Griffin.

“I have played the course a number of times and feel confident around the testing layout.

Given the strong winds expected having previous knowledge will be a big advantage.”

Now a more experienced player, Griffin will

Matt Griffin (Photo: Korean Tour) be one of the favourites to win the inaugural Fiji International.

“I have continued to develop under my coach Denis McDade and I feel my game is a lot more consistent than it was back in 2009,” added Griffin.

“In 2009 I missed a lot of cuts and only

played well occasionally whereas now I feel I give myself more chances to win.”

With Major winners Vijay Singh and Nick Price as well as Indian rising star Anirban Lahiri also in the field Griffin acknowledges that the competition will be fierce.

“But there are a number of great players playing the Fiji International and many that can take the prize come Sunday.”

“I have always expected a lot of myself on the course which motivates me to work hard to prepare and give myself a chance to win.”

Since his last trip to Fiji, Griffin has twice won on the PGA Tour of Australasia most recently at the Victorian Open in February.

He is also the 2013 OneAsia Order of Merit champion, a Tour where he has notched a further two titles.

“Winning a professional event is a tough thing to do and until you win one you’re not sure you can do it,” continued Griffin.

“Getting that win in Fiji gave me the confidence that I could and I have been fortunate to keep doing it.”

“Having had a number of wins I know if I am in the mix come Sunday then I can give myself a chance to win the Fiji International.”

The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 14-17 August and will be Fiji’s first internationally broadcast golf tournament.

Being played for a US$1 million prize purse the Fiji International will be co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia. •

Cobra Puma Golf to help find Australia’s next top golfer The PGA Tour of Australasia has announced Cobra Puma Golf as the presenting partner of the 2014 Qualifying School.

Each year the PGA Tour of Australasia stages Qualifying School, which provides an opportunity for the country’s brightest golf talents to earn status on the Tour.

Renowned for their youthful approach to golf equipment and sports apparel, Cobra Puma Golf is an ideal fit for the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Qualifying School.

The first stage of PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School presented

by Cobra Puma Golf will be held from 17-19 December at Riverside Oaks in New South Wales, Sandhurst Club in Victoria and Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort in Queensland.

With a maximum of 90 positions at each venue the number of players progressing to the final stage to be played at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club from 6-9 January 2015 will be decided on a pro-rata basis following the first round.

The incentive to perform well will be even higher this year with Cobra Puma Golf also introducing their Cobra Puma Golf Next Gen Squad.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

7

news

New clubhouse a boost for Huntingdale Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

M

elbourne’s Huntingdale Golf Club will officially open their $11.2 million clubhouse this month, capping a 3½ year project to develop a welcoming, flexible and modern community facility.

The building, designed by Inarc Architects Pty Ltd, features grand views of the course throughout. A large, central kitchen and bar area is cleverly positioned to service both the well-appointed members lounge as well as the state-of-the-art function centre which can accommodate up to 220 people. It also features many modern amenities, like the inclusion of Wi-Fi throughout the facility, as well as a business centre and several multiuse board and function rooms which can be used by Members for work and personal needs. A gym facility is also in the plans.

The new clubhouse will not only give current members a stunning, modern facility, it also allows the club to continue to focus on its core business of major events, interstate and international tourists, corporate golf and conferencing. In addition, it is also generating many new memberships.

“The new clubhouse has supported a spike in new memberships and membership enquires,” explains Stewart Fenton, General Manager. “More than ever, prospective members are looking for more than just a golf course. They are looking for a complete package. Whilst the golf course will always be the key priority, members and prospective members are looking for a club where they can be proud to entertain their family and friends, to work away from the office and to

participate in social activities and make new friends.

The 15-month construction project was not without its setbacks, however. Despite extensive testing prior to demolishing the old building, the Club encountered significant asbestos problems when the remnants of an old farmhouse was discovered a metre under the old concrete slab. This caused a twomonth delay to construction and cost the club an un-budgeted $698,000.

“We advised the membership that, due to the asbestos cost, the Club would delay the associated car park works until such time as the funds were available,” Fenton says.

But in a massive show of support for the Club, the Members responded to this news with direct donations of some $645,000, and the car park was started immediately.

“This just doesn’t happen in golf clubs and I think goes to show the genuine love for the

BOB WEIR’s

Club and strong sense of community and camaraderie that exists within Huntingdale Golf Club.”

“Huntingdale has always been a strong community club. We are very family orientated with strong junior programs and a growing, vibrant ladies membership. We have over 80 kids as young as five participating in our junior programs both after school and on weekends.

“We run competitions every day of the week for our members and the number of rounds is closely monitored and maintained to ensure the golf course is in great nick all year around.

Round times are a comfortable four hours on most occasions and we ensure that members always have easy access to the golf course without the crowds of many private clubs.”

The club have implemented a number of changes to their membership structure to ensure membership remains relevant with

the times. Flexible membership options include a five-year payment plan on the entrance fee and monthly and quarterly subscription payment options. They have moved away from maintaining a long waiting list, streamlined the joining process including introducing limited opportunities for prospective members moving from interstate or from another golf club that may not know any existing Members, introduced a range of junior membership initiatives with lower entrance fees, introduced family memberships and released a new corporate transferable membership in recent years.

“The Club has benefited significantly from these changes, in particular in attracting younger members. Our average age is in the high forties which is very low for a traditional private club and reflects the great social atmosphere around the Club with a very family friendly environment.”

Naturally, with the new clubhouse now completed, the question on many golfers’ minds surrounds the potential return of the Australian Masters to the club.

“We are on the five course rotation for the Australian Masters and are hopeful that the Masters will return to Huntingdale in the near future now that our state-of-the art clubhouse has been completed,” Fenton explains.

For further information on Huntingdale Golf Club including membership opportunities, function and corporate event enquires, group or interstate bookings or their women or junior programs contact the Club on 03 9579 4622 or email info@huntingdalegolf.com.au or www.huntingdalegolf.com.au •

1811 Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road, Chandler, Brisbane, Qld 4157 PH 07 3245 4441

Email capalabagolf@bigpond.com www.capalabagolf.com Opening Hours Monday 10am-8pm Tuesday-Friday 8am-8pm Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 8am-6pm Public Holidays (as advised) Closed Christmas Day This is a facility where golfers or non golfer of all ages can practice their golf swing, or start to learn. 32 UNDERCOVER HITTING BAYS - SO RAIN HAIL OR SHINE WE ARE OPEN There is a designated grass tee area for use with your irons if you prefer and areas for chip shots, bunker shots and putting Top quality Srixon golf balls are used Bucket sizes 50 and 95 balls We provide kids under 12 with free clubs

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Bring this ad in for a free large bucket of golf balls

news

Industry unites to build a new home of golf

T

of this fabulous project. The development of the proposed Home of Golf will provide our sport with world class training and development facilities that will be available to Victorian golfers of all levels,” said Simon Brookhouse, Chief Executive Officer for Golf Victoria.

he PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and Golf Victoria have joined forces on a new project which could lead to the most significant contribution to industry collaboration in decades.

Over the last 12 months the three administrative bodies, led by their respective Chief Executive Officers Brian Thorburn, Stephen Pitt and Simon Brookhouse, have been actively lobbying both Federal and State Governments in an attempt to secure funding to build a national ‘Home of Golf.’

“The development of this project reflects the collaborative approach that the major golfing bodies in this country are taking to grow our great game.”

To date, the project has received positive support from all levels of Government.

A purpose-built development to serve the entire industry, the parties believe the National Home of Golf will help to grow the game and ensure a sustainable and successful long-term future through the development of world-class educational, training, research and administration facilities.

The unification of the administration areas of PGA, Golf Australia and Golf Victoria would provide improved services to the 1,650 golf courses, 140 golf driving ranges and 2,200 PGA Professionals around Australia; the benefits of which will be seen by the approximate 1.2 million Australian golf participants.

“For years industry fragmentation has hampered our collaborative efforts, so there’s no bigger move than to have the key players operating under one roof,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA. “A true Home of Golf would be the first yet most significant step towards a unified future for our industry, with the benefits to be felt through all levels of our game.”

Estimated to carry a $32 million price tag, the planned development will help to ensure a sustainable future for the game through

On their most recent trip to Canberra, Thorburn and Pitt were joined by PGA Member Director and Tournament Professional Peter O’Malley for a series of meetings with Government representatives.

Peter O’Malley, Stephen Pitt and Brian Thorburn at Parliament House the development of world-class educational, training, research and administration facilities.

Stephen Pitt, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Australia.

The facility would benefit all levels of golfers from beginners to elite players, ensuring growth at a local, regional, state, national and Olympic program level.

“The adjoining Museum and Hall of Fame concept gives the sport the chance to pay tribute to those who have made a huge contribution to Australian golf and it becomes a place of interest for Australian golf fans to visit.”

“As a sport, it’s important that we continually look for ways to work more closely together and the Home of Golf would be a significant step forward in that process. The potential impact that the property would have runs well beyond efficiencies in administration – there is the potential to make it a shining light in research and development, training and athlete preparation in Australian sport,” said

Since the origins of the project Melbourne was identified as the preferred location for the facility, with Elsternwick Park being considered as a potential base.

Golf Victoria is optimistic about the project’s potential for the state’s industry.

“Golf Victoria is extremely excited to be part

Discussions have since continued with the consortium committed to pursuing all avenues to give the project its best chance of success.

Elite players including Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy have put their names forward in support of the project with the Australian Golf Industry Council, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Society of Australian Golf Course Architects, Golf Management Australia and the Australian Sporting Goods Association also supportive, understanding the clear benefits for the entire industry.

The project is yet another example of the industry’s commitment to collaboration and follows the recent announcement that for the very first time the PGA and Golf Australia are championing a single, unified national junior golf program, MyGolf. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

9

news

Big Hole Golf starting to sink in weren’t necessarily interested in cricket.

David Newbery

“I ask people if they have played Big Hole Golf and they say, ‘no, but I’d like the sound of it’.

david@insidegolf.com.au

B

IG Hole Golf, a game played with an eight-inch cup, is starting to gain momentum in Australia with the US and Canada showing interest.

“They all want to have a go. I want Big Hole Golf to drive participation.”

Blair has also devised a new mode of play and scoring called Fastball.

Murray Blair, a PGA professional from Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club in the ACT, owns and manages the concept.

“It allows social golfers to have fun in a competition without needing a handicap,” he explained.

He told Inside Golf that New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and ACT golf clubs had joined the Big Hole Golf revolution.

“When you use this mode of play with the bigger holes, it means golf clubs are engaging more with their social golfers, which in turn boosts membership.”

“Another 25-30 clubs are about to introduce the concept and we hope to have 50 clubs involved quite soon,” he said.

Fastball is a two-person event, which is a combination of foursomes and ambrose.

“Two US clubs, one in Idaho and another Ohio, and another in Alberta, Canada have started Big Hole Golf.

It allows people without a handicap to enter a competition.

Now Blair is planning a national Big Hole Golf Challenge to be staged later this year or early next year.

“Big Hole Golf is a simple and exciting way of bringing more golfers through your doors, increasing your club’s revenues and making the game of golf a lot more fun.”

“The national Big Hole Golf Challenge will require a regular club golfer to recruit a new golfer so they can participate in this twoperson event,” he said.

Using an eight-inch (20.320cm) cup, which is roughly double the size of a normal golf hole 4¼-inch (10.8cm), has its advantages.

“We have had a few trial events at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club in Canberra and have attracted between 40-50 players.

“Using the bigger cup means an 18-hole round of golf is 30 per cent faster,” Blair said.

“You can shave close to an hour off 18 holes because the hole is bigger and the rules state you must keep the flag in the cup when putting.

golfers and families to the game, provide the pathway to club golf membership and increase participation through a national event.

“That speeds up play because there is no need to mark your ball and line it up from six feet – just bang it in.”

“By changing the game by four inches means you don’t lose the values and traditions of the game,” Blair added.

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“A recent golf survey in Australia found that two-thirds, more than 65 per cent, of golfers are social and recreational golfers.

“All we are doing is tweaking the game slightly to attract more people to golf.

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“The feedback has been incredible with clubs as far afield as Idaho in the US and Alberta in Canada contacting us to order Big Hole Kits.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Big Hole Golf and the Fastball rules can contact Murray Blair at info@bigholegolf. com or visit www.bigholegolf.com •

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news

Mildura redevelopment slow, but steady Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

M

ildura Golf Resort’s multi-million dollar redevelopment remains up to five years away from completion.

Changes to its 18-hole golf course got underway in November 2011 and were expected to take up to five years from that point but progress has been slow. Eleven of the course’s 18 holes will have been majorly changed by the time the redevelopment of the course is finished but only four have been re-done to date.

Mildura’s new second and third holes were opened to members in May 2012 but since then only the new 16th and 17th holes have been completed.

“The first stage was probably the hardest in the sense of finding out how to do things. The second stage is going a lot more smoothly,” says Mildura Golf Resort President Greg Buchanan.

The Resort has backed its decision to always have 18 holes available to members while it carries out the course’s redevelopment. “We committed to maintaining an 18-hole par71 golf course, so we’ve got to get the new holes done before we can redevelop any of the existing fairways,” Buchanan says.

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Resort’s facelift will also see its on-site accommodation double from 40 rooms to 80 while the sale of 100 parcels of on-course land is in the second of four phases. “Over the next three, four, five years, however long it takes to develop, you’re going to have 100 houses on site,” says Mildura’s Executive Director Nick Cavallo. “Stage one was 30 sites, which have all been sold and owners are now in the process of building houses on them.

Stage two, the earthworks are now being done. There are 26 sites and there are five remaining to be sold. We hope to have stage two done including roads by Christmas time.”

The course’s new 16th and 17th holes have replaced the 10th and 11th holes, which will become housing. In 2011, the Resort expressed hopes of surpassing Murray Downs as the premier golf destination in the Sunraysia district. Cavallo says Mildura is well on the way to becoming a prominent tourist hotspot for the region. “The course and the golf are there, the houses and the development is pretty special and together it’s going to be quite a spectacular place in a couple of years time,” Cavallo predicts. “On course living, five minutes from town, ten minutes from the airport, the whole package will be pretty special.”

Mildura has also purchased new maintenance machinery over the past two months, which it says has been financed

by strong memberships renewals, gaming and clubhouse spending. “Membership and numbers of people playing golf are increasing; it’s the total combination of clubhouse, golf, redevelopment, which allows things to stay pretty sustainable,” Cavallo admits.

Buchanan says most of the new holes, which have been redesigned by Davey Shearer Golf Design, are more difficult than the originals. “The old course was based on flood irrigations with big, flat greens and

the new greens are much more challenging.

The bunkers have vastly improved, different shapes, beautiful sand in them; deeper. I guess there’s a bit more of a championship feel about it but we’re still aiming to have a golf course that everyone enjoys.”

Buchanan has revealed the overall consensus from members regarding the course redesign has been positive. “Everyone is really pleased with the new 16th and 17th holes. They recognise they’re getting a new course, that’s pretty universally acknowledged.” •

news

Lynwood CC, Castle Hill RSL explore amalgamation S

YDNEY’S Lynwood Country Club and Castle Hill RSL Club Group have announced the commencement of formal partnership discussions to pursue opportunities for amalgamation.

young golfers not only at the game of golf but also in Youth Leadership Programs.”

Clubs NSW CEO Anthony Ball welcomed the announcement.

“Castle Hill RSL Group plays a vital role in the Hills and Parramatta Communities and commends both the RSL and the Lynwood Country Club for initiating this discussion.

Over the years we’ve seen clubs shut their doors because they have waited too long for amalgamation. That’s why it is so important that these clubs are working together to make sure that the Lynwood Country Club continues to do great work in the community”.

Like many clubs across Australia, Lynwood has been challenged by the ongoing financial viability of the club, with increasing cost pressures, cashflow challenges and difficult trading conditions. And they are not alone: A recent KPMG survey showed that 64% of the NSW Golf Clubs in NSW are in or at risk of financial distress. One percent of NSW Golf Clubs close every year, with 110 clubs in NSW now closed or amalgamated.

To combat these pressures, Lynwood put out an Expression of Interest to the industry 12 months ago, seeking a potential amalgamation partner. Castle Hill was receptive to the request due to their community ties with the northwest sector, particularly in the Hawkesbury region.

“The Board of Lynwood Country Club is delighted to confirm partnership discussions with Castle Hill RSL regarding a proposed amalgamation,” said Tony Sgro, President of Lynwood Country Club. “The Boards of both clubs are working on a Memorandum of Understanding proceeding Deed of Agreement.

“The Lynwood vision is to develop our facility to be one of the premier golfing and leisure facilities in Sydney. This amalgamation

Lynwood Country Club with such a significant partner as Castle Hill RSL will maximise the possibility of this vision coming to fruition. We at Lynwood are looking forward to this amalgamation opportunity with much anticipation and excitement”.

Castle Hill RSL’s Group General Manager David O’Neil echoed Sgro’s sentiments.

“The Board and management of the Castle Hill RSL Group are excited about the opportunity to further develop a premier nationally recognised Links Golf Course in the Hawkesbury region developing a future strategy for Lynwood Country Club

transforming it into the social community hub for the Hawkesbury and Northwest sector through the provision of a Links golf course, accommodation, functions, café, restaurant and sporting infrastructure.”

“Lynwood Country Club would be a perfect addition to our diverse sporting activities and our commitment to sport and our youth development programs would be a perfect synergy.

“It is our intention to invest in Lynwood Country Club and we have a desire to establish a Junior Golf Academy, nurturing

Lynwood Country Club takes its name from Lynwood House, a colonial style cottage built in the first quarter of the 1800’s. The links style course is spread over 54 hectares, set amongst the Hawkesbury River, Pitt Town Lagoon and surrounding farmlands. The 18hole course offers pristine facilities including a two-tiered grassed 300m driving range, short game practice facility, bunkers, water obstacles and wide fairways.

The Castle Hill RSL Club Group consists of the parent entity the Castle Hill RSL Club, C2K Fitness and Aquatic Centre and the Parramatta RSL Club. The Group has a membership of approximately 47,000 members which has increased by in excess of 27,000 during the past decade. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

13

from the ceo

Brian Thorburn

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

CEO – PGA of Australia

F

L

ast month I had the opportunity to travel to Coober Pedy with a group of PGA Members from the Performance Golf group. Whilst seemingly a strange place for a golf-related business trip, the visit was part of the Remote Golf program, which has been taking our game to the far corners of Australia. It’s always a positive experience to see the ways in which our members and those within the wider community help to grow participation, particularly in nontraditional golf areas, and this was yet another opportunity to realise the potential our game has at the grassroots level. I commend everyone involved with this program and look forward to it developing into the future with the continued support of the PGA and PGA Members.

The PGA Tour of Australasia is now back underway for the second half of the 2014 season with two tournaments to be contested in August, the Fiji International and the Isuzu QLD Open, and events to follow in each of the remaining months of the year.

Again, the schedule traverses most Australian states and we encourage golf fans to get out and support our local Tour when it comes to town. As we’ve seen in recent years the Tour continues to produce some of Australia’s next top talents, and we’re extremely proud of the standard of golf being delivered. The full PGA Tour of Australasia schedule can be found at www.pga.org.au.

Whilst on our website, the PGA is in the process of launching a new look www.pga.org.au which will boast significant

or many years, club membership has been the cornerstone of Australian golf and for most of the last decade our national membership has ranged between 450,000 and 400,000. Like many other similar golfing countries, membership in Australia has faced a small annual decline in recent years and clubs have been forced to find a greater level of non-member revenue to ensure their viability.

new features for golf fans including new and improved scoring functionality, player profiles and broader content across all areas of the game. If you haven’t visited the site recently I encourage you to do so. I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the improved features, particularly heading into the summer of golf.

Finally I’d like to pay a mention to one of our Tournament Members Jarrod Lyle, who by the time this goes to print will have made his return to the Web.com Tour and will now be preparing to tee it up on the PGA TOUR. Jarrod’s journey over the last few years has been heavily publicised and as Jarrod has said on numerous occasions, the support he has received has been incredible. As he now takes his final steps to returning to where his life left off two years ago, on behalf of everyone at the PGA I wish Jarrod his wife Briony and daughter Lusi all the very best for the next stage of their life.

Jarrod’s story has been incredibly humbling and inspiring for so many and I wish him well for the next stage of his career and life.

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A key area for clubs to attract and maintain members is to ensure the product they are offering is enticing to potential members and cannot be sourced from other sources. This is why it is so critical for clubs to look carefully at what they offer to their members and to be aware of new ideas that will engage members more strongly with their golf club.

A program that I have been really impressed with recently is Golf Premier League which started at the Latrobe Golf Club in Melbourne and now is being run at 22 clubs throughout Victoria. It was the brainchild of the popular and enthusiastic club pro Tony Craswell who wanted to add a new dimension to the golf program at his club.

Latrobe GC has run the program for over five years and they have found their retention and rate of play has improved and they have experienced strong uplift in their food and beverage sales. In addition they have dramatically strengthened the engagement the club has with a large portion of their members and increased the interaction between members of different ages, genders and talents. A great strength of the program

is that members don’t alter the way they play their golf and there is absolutely no requirement to change the competitions or events that clubs run.

Basically the way GPL works closely resembles a footy season. At Latrobe GC there are now 16 teams of 11 members who play each other during the course of a defined season. There are eight matches each round, with the five best scores from each team being used to determine the team score and subsequent winner. A ladder is kept and at the end of the season the top teams play off in a final series that culminates in a grand final.

The GPL website solution to administrating the league allows all aspects like the number of teams, number of players and counting scores plus the length and timing of the season be set to suit what works best for the individual club. In addition, clubs can run additional functions around the season like a draft night or a Brownlow/Dally M, which have proven to be extremely popular and well supported. Clubs or golfers wanting to explore how GPL at their club can go to www.golfpl.com.au to get more information.

There are some terrific stories from participating clubs about the interest it has generated with members, including one tale where a team member had a four footer to make the grand final on a green ringed with members. Sadly, he missed!

The last word on this belongs to Tony Craswell who said recently, “I’m not sure any golf club in Australia has had as much fun as Latrobe GC over the past five years.”

Fun – at the end of the day that is the most important part of any golf club offering to their members and it should be what being a golf club member is all about!

from the ceo Coca-Cola reaffirms golf commitment

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

T

he world of golf recently had the opportunity to witness something unique when the US Men’s and Women’s Opens were held at the magnificent Pinehurst number 2 course over consecutive weeks.

Even though there was some scepticism about the events being held back to back, I think that from all of the stakeholders’ perspectives the outcomes were extremely positive. From the USGA’s perspective they saved a huge amount of money on costs as there was only one set of infrastructure required and only one team of officials at one venue. From the players’ perspective I think that the men were not affected in any adverse way, they played the course first, and as they would normally, not a piece of grass out of place and perfect greens. From the women’s side, there were mixed reactions when the back to back Opens were first announced, with many high-profile players openly critical of the controversial concept.

By the time the event was underway most of the LPGA players who had initially thought the idea was a slight on Women’s Golf had spun a 180 and were now seeing this as a huge opportunity. Never before had the US Women’s Open received so much pretournament publicity and interest.

I know that many of the LPGA members and other competitors due to play the following week were glued to their TV screens watching the Men’s Open, and I know that there were many caddies also watching with their yardage books and notebook and pen in hand!

A top course and big crowds brought smiles to many faces at this year’s US Women’s Open, including Australia’s Minjee Lee (Photo: John Mummert) Many of the women playing arrived at Pinehurst on the Sunday and I know quite a few enjoyed inside the ropes access watching Martin Kaymer cruising to his first US Open title. One of the first players on the green to congratulate Martin was fellow German professional Sandra Gal. Michelle Wie, the eventual winner of the Women’s Open was given yardage books by Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley and she attributed their notes to being a big factor in her victory.

In short, the experiment was a successful one, and shows that the combination or integration or whatever you want to call it of the women’s and men’s professional events can be a very positive experience for everyone involved. Golf Victoria were the first to experiment with a similar kind of strategy when in 2012 they resurrected the women’s

Victorian Open and held it alongside the Men’s Open. In 2012 the event was held over two courses at Spring Valley and Woodlands and was a great success, and has continued to grow in stature since moving to the magnificent 13th Beach course at Barwon Heads in 2013. There are two courses at 13th Beach, and this enables the crowds to watch the ladies and men in action at the same venue.

I genuinely believe that the model for this event is something that every state in Australia should consider. For those who were at 13th Beach in February this year and witnessed the huge galleries following as Minjee Lee and Matt Griffin won their respective titles, will have been left with no doubt that Golf Victoria has created a very special event.

The PGA of Australia (PGA) and CocaCola Amatil (CCA) have announced the continuation of their major partnership, taking the relationship through to the end of 2018.

The renewed agreement will see CCA refocus its Australian golf strategy with even greater emphasis on providing its market leading products and premium service to PGA Professionals at golf facilities around Australia.

“Coca-Cola Amatil is committed to promoting and growing the game of golf whilst supporting our PGA Membership in all facets of their business, and we look forward to achieving great results in the coming years,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA. Shane Richardson, CCA’s Managing Director Licensed & Alcohol, said that he was delighted to extend the successful partnership.

“Coca-Cola and the PGA are two powerful global brands which will continue to deliver strong results to both parties,” Mr Richardson said.

“The golfing market is a prestigious and valuable one for us and we look forward to delivering our great brands and customer service for the next five years.”

Through the renewed partnership CCA will continue its involvement with the CCA Invitational, a corporate golf event designed specifically for CCA and its clients by the PGA, as well as its support for the PGA Professionals Championship, State Based PGA Tour of Australasia events and the Australian PGA Championship.

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

15

industry news

Mandalay celebrates as clubhouse breaks ground F ollowing the recent completion of Club Mandalay’s 18-hole golf course, celebrations continued last month as Mandalay broke ground on its crowning feature, the $8 million “Club Mandalay” golf clubhouse and recreational facility.

The clubhouse facility will complement the already playable Peter Thomson designed, 18-hole golf course, located in Beveridge, north of Melbourne. Residents, members and golfers alike will enjoy the well appointed bar and bistro facilities, Pro Shop, function room and locker rooms. The Clubhouse will also provide residents with exclusive access to the fully equipped gym, 25m heated outdoor swimming pool and kids’ water play area.

Architecturally designed by Bayley Ward, Club Mandalay will maximise views over the golf course and parkland surrounding parklands with floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of natural lighting to complement the building’s natural materials and neutral palette.

Avid Sports Management, led by PGA Professional and Managing Director James Cooper, will operate Club Mandalay. James is no stranger to the opening of golf facilities of this calibre after being instrumental in the opening and development of Moonah Links, The Dunes, Natadola Bay in Fiji and more recently Golf Central Brisbane Airport.

The Par 72 golf course measures 6,285 metres from the black tees and offers spectacular vistas and superb playing surfaces. The Mandalay layout takes players on a journey through the beautifully landscaped parklands and the

Artist’s rendering of the Club Mandalay clubhouse. multiple tee options that offer players of all skill levels an enjoyable challenge. The strategically positioned and visually spectacular bunkers will be one of the more memorable facets of the Mandalay Golf Course.

“The golf course at Mandalay has grown-in beautifully and has matured well beyond its years. The rolling fairways are reminiscent of a Peter Thomson design, and reflect his love for links golf. The green shapes and bunkers are also incredibly unique, and I believe a standout feature of the Mandalay Golf Course. The clubhouse will put the finishing touches on what is sure to be an awarding winning facility,” said Cooper “Club Mandalay is a fantastic addition to golf in Victoria and in particular to Melbourne’s North. We have been delighted

by the feedback from players who have already experienced the course, and we are already gaining keen interest for membership and corporate events.” Cooper added For more information: www.mandalaybeveridge.com.au or visit the Sales Office located at 1 Mandalay Circuit, Beveridge (open daily from 11a.m. – 5 p.m.)

New Membership Category at Links Hope Island Links Hope Island recently announced the imminent launch of a new category of membership.

The membership, reasonably priced at $3,500 per year, offers a range of benefits and privileges including 7-day course access without payment of Green Fees, access to full clubhouse facilities and locker rooms, use of Aquatic Driving Range and practice facilities, entry into all daily competitions and Honour Board events, preferred Green Fee for accompanied guests, Full access to extensive reciprocal club network and Maintenance of Golf Australia handicap.

“With the recent change of majority shareholder, we are pleased to be expanding our membership options for local golfers,” said Mark Holland Executive General Manager. “The new membership is non equity based and initial feedback from the local community has been very positive. An added benefit for new members are preferred rates at our sister course Noosa Springs Golf & Country Club”.

For more information contact Links Hope Island on (07) 5530 9000 or via e-mail golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au Keep up with us online:

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industry news

Victorian Golf Industry celebrates significant achievements T he Victorian Golf Industry came together last month to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and clubs to the sport in 2013.

Representatives from the PGA of Australia, Golf Victoria and Golf Management Victoria gathered at the Southern Golf Club to witness Kel Llewellyn being inducted into the Victorian Golf Industry Hall of Fame.

Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia opened the evening highlighting outstanding performance of the golf industry in 2013 and that the industry continues to work together in order to harness all opportunities.

“2013 was a significant year in Australian golf and tonight we take the opportunity to celebrate the highest achievers in Victoria and recognise those that influenced the game to where we have it today,” Thorburn.

“Over the last 12 months the industry has continued to work collaboratively sharing ideas and successes and look forward to continuing this in the years to come.”

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon. Damian Drum MCL addressed the audience communicating his passion for the game and recognising the importance of golf in Australia.

The evening celebrated the collaboration of the Victorian Golf Industry highlighted by PGA Professional Alan Patterson who was honoured to be awarded the Bruce Green Victorian Club Professional of the Year title for his work at the Patterson River Golf Club.

Patterson has worked together with the club to grow membership and increase junior and female participation.

The Victorian Teaching Professional of the Year was awarded to PGA Professional Tony Collier for his dedication to junior development in the western region of Victoria.

Throughout 2013 it was estimated Collier coached over 9,000 juniors, conducted over 500 junior clinics and coordinated over 20 school tournaments totalling 1500 participants.

Also recognising the playing prowess of those in the Victorian golf community, Tour Professional Euan Walters was presented with the 2012/2013 Victorian Order of Merit trophy.

Highlighting the bright future of the game in Victoria was Su-Hyun Oh who won the Leading Female Amateur for the second consecutive year which included a runner-up finish in the 2013 Volvik RACV Ladies Masters Open.

Todd Sinnot was announced as the Leading Male Amateur of the Year which included a second place in the 2013 Victorian Amateur Championship.

The evening also saw the induction of 15 Trainee graduates as Full Members of the PGA of Australia; however it was Jack Wilson who took the top honours as the Victorian and National Trainee of the Year.

Wilson, who completed his Traineeship at Kingswood Golf Club, performed outstandingly across all areas of the program which included winning the Southern PGA Trainee Championship.

However Wilson’s 2013 was highlighted by becoming the first PGA Trainee to win a PGA Tour of Australasia tournament with his victory at the WA Goldfields PGA Championship.

He went on to capture the attention of the golf industry with a third place finish at the Australian PGA Championship behind Masters Champion Adam Scott and American young gun Rickie Fowler.

Ponting discussed the importance of golf as pastime and how much he enjoys the game, particularly when he was playing competitive cricket as it provided him the opportunity to relax and enjoy time with friends.

He also addressed the endless rumours about him pursuing a career as a Tour Professional revealing that he’s thoroughly enjoying spending time with his family and not having to be in a strong competitive environment.

A night that celebrated the success of the Victorian Golf Industry also highlighted a number of hard working individuals.

“The Victorian golf industry is diverse and complex and relies on many individuals working together to ensure golf thrives in our great sporting state,” said David Tapping, Executive Officer of the Southern Division of the PGA of Australia.

“Through these awards we recognise the achievements of many individuals and I would like to congratulate and thank them for their efforts. It is because of these individuals and many others across the state that we continue to achieve success and I look forward to another outstanding year in 2014.”

The full list of Victorian Golf Industry Award winners on the night included:

Guests were also treated on the night with special guest interviews from Australian Cricket great Ricky Ponting and the 2013 OneAsia Order of Merit winner Matt Griffin.

• Hall of Fame – Kel Llewellyn

Ponting shared with the audience that he was introduced to golf at an early age by his father, who spent time as a PGA Trainee.

• PGA Trainee Pro-Am of the Year – Portarlington Golf Club

Whilst he didn’t actually play the game until later in life he was often a caddy for his dad which planted the seed for the future

• Victorian Teaching Professional of the Year – Tony Collier • Bruce Green Victorian Club Professional – Alan Patterson

• 2013/2014 PGA Pro-Am of the Year: Open prize purse – Penfold Motors Box Hill Pro-Am • 2013/2014 PGA Pro-Am of the Year: prize purse of $10,000 – $20,000 – getwinesdirect Heidelberg Pro-Am www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

17

industry news

Ex-managers reunite “When I started at McLeod Golf Club in the early 1980s, Don and Ted took me under their wing and I’m grateful for that,” Rae said.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

These stories were a common theme at the reunion and the camaraderie among the group remains strong.

A

NYONE who thinks a group of mostly retired golf club managers with more than 400 years’ collective experience are whiling away their time in rocking chairs should think again.

Last year, octogenarian Ted Coker, the doyen of these former golf club managers, received a recognition award for services to the profession from the Club Managers’ Association of America.

Recently 16 ex-managers, mostly from southeast Queensland, descended on Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane for a reunion where each regaled tales of long careers and new beginnings.

Most have retired gracefully (or gratefully), but a few including Ian Hepburn, Brett Kerr, Rae Clarke and Tony Kent continue to work. Of those, only Rae remains in the golf industry as CEO of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation.

Some have joined the army of grey nomads cruising the highways and byways while others like Ted Coker, who retired from Royal Queensland Golf Club 20 years ago, play golf a couple of times a week.

Others play sparingly, but keep active by performing important voluntary administrative work with various golfing bodies.

At the reunion, talk occasionally touched on fiscal and golf industry issues, but mostly it was about the highs and lows of life after long careers in the golf industry.

Of course, many spoke enthusiastically about spending quality time with precious grandchildren. For others it was travel, in Australia and abroad, or caring for ailing life partners.

“I am the only Australian to receive this award and I was very proud to get it,” Ted said.

Max’s services to GMA didn’t go unnoticed as he was awarded life membership in 2013.

REUNION: Former golf club managers (Front row left to right): Margaret Gibson, Rae Clarke, Ted Coker, Max Mason, Don Gregory and Trevor Ward. Middle row (l-r): Ron Armstrong, Tony Rollins, Tony Gibson, Greg Seymour, Max O’Rourke and Brett Kerr. Back row (l-r): Graham Nicholls, Mike Barrett, Russell Purtill, Ian Hepburn and Tony Kent.

Still, there was plenty of friendly banter, laughter and humorous tales of outings while away at Golf Management Australia (GMA) conferences followed by lunch and a round of golf.

Former Nudgee Golf Club general manager and GMA president Max Mason, who organised the get together, said the group planned to meet biannually.

“This (reunion) is about mateship of blokes and ladies who have enjoyed the golf industry and each other’s company over many years,” he said.

Max said simple acts of kindness when he

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started in the golf industry led to long-term friendships.

“My first official appointment was at Toowoomba Golf Club at Middle Ridge in 1990 and the first person to call me was Ted Coker, who was GM at Royal Queensland,” Max said. “Ted offered support and said I should call him if I needed any assistance.”

Max and Ted, with 67 years’ collective service, remain friends and meet regularly for a coffee and a chat.

Rae Clarke, too, hasn’t forgotten the help and support she received from Don Gregory and Ted Coker.

Plans are already underway for another get together later this year.

“Unfortunately Jeremy White couldn’t attend this time because he’s just had a knee reconstruction and Errol Flood and Charlie James are travelling,” Max said.

Errol said he would be “up north” at the time of the reunion.

“Then I’ll go across to Broome, down the coast to Perth and across to Port Augusta.

“Then I’m going on a charity motor scooter ride from Port Augusta to Perth in aid of BeyondBlue. It’s a bit of a challenge but hope to have a fun time. “ FOOTNOTE: Of this group of former golf club managers, Tony Rollins, former Golf Queensland CEO, racked up 49 years’ service to the golf industry followed by Ted Coker (42) and Don Gregory (38). Even the “baby” of the group, 44-year-old Ian Hepburn, spent 20 years in the business. •

industry news

A BIG first for Moore Park

Top gong for Byron Bay Super

B

yron Bay Golf Club Superintendent Shaun Cross has been awarded the prestigious gong for AGCSA Excellence in Golf Course Management, presented in partnership with John Deere. Having won the Queensland award in March, Shaun was automatically nominated for the National Award.

The AGCSA (Australian Golf Course Superintendent’s Association) awards are judged on a criterion of commitment to excellence, maintenance techniques, innovation and community consultation. The award honours the turf industry’s outstanding achievers and Cross now stands alongside previous winners who represent a veritable “who’s who” of the Australian golf course maintenance industry.

“In my 11 years at the club we have built a wonderful and dedicated course crew – in my opinion the best team in the country,” cross said. “I would also like to thank the Golf Club Board for sharing my vision and in particular our past Captain Mark Wilson and our current Captain Peter Sinclair. Thanks also to Mum and Dad for forcing me into an apprenticeship and huge thanks to my wife Tammy for all your love and support over the past 20 years.”

Cross is attributed with “transforming the Byron Bay Golf Course, in the space of 10 years, from a ‘good track’ to a first class Regional golf course” and this award attests to his professional standards which has seen the course climb to 73rd in the 2013 Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses in Australia as published by a national golf magazine.

Shaun’s winning submission included the initial State nomination made by Byron Bay Club Captain, Peter Sinclair which was endorsed by Peter Lonergan, President

Byron Bay Golf Club’s Superintendent Shaun Cross with his wife Tammy of the AGCSA, as the most impressive nomination received. The submission was further enhanced by the personal references contributed by two of Australia’s most popular professional golfers, Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Senior, both golfers having played the course numerous times during the annual staging of the PGA Legends Tour Championships there.

“Byron Bay Golf Course is always in excellent condition due to the expertise of Shaun and his management skills.” said Baker-Finch, who won there in 2011. “I believe Byron Bay Golf Course should be a model course for all superintendents to visit and copy Shaun’s standards.”

Three-time Tournament winner at Byron Bay, Peter Senior concurred when he said, “I have played the tournament there for three years and can’t believe how good the course is presented. This is how a golf course should be set up. This is the best conditioned country golf course we play on.”

I

n what is believed to be a world first in the golf industry, Sydney’s Moore Park Golf has installed a giant LED screen at its driving range to provide a host of new entertainment options to golfing enthusiasts and patrons of Moore Park Golf and the Sydney Golf Academy.

The high definition screen will be used for a range of golfing coaching, events, golf activity and entertainment, including live large group golf tuition with real time camera feed of the golf pro on the screen, live demos from golf equipment manufacturers, screening of major sporting events, social media interaction with capabilities for live tweets to be shown on screen, and the ability to customise content for golf, corporate and coaching events.

The new addition is 6.6m in height, weighs 6.2 tonnes and features a 22m2 screen composed of 442,840 LEDs, surrounded by a custom-built protective net. It is secured by 2m long ground screws and will screen at an HD 720P quality.

“To complement the new screen, we have installed a full audio system across 40 of the driving range bays, allowing sound and vision simultaneously,” said Erich Weber, General Manager, Moore Park Golf.

“A live camera feed will also allow us real time projection of activity on the range, which will be great for en masse training and demonstration events. This really is a leap forward for the golf industry and complements the more than $3 million that has recently been invested in Moore Park Golf’s facilities.”

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www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

19

PGA Championship Preview

Logic says Rory or Martin, but …

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

O

FTENTIMES logic goes out the window when trying to pick a winner of the year’s final major – the US PGA Championship.

Still, if you listen to logic then Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy are the players of choice.

In June, Kaymer captured the US Open and a month earlier won the Players’ Championship.

Rory, well, he’s a class act. This year he won the BMW PGA Championship as well as The Open Championship, missing just one cut in 21 starts on the US and European tours.

More importantly, both players are former world number ones and have already lifted the Wanamaker Trophy – Kaymer in 2010 and McIlroy in 2012.

Kaymer this year has missed just three cuts playing in the US and Europe and, at the time of writing, was fourth on the US PGA Tour money list with more than $4m and €1.6 on the European Tour.

So, logic points to Kaymer or McIlroy winning the 98-year-old US PGA Championship at Valhalla GC, Louisville from August 7-10.

If Kaymer does win, he’ll become only the fifth player to win the US Open and the PGA in the same year joining Gene Sarazen (1922), Ben Hogan (1948), Jack Nicklaus (1980) and Tiger Woods (2000).

Will it happen? Probably not.

The US PGA Championship has developed a trend of producing first-time winners and many one-only major winners.

Shaun Micheel, Rich Beem, David Toms, Davis Love III, Mark Brooks, Steve Elkington, Wayne Grady, Paul Azinger, Jeff Sluman and Bob Tway all broke the major barrier by winning the US PGA Championship and no other major.

Look for it to happen again at Valhalla, site of Tiger’s second PGA title (2000) and Mark Brooks’ one and only major (1996).

Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer have both lifted the Wanamaker Trophy in the past... can they do it again at Valhalla? (Photos: Montana Pritchard) Will the Jack Nicklaus-designed Valhalla layout favour some players and not others?

The golf course is long (7458 yards or 6820 metres) and suits right-handed players who play a high fade.

So forget lefties Phil and Bubba.

They say if you are good enough, you’re old enough so perhaps the talented Jordan Spieth, at 21, could triumph.

He has the talent and all the attributes to conquer Valhalla, but look for an established player who has been around the traps.

Sergio Garcia, still trying to shed the “best player not to have won a major”, comes to mind, but despite a solid finish at The Open Championship, he’s still not as logical as Kaymer or Rory or Adam Scott or Justin Rose or even Tiger.

If not Sergio, perhaps 35-year-old American Jimmy Walker, who has won three times this season and is atop the Fed-Ex standings and US PGA money list.

He’s had eight top-10s in 21 starts and has banked more than $5m.

Perhaps more logical than the Spaniard.

Matt Kuchar (Inside Golf editor Richard Fellner’s perennial favourite) must come into calculation.

He has had top-10s in all the majors in recent times (barring The Open) and has won 11 times on tour banking more than $30m. The man’s a walking ATM. He’s had nine top-10s this year including a win at the RBC Heritage, but he’s ranked 147th in driving distance so draw a line through his name (sorry Richard).

Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson are much more logical choices.

Johnson has played in five US PGAs with three top-10s and Stenson, third last year, has three top-5s in nine appearances.

But consider Garcia’s record compared to others seeking their first major.

Sergio is long enough off the tee, is sixth on tour in greens hit in regulation and first in scoring averages. In 11 events on tour this year, he has had seven top-10s including two seconds and two third place finishes.

And he’s in fine form after the Open Championship, where he gave Rory a run for his money.

So if you go with the logic, it’ll be Spain’s Sergio García Fernández who lifts the Wanamaker Trophy, but not before he beats Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson in the playoff. •

Royal Melbourne set to host Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship Preparations for the sixth AsiaPacific Amateur Championship are well underway, with the 72-hole stroke play competition set to be played over the Composite Course at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club from 23-26 October 2014.

Established in 2009 by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Masters Tournament and The R&A, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will see a field of 120 of the highest ranked players descend on Melbourne to experience the premier amateur golf competition in the region.

The champion will receive an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament in April 2015 and an exemption into The Amateur Championship, which is conducted by The R&A. In addition, along with the runner up, places in The Open Qualifying Series are up for grabs, with the opportunity to qualify for The Open Championship at St Andrews in 2015.

“The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has a rich history of hosting major tournaments and we are delighted to give the best amateur golfers in the Asia-Pacific region the opportunity to play this storied venue,” said Dr. David Cherry, Chairman of the APGC. “The combination of the skill and precision of the region’s best amateur players and a course of this stature is bound to provide golf-lovers in the sportloving city of Melbourne with a terrific day out during tournament week,” Cherry said.

John Hopkins, Chairman Golf Australia also commented on the tournament; “Since its inception in 2009, the AsiaPacific Amateur Championship has had a profoundly positive impact on the development of elite amateur golf across our region,” Hopkins said.

Entry into The Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be free. For more information, visit www.aacgolf.com.

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

cover story

Keeping up with the Joneses Matt and Melissa Jones discuss the daily grind of a PGA Tour pro

A

Photo: Andy Browbill, PGA of Australia

t long last Matt Jones can relax a bit. After leaving his home in Sydney at age 18 to pursue college and pro golf in America the 34-year-old’s hard work is fully paying off. In this year filled with Aussie victories on the US PGA Tour Jones’ breakthrough win in Houston easily takes the cake as the most exciting. His playoff chip-in birdie that sealed his win over steady veteran Matt Kuchar wowed the Houston crowds, his parents back home in Sydney, and his wife Melissa at their US home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Inside Golf recently caught up with Joneses, and discussed their lives on Tour.

Garrett Johnston Melissa, talk about the excitement of Matty’s victory? Where were you at that moment?

Matt, you played in your first Open Championship in July. How much were you looking forward to it?

“I was watching it on Shotlink holding my new baby (Savannah) at home in Scottsdale. I went crazy when he made that chip!

“It’s been a big goal of mine to play in the British Open. It always has been a big deal. Any major is a great major to play in but I think being from Australia, the British Open is pretty special and one of those that you really want to win. I had my chances in Australia at the Aussie Open to get in, I just had to par 17 and birdie 18 and I would have already qualified for the Open Championship but thankfully there were other ways to get in and plenty of golf tournaments.”

I screamed so loud I thought I blew out poor Savannah’s eardrums.

Of course I so badly wish I could have watched it on TV but it was still exciting.

A caddie who was watching had called Matty’s agent Mike Chizum and told him that Kuchar hit it in the water on 18 and we were probably going to go into a playoff.

And then Mike went and listened live in his car on PGA Tour radio. He got fired up when he heard about the chip-in and shouted to me over the phone. So exciting, I couldn’t believe it.”

When did you and Matt meet?

“We met in 2008 through some mutual friends and we got married in 2010. We got engaged five months later after meeting, but I was Miss Idaho at the time and you have to stay a Miss in order to compete in Miss USA. Even though we got engaged in 2010 we had a long engagement.”

What was the wedding like with his Australian family and you being an American?

“It was great. We got married in Napa Valley in California during 2012. It was hard to pick a spot to live because we’re all over the country and Matt’s family lives in Australia and my family is in California so we just picked a destination and we thought Napa Valley would be really fun.”

Where did you and Matt go on your Honeymoon?

“We had his family in town from Australia and then we all went to Vegas and entertained some the Aussies and then Matt and I went to the Bahamas for a week but I’m still waiting for my world sabbatical.”

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

How do you assess this year so far?

“Of course the win’s been great but I haven’t had as many top finishes as I was expecting.

A couple bad holes at the start of the year kept me out of a couple big top finishes that I would have liked but other than that I’m pretty happy and my game’s coming around nicely.”

How do you explain your play-off clinching chip-in to get your first PGA Tour win at Houston?

all the greats before me had walked before.

Especially to have my family, my parents, my golf coach, my brother Brett who caddied for me during the Par-3. It was pretty nice.”

“No I don’t specifically but I was so happy I made my way there and got to that event, very special.”

“I did because I got off to an early start.

When I left Australia I knew and my parents knew that I came over here and would live over here because this is where my job would need to be. It’s worth it. It’s a lot of hours, it’s a lot of travel, it’s a lot of sleepless nights before early tee-offs but it’s great and I really wouldn’t change anything.”

From Augusta National to golf in Australia, what’s your favorite course in Australia?

In 2010 you got to the US PGA Tour, how would you characterize your rookie season?

“I’m a member at the Australian, where the Aussie Open is this year, that’s my favorite. I also love playing Kingston Heath. I haven’t really played a lot of golf courses in Australia.

I’ve never played Royal Melbourne or Metropolitan. I came over to the states for college (Arizona State University) when I was 18 and I never got to play any of those.”

“It was pretty cool. I was probably a little more intimidated by being out here because I was with guys I’d idolized and watched play on TV and then when you’re out there playing against them you’re in awe of them I would say. And you don’t focus as much on your golf game because you’re watching them. Now I just don’t care who I get paired with. It’s just another golfer. That’s a good part about being out here for multiple years.

Do you remember how old you were when you first wanted to play Augusta?

You were a first team All-American while ASU, what was the American college golf experience like?

“It was an amazing shot. I walked up there and told my caddy I was going to chip it in, and from my angle it’s hard to tell if it’s going to go in or not. You don’t know if it’s going to lip out, low or high, but when I saw it disappear it’s probably the happiest I’ve been on the golf course.”

“It was amazing. And I would recommend that to any Australian young amateur golfer who’s a good player. I would recommend coming to golf over here in the states. You learn so much more about yourself and what golf’s like travel-wise and managing time.

The competition is unbelievable. You can just see the people out here playing now went to college and it was a great experience.”

You finally made it to Augusta in April thanks to that riveting playoff win, how was that experience?

You didn’t taste initial success in your first three years on the Nationwide Tour in 2007, how challenging was that?

“I had the whole family out there. First time we had both daughters at a tournament.

“It was tough, it was a new experience for me. Just to get out there I was pretty pumped. But it’s good, you learn what golf’s all about, traveling, hotels, airfares, caddies, life away from your home. We live in a hotel 30-35 weeks a year. It’s something that you have to learn. The sooner you learn about that the better I think your golf will be.”

My second daughter Savannah was born four weeks before the Masters. They all got to see me together which was pretty special.

It was amazing to be able to play that golf course, it was pretty surreal to get out there and walk those fairways and those holes that

Do you feel that you really knew enough about this grind going in to turning pro?

“The other thing is that we all don’t hit perfect golf shots every time as (fans are) made to believe. When you see it on TV you think that the best players hit great shots, but sometimes they hit awful shots. So it was good for me to see that in person.”

What’s it like raising two young girls in Saber Victoria (2), and Savannah (born March 2014)?

“It’s great. As soon as I finish with golf I get to be dad the rest of the day. I go home and play with my daughters and be a husband.

Your priorities change a little.”

And the youngest one, Savannah, how is she doing with the Jones’ busy schedule?

“She’s good. She travels great. She just sleeps and eats. She’s a great little girl. She treats mom well.”

Will you eventually get them into golf?

“Who knows? We will see.”

on tour

Senden has a major on his mind David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

J

OHN Senden, one of the best less-heralded golfers in the world, believes he has what it takes to win a major championship despite being on the wrong side of 40.

Many commentators and aficionados opine that professional golf is a younger person’s game.

Still, Senden, who is 43, says age is just a number.

Perhaps the tall, polite and affable Queenslander draws inspiration from players like Ernie Els and the late Payne Stewart, who won an Open Championship and US Open respectively aged 42 and Hale Irwin, who was 45 when he won a US Open.

Following his Valspar Championship victory in March, John Senden will be looking to add a major trophy to his cabinet. (Photo: Sam Greenwood) “I think the US PGA Championship suits his game. He went close in 2007 when he finished fourth behind Tiger Woods.”

Like all modern-day players, Senden has the backing of his family and a strong team.

There’s coach Triggs, sports physiotherapist Michael Dalgleish as well as a massage therapist and a fitness trainer he works with in the US. All believe he’s a major winner in waiting.

Still, Senden knows that if he is going to fulfil his dream he is going to have to maintain his fitness.

“I still have plenty of fuel in the tank to win golf tournaments and my goals are still set quite high,” Senden said matter-of-factly.

“The whole team keeps me fit and motivated,” Senden said. “That’s been really helpful and I have learnt a lot about fitness over the last 10 years.

“I feel I have a good chance to win a major championship and also win in Australia later this year.

“It’s been a big change and has made a big difference in healing my body.

“More and more I have the belief that I have a major in me.

“But I have to keep the discipline, the workload, stay healthy and I’m a chance. That’s the end goal … to win majors.”

Belief is a recurring word in our conversation.

Senden has been mixing it with the game’s big boys for more than a decade now so being awestruck is no longer a word in his vocabulary.

He feels now is the time to step up, especially with two US PGA Tour victories under his belt.

One man who has always believed in Senden is his long-time coach and mentor Ian Triggs.

“He’s really starting to get some great consistency in his game and, like most people near the lead, just needs that little bit of a break to totally compete,” Triggs told me.

“And it’s allowed me to stay out there and play good golf.

“For me to continue playing competitive golf on the US PGA Tour and in Australia for next five years, I have to stay in the gym and keep fit.

“I want to keep fit and finish off my career strong rather than fade away.

“If I can continue to keep that discipline, which I feel good for doing, there is no reason why I can’t keep performing well.”

Senden, who finished in a tie for eighth at the US Masters in April, is now focussing on the US PGA Championship to be played at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky from August 7-10.

I ask Senden what he knows about the Valhalla course and how he will prepare for the year’s final major.

“Well, I know it’s going to be very hot and humid so I’ll have to manage myself well around the course,” he said.

“The good thing is I am playing the Bridgestone Invitational the week before it. That’s a big event with no cut so you get good four-round experience playing on a very difficult Firestone golf course.

“So I’ll practice and prepare at the Bridgestone for a week and feel really good going into the US PGA with good mental thoughts and a good feel for the golf course.

“Going into the PGA, you have to be fresh for the week. You have to pace yourself mentally because the hot weather can be draining.”

Senden, one of the best ball-strikers on the US PGA Tour, knows his game, including his putting, will have to be at its best if he is to win his first major.

Oftentimes, his putting has been his Achilles heel, but he has turned around that part of his game as demonstrated by his top-10 finish at the Masters.

“It (putting) has been an issue over the years, but I have been getting help from Triggsy (Ian Triggs) and Ian Baker-Finch,” he said. “That has helped me technically.

“And both are very good at helping me with mental work.”

After the US PGA Championship, Senden, who won the Valspar Championship in March, will turn his attention to the Fed-Ex Cup playoffs.

“That is the big focus after the majors,” he said.

“Right now, I am heading into the playoff in the best position (22nd) I have ever been in.

“I really hope I can make this year one of the best years of my life.”

At the end of the interview, Senden thanked me for taking the time to talk to him. Usually it’s the opposite with pro golfers.

John Gerard Senden is indeed an exemplary professional. • www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

23

juniors

Junior-AM raises Senden’s homecoming $10,000 for Junior Golf delights junior golfers Jack Newton Junior Golf and Golf NSW were pleased to be able to hand over $10,000 to Golf Illawarra for the development of junior golf in the region. The inaugural JNJG Junior AM took place last month at The Grange Golf Club with 26 groups getting involved in the initiative developed to support junior golf.

In breezy and testing conditions sponsors, club members and junior golfers took part in a fun Ambrose event with the goal of raising funds for the host region of the Subaru State Championships. It is hoped that this Junior AM will become a regular part of the State Championships and junior golf can continue to develop all across NSW. There were a number of major sponsors who got involved in the event, including Titleist, Subaru, Gerard Malouf and Partners, Fenton and Associates and Wests Illawarra.

Other corporate partners who took part in the event were Bass Electrical Engineering, Illawarra Academy of Sport, Rapid Cool, Pendle Inn, Golf NSW, Golf Illawarra, MM Electrical Merchandising, AHA, Wollongong Golf Club and Dapto Leagues Club.

Golf Clubs from across the Illawarra also took part in the tournament and brought along one of their juniors to play. These clubs included Russell Vale, The Links Shell Cove, Wollongong, Port Kembla, Mt Broughton, Moss Vale, The Grange, Highlands and Shoalhaven Heads.

The following teams managed the tough weather conditions the best to take home the prizes on the day.

Scratch Winners: The Links Shell Cove: Robert Lopich, Larry How, Chris McGrath,

WHAT does US PGA Tour star John Senden do when he takes a well-earned break from the world’s richest tour?

He comes home to Brisbane and heads for Keperra Country Golf Club where he honed his incredible skills.

Recently, Senden spent time playing golf with his dad Gerry and a number of juniors including son Jacob.

Jamie Krzyszack (junior) 59 Scratch Runners Up: Fenton and Associates: Paul Fenton, Greg Kerr, Keenan Hobbs, Blake Windred (junior) 61c/b Nett Winners: Russell Vale Golf Club: Paul Fairwall, Steve Townsend, Allen Sellers, Travis Fay (junior) 57 Nett Runners Up: JNJG Team:Tahnia Ravnjak, Peter Van Wegen, Dean Biddle, Ethan Keane (junior) 58.25 Nett Winner for the Illawarra Golf Clubs: Kiama Golf Club: Shaun O’Toole, Brett Kitley, Darcy Bond (junior) 59.33 Longest Drive Winners (8th hole): Men: Mike Crandell Ladies: Olivia Wilson Junior Boys: Jason Hong Junior Girls: Shelly Shin Nearest The Pin Winners: Mens (4th hole): Shaun O’Toole Ladies (7th hole): Robyn John Junior Boys (18th hole): Darcy Bond Junior Girls (10th hole): Jess Lasky (card draw)

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Then he volunteered his time to present trophies and prizes to delighted juniors at the Greg Norman Golf Foundation’s 36-hole Titleist Winter Classic.

“It’s always good to be back here at Keperra,” Senden told Inside Golf.

“I came home for a mid-year break to see the family, catch up with Ian Triggs (coach) and help out at Keperra with the junior event,” he said.

“I like to keep in touch with what happens at home and at the club.

“And I think it’s a good break to get away from the tour.”

Senden was the centre of attention at the presentation of trophies with the juniors and parents alike.

He engaged with and encouraged some of the winners including 17-year-old Blake Dowling from Isis Golf Club in Central Queensland and Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club’s Samantha Foley, 16.

After the presentation, Senden spent an hour signing autographs and having his photo taken with the stars of the future.

Dowling, who is as tall as Senden at 6’3”

John Senden (centre) poses with Greg Norman Golf Foundation-organised Titleist Winter Classic winners Blake Dowling and Samantha Foley.

(190.5cm), easily won the major male competition with rounds of 72-72 for a 144 total – eight shots clear of Sam Luton of Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane.

Foley won the major female competition with rounds of 80-72–152.

Sanctuary Cove’s Karis Davidson (77-79) finished runner-up – four shots back.

Both winners, Dowling and Foley, complimented Keperra on the excellent condition of the golf course.

FOOTNOTE: John Senden started his traineeship at Keperra Country Golf Club under the guidance of then head professional Ian Triggs, who remains Senden’s coach. Peter Senior is another who kicked off his golf career at Keperra.

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juniors

GNGF takes golf to Duaringa

Young Darcy a record breaker JUNIOR golfer Darcy Habgood fired a oneunder par 72 to set a new women’s course record at the Toowoomba Golf Club at Middle Ridge.

Greg Norman Golf Foundation professional Doug Gardner (back row white hat) poses with students, parents and staff at Duaringa Primary School.

IN its never-ending search for junior golfers, the Brisbane-based Greg Norman Golf Foundation (GNGF) spreads its message farand-wide.

Last month the foundation, which for many years has taken golf to schools in some of the state’s most remote areas, visited the small town of Duaringa.

Duaringa, 700kms northwest of Brisbane, has a population of approximately 250 but that didn’t stop GNGF teaching professional Doug Gardner dropping in to put the 40 students through their paces.

It’s not the first time Gardner has taken golf to Duaringa and nearby Westwood, which has a similar population.

With the blessing of both principals, Gardner teaches golf to the primary school students on the sports fields.

This time they also organised a game of golf

at Duaringa Golf Club.

The club prepared a sausage sizzle for the students, teachers and some parents and gave the students the opportunity to enjoy a three-hole four-ball ambrose event.

It’s the first time the schoolchildren had played on a proper golf course and they were the big winners.

Some of the parents and teachers were experiencing golf for the first time, but vowed it wouldn’t be the last time.

Duaringa Golf Club issued an open invitation to both schools to use its course for this outdoor activity, which was eagerly accepted by both school principals.

FOOTNOTE: The small town of Duaringa has a police station and courthouse, ambulance station, a hotel, post office and newsagency, a primary school, three churches, a sports complex and a library.

Needing a par on her last hole (ninth hole) to break the previous record held by Leah Hart, Darcy rolled in a three-metre breaking putt to seal the deal.

The 14-year-old is having a super run.

Only recently, Golf Queensland added the sweet-swinging youngster to the Queensland junior squad.

Toowoomba Golf Club general manager Steve Owen said Darcy had been knocking on the door for a number of months.

“It was only a matter of time before she broke through,” he said.

RECORD BREAKER: Darcy Hapgood, 14, has set a new course record at Toowoomba Golf Club.

After starting on the 10th hole, Darcy birdied her second hole but took bogey on her fourth hole. She immediately bounced back with a brilliant birdie on the par-3, 14th.

challenging sixth, flew the water on the seventh, tamed the eighth and then parred the last when she chipped close, which allowed her to sink the putt for the record.

She bogeyed the 18th to finished even par.

Darcy has put in the hours of practice and listened intently to her father and club professional Paul Hapgood’s instruction in order to achieve the result.

Darcy started the second nine with solid golf over the first four holes.

Then she seized her opportunity by rolling in a lengthy birdie putt on the 414-metre double dog-leg par-5 fifth hole.

The remainder of the round was steady as the junior dynamo negotiated the

$35

Immediately following her record-breaking round, Darcy was back on the practice fairway honing her skills and warming down.

Her new goal is to break 70.

OPEN GREEN FEE

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

25

women in golf

Golf’s a way of life, says Jean David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T

HERE is a real genuineness in Jean Thomas’ voice when she talks about her 47-year love affair with golf.

“It started in July 1967,” the Redcliffe Golf Club stalwart said. “I was a 23-year-old school teacher when a staff member asked me if I wanted to join the golf club.

“I said I’d have a crack at it and was immediately hooked.”

It seems Jean, 70, was born to play the game.

She broke 100 in only her third round of golf and was given a handicap of 31. Within four months, she was down to 15 and by year’s end off 11.

Within a couple of years, Jean was off three and contesting club championships but had to wait until 1977 to claim her first of 13 titles.

She has lost count of the number of club championship matchplay finals she had lost, but knows it’s many more than she’s won.

“It’s been difficult to win because Redcliffe has always had a number of quality state team players like Simone Williams, Carmen Savy, Louise Foran, Netta McCullough, Lyn Garred and Kirsty Hogdkins,” Jean said.

“Young Kirsty, who I played in the final this year, is an up-and-coming player who could be anything,” said Jean, who reached the final despite recovering from a broken ankle.

“I was outclassed by Kirsty, who was twounder for the first 18 holes but I don’t mind because it’s good to see her produce such good scores.”

Jean last won the title in 2011 and hasn’t given up hope of winning a 14th title.

“It’s been a joy so far and there’s plenty more to come,” she said.

Still, Jean is happy to see young players excel and happily helps those who seek her advice … just as former state champion

Joan Fletcher encouraged her when she was starting out.

“When I first started playing golf, I didn’t drive a car so Joan Fletcher used to come from Mt Gravatt, take me to Brisbane Golf Club for a game, drive me home and then drive home,” Jean said.

That’s a round trip of about 170 kilometres.

“She was just trying to encourage me and give me the experience of playing other courses. I thought that was marvellous.”

Of course, that encouragement and experience led to many more victories.

A good driver and top long-iron player, Jean has won three Queensland Foursomes titles, 15 mixed club foursomes titles and 25 women’s club foursomes titles.

“I love foursomes,” said Jean, who plays off six and has three career holes-in-one.

But the highlight of her career is undoubtedly the 1979 State Championship.

“I beat Judy Byrne in the final at Keperra and made myself unavailable for the State team due to work and having my young son to care for,” Jean said.

However, she did represent Queensland earlier.

In 1973, she caught the attention of state selectors after finishing runner-up in the State Championship.

They wanted her in the state team for the Interstate Series at Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne.

“I was granted two weeks leave without pay,” Jean explained. “For me, golf was just getting better and better all the time because of the ride I was on. At the time I thought, ‘how good is this’.”

Later, Jean served on the QLGU committee as junior development co-ordinator for four years and was a state selector for six years.

That was around the time Karrie Webb and Rachel Hetherington arrived on the scene.

In fact, Jean would meet the Greyhound bus

CHAMPION: Jean Thomas has more club championships in her sights. carrying Karrie from Ayr in north Queensland.

golf balls’?

“I’d meet the bus, pick up Karrie and she’d stay at my place and I’d take her to where she had to go to play and practice.”

“I’d have three boys that would say ‘yes Miss’ and I’d stick them in the back of the car with a couple of buckets of golf balls and head for the course.

These days Jean assists with Redcliffe’s thriving junior program.

“I help the kids with their swing, show them the proper grip and make sure they are enjoying the game.”

No one will ever know how many juniors Jean encouraged to play the game over the past 47 years.

“Because I was teaching I used to bring the schoolkids to the club for sports afternoon on a Friday,” she said.

“But when I was coming up to play in the State Championship or preparing to go away with the state team, I would say to the kids just before lunch ‘who wants to come and fox

“I’d hit the balls, they would pick them up, put them back in the buckets, back in the car and go back to school. That was our lunch break.

“The kids loved it, but you couldn’t do that today.”

Throughout her long and distinguished career, Jean has never tired of playing the game.

“I just love golf, the camaraderie and the challenge. With golf, every day is a different challenge.

“To me golf is a way of life … and it’s a game for life.” •

Take us for a Test Drive!

26

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

women in golf

PGA and GM Holden: growing female participation in golf

W

ith the support of GM Holden, the PGA has expanded the State Final series of the Women’s Holden Scramble into Tasmania and South Australia, in an effort to boost female participation in golf and the Holden Scramble.

Mount Barker Golf Club will host the 2014 Women’s Holden Scramble South Australian State Final on the 3rd of October and Riverside Golf Club will host the 2014 Women’s Holden Scramble Tasmanian State Final on the 10th of October.

The Women’s Holden Scramble makes up part of the overall Holden Scramble event and since its introduction in 2005 has seen over 10,000 women hit the fairways.

The Women’s Holden Scramble is a fantastic opportunity for female golfers across Australia to participate in the fun and excitement that is the Holden Scramble with the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Teams proceeding through to the State Final will team up with their PGA Club Professional for the chance to qualify through to the Holden Scramble Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast in December.

The Championship Final is the golfing experience of a lifetime, with four days of golf, social activities and the opportunity to play with a Female PGA Tour Professional, such as two time European Tour winner Stacey Keating in the final round.

Neither Tasmania nor South Australia has been represented in Championship Finals

since 2007 and 2006 respectively.

“The Women’s Holden Scramble is an integral part to the overall Holden Scramble and is a fantastic chance for women across the country to play in a fun team’s format as part of a national competition” said Michael Chard, National Events Manager.

“The PGA of Australia and GM Holden are committed to growing female participation in golf across the country and this initiative is the first step to this process”.

All Holden Scramble players receive a $550 Cashback offer on the purchase of a new

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Holden vehicle, which is also transferrable to immediate family members just for participating.

The Holden Scramble is one of the most recognised brands in Australian golf and Holden have held the naming rights to the scramble for the past 23 years, making it their longest sponsorship deal outside motorsport.

Since 1992, the Holden Scramble has seen close to one million Australians tee off in the largest and most successful pro-amateur teams event in the country. •

Australian Nikki Campbell finished runner-up to South Korean I.K Kim at the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters in England.

The Rolex World No. 24, Kim, cruise to a five shot victory at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club finishing at 18-under-par.

Four birdies on the front nine in a round of 68 saw the 26-year-old South Korean end on a four-round total of 18-under-par, holding off the challenge of Campbell, who had two eagles and a birdie in her 67 to finish at 13-under-par.

Campbell, who played with Kim for the first three rounds, commented: “I played really well but couldn’t catch IK. I’m happy with second.”

The Canberra golfer took home a cheque for Euro 50,750 and has moved to second on the ISPS Handa Order of Merit.

Another Aussie finished in the top 10, 36-hole leader, Sarah Kemp. A final round of 71 saw her finish at 10-under and tied for sixth.

Amateur Minjee Lee finished at nineunder and just outside the top 10 in a share of 11th position.

Queensland’s Sarah Jane Smith (71) ended the event a further shot back and tied for 14th. Karrie Webb signed for a 70 and finished tied for 20th at five-under. Stephanie Na (73) and amateur Su-Hyun Oh (75) finished tied for 24th. Rebecca Artis (71) finished tied for 48th at three-over, while Nikki Garrett (73) and Bree Arthur (72) completed the tournament at seven-over and in a share of 64th position. www.ladieseuropeantour.com

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clubs

South West attractions await interstate golfers A

re you over 55? Do you fancy a golfing holiday to somewhere different, yet still in Australia? Then the AVGU Regis National Championships could be the answer.

owlong wins H Cowbell The Annual Cowbell Golf Tournament was held last month at the Howlong Country Golf Club. This is an event steeped in history where the Rutherglen, Chiltern and Howlong clubs compete against one another for the prized cowbell trophy.

This year was Howlong’s turn to host the event and the home side had the local knowledge and a strong contingent of players. The Cowbell was taken out

by Howlong who managed to stop the Rutherglen side from completing three in a row, a feat that has never been achieved in the event’s history. Unfortunately for Rutherglen, Howlong were too strong on the Day taking the win 345 points to Rutherglen’s 317 points. Rutherglen did manage to take the prize for the best overall stableford score with Rutherglen’s Hans Duursma having a great round of 41 points 3 points clear of his nearest rival.

Following an article in a recent edition of Inside Golf, the numbers for this year’s event have risen to over 330. As reported in June, the championships are being held from the 9th to the 14th of November. They are using the four best courses in the Bunbury/ Busselton region of South Western Australia and still have room for another 100 players.

The event is a championship for men but also features a separate Ladies Stableford event for partners. Ladies will this year play at the same venue as their partners, making travel arrangements more convenient.

Aquatic tourism attractions within easy reach include the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre and the Busselton Jetty Underwater World. There are pristine white beaches and rocky coves, limestone caves, harbour and river cruises, wineries, cheese factories and olive farms all waiting to be explored.

Just inland from Bunbury are the attractive hills and dales of the Ferguson Valley with “Gnomesville” and specialist breweries. Not to be missed are the fruit growing regions of Donnybrook and Harvey.

There is a flurry of activity at the Bunbury, Capel, Sanctuary and Busselton clubs to make sure that all is in readiness to receive so many interstate visitors.

The host association is the Country Veteran’s Golf Association of WA. The management committee of 12 includes several members who have played in many recent national championships. They will be incorporating all the best features of other states’ events to make 2014 the best ever.

Within an hour and a half of the golf venues are picturesque undulating historic farming areas around Bridgetown, Balingup, and Boyup. Art & craft studios abound. Margaret River boasts surfing beaches and well-known

Good accommodation is plentiful. A range of hotels, motels, caravan parks, farm stays, resorts, B&Bs and self-catering options are available.

wineries. Stand on the cliffs at the point where the Indian and Southern oceans meet.

Further afield in the South West there are the Stirling Ranges National Park, the Manjimup Forests, the Walpole Tree Top Walk and a host of tourist attractions around Albany.

The Country Veteran’s Golf Association has 20 member clubs within the region, all of whom are anxious to look after visitors. A list of special offers and discounts will be distributed to participants in the championships.

Further information can be obtained from CVGA web site www.vetsgolf.com.au, or from the tournament director Mike Elliott: pianthe@iinet.net.au •

The Winner from Chiltern was Mick Kenna on 34 points from Chiltern Captain Ray van Klaveren on 33 points. For the Chiltern Ladies, Ann Greenwood took the win from Rhonda Boxall. The Rutherglen Winners were Hans Duursma on 41 points from Ken Dean on 36 points. Daniel Krause took the win for the Howlong team on 38 points on a countback from Brendan Watson. Mel Blumoser took the win for the Howlong Ladies with 33 points from Dot Reitenbach on 32 points.

A feature of the event is the country hospitality and a big thank you goes to the host sides Janet Rogers for coordinating the catering, for the members who brought along the snacks and to Duncan Chappell and the Howlong Bowls Club for the BBQ. The Cowbell moves to Chiltern for 2015.

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Trifecta of memorable golf escapes I

F you have the drive to play on some of Australia’s favourite golf courses then tee off with a memorable escape to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

The resort is the first InterContinental Resort property in Australia and is located on the northern end of the Gold Coast within the prestigious Sanctuary Cove Resort.

Boasting an elegant and stylish design inspired by the grandeur of a beautiful Queenslander, the resort is set amidst picturesque fountains, lush gardens, a marina, golf course and is home to a spectacular one-acre beach lagoon pool.

With three world-class championship golf courses located only minutes from the resort, a short stay-and-play trip to the Gold Coast is the perfect escape for keen golfers after a real challenge.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s Memorable Escapes golf package starts from $399 per room per night and includes overnight accommodation, full buffet breakfast for two in Cove Cafe plus two rounds of 18 holes of golf at The Pines, The Palms or Links Hope Island.

The Pines Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove is the only Arnold Palmer signature course in Australia and it’s rated one of the nation’s most challenging golf courses.

The Pines, home course to world number one Adam Scott, is a private members course.

“When I think of great golf in Australia, I think of The Pines at Sanctuary Cove, a true test of the game,” Scott said.

With a Golf Australia rating of 76, the course offers a very special golfing experience.

The Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove has recently undergone a major redevelopment and re-design by renowned golf course architect Ross Watson.

It is a true championship course and rivals some of the best golf courses in Australia.

The Peter Thomson-designed Links Hope Island course is located five minutes away at Hope Island Resort.

Boasting five-star facilities and consistent rankings as one of Australia’s top-10 resort courses, Links Hope Island is a must-play golf course during your Gold Coast golfing holiday.

After a round on one of these challenging courses, it’s time to enjoy the InterContinental Resort.

Unwind with a cocktail by the one-acre beach lagoon pool, enjoy dinner in the resort’s signature restaurant The Fireplace or take a stroll down to The Marine Village where you’ll find a fabulous selection of restaurants, cafes and boutiques all overlooking the marina.

A golfing holiday at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort offers an enjoyable and unforgettable experience on and off the golf course.

To book your Gold Coast golf escape, visit www.intercontinentalsanctuarycove.com or to book 1800-781-066.

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clubs

On the range with Bob Weir Born in Sydney, Weir did the hard yards as a trainee pro at North Ryde Golf Club under the guidance of Irish professional Sam Fleming.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T

“I was living at Umina Beach near Gosford on the Central Coast and would travel to North Ryde six days a week.

EACHING professional Bob Weir is fast approaching 50 years in the business, but he’s not slowing down.

“I used to catch the 5.45am bus to get the 6.20am train and I’d get to the station in Sydney at about 7.20am and then hop on my pushbike and ride to the golf club,” he said.

“Then, I’d repeat the process.

Weir, who has been a PGA member since 1966, loves playing the game but he loves teaching people to play even more – particularly at the grassroots level.

That’s why he purchased the Capalaba Golf Driving Range in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs two years ago.

“I’d leave home at 5.40 in the morning and get home at 6.45 at night – that was just to do my traineeship.

It’s given him a permanent base where he can hone the skills of not only the A graders, but those less skilled and those just starting out in the game.

“My wage virtually went on transport fees and I had nothing left at the end of the week.

“It was a tough beginning, but I was determined to be a golf pro,” said Weir who held down numerous club jobs after a short playing career.

“I should be retired, but I’m not,” he said.

“I still love playing, but I also love teaching.

“Frankly, if you don’t love playing golf then you can’t do the other (teach).

“My first club job was at Cootamundra Country Club and then I went to Bondi Golf Club for four years.

“I enjoy teaching all levels of golfers. If I can help someone win a club championship or monthly medal, then I’m happy.

“When I was 26 I got the job at Avondale Golf Club and after four years I wanted to go back and play so I did for a few years.”

“I have worked with professionals, but it’s the grassroots golfers I’m interested in helping.”

Later, Weir moved his family to Queensland and was the first director of golf at Windaroo Golf Club.

In the past two years, Weir has poured all available funds into bringing the Capalaba Golf Driving Range facility up to scratch.

GOLF LESSONS: Bob Weir’s passion for teaching golf has not diminished.

“Since taking over the range, there has been ongoing improvement to the facility.

“We are using Srixon range balls, in my opinion the best, and are continually adding and replacing the supply. We are also doing work on the grass tee area and the next project is to vastly improve the lighting.”

Open seven days a week, the facility also has a golf shop and offers refreshments and snacks.

and dads who bring their kids here,” he said.

“We do everything we can to encourage them and we give kids free hire clubs.”

Before arriving at the range, Weir spent 20 years teaching golf at Sanctuary Cove.

Weir’s fellow teaching professional Todd O’Leary specialises in group lessons for men, women and children as well as offering private lessons.

He’s a PING and Titleist club-fitting specialist who says he won’t sell anyone a set of clubs without doing a proper fit.

The facility boasts 32 undercover floodlit bays, designated grass tees, quality golf balls, chipping green, practice bunker and club repair service.

“That’s my priority,” he said. “They book in for a lesson and after that I can advise them.”

Weir said the range was the perfect facility for all levels of golfers – including families.

The range has multiple targets from three different line angles as well as fun, shortgame targets.

“We have an enormous amount of mums

G

E

OF MEMBE

R IPS

“When I turned 50 I went back and played seniors’ golf for five years,” the 68-year-old said. “My highest ranking was number three in Australia.

“I won a few pro-ams and came close to winning the Australian Senior PGA Championship, but lost by a shot to Trevor Downing from WA. For a lesson with Bob Weir at the Capalaba Golf Driving Range, telephone (07) 3245-4441 or go to the website www.capalabagolf.com •

• Listed in the Rolex top 1000 courses in the world 2011 • Consistently ranked in the top 20 courses in Australia (Australian Golf Digest) • No 4 Public Access course in Australia (Golf Australia Magazine 2013) • Range of membership packages available • Driving range open to public • Fully Licensed Club House DON’T DELAY - WHY NOT JOIN TODAY? For more information call (08) 9524 5991 or visit our website

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Determination, hard work and practice (on the range), says Weir, is how to improve as a player.

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“If you want golf lessons, this is where you come,” Weir said.

“I was there seven-and-a-half years when I was offered the job at Gainsborough Greens so I was the first head pro there as well,” said Weir, who was Queensland PGA chairman for more than seven years.

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Course OF THE MONTH >

WA’s best kept ‘secret’ C

rafted into the spectacular oceanside landscape in Western Australia, Secret Harbour Golf Links boasts 18 superbly designed holes and lies breathtakingly against the panoramic setting of the Indian Ocean. Experience a traditional Scottish links course with small pot bunkers, rolling fairways amid the natural sand dunes and spectacular ocean views.

Designed by the renowned golf architect and player, Graham Marsh, Secret Harbour Golf Links reflects the style of the traditional Scottish courses such as Muirfield, Turnberry and St. Andrews. To all golfers who are used to tree-lined parkland courses this will present a totally new and exciting challenge, and one to be savoured. The beautifully manicured rolling fairways are pitted with well-positioned pot bunkers and bordered by lush fescue grass. This puts a premium on course management, accuracy and a thoughtful approach to each hole. Couple these elements with the refreshing breezes from the adjacent Indian Ocean, and you have a recipe for a unique experience.

The established original “Links” has been joined by the “Dunes” front nine which Graham Marsh regards as probably the best work he has ever created. Using the contours of natural seaside to bring back the art of shot making, and with a breathtaking vista, it all adds up to a truly satisfying experience that should not be missed by any player.

Secret Harbour Golf Links As part of the ‘Golf Coast’ group of courses, Secrets is only a leisurely 45-minute drive from Perth. Secret Harbour is recognised as a “must play” course by players and touring professionals, particularly those playing on the links courses in Europe. Each hole presents several tee options depending on wind conditions and the player’s ability.

The course presents a mighty challenge from the back tees and an equally enjoyable

experience for the average player from the white tees. These various tee positions truly make the course “something for everyone.”

Voted the WA Golf Facility of the year in 2012, Secret Harbour is consistently ranked in top 25 public access courses in Australia and they receive many comments from visiting players praising the quality of the greens, some suggesting they are the best in Australia.

PlaneSWING.

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

They are currently offering a special rate of just $69 for 18 Holes, cart hire and restaurant lunch, which is tremendous value for this topnotch course. Additionally – in a bold step for the popular public course – they are about to release a limited number of memberships (200) including a pay-as-you play membership for $299 including the first three rounds free.

More: www.secretsgolf.com.au

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Gardiners Run

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

L

ong known for its fabulous wineries, culinary delights and picturesque views, Melbourne’s Yarra Valley region is becoming increasingly known for its worldclass golf. Already home to top-quality courses like The Heritage, Yering Meadows (formerly Croydon Golf Club) and RACV Healesville, the region has two exciting “New kids on the block”; the upcoming Greg Norman-designed Eastern Golf Club (due to open next year) and this month’s “Club of the Month”, the recently opened Gardiners Run, the new home of golf for the Chirnside Park Country Club.

Only a short drive from Chirnside Park’s previous location, the Gardiners Run layout is nestled in a quiet and picturesque landscape on the site of a former quarry in Lilydale. The gentle hills and valleys of the site make for a very interesting layout, and the entire site is wellsuited to a fun, member-friendly golf course.

The clubhouse is a modern, comfortable and functional facility that sets the standard by which many clubs should model their new developments. The bar, lounge, pro-shop and function room all share the open-plan space in a seamless, integrated manner, and the room offers a welcoming atmosphere to members and guests alike. It makes for a very inviting and friendly start to a round, or a relaxing place to wind down after golf with a beverage.

After a warm-up at the well-designed driving range (complete with target greens), or a putt on the large practice putting green, golfers can move on to the course, which has been designed to appeal to players of every level. With multiple tee locations, and versatile greens providing a multitude of pin placements, the course can play completely differently from one day to the next.

The two nines at Gardiners Run are very different in look, feel and character. The front nine features an open and meandering course that takes full advantage of the area’s scenery and landscape. This is especially true on holes 2-6, which are laid out in all four compass directions, and feature some

sharp changes in elevation. The 508m par-5 2nd is a lovely hole that plays over a hill to an open valley. The longer hitters who can hit it straight here will be rewarded with a chance at hitting the green in two. If you’re offline, however, be prepared to re-load, as a lost ball will be commonplace.

The downhill 328m Par-4 5th hole is a tempting and challenging little gem with a remarkable view. With the wind at your back—via an elevated tee—the green is driveable for many (even with a fairway wood), but the bunkers and swales surrounding the green can be extremely penal. Indeed, driving this green requires courage, skill and more than a bit of luck. The safe play is to the large landing area on the left, leaving you with a short iron to the green.

This is followed by the challenging 340m par-4 6th hole, with water on both sides leading to an elevated green. The generous fairway will be a saviour for those struggling off the tee, but the resulting uphill approach shot requires finesse.

Both of the Par-3s on the front nine (the 157m 3rd and the 175m 7th) are straightforward and enjoyable, albeit deadly if you miss the green; the 3rd features a ball-grabbing lake in front, while the uphill 7th has imposing rough, bunkers and a difficult ridge line.

The back-nine is a more undulating layout that features a number of risk-reward opportunities, as well as a few blind tee shots to keep you on your toes. The 534m par-5 10th is a rollercoaster of a hole, with an uphill tee shot followed by a downhill approach around a dogleg right to a well-guarded green.

The finishing set of 15-18 will provide many opportunities to either bolster or destroy your scorecard, depending on how much risk you take. The shortish 319m par4 15th features a blind tee shot over a hill to a lowland landing area; if you hit it straight and long, you’ll find yourself with an easy chip and/or birdie opportunity. Wayward shots, however, may require some serious scrambling (and hunting) to save par. The short 148m uphill par-3 16th requires a solid

tee shot, lest you find yourself in one of two very difficult bunkers. 17 and 18 are difficult closing holes that require solid tee shots and course management; with 18 partially surrounded by a lake at the back/sides, and a sneaky bunker on the front. It definitely has the potential to add a big number to your scorecard if you’re not careful, so treat it with respect.

The greens throughout are big, soft and a pleasure to play on. Though still young (and a bit slow due to their infancy) they roll true and feature just enough break/slope to keep you guessing. But there are no gimmicks or

gags here; find your line and speed and you will be rewarded.

The entire Gardiners Run layout provides a fun yet challenging round of golf. Like most brand-new courses, it will take some time to settle in—but it is currently very playable, and certainly worth a hit in the near future. • FACT FILE Gardiners Run Golf Course 130 - 132 Victoria Road, Lilydale 3140 03 9739 7522 www.gardinersrun.com.au Twitter: @GardinersRun www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

33

ACGC

ACGC is TaylorMade for fun for TWO

A

ustralia’s largest amateur pairs event, the Auto Club Golf Championship (ACGC) kicks off its third series this month, with pairs around Australia lining up to take on the challenge at one or more of the 85 events being held in the 2014/15 series.

Why is this event causing such a stir?

Simple: the winning pair from every one of the 85 regional events will receive travel and accommodation, plus three days of Championship golf, social functions and frivolity during the 2014/15 Championship Final being held at Australia’s home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland. It’s a great deal apart from the sensational prizes on offer, every player in the 2014/15 series will receive a sleeve of six golf balls courtesy of TaylorMade just for showing up and having a go.

TaylorMade adidas-Golf’s Pacific Managing Director, Simon Homer remarked “after the success of last year’s event we knew we wanted to roll out more events and reach more people. We’ve also picked some fantastic courses to host special TaylorMade enhanced events during the competition”.

So get online today and register for one or more of the qualifying events near you.

Or like many of the keen competitors from the past two series you may wish to take the opportunity to do some sightseeing and venture out to one of the regional events in wonderful destinations across the country. Not only could you find yourselves enjoying a sensational trip to Queensland’s

home of Championship Golf in 2015, but it could be you and your friend, partner or family member, who has the honour of being crowned the 2014/15 ACGC Australian Amateur Golf Pair.

Register your pair at: www.acgc.com.au

ACGC CALENDAR STATE

GOLF CLUB

NT QLD WA WA WA WA NSW NSW WA SA QLD SA NSW VIC QLD NSW NT WA NSW VIC TAS VIC NSW NSW WA QLD VIC VIC SA VIC NSW TAS VIC QLD VIC SA WA SA NSW TAS NSW TAS VIC

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DATE 3/08/2014 14/08/2014 24/08/2014 31/08/2014 3/09/2014 5/09/2014 6/09/2014 6/09/2014 10/09/2014 13/09/2014 20/09/2014 20/09/2014 21/09/2014 25/09/2014 27/09/2014 28/09/2014 28/09/2014 4/10/2014 13/10/2014 17/10/2014 24/10/2014 24/10/2014 26/10/2014 26/10/2014 28/10/2014 31/10/2014 31/10/2014 31/10/2014 1/11/2014 2/11/2014 8/11/2014 8/11/2014 8/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 16/11/2014 19/11/2014 23/11/2014 24/11/2014 29/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014

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DATE 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 9/12/2014 20/12/2014 10/01/2015 16/01/2015 18/01/2015 18/01/2015 25/01/2015 25/01/2015 31/01/2015 8/02/2015 8/02/2015 28/02/2015

Are you Australia’s best amateur golf pair?

It is twice the fun and double the glory in the search for Australia’s best Amateur Golf Pair of 2014/15. The Auto Club Golf Championship (ACGC) now in its third series, is Australia’s largest amateur golf pairs competition. The ACGC is open to all amateur golfers with an official Golf Link Handicap. All you need to register is for one of your team of two players to have a valid Australian Auto Club Membership.

With the bonus registration gift of a dozen golf balls per pair & complimentary arrival refreshments kindly supplied by CocaCola, this tournament is the best value amateur event of its kind at only $33.00 per player. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned club golfer, grab yourself a playing partner and jump online to register for an event near you today.

To find an event date in your region and register your pair visit: www.acgc.com.au

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For full terms and conditions please refer to www.acgc.com.au This tournament is approved for the payment of expenses Rule 4-2g/GA/1/2015

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PGA Member Profile

Gavin Campbell - Career Coach

Ramsay McMaster Education Scholarship winner Gavin Campbell knows the benefits of hard work – and the joyous feeling of helping his clients achieve their best. By KALON HUETT

A

t 15 years of age, well past what might be considered the ‘industry norm’, Gavin Campbell quite literally stumbled into golf for the first time.

“Like most kids back then I was always outdoors. I had mates who played golf so I’d walk with them through the bush of the old Pines, which is now known as the Peninsula Link, to the Centenary Park golf course,” he says. And that’s where it all began.

Campbell had plenty of talent, especially for a relative latecomer, but in his 20s he took an extended break from playing. It may have appeared a defining moment where a young man had reconciled that a lifetime in golf was not the path for him, but it turned out to be nothing more than a dogleg in the fairway to success for Campbell.

He made a serious return upon hitting 30 and has hardly looked back. Now 38, Campbell is relishing his role in the game more than ever. He can still be found at Centenary Park, only now he walks into the clubhouse as the Head Teaching Professional.

He became a PGA Member in 2006 but says it feels like yesterday.

“There’s no such thing as Mondayitis when you’re the boss. But I absolutely love going to work. This is where I started as a kid and the people I work with are fantastic.

“I really enjoy it. It gives me a huge buzz seeing how people can play following lessons compared to when they started. When students show improvement, coaching golf is the best job in the world and it feels so easy.”

Speaking of improvement, Campbell is overseeing the rapid development of some bright young Australian stars of the future such as Josh Gardner, a 14-year-old playing off a handicap of five. Two years ago when Gardner turned up for lessons with Campbell he was playing off 27.

“That gives me a lot of satisfaction,” says Campbell. Josh shot 2-over on the weekend which was the best round he’s played. There’s no barrier for him, every week he just seems to get better and better. He wants to be a Pro and he’s doing all the right things.”

Campbell, soon to be a father for the first time, has mostly signed off on personal ambitions as a player, instead preferring to 36

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

concentrate on guiding pupils with potential like Gardner and helping less-credentialed novices stay interested in learning golf.

“I played the Australian Open back in 2011 which was an amazing experience and definitely a career highlight, but I’ve probably put the serious playing days behind me now,” he says.

“To compete against the guys now you’ve got to be practising a lot. Golf has gone to a new level with all these young guys coming up through the ranks, and even the older guys are shooting great numbers. Teaching offers a steady income, whereas a player can shoot 1-under and not get paid. Plus it helps that I’ve got a real passion for coaching.”

Campbell was recently awarded the Ramsay McMaster Education Scholarship, named after the man recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on golf-specific training.

McMaster sadly passed away in December 2011 following more than 20 years working with thousands of golfers worldwide to better prepare their bodies for golf.

“I was very fortunate to work a little bit with Ramsay when he was with us and his passion for the industry was unbelievable,” Campbell says. “I’m chuffed to be the first name on the scholarship, because Ramsay McMaster was such a pioneer for all golfers. Michael Sim wouldn’t be playing golf if it wasn’t for Ramsay and there are a lot of other guys like Matt Griffin (recent winner of the Victorian Open) who worked with him in the past and respect him immensely. He definitely paved the way for us.

“The scholarship will also help me financially to upgrade to the type of equipment and teaching aids I want in order to provide a better service,” he says. “The junior program here at Centenary Park is really strong so this is a significant boost to supporting that.

“Learning golf should never be boring; it always has to be fresh and interesting to keep kids excited. There are many fingers in the same pie telling students to stand here, do that, grip this way – I believe in mixing it up with more activities and more focus on motor skills, not just hitting golf balls.”

A relaxed attitude to coaching makes the experience less intimidating for students,

according to Campbell.

“People say they feel comfortable around me and they understand my lingo. I try to avoid golf jargon and the fancy words that even I don’t understand sometimes,” he laughs.

“I keep it simple and effective, and try to make it enjoyable. That’s how I convey my message to customers and the feedback I receive is very encouraging. About 90 per cent of people come back for more lessons.”

How important is effective communication between coach and player?

“Sometimes you talk to a player and they don’t respond, while other times you get the guy who has read every golf magazine and thinks he knows more about the game than you do. That’s when you have to put your other hat on and be a good listener to work out the best plan. Feel is not always real - you might have to try something different to what you felt was required for that person originally.”

Video is also crucial for both the coach and the player to see the changes for themselves, Campbell says. “You have to show people how their swing looks before and after. I use FlightScope and V1, which is my Bible. I use it every lesson.

“The technology helps people understand the cause and effect. When someone has a lesson we’ve got a 70-inch split screen where they can watch themselves. Reaching the right result is all about body awareness; not just feeling it, but seeing it.”

Campbell’s philosophy is “Do Less, Repeat More”, a concept targeting minimal movement in the golf swing that can be achieved over and over again.

“A lot of older men, ladies and kids come along swaying onto the back foot and transferring their weight too much,” he says.

“If you’re standing there not actually doing much, the ball is not going to move around as much in the air. A darts player doesn’t sway right back and then sway right through it; he just stands there and moves his arms. It’s a very minimalist approach and that’s what I like in a golf swing. Do less with the body and the ball will do more for you.

“For Professionals all the pressure is going

down to the feet, they’re coiling around the thigh and pulling their arms through. I believe in the Right Sided Swing philosophy under the Gary Edwin umbrella of coaching,” he says.

“The average fairway’s 50 metres wide and a golf ball’s an inch wide, so it shouldn’t actually be that hard to get it on the fairway, should it?” he adds wryly.

Campbell also feels strongly about the importance of looking after the whole body, inside and out. “I’m a big advocate of nutrition in golf. I’m a vegetarian so I’m right into eating properly and staying hydrated. I also put strength training in that category.

“There’s a gentleman I work with, Matt Chaplin, who I believe is the best in the business at golf-specific conditioning. He’s got about a dozen players on tour, male and female, and his motto is ‘HWP’ - hard work pays.”

While Campbell is ticking most boxes when it comes to being a PGA Member, he admits he would like to improve the way he markets himself as a coach. ”I find it hard to go out and tell everyone how good I am. It doesn’t come naturally to me. And from a technical perspective I’d like to notice things in a swing quicker, which comes with continued experience.”

Does he ever watch a player’s swing and wonder how he’s going to fix it?

“It can be difficult sometimes, that’s the belly of the beast with coaching. In that situation I think you need to take an alternative approach by comparing things to what the person already knows. If they’re a builder say, ‘imagine you’re sledgehammering a wall’, or if they’re a tennis player with a heavy slice say, ‘try to make it feel like you’re hitting a topspin forehand’. Relating golf to other sports can be productive,” Campbell says.

“The hardest people to teach actually make you a better coach. Taking the average punter and helping them hit the ball, that’s much tougher than coaching a Professional who consistently hits it 200 metres.”

As for his own swing, Campbell says he’s just like any crazy golfer with the right tools available.

“I put myself on the screen nearly every day looking for perfection. I see things I want to fix, but mostly I go to my coach Brad Lamb and he tells me what to work on. I like having another set of eyes on my swing. I also work a lot with Pete Kravitz through Skype. We help with each other’s students as well so that’s a good network to have in the game.”

When it comes to the pursuit of that perfect swing, Campbell tends to focus on ball flight and ball striking. “There are players who look like they swing well, but it’s the outcome that really matters.”

He respects the actions of Steve Stricker, Ben Hogan, Peter Thomson and Jason Dufner to name a few – top-class inspiration for a coach who graduated late with honours. •

Is your PRO a PGA PRO? Give your game a helping hand FINDAPGAPRO.COM.AU

people

Wisdom of the Elders:

Peter Ormsby

Golfing legend Peter Ormsby – a coach, Professional and entrepreneur among other titles – is Australia’s great all-rounder.

By The PGA of Australia

P

eter Ormsby is the quintessential career golf enthusiast and entrepreneur: PGA Professional; E-ZGO PGA Legends Tour player; golf superstore founder; developer and owner of worldrenowned training technology; and proud father of European Tour star Wade Ormsby, and eldest son Jordan with his successful golf car business. As the saying goes, what he doesn’t know about the golf industry probably isn’t worth knowing.

It all started half a century ago when, at 10 years of age, Ormsby first picked up a golf club and fell in love. At 14 he started working at the Glenelg Pro Shop in Adelaide for Murray Crafter, a well-known local Pro who happened to also be his family’s neighbour, which led to a Traineeship and job at Riverside Golf Club (now known as West Lakes Golf Club). What followed was a diverse, dedicated involvement with just about every aspect of the game. Golf has been Ormsby’s lifelong friend. “It’s the only thing I know, fortunately I never had to go out and find a different job,” he says.

Now 61 and gradually, perhaps even a touch reluctantly edging closer to a more laid-back lifestyle, Ormsby reflects on his time in the game with a sense of unbridled satisfaction.

“It’s the challenge to get better – I keep trying to find that perfect golf swing. And I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie with my mates in golf.”

Running Adelaide Shores Golf Club keeps Ormsby as busy as ever. “Every day new things come across my desk, it never stops.

But you know what, I’d be lost without it. I’ve been doing it for so long,” he says.

“From my office I can see the range and if I’m sitting there watching someone make a mistake I can’t help myself, I’ll run down there to introduce myself and say ‘do you mind if I help you with something I’ve noticed?’ I like putting something back into the game. The player gets a bit of a thrill out of it and will spread the word about the great service and terrific facilities.”

Ormsby’s advice to younger PGA Members is to help people and keep helping. “If you do things for others for the right reasons, it’s amazing how much good comes back to you.

If you’re out to make a quick buck, forget it.

But if you’re driven, sincere and genuinely interested in people, they’ll take notice.

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Common sense leads you the right way.”

Named a Centenary Ambassador of the PGA of Australia and bestowed the 2011 South Australia Golf Industry Award for PGA Professional of the Year, he hails such peer recognition “very special”.

“You don’t go out of your way to achieve these things, they just happen along the journey trying to do the best you can. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Inventories and balance sheets have often been as prominent as scorecards in Ormsby’s career. He is intensely passionate about providing high-quality service and enhancing people’s experience with golf at every level, in every way.

In 1996 he launched Pete’s Superstore, a “destination store” in Adelaide with all the merchandise and equipment a golfer could need and the customer service to match.

“My wife and I bought three blocks on a major intersection and we mortgaged everything to build that shop,” he says. “We were so committed to the idea we even planned to sell our house and live on the premises if we had to in case it did not work.

Immediately it was the place to go, people came in droves.”

Ormsby recalls that in the early days, running the superstore held his total commitment.

“I’d been eating, sleeping and dreaming golf clubs for 35 years. Then in 2007 I sold the business and turned off my retail brain,” he says.

“I don’t have any regrets about that decision because I’m still heavily involved with the game and that gives me a reason to get up and go to work in the morning. I just love what I do. I enjoy overseeing all aspects of my business interests without going back behind the retail counter.

“Some of my staff have been with me for more than 20 years. If you get the mix right, you build up a mutual trust. I’m very big on maintaining high standards at all times and the right people can relate to that.”

Ormsby’s other great entrepreneurial achievement has been the development and promotion of Swingyde, a unique training tool launched at the 1996 Ford Open that is relied upon by world-class players such as 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson and millions of amateurs around the globe.

“A Royal Adelaide member named Alan Brock, who would have been nearly 80,

rang me one day and said, ‘Pete, I’ve got something to show you. You’re the bloke to take this to the world.’

“He had this heavy agricultural contraption that you could hardly swing. I asked him how much he wanted for it and he said, ‘Whatever you offer will be enough’.

Ormsby instantly recognised the product’s potential, concluding the use of nylon and the ability for it to cup against the wrist would prove crucial adjustments.

“It took about eight months to get a patent and I invested a lot of money at the time to get it moving, so it was quite a risk for a local Adelaide Pro. But it took off.

“Greg Norman made his mark internationally by hitting balls, but in my own way I did too with Swingyde. It’s satisfying to know we’ve helped so many people around the world to play the game better, especially coming from such a simple concept that we promoted with passion.”

Ormsby continues to push Swingyde into new markets, making recent progress in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa and Canada.

“A lot of people are put off golf in the early stages because it all seems too hard.

Swingyde proves to those people they can achieve a reasonably good action quickly and enjoy success straight away,” he says.

Greater swing success is exactly what Ormsby has in mind for the years to come. Making time for playing the game he loves hasn’t always been easy, but he can now be found on the course Wednesdays and Saturdays, squeezed in among his hectic schedule.

“I’d like to play more seniors tournaments and do a bit more travelling with my wife to watch Wade overseas if possible. I’m slowly stepping back. Then again the older I get the harder it is to improve, and the short game has deserted me,” Ormsby laughs.

Yet another focus is supporting the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour and encouraging people to come out and listen to the stories of veterans like Rodger Davis and Peter Fowler, who Ormsby labels great ambassadors for the game. He is involved with the SA PGA Seniors Championship and last year started the William Buck PGA Senior Classic at The Grange Golf Club.

Ormsby keeps his finger on many pulses, including the burgeoning European Tour results of son Wade. “From Thursday night

to Sunday night we are glued to live scoring through the phone or the iPad to see what Wade shoots on each hole. My wife and I find our emotions for the evening are directly related to Wade’s scoring. If he takes a double bogey I sit there thinking ‘oh what did he do that for?’.”

Does Ormsby senior chip in with plenty of technical advice if things are going wrong for Wade?

“If I want to keep the relationship how it is I don’t offer him any tips,” Ormsby says. “His coach is Darren Cole and I’m his dad, it’s not for me to tell him how to play or practise.”

Nor is he in need of any additional motivation, it seems.

“I’ve noticed a massive change in Wade over the past 12 months. His commitment and dedication to maintaining standards is producing new-found consistency. He is the ultimate Professional.”

Peter Ormsby could just as easily be speaking about himself. • To find your local PGA Professional visit www.findaPGAPro.com.au

Ormsby awarded PGA Life Membership Long standing PGA Member Peter Ormsby was awarded Life Membership of the PGA of Australia in June, in recognition of his service to the PGA and wider golf community.

Peter has been a Member of the PGA since completing his PGA Traineeship at Riverside Golf Club in 1978.

For over 30 years, Peter has been at the forefront of golf.

Peter has been instrumental in growing participation, mentoring and developing PGA Members throughout South Australia, efforts which were recognised during the PGA’s Centenary Celebrations when he was honoured as an Ambassador.

“On behalf of the Membership I congratulate Peter on this great achievement and thank him for his continued contribution to our Association”, said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA. “Peter’s support of the PGA and dedication in growing the game of golf has been immense.” he said.

On accepting his award at the PGA Annual General Meeting, Peter thanked Ian Pritchard and the South Australian Community for nominating him and Members for voting for him.

“I can’t believe I’ve got this award and nomination, it’s fantastic. To be part of an elite Membership category is unbelievable”, Ormsby said.

Peter spoke of the opportunities his PGA Membership has afforded him over the years, believing preparation has been the key to his success, a lesson he learned at a young age from a Coca-Cola yo-yo competition.

“I swore then that I would never ever go into something and not prepare myself for it”, he said.

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Clearball Putter At the heart of this high quality mallet putter is a built in training aid, making it an exceptionally efficient alignment system. The ClearBall Putter addresses the crucial area of eye alignment and stance. Aligning the White and Red lines of the clear disc creates the proper technique for setting up your stance and perfecting your alignment on every stroke. In addition to its perfect weight balance, is a very forgiving two-inch putting sweet spot. They also now stock a Pro series range, CNC Milled from an aviation grade aluminium block, including a Titanium face plate and weight screws for additional customisation.

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Green Tee’s new PLA Corn tee, is made from materials derived from corn, and will decompose in as little as two months. The PLA (polyactide polymer) bio-technology is used by businesses to create environment friendly, biodegradable products ranging from packaging, food containers and eating utensils, so with more than 4.4 billion golf tees used globally, and more than 10 million in Australia, there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to course wear and tear. The PLA tees are available in 70mm driver length & 55mm iron lengths.

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PING G30

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- Lofts 9° & 10.5° in standard head, 10° & 12° in SF Tec head (adjustable +- 6/10 or 1 degree) - Stock graphite shaft: PING TFC 419D (Soft R, R, S, X) - Std. Length 45.75 inches, D3, 206g (standard); D1, 203g (SF Tec), 460cc www.ping.com

ING G30 P Adjustable Fairway Woods

Faster ball speeds and greater distance come from a larger face made of a uniform-thickness Carpenter 475 steel, creating a thin but strong hitting surface that maximizes face deflection.

(Carpenter 475 steel is 44% stronger than 17-4 stainless steel.) Weight saved by thinning the face was redistributed to optimize the CG and elevate MOI for added forgiveness. Launch angle and spin can be fine-tuned by adding or subtracting up to 1 degree of loft with PING’s five-setting Trajectory Tuning+ Technology, utilizing a lightweight hosel that offers adjustments of +0.6°, +1°, -0.6°, and -1°. Crown turbulators create a captured appearance with the ball, and help with aim and alignment to inspire confidence. The high-balance-point TFC 419F shaft has a CG closer to the grip end, promoting a simultaneous increase in energy, momentum RRP and inertia for longer, straighter $340.00 results.

-A vailable 3W (14.5º), 5W (18º), 7W (21º) (adjustable +- 6/10 or 1 degree) -S tock graphite shaft: PING TFC 419F (Soft R, R, S, X) www.ping.com

The buggy comes standard with all the extras like Umbrella Holder, Seat and bucket holder. It also has three set distances, Cruise control and comes standard with a powerful yet lightweight Lithium battery, which are approximately 75% lighter than traditional gel batteries.

The 18-hole Lithium weighs a slim 1.6kg, while the 36-hole Lithium weighs only 2.2kg.

Both batteries are good for up to 1000 re-charges.

RRP: $1095.00 with the 18 Hole Lithium Battery $1195.00 with the 36 Hole Lithium Battery 1300 667 224 www.kingcaddy.com.au

PING G30 Irons

Progressive lengths and lofts and a thin face that maximizes ball speed help launch the ball farther and higher with control. Situated low in the sole of the undercut cavity design, the CTP structure helps lower the CG to ensure high launch with forgiveness, and it supports the 17-4 stainless steel face to provide distance control and a solid feel. The soft elastomer badge enhances feel and sound in the perimeter-weighted design. A softer leadedge radius and precisely calculated additions to the bounce profile ensure a smooth transition through the grass with a stable head, which adds to forgiveness. This versatile sole design is engineered to perform well with any angle of attack. Progressive offset generates higher ball flights in the longer irons and penetrating, controlled trajectories with the scoring clubs. Slightly longer blade lengths increase forgiveness, most noticeably in the 4 through 7 iron.

-A vailable 4-9, PW, UW, SW, LW -S tock steel shaft: PING CFS Distance (Soft R, R, S, X) -S tock graphite shaft: PING TFC 419i (Soft R, R, S) RRP: $145 per club w/steel shaft; $175 per club w/graphite shaft www.ping.com

PING G30 Hybrids Greater ball velocity and longer distances with a higher trajectory ensure the stopping power to attack pins. The thin, uniform 17-4 stainless steel face is processed with a H900 heat treatment to maximize face deflection and increase ball speed for added distance with a higher peak trajectory and a steeper landing angle. Heel-toe weighting elevates MOI for extreme forgiveness.

Weight in the low sole creates a low-back CG for consistent impact and high launch.

Progressive CG locations and offsets ensure efficient gapping and trajectories that maximize distance. To inspire confidence, the top rail is flatter and the heel section is higher, providing a very square face at address that helps with aim and alignment consistency. The high-balance-point TFC 419H shaft has a CG closer to the grip end, promoting a simultaneous increase in energy, momentum and inertia for longer, straighter results.

- Available 17º, 19º, 22º, 26º, 30º - Stock graphite shaft: PING TFC 419H (Soft R, R, S, X) www.ping.com

RRP $320.00

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

43

gear

Yep, that special day is just around the corner, so forget about the tacky tie, silly socks and “World’s Greatest Dad” Coffee Mug. Here are a few gift suggestions that the old man will really appreciate.

AKE Wedge series and R the Point N Putt putter The RAKE Wedge series and the Point N Putt putter from PNP Golf (www.pnpgolf.com, 02 6239 3462, info-aus@pnpgolf.com) make for perfect gifts for any golfing Dad. The RAKE Sand and Lob Wedges have a patented Dual Bounce Rail Design which effortlessly combs through thick grass and sand resulting in more power and control with less effort. Precision cut grooves provide the perfect amount of spin on approach shots giving Dad more opportunities to score his best. The Point N Putt putter targets those who struggle with putting alignment and has been proven to improve the alignment of a majority of golfers in tests by SAM PuttLab, golf’s authority on putter testing. All 3 clubs conform to USGA rules and produce results around and on the green that will make Dad look like a short game pro. All PNP Golf clubs come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

A ’ ‘fittintg gif

Order online for Father’s Day and receive FREE SHIPPING. Simply enter the coupon code IGDAD at the checkout.

TaylorMade Performance Lab

If Dad hasn’t had a clubfitting lately (or ever!) then chances are the clubs he’s playing with aren’t doing him any favours. So why not get him a giftcard for the TaylorMade Performance Lab (www.taylormadeperformancelab.com.au, located at MGA in Heatherton, Vic, and Golf Central Brisbane Airport). At just $150 for a 90-minute professional fitting experience, TMPL provides a state-of-the-art fitting experience that uses 3D motion capture technology.

Once reserved for PGA Tour Professionals, the technology featured in every TaylorMade Performance Lab experience provides detailed data for both golfer and golf club throughout the entire swing. Certified TaylorMade Clubfitting Professionals analyse this data to provide the participant a set of clubs that are built around the specific needs of their golf swing, allowing them to hit the ball longer and straighter with better control. This fitting experience is conducted in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and includes a full analysis for driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putter.

him Helpy like pla pro a

RRP: Point N Putt SX1 Putter $189.00 ea RAKE Sand/Lob Wedge $169.00 ea

J ett Sport Heat Vest The Jett SPORT HEAT VEST (www.jettheat.com, 0417 531 757, sales@jettheat.com) is designed to be worn under your golf gear. The patented Jett Heat Panel radiates Far-Infrared warmth along your spine, keeping your core warm and effectively heating your extremities.

The Jett SPORT Vest has been designed specifically to carry the detachable heat system inside the back of the vest. The two rechargeable batteries sit over your kidney area, not interfering with your golf swing.

A You can wear whatever you want over the top of warmer the vest. Set your desired warmth by the RF wrist core Controller. The whole system weighs just 500g.

STAY WARM TO PERFORM - WEAR JETT The Jett SPORT HEAT VEST is designed to be worn under your golf gear. The patented Jett Heat Panel radiates far-infrared warmth along your spine keeping your core warm, allowing your body to heat your extremities.

Now cold conditions won’t stop you enjoying what you want to do - stay warm to perform, wear Jett.

Wireless RF temp. controller

ONE HEATING SYSTEM FOR ALL JETT HEAT PACK GARMENTS - The Jett Heat Pack contains: • Detachable patented heat panel - 2 settings 45°C (Lo) to 55°C (Hi) approx. • Wireless RF controller with wrist strap controls heat setting - no fiddly cables • 2 Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery Power Pack give 4+ hours* of continuous heat on the low setting or optional Water resistant Battery Power Packs give 3+ hours* in water • Fast charger designed specifically for the Jett Heat Pack with 2 charging points.

SIZES XS - 2XL

Like having the sun on your back, stay warm on the course for 4+ hours*

44

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

All Jett products come with a 12 month guarantee on heating element, switch/controller and charger. 3 month guarantee on batteries and vest. Jett will process orders within 2 working days. The delivery time frame for orders within Australia is expected to be a further 1-5 working days. For deliveries overseas the time frame should be 5-10 working days depending on location. * Heat time will vary according to setting and the ambient temperatures

Jett Showroom: 417 Riversdale Road Hawthorn East 3123. Ring to make appointment 0417 531 757. Buy on-line www.jettheat.com

sweA rideet

thing Somep his u es sleev

I ceRays UV Protective and Cooling Armsleeves

gear

Parmaker Buggy If Dad constantly complains about how hard golf is, here’s a way to make it easier for him. Buy him a ‘better built’ Parmaker walker or ride-on (www.parmaker.com, 03 9580 7166). 100% manufactured in Australia, The Parmaker will do all the heavylifting, allowing Dad to put 100% of his energy into his swing. If your Dad has an old buggy to trade-in he can even get $100 off a new walker or ride-on. Parmaker offer a 5-year warranty on their motorised golf buggies and walkers and know that they will stand up to any punishment the roughest golf courses can dish out.

rk a m e Th pro of a

That’s My Ball Every golfer should put an identification mark on their golf ball in accordance with the Rules of Golf. That’s My Ball (www.thatsmyball.com.au, 1300 445 054) offers Dad a quick and easy ball identification tools. Their ID stamps are highly durable and much neater than trying to freehand on the golf ball. Also, direct from the USA, they have the Tin Cup – a stainless steel stencil. Tin Cups are perfect for golfers who would like a larger and/or multi-coloured motif on their golf ball.

RRP: ID stamp stock designs from $14.95 + postage Tin Cup stock designs: $22.95 + postage.

If Dad hates messy sunscreen but doesn’t want to wear hot, long sleeve shirts, then IceRays (www.icerays.com.au) are the perfect answer. No more hot, sticky arms; just cool comfort. With 50+ UV protection and no uncomfortable seams, they are the only Armsleeve tested by the Government body ARPANSA to be totally UV protective to 50+. A great option to keep Dad cool and protected, Icerays are available in lots of different colours and one size fits all. Just $29.95 including delivery anywhere in Australia. Email: enquiries@icerays.com.au or call or SMS Anne on 0404 235 563 or Linz on 0434 246 549.

GolfKnickers.com Dress up Dad’s golf game with some traditional golf apparel from GolfKnickers.com (www.GolfKnickers. com). Created and designed by an Italian tailor who has been in the clothing game for decades, they specialise in an expansive line of men’s and ladies’ plusfours or golf knickers.

The company has a full line of matching socks, caps, shirts, bow ties, and sweater vests -- delivering a complete outfit.

They also offer one of the largest selections of argyle socks.

They have recently released their NEW Spring (US) Line of argyle sweaters and socks, with 12 brand-new colour patterns, along with a whole new line of argyle sweater and sock packages that are a bit different from the rest. They will soon launch a new line of ‘Par 5’ Limited Plaid Knicker Sets with over 20 new plaid patterns to be released during the Fall (US).

They ship to Australia daily and everything online is in stock and ready to ship (even large quantities). Order online, or ring: 0011 800 7008 2700

A cla s look sy

Sureshotgps Launch Monitor Nothing says “I Love You Dad” more than gadgets and gizmos (Well, not in our house, anyway!). The latest gadget to hit the market is the Sureshotgps Launch Monitor (www.sureshotgps.com, 1300 644 523). This portable little unit will tell Dad his exact swing speed, shot distance, ball speed and smash factor, and put the fun back into the driving range. Using a Doppler radar sensor, the unit follows the ball trajectory to measure ball distance and speed within a range of 30-300m. The radar also tracks swing speed for further analysis and improvement.

The Launch Monitor comes with two game modes. In game mode one, you tell your Launch Monitor what distance you want to hit and then it will add or deduct a point depending if you reach the desired distance. In game mode two, the Launch Monitor selects a random club to use and the desired distance; it will add or deduct a point depending if you reach the desired distance.

The lightweight device is powered with AAA batteries. It easily fits in your golf bag and comes with a remote control, four inch LCD screen and durable casing.

RRP $349

Giv him the distan e ce

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS PARMAKER OUTLET

For Parmaker after-sales repairs, service & spares in the Blue Mountains Area (Blacktown to Lithgow & beyond) contact Mike Budden. We conduct warranty repairs on all models and have most walker and ride-on models available for demo. Collection & delivery is available. Phone & fax: 02 4751 8226 Email: wesden@dodo.com.au www.bluemountainsgolfbuggies.com Sales • Repairs • Service • Spares

AUSTRALIAN MADE • BUILT TO LAST www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

45

technology

HOW COBRA PUMA CRAFTS COLOURFUL PERFORMANCE > Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

L

OCATED near Melbourne’s worldfamous sandbelt region, one company is making massive strides in its quest to become a global leader in golf club manufacturing. Cobra Puma Golf has endured great change in the past 20 years but its Australian headquarters is now settled in the Melbourne suburb of Moorabbin and pumping out orders across Australasia.

Over more than 40 years, the brand has had many twists and turns but ultimately aligns itself – where golf is concerned – with a younger, sexier version of the game.

Founded in 1973 by prominent Australian amateur golfer Tom Crow, Cobra grew until Greg Norman bought into the company in the early 1990s at the peak of his powers, providing unrivalled brand exposure Norman sold out of Cobra before it was bought by Acushnet, the parent company of Titleist and FootJoy. “They marketed the brand as Titleist for the serious player and Cobra for your more leisurely player. Cobra really got lost in the message a little bit,” says Cobra Puma Golf’s Australasia Category Manager Jason Louey.

However, at the time, the brand was getting plenty of recognition with Geoff Ogilvy winning the 2006 US Open with Cobra clubs, while Colombian Camilo Villegas and Ian Poulter were as identifiable by their brand

performance and personalisation. Their Super Game Improvement Baffler XL line, for example, is one of the most forgiving products in the marketplace, giving golfers the maximum playability.

of club as almost any player barring Tiger Woods’ concrete link to Nike.

In 2010, Puma bought Cobra and, earlier this year, Norman returned to Cobra Golf as a brand ambassador to help it separate itself in the marketplace as a brand representing not just performance but also youth, colour and vibrancy. American ace Rickie Fowler is its poster boy and deserves to be after top-five finishes at each of the year’s first two majors.

There’s a definite link between Puma’s apparel and Cobra’s golf clubs. In Cobra Puma’s perfect world, its customers wear head-to-toe Puma gear in colours matching the Cobra clubs they swing.

One walk through the Cobra Puma Golf Moorabbin factory shows just how big Fowler’s identity is within the brand – giant posters of him are plastered on walls in rooms where custommade clubs are built, an orange Puma shirt he’s personally signed is displayed triumphantly in one of the hallways and giant novelty-sized orange Puma caps are piled up in one office.

“We’re certainly not like some of the other companies out there that run the apparel line completely separate,” Louey says. “We use the same colour trend forecasts for the golf clubs as we do with the apparel. If there’s a shirt you like, you can guarantee that there’s trousers, shorts, a jumper, hat, golf bag and golf clubs that will match.”

But Rickie is just one of the many highprofile players in the Cobra Puma stable. As the brand has matured and expanded in the market, they have boosted their tour profile with the likes of Greg Norman, Jonas Blixt, Graham DeLaet and others.

Thompson mixed and matched perfectly when she won her first career major at this year’s Kraft Nabisco Championship, complimenting her aqua-coloured Cobra driver, with her aqua-coloured hat, ribbon, glove and Puma shirt.

But performance is Cobra Puma’s overarching aim as it chases recognition as a major player in the clubmaking game. Anyone who visits the factory bares witness to just how impressive it is to see Cobra clubs made from start to finish. Whether you’re a solid lowhandicapper ordering a forged blade used by Fowler, or a weekend warrior sourcing a set of

Nineteen-year-old Lexi Thompson – arguably women’s golf’s greatest proponent of power and athleticism is Cobra Puma’s poster girl and has her own poster presence at the factory.

But Cobra Puma is not just about vibrancy and colour. On the contrary, the brand aims to have their name synonymous with high

Cobra’s innovative shaft cutting process can precisely cut an entire set of irons at once; saving significant time versus the standard one-at-a-time method

Find your nearest Holden Scramble event MIXED EVENTS

NSW Glen Innes Golf Club NSW Merewether Golf Club NSW Temora Golf Club NSW The Links Shell Cove NSW Cootamundra Country Club NSW Stonebridge Golf Club NSW Mudgee Golf Club NSW Port Macquarie Golf Club NSW Tanilba Bay Golf Club NSW Woolgoolga Rsl Golf Club NSW Young Golf Club NSW Kooindah Waters Golf Club NSW Cypress Lakes Golf & CC NSW Balgowlah Golf Club NSW Mangrove Mountain GC NSW South West Rocks CC NSW Springwood Country Club NSW The Links Shell Cove NSW Forster-Tuncurry Golf Club NSW Goulburn Golf Club NSW Queanbeyan Golf Club NSW Shoalhaven Heads GC NSW Wauchope Country Club NSW Mt Broughton Golf & CC NSW Shortland Waters Golf Club NSW Tamworth Golf Club NSW Kareela Golf Club NSW Junee Golf Club Limited

03-Aug 03-Aug 03-Aug 05-Aug 09-Aug 09-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 13-Aug 13-Aug 16-Aug 16-Aug 16-Aug 16-Aug 16-Aug 17-Aug 17-Aug 17-Aug 17-Aug 17-Aug 17-Aug 21-Aug 22-Aug 23-Aug 24-Aug

NSW Leeton Golf Club NSW Moree Golf Club NSW Nowra Golf Club NSW Singleton Golf Club NSW West Wyalong Golf Club NSW Twin Creeks Golf & CC NSW Capital Golf Club NSW Maitland Golf Club NSW Blackheath Golf Club NSW The Springs Golf & CC NSW Wollongong Golf Club NSW Tallwoods Golf & CC NSW Bondi Golf Club NSW Broken Hill Golf Club NSW Kempsey Golf Club NSW Longyard Golf Club NSW Toronto Country Club NSW Yamba Golf And CC

24-Aug 24-Aug 24-Aug 24-Aug 24-Aug 24-Aug 24-Aug 24-Aug 29-Aug 29-Aug 29-Aug 29-Aug 30-Aug 30-Aug 31-Aug 31-Aug 31-Aug 31-Aug

QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD

03-Aug 03-Aug 03-Aug 08-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 13-Aug 17-Aug 23-Aug 24-Aug

Rowes Bay Golf Club Tenterfield Golf Club Town Of 1770 Golf Club Palmer Coolum Resort Ballina Golf Club Sandy Gallop Golf Club Warwick Golf Club Paradise Palms CC Bargara Golf Club Mossman Golf Club Palmer Gold Coast

QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD

Coral Cove IGR Palm Meadows GC Proserpine Golf Club El Arish Golf Club Hervey Bay Golf & CC City Golf Club

VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC

Eastern Sward Golf Course 03-Aug Eagle Ridge Golf Club 08-Aug Melbourne Airport Golf Club 09-Aug Rossdale Golf Club 10-Aug Northcote Public Golf Course 16-Aug Clifton Springs Golf Club 17-Aug Kooringal Golf Club 17-Aug Yarrawonga Mulwala GCR 17-Aug Maryborough Golf Club 17-Aug Numurkah Golf Club 17-Aug Melton Valley Golf Course 23-Aug Gisborne Golf Club 24-Aug Lonsdale Golf Club 24-Aug Woodlands Golf Club 29-Aug Cobram-Barooga Golf Club 30-Aug Barham Golf & Country Club 31-Aug Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club 31-Aug Kings Cove Metung GC 31-Aug

TAS Kingston Beach Golf Club TAS Longford Golf Club

24-Aug 30-Aug 30-Aug 30-Aug 31-Aug 31-Aug

09-Aug 31-Aug

SA SA SA SA

Fleurieu Golf Club Blue Lake Golf Club Ardrossan Golf Club The Stirling Golf Club

30-Aug 31-Aug 31-Aug 31-Aug

WA WA WA WA WA WA WA

Busselton Golf Club Broome Golf Club Gosnells Golf Club Kwinana Golf Club Secret Harbour Golf Links Harvey Golf Club Dongara Golf Club

03-Aug 09-Aug 10-Aug 10-Aug 20-Aug 24-Aug 30-Aug

WOMEN’S EVENTS NSW Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club NSW Morisset Golf Club NSW Kareela Golf Club NSW Yowani Country Club NSW Kew Country Club QLD Toogoolawah Golf Club QLD Peregian Springs Golf Club QLD Hervey Bay Golf & CC SA Thaxted Park Golf Club TAS Mowbray Golf Club VIC Yarra Yarra Golf Club VIC Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club WA Mosman Park Golf Club

03-Aug 13-Aug 21-Aug 28-Aug 31-Aug 24-Aug 26-Aug 27-Aug 14-Aug 31-Aug 25-Aug 31-Aug 29-Aug

* These are the Open Holden Scramble event dates currently listed for August. For further event dates please check the Holden Scramble website

46

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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technology

company can’t land within 0.9 grams of that target with any given club, it’s back to the drawing board. It’s part of a heavy emphasis on quality control.

“Each set has a nominal swing weight that we have to hit, otherwise if you pick up the golf club, one will feel heavy, one will feel light,” Louey says. “We’re trying to match up the swing weight all the way throughout the set.”

The tips of the shafts are prepared for gluing.

An iron’s lie angle is changed to match the golfer’s requirements

forgiving Baffler XL irons, you’ll get your order at blistering speed. Every order that’s received before midday on a given day, whether it’s for one club or an entire set, will be processed, assembled, cut, glued, gripped, packaged and shipped within 48 hours.

“All the other places I’ve worked, you cut one shaft at a time,” Louey says. “Here, you lay the whole set in there, up to eight irons.”

The most impressive part of seeing Cobra’s clubs made is watching how they’re cut.

Cobra can precisely cut an entire set in one fell swoop using a modern shaft cutter, which Louey designed with the help of a Taiwanese golf machinery manufacturer.

Once the clubs are cut, some need to have their lie angles adjusted using a ‘bending’ machine. Clubs are locked into a vice, which displays the number of degrees between the ground and the club’s shaft and any manipulations are done by hand to make the shaft either more or less vertical. Next up, the clubhead needs to be glued to the shaft, which is generally the most time-consuming

Clubheads are glued to the shaft, then allowed to dry step in making Cobra clubs because it uses a type of glue that takes 24 hours to set. But there are ways to circumvent this if an order needs to be rushed out the door. Through the use of ‘curing’ cells, the hosel of clubs can be heated up, so a set of irons can be ready to be hit within an hour.

Perhaps the greatest illustration of the specifics of Cobra Puma’s clubmaking is the need to find the perfect weight for each club.

The clubhead of, for instance, an eight iron, should weigh around 278 grams and if the

All orders come with different requests in terms of the type of club, shaft, length, lie angle and colour. But Cobra pursues even the most obscure orders, regardless of how much it may cost the company to find.

“Whatever a customer wants, we will do our best to source it,” Louey says. “We’re not limited by using maybe 10 different shafts and trying to corner everybody into what we think they should have. If someone’s got a graphite shaft that Tiger Woods uses and you want to get that, we’ll source it. We’ll try and get whatever we can for whoever wants it, because we want to offer the consumers the options they are searching for.”

Walking the aisles under the factory’s 25foot high roof, there are rows full of noncustomised golf clubs ready to be shipped out to the company’s 400-odd accounts throughout Australia and New Zealand. If it keeps going the way it is, that list of clients can only keep growing. •

LF L gO AR A N E EgIO HE y WA R ITy OF T L FACI

For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play the award-winning Graham Marsh designed championship course. Situated in the heart of the West Australian Goldfields, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is rated amongst the best public access courses in the country.

AFFILIATED COURSE OF THE NULLARBOR LINKS Phone: (08) 9026 2626 Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.co | www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

World Class Golf in the Outback www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

47

people

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO …

Ian Hepburn David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

R

EMEMBER Ian Hepburn? Most probably will as he spent close to 20 years working in management positions at club level and with golf’s governing bodies – Golf Queensland and the PGA (Queensland).

Between 1989-’95, Ian was the trainee and then assistant manager at Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane before joining the Queensland Golf Union (Golf Queensland) where he spent 10 years.

He was Golf Queensland’s golf operations manager before leaving to take up the executive officer’s role at the PGA (Qld) where he spent two-and-a-half years.

Anyway, I have been inundated with calls (okay a few) asking Ian’s whereabouts.

Can it be five years since the former golf administrator said goodbye to the golf industry and hello to life as a business operator on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast?

found Bar Connections at the Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore.” (Bar Connections is a retail store specialising in licensed merchandise, home bar supplies and birthday and other unique giftware. The Hepburns also have an online business – www.StuffBlokesWant.com.au).

“Our first day of business was November 3, 2009 – Melbourne Cup day.

“I didn’t have a day off for seven weeks (52 days) until Christmas day.”

He didn’t even have time to reflect on whether he had made the right decision to walk away from an industry he is passionate about.

“It all happened so quickly and we were ridiculously busy leading up to Christmas so we didn’t think about it. It’s been a good move for us on a lot of levels.”

Still, Ian keeps in regular contact with a number of former colleagues. Recently he dined with his former boss Don Gregory, who was the general manager at Pacific GC and later Oxley GC.

“In August 2009, my wife (Nicole) and I came up on a day trip and on the way home said, ‘we have got to make the move’,” he explained.

“I keep in touch with Phil Laurie (former Golf Queensland communications manager), Scott Wagstaff (Carbrook GM), Danny Bradley (FNQDA) and Simon Magdulski (director rules and handicapping at Golf Australia).

“I have always loved the Sunshine Coast and jobs in the golf industry were limited so we started looking for a business and

“It’s really humbling because barely a week goes by when someone from the industry doesn’t pop in and say hello.

Ian Hepburn … from golf administrator to business owner.

“You make lifelong friends and also keep in touch with people on Facebook.”

“Maybe in a year or two I’ll join Horton Park Golf Club when the new course opens.”

Running a business and organising a young family has meant Ian doesn’t have time to dust the cobwebs off the clubs.

Ian’s passion for the game hasn’t waned and he still keeps an eye on both professional and amateur results.

“I don’t play often only because of family and business commitments.”

Ian and Nicole have two children – Emily, 13, and Lachlan, 11.

“There are kids winning state amateur events I have never heard of, but it’s still interesting and I enjoy following the interstate series and pro-am results.

“I sneak out occasionally with a good mate, Derek Bergman, who was a trainee at Pacific Golf Club when I worked there.

“I must say I enjoyed my time in the golf industry – who knows... I might get back there one day.” •

Australian Father & Son Tournament *Daughters, grandchildren and siblings also welcome 28 NOVEMBER – 2 Ball Ambrose at Launceston Golf Club 29 NOVEMBER – Canadian Foursome at Prospect Vale Golf Club 30 NOVEMBER – Aggregate stableford at Riverside Golf Club

Over

$20,000 of prizes

* Runner up wins a one week to a golfing holiday in Australia of your choice * Third wins a weekend away of their choice * Trophies for all places * Cash prizes for Hole in Ones * Nearest to Pin and Straight Drive prizes

Win a trip to South Africa to play in the South Africa Father & Son Tournament

For more information call Ian Brown 0418132229 or email ianbrownfencing@bigpond.com or go to www.australianfatherandson.com Entry open till 30.9.14 or until full. Enter before 15 August to go in to the draw to get your entry fee back

48

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

rules

WHAT’S THE RULE?

Relief under the Unplayable Ball Rule (Rule 28) Frank Gal

Chairman of Rules Committee, Golf NSW

I

f you determine that your ball is unplayable, Rule 28 gives you three options to proceed under penalty of one stroke:

(a) Replay the shot under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1, or (b) drop a ball any distance behind the point where the ball lay keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball lay and the spot on which the ball is dropped, or (c) drop a ball within two club-lengths of where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

There are, however, a number of things you need to be aware of before proceeding.

• You may deem your ball unplayable at any place on the course except when it is in a water hazard. You can, however, drop the ball into a water hazard when taking relief under options (b) or (c).

• You are the sole judge as to whether your ball is unplayable. The ball does not have to be in a bad lie to declare it unplayable. Even your caddie cannot declare it unplayable for you. If your caddie did this and lifted your ball before you declared it unplayable, you would incur a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a (see Decision 18-2a/15). This penalty is in addition to the one stroke penalty under the unplayable ball rule.

• You can declare your ball unplayable without finding it, but only if you use option (a) (stroke-and-distance). Since options (b) and (c) require reference to where the ball lay, you must find and identify your ball in order to proceed under either of these options.

• If you declare the ball unplayable in a

Photo: USGA/Steve Gibbons bunker, you must drop it in the bunker if you use options (b) or (c).

• Since Rule 28 allows you to drop “a” ball, you can substitute a ball when proceeding under this Rule.

• If the area in which the ball can be dropped under options (b) or (c) happens to be on a green, the ball can be dropped on the green.

The ball is only placed on the green when relief is taken under this Rule if the last stroke was made from a green and you are proceeding under option (a) (stroke-and-distance).

So far, so good. These procedures are fairly straight-forward. After all, Rule 28 is the shortest in the book. However, there are a couple of things to be cautious about because danger lurks for the unwary.

Firstly, make sure before using the two clublength option that you will be in the clear after dropping. You will not get a re-drop without penalty if your ball rolls back into this or another unplayable position (unless one of the provisions of Rule 20-2c applies).

Note: If a ball that has been declared unplayable rolls back into the area from which relief was being taken, or another area in which it would be unplayable, it cannot be redropped without further penalty.

(Decision 28/3) Secondly, if you make a stroke at the ball before declaring it unplayable and have an airswing, guess where you would replay the shot from if you elect to proceed under the strokeand-distance option? That’s right – from where you had the air-swing.

Being aware of all the options available under Rule 28 can also work to your advantage. If, for example, you play from the teeing ground and the ball ricochets from a ball washer deep into the bush behind the tee, under the strokeand-distance option of Rule 28 you can play from the tee, which is where the ball was last played, even if that point is closer to the hole (see Decision 28/8). If you elect to play from the tee in these circumstances, you can re-tee the ball. •

Top Brisbane club issues challenge HERE is a date worth noting in your diary – Monday, September 22.

That’s the day the much anticipated annual Blue Marker Challenge takes place at Keperra Country Golf Club.

John Senden recently played a number of rounds at his home club and liked what he saw.

The course superintendent and his staff will set up the golf course in exactly the same way they set up for the Keperra Bowl course.

An additional bonus for the gross winner is a (free) spot in 2014 Keperra Bowl. That’s providing the winner has a handicap of 4.4 or less.

Of course, you don’t need such a low handicap to play in the Blue Marker Challenge.

Everyone is welcome.

The cost to play is $40 per person or $50 per person in a shared motorised cart – both of which include a drink and snack.

There will be prizes galore for nearest the pins as well as gross and nett.

Located 11km from Brisbane’s CBD, Keperra CGC has always strived for excellence on and off the course.

No wonder it ranks near the top of the list of “must-play” golf courses.

Voted Queensland Club of the Year a few years ago, Keperra is one of the country’s most picturesque golf courses.

Boasting a 27-hole layout, Keperra has always worked hard to maintain its unique and tranquil, natural bushland setting, which has become a dominant feature of the golf course.

It’s a golf course players can escape to the quiet surrounds during their round of golf.

“We are very happy with the golf course preparation as we move closer to the 2014 Keperra Bowl,” the club’s general manager Gavin Lawrence said.

To register for the Blue Marker Challenge, call the club on (07) 3355-7744 or email admin@keperragolf.com.au

MoSS Vale Golf club iS a Golfer’S paraDiSe

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*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

49

on tour

Tour Talk With Steven Jeffress

The ‘Moose’ is loose in Japan S

ome people think travelling is fun.

Ultimately I don’t mind it, but like everything, too much of it and it becomes a grind. After my recent trip to Fiji, I flew into Brisbane at 9pm and had to get home, re-pack my bag for my threeweek campaign in Japan and all in a time where I couldn’t even wash my clothes from Fiji as my flight was leaving early the next morning from Gold Coast Airport. I made the flight but things didn’t go as smoothly as I would have wished. The plane taxied out to the runway and then the Captain made an announcement saying that they needed to go back to the terminal so the engineers could check a small problem. Well, two hours later we were informed that the plane wasn’t going anywhere due to a two-inch crack in a window! So after standing in line for an hour, back home I went - I guess this is one of the joys of playing Professional golf!

The next day the flight went fine, which was relieving as we were going to arrive on Monday night, only just enough time for our Tuesday practice round at Shishido Hills, which is about 2 hours’ drive up from Tokyo.

The event was the Tour Championship and is regarded as one of the “majors” on the Japanese Tour.

The course is one of the toughest we play all year, with hard greens, tight fairways and six-inch rough. In 2008 the cut at this event was 9-over, so that tells you how tough this course is. I opened with a 6-over-par 78 in the first round and needless to say I was not in the best position. I needed to fire the second day. Well, I would love to tell you that

I did, but the second day was a lot like the first. I did, however, do something different late on day 2; I had what we call on tour “a moose”. Yes, I recorded a 10 on Hole number 17! It was nearing the end of the day, I was a bucketload over par and was looking for a quick escape. Believe it or not, there were a few laughs walking to the 18th tee - and for the record I tried on every shot though, yes, I comfortably missed the cut.

Rather than heading back to Australia the following week, I spent some time up at Niseko, which is another two-hour drive up from Sapporo (top island in Japan). I played several different golf courses during the week preparing for the next event called the Sega Sammy in Sapporo. The Sega Sammy is known as the biggest purse that we play for in Japan, 200 million Yen (about 2.3 million Aus dollars). They look after us really well, with a great golf course and the owner of the course shouts all the professionals lunch in the restaurant every day of the event, which is a nice change – a dollar saved is a dollar earned! I started solid with a couple of pars but then threw in a couple of double bogeys to turn the front nine in 6-over 42.

After a bogey on the tenth I was 7-over after 10 holes, which was clearly not very good, especially when you have missed a few cuts in a row and needed a good finish.

I fought all the way home to finish with a 5-over 76, which had me sitting at the end of the field going into day 2. When I arrived at the course the next day, the conditions were great with next to no wind at all.

Unfortunately by the time I went to the range

to warm up, all that had changed. It was now blowing about 50kph, which was not ideal for me as I knew that I had to shoot a low score to be around for the weekend.

The first four holes were all across wind, and after bogeying the 13th hole, I was 4-over for the day, 9-over for the tournament. Needless to say I missed the cut and flew home the next day. It was about this time I was thinking there must be an easier and less stressful way to make a living!

It was the last event before the re-rank.

What is a re-rank? All the players that qualified at the Q-School after six events are re-shuffled again. So, for example, I got card 18 at the Q-School, but due to me not

making much money on the Japanese Tour, my new number for the next six events is 46.

This means that it will be harder for me to get into some of the next few events. In some events, number 20 gets in and some events number 50 gets in. It’s a harsh system but all you need to do is play well in the first lot of events and it’s happy days.

So I am back in Australia, playing two 4-round tournaments on the QLD Sunshine Tour before I head back over to Japan. I am hoping to pick up a win just to boost the confidence before I head back over, so I am hoping next month’s article I will have some better news!! •

Sunshine Coast Series set to soar

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so much when growing up,” Davis said. “It is a real thrill to see the young professionals competing for a series bonus, outside of each of the individual Pro-Ams.”

This year’s MLC Advice Nundah Sunshine Coast Series will no doubt shape up to be one of its best and with an additional $4,000 in prizemoney available for the professionals that finish first and second in the series, it is sure to make it a hotly contested competition over the two weeks.

Professionals from across Australia and New Zealand will converge on the Sunshine Coast for two weeks as they attempt to be crowned the 2014 MLC Advice Nundah Sunshine Coast Series champion. Last year’s Series winner Chris Gaunt will look to become the second professional to claim back-to-back series wins, after Kurt Carlson completed the feat in 2011 and 2012.

he Sunshine Coast will again showcase some of the best professionals from around Australia in August, with the MLC Advice Nundah Sunshine Coast Series set to make its mark on the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series.

A former professional player himself, Principal Advisor for MLC Advice Nundah Tom Davis is looking forward to being part of the Sunshine Coast Series, which celebrates 13 years in 2014.

“I am excited to be able to give back to the tour and local communities that gave me 50

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The 2014 MLC Advice Nundah Sunshine Coast Series starts at the Gympie Pro-Am on August 3rd with the series culminating at the Horton Park Pro Am 12 days later. The six Pro-Ams that make up this year’s MLC Advice Nundah Sunshine Coast Series include:

Sat 3rd-Sun 4th August - Gympie Pro-Am Fri 8th August - Noosa Par 3 Pro-Am Sat 9th August - Caboolture Pro-Am Tues 12th August - Twin Waters Pro-Am Wed 13th August - Beerwah Pro-Am Thur 14th August - Horton Park Pro-Am The Sunshine Coast is seen amongst the professionals as one of the greatest places to visit on tour, and with more than 100 professionals set to take part in this year’s series it is a great opportunity for the communities of the Sunshine Coast to witness some great golf, plenty of birdies and also be presented with the opportunity to play with a professional athlete in the heat of competition.

Executive Officer for the PGA of Australia Qld Division Broc Greenhalgh was extremely impressed with the build up to this year’s series.

“It will be great to again see the Sunshine Coast community unite around such a great golfing spectacle. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy some great golf action throughout August, as many of the players competing in this year’s series will no doubt be household names of Australian golf in future years.”

The QLD Sunshine Tour forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia wide.

Played across more than 170 golf courses around Australia, the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Professional Golfers whilst also growing the game at a grass roots level by engaging an estimated 48,000 amateur golfers each year.

More: http://events.pga.org.au •

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instruction

Chip and Run vs Pitch Shots: the basics Randall Hollands Smith rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com

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here are two types of chipping: (1) The Chip and Run and (2) The Pitch Shot. Although the two shots are categorized under chipping, and are somewhat similar in technique, they have two very different applications when being used on the golf course.

So how do you decide what shot and when?

Before attempting to play either shot you must first decide which shot will be best suited for the situation that confronts you. The basic rule of thumb is if you have more ground to carry the ball over than green to work with then you will need to play a Pitch Shot. Conversely, if you have less ground and more green then you will need to play a Chip and Run. Now that you have made a decision on the shot you are going to play you can choose the club best suited to that shot. The most common choices are either the 7-iron or the 9-iron.

Remember that the 7-iron will be used on shots of a slightly longer distance than the 9-iron.

In Picture 1, Rachel begins to move into the ball and take her stance. You can see in this photo that she does not put both hands on the club at this stage, as care must be taken to line up not only the clubface but your body as well. Note that her weight is forward in her stance slightly more towards the target side, she has gripped down the golf shaft for both comfort and control, as she is now standing closer to the ball and more over it.

The golf grip is forward of the ball which will assist in generating a more downward blow necessary for all chipping shots.

When playing the Chip and Run you will notice in the backswing (Picture 2) that Rachel’s body has not moved a great deal although her hands and the club have traveled a distance away from the ball. Remember this is a high accuracy shot, which means that the least amount of moving parts in the action will ensure consistency.

Notice how her weight has not shifted and still remains on the target side foot.

This finish position (Picture 3) is imperative for consistent chipping. Note that Rachel’s weight has still remained on her target side foot throughout the entire shot, ensuring a downward blow into the ball and the very straight position of both Rachel’s left arm and the club shaft. The major problem that we encounter as coaches when we see people play this shot is that their left wrist bends upwards through impact resulting in either fat shots or thin shots.

1

2

3

4

5

6

When playing the Pitch Shot, club choice is either the Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge or the Sand Wedge. As we did for the Chip and Run, the determining factor will be the distance, which you must carry the ball in relation to the amount of green that you have to work with. As a general rule of thumb the PW will fly ½ of the total distance and roll the other ½. While the SW will fly 2/3rd the total distance and roll 1/3rd.

The Chip and Run and the Pitch Shot have very similar set up positions. In Picture 4, note the stance width and the weight distribution towards the target side foot. You can also see that the golf grip is again in front of the ball encouraging a downward blow into the ball imperative for this type of shot.

The difference to note between Picture 5 and Picture 2 is the distance that the club has traveled away from the ball. As the pitch shot

is played from a further distance from the green, it therefore stands to reason to have a slightly longer backswing.

You will see in Picture 6 that Rachel’s weight remains on her target side foot and her balance is good. You will notice that her follow through is almost a mirror image of the back swing, ensuring consistency in both distance and direction.

Randall is an Instructor at the Rachel Hetherington Golf Range, 425 Piggabeen Road, Cobaki Lakes, 2486, and is available for lessons specialising in video analysis and launch monitor. Please contact Randall on 0408 381 924, or the Golf Range on 07 5590 7686 or email rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com for further information.

THAILAND GOLF TOUR

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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instruction

The path to success David Williams www.willowgolf.com.au

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he majority of students that I see will slice the ball. The rest will hook, with few knowing the correct path on the downswing. To learn to hit it straighter, let’s look at why the ball curves in the air.

The main thing that golfers do to curve the ball is to have an open or closed clubface compared to the club’s path through impact.

Gear effect will also cause the ball to curve in the air, even if the path and face angles are both at 0º. Gear effect happens when the ball is struck towards the toe or heel of the club. A ball struck towards the toe will produce draw/hook spin and a ball struck towards the heel will produce fade/ slice spin. The path and face angle of the club through impact can directly influence the golfer’s ability to hit the sweet spot on the club face, and have a greater effect on curvature of the ball through the air. So we will focus our attention on the club’s path versus club face angle at impact.

Outside the plane on the downswing, the golfer will swing across the target line So let’s look at a slice. We know the face is open to the path at impact. Why?

club face to the ball by manipulating the face will cause inconsistent results in ball flight.

Is the outside-to-in path causing the face to remain open or is the open face causing the golfer to swing across the ball? That’s a chicken or the egg question.

Once the golfer has worked on their neutral grip, the turning open and rolling closed of the club through impact , it shouldn’t take too long to feel how much this needs to occur to produce a straighter ball flight in the air.

When the club head path and club face angle differ, the ball will curve. If the face is open to the clubhead path the ball’s axis will tilt and the ball will fade/slice. Conversely, if the face is closed to the club head path the ball’s axis will tilt and the ball will draw/hook.

I believe we should correct the face angle first to allow the ball to fly straight in the air and then the golfer should correct the path. An open face at impact can be caused by a number of faults in a swing, but the one thing I nearly always see is the club face not turning back and rolling through impact. The act of moving both arms around the body in a swing should see the hands turning and rolling through impact. The sensation would be that the club face is turning open on the backswing and then rolling closed on the downswing into finish.

The tilting spin axis of the golf ball is exactly like an airplane flying. When it’s flying straight, its wings, or horizontal axis, is level. When it wants to turn, it banks its wings, or tilts its horizontal axis and it turns. The more it tilts its horizontal axis the sharper the plane with turn.

One thing that can have a major impact on club face rotation is the grip. A strong grip will usually cause the clubface to close on the way back and the golfer will subconsciously react by attempting to open it on the downswing. This goes against what should happen bio-mechanically so presenting the

To achieve a straight ball flight, the club face angle must be pointing in line with the club head’s path. i.e. if the club face angle is 0º when compared to the clubhead path (both in the same direction at impact) the ball will fly straight.

If the club’s path is still across the ball the golfer merely needs to feel like they are swinging to the opposite direction.

In the photo, we can see how a typical right-handed golfer who slices the golf ball looks prior to impact on the downswing. The club is above the swing plane and will therefore be required to swing across the target line through impact. Depending on how much the face remains open to the path, the ball could start slightly left of target but then fade or slice to the right.

To correct the above picture, We must understand that as we are standing side on to the target and swing the club around our body, the club must travel back, up and in on the backswing and should follow a similar path on the downswing. This means the club should not be directly behind and definitely

Path versus Face differences and corresponding spin axis tilts not outside the ball on the downswing. The club head should attack the ball from a diagonal delivery path and square up to the ball at impact.

For a golfer who slices to achieve this, the golfer may feel like they need to hit the ball from in-to-out and roll the face closed to achieve a square impact and square face. If the golfer who has been slicing wants to hit the ball straight they will probably need to feel like they are hitting a draw or hook. The analogy I use for students is to pretend they are playing tennis and are required to hit a top spinning shot down the Right-Hand sideline. Hit out through the ball and roll the hands.

The opposite would also be true if a golfer hooked the ball. The club face is closed to the path to create a draw/hook so the golfer may feel like they need to hit a fade to straighten their ball flight out. • David Williams is Head Teaching Professional at Patterson River Golf Club. He is also a Master Instructor at the Medicus Golf Institute. www.willowgolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

53

instruction

Simple drills for the time-poor David Merriman

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f you don’t have a lot of time to practice, here are some simple drills for you.

First and most important is making solid contact with your ball. Set up your ball in the correct position. Place two tees either side of the ball far enough apart for the club head to fit through. Now remove the ball. Practice swinging through the tees clipping the grass between the two tees ensuring your divot finishes ahead of where your ball would be.

Mistakes can be easily seen. If you hit the ball fat or skinny, look at your divot: chances are it starts well before the tees which means that you haven’t transferred your weight across to your left side. If you hit the outside tee it means you have hit the ball out of the heel of the club.

If you hit the tee nearest to you, it means you have hit the ball off the toe of the club. This exercise helps you make solid contact with the golf ball and perfects the correct weight shift to your left side during your swing.

Good balance is also a major component of a consistent golf swing. We need balance at four key points in the swing: the address position, the top of the back swing, the impact position and the finish of the swing.

Moylan Mesquite-bound

Balance is created by correct set up. Bow from your hips, unlock your knees and feel about 55 percent of your weight on the balls of your feet. This will help maintain balance through your golf swing. It is difficult to focus on all four of these positions so focus on having a good balanced finish and the rest will fall into place.

You also need to ensure you are swinging down the target line. For this you can use a spare golf club or alignment stick and place it between your toe line and your ball pointing towards your target. Step back and look at your placement of the stick to make sure it is in line with your target. Using the alignment stick as a guide, practice to ensure you are swinging down the target line.

Jae demonstrates placement of divot after club head strikes ball between tees

Here is the greatest tip of all, do the perfecting on the practice range. When you go to play, just focus on alignment, solid contact, a balanced finish and enjoy the round.

These simple tips should go a long way to helping you play better golf.

For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA golf professional or contact me at Royal Pines Golf Club on the Gold Coast. • David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Contact him on 0412 44 22 05.

Jae demonstrates a balanced finish and weight on the left side

In May, Brendan Moylan competed in the Australian Finals of the RE/MAX Long Drive Tournament, and was successful in qualifying for the upcoming World Long Drive Championships to be held in Las Vegas in September.

Brendan now has an intensive period of training before the World Champs, which will involve gym fitness and technical work at the range.

“I am getting the power and strength up in my legs and lower back mostly, but still training the whole body,” he says.”Hitting lots of balls at Golf Central BNE, a state-of-the-art driving range that mirrors the long drive fairways I will be facing, will take place in the final month before I go.”

Brendan will travel to Mesquite Nevada, a 50-minute drive from Las Vegas. The small town is home to a purpose-built, $13 million dollar venue with the REMAX Longdrive tour in mind. 600m above sea level, the facility features low humidity, hot air, as well as dry firm grass on the grid. Drives are regularly in the 350 to 380m range, with players’ clubhead speeds clocking over 144 mph.

“I recently invested into new shafts that are designed to help me hit it higher and further, specifically suited just for the Las Vegas event,” he says. “I will be one of 128 guys from all over the world, competing over three days, to make the top 8 final.”

The top 8 players will return to Vegas in October for the final shoot out, to be held at Paiute Golf Club. The winner will take home $250,000 in an “all or nothing” final.

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54

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction

Key To Golf Lesson #3

than to be positioned vertically above the toes.

The right knee remains stable as in the address position. Both feet are flat and heavy in the ground.

In doing this a hip turn of between 30 to 40 degrees should be the goal.

Building the backswing The backswing is broken down into two components: 1) Body Pivot and 2) Hand and Arm action. Blending 1 & 2 together in a correct sequence of motion is key.

Peter Croker www.keytofgolf.com

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he balancing act has arrived where we need to separate out the building of the golf swing step-by-step from taking your new-found swing fundamentals to the golf course in competition.

Doorway/Table Edge Exercise

We would like to emphasise that playing golf is a separate exercise to building a competent and reliable golf swing – especially when the focus is the backswing.

Training Emphasis: Build the feeling of a stable base with no sway and governed hip and shoulder turn by controlling the foot and knee movement. Build the coil of hips against knees and feet – flat shoulder turn coiling against hips. Develop the sequence of hip turn leading the shoulder turn from the start of the backswing pivot action. Work to build a balanced backswing pivot with chest over right knee at the top of your backswing.

They say that putting your attention on the backswing will see your game go backwards.

So please apply lots of drilling in this lesson and preferably training with the short irons to start. Besides doing the drills, make plenty of practice swings, starting slow before increasing the speed of the swing. Hit balls into a practice net to start, where your attention on where the ball finishes is lessened.

When you go to the golf course, the focus needs to be on: 1. Breathing slowly and deeply.

2. Walking slowly and rhythmically 3. Become aware of your balance over the ball and from start to Finish.

4. Start the backswing smoothly and slowly 5. Watch the ball and “Hit” it.

Now with the hip turn stable, focus on rotating the shoulders against the hips with the chest rotating above the right knee. Feel the coil of the core muscles when you do this. Also note the shoulder turn is as flat as possible and your body is in a balanced and coiled position. A checkpoint is to see that a line through the elbows will be approximately parallel to the ground and at right angles to the target line.

Purpose: To groove in how the body pivot works in the backswing.

Exercise Option 1: Doorway Drill: Place the left foot up against the edge of a doorway with side of heel touching the base edge of the door frame.

Left foot angled out at approximately 15 to 20 degrees. Take the 3 Point Set Stance with hips touching the door frame and will do so throughout the exercise – spine tilted away from the vertical door frame. Cross your arms in front of you with your elbows just under shoulder height and right elbow down, left elbow up.

Option 2: Table Edge Drill - Use a straight edge hip-high table positioned on a 15 to 20 degree angle to the stance line of the feet (angle of table edge to match the right foot angle to the target line). Place your right foot just under the edge of the table so that when in correct stance, the right hip touches the table edge and will do so throughout the exercise. Cross your arms in front of you with your elbows just under shoulder height and right elbow down, left elbow up.

Start with a turning of the hips against the knees and feet. The left knee will move out towards the toes of the left foot but no further

NOTE: InsideGolf Readers can get a 50% discount off the purchase of the Key to Golf Gold or Silver Programs using Referral Code: ktgpcrok.

Watch a video of this drill at http://keytogolf.com/Backswing-Pivot/ 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. www.keytofgolf.com Phone: 0415 292 549

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE

CITY OF ORANGE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

4-6 OCTOBER 2014

ANNUAL VETERANS’ TOURNAMENT

7-9 OCTOBER 2014

Enjoy a long weekend of golf in NSW’s premier food and wine district and play on each of Orange’s magnificent golf courses - Duntryleague Golf Club, Orange Ex-Services Country Club and Wentworth Golf Club. The three courses are played over three days, with $6,000 worth of prizes to be won. This is a championship event not to missed!

Further information is available from Golf Orange Website www.golforange.com.au This longstanding and popular Tournament includes three days of golf at Duntryleague and a Presentation dinner on the Wednesday night. Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Numbers are limited to 216 players.

Further information is available from our Tournament Director - Beryl Pearce – 0428 622 300 - beejaber@gmail.com.

LADIES’ OPEN TOURNAMENT

27-31 OCTOBER 2014

HAHN GOLF OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

8-9 NOVEMBER 2014

STEVE CONRAN JUNIOR TOURNAMENT

23 NOVEMBER 2014

The Ladies’ Open Tournament is a much anticipated Tournament on the Duntryleague calendar.

The Tournament will include golfing events each day and some great social events as well.

Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Further information is available from our Ladies Captain - Pat Bradford – 0429 685 004 - johnpatbradford@y7mail.com.

(Golf NSW Vardon Event & Senior Event in conjunction) These two days of golf are not to be missed. Saturday and Sunday Championship with individual daily events in conjunction. Test yourself against some of the best players in Australia. Accommodation is also available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Please contact the Golf Shop on (02) 6362 4072 for further enquiries.

A chance for up and coming juniors to experience one of Australia’s best regional courses.

The Tournament is a must in every junior’s golfing calendar. Parents can relax and enjoy the hospitality and beauty of Duntryleague or take the opportunity to enjoy all that Orange has to offer.

Accommodation is also available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

MERCEDES BENZ DUNTRYLEAGUE CLASSIC

USING TRACKMAN 7 DAYS A WEEK NOW

17-20 JANUARY 2015

This 54 hole Individual Stableford Tournament continues to grow and is limited to 180 players to ensure comfortable play for everyone. It is open to anyone with a Golf Australia handicap.

Duntryleague is one of the best regional golf courses in Australia and is constantly in the top 100 courses each year. Entry fees for the Tournament are excellent value at $285 which includes golf, welcome cocktail party, Monday BBQ and Gala presentation dinner. Magnificent local wines, beer and soft drinks are included for the welcome cocktail party and Gala dinner.

Only 3½ hours from Sydney | Ph: 02 6362 3466 | www.duntryleague.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

55

fitness

Your Cup Runneth Over Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

T

here are a variety of exercises to improve lower body stability and strength.

Squats are a great way of improving lower body strength, as well as having the added benefit of incorporating the core to stabilise and support the body.

However, I see many people performing the squat both dangerously and incorrectly.

For some it is misinformation that has developed poor squatting technique. For others, it can be a case of too much too soon or a lack of range of movement.

The goblet squat is a great exercise for teaching the squat movement and as warm up exercise for those with good squatting form.

Originally created by Dan John as a way of teaching his students how to squat correctly, the goblet squat is so called because of the position the weight is held when squatting.

To do the goblet squat: • Begin by holding a dumb-bell or kettle bell in front of you, against the middle of your chest.

• The feet should be around shoulder-width apart, with toes pointing slightly out, with the weight more on the heels than the toes.

• Keeping your weight on your heels, start

• From the lowest position, drive your hips forward and return to the start position.

flexing at the hips allowing them to go back and towards the floor.

• The knees will flex slightly after the hips.

• Maintaining a fairly upright posture with the chest, as the body moves to the lower section of the squat (when the backside is level with the thighs), the elbows will wedge in between the knees • At this point, if you can’t reach your knees, focus on pushing them slightly apart.

As I mentioned, the goblet squat is an ideal way to improve squatting technique. It is also a good exercise to do as part of your warm-up routine or as an exercise in a circuit routine.

Take your time when increasing the amount of weight you are lifting with this exercise, advancing only if you can perform the exercise with correct form An alternative to holding one single kettle bell is holding a kettle bell in each hand or a barbell held in front of the body (front squat).

Developing lower strength will create a better platform for both generating and transferring power into the golf swing.

$105

Taking the time to learn correct movement patterns or even revisiting and deepening your understanding of physical movement will only be helpful for your golf game.

Please remember, if you are experiencing pain when exercising, do seek the advice of a medical practitioner or allied health professional. • Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

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August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

mental game

Mental skills for junior golfers (and their parents)

Junior golfers like 11 year-old Lucy Li (who qualified for the US Women’s open) require a specific set of mental skills in order to succeed (photo: AAP)

Mathew Howe

mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au

E

ven though this article is designed to help the needs of junior golfers I am fully aware that most of the readers will be the parents! Over the last thirteen years I have worked with juniors and their parents one on one to help them learn mental skills for golf in a fun structured way. Over this time I have noticed some important skills that need to develop in order for golfing progress to continue and for the junior to still be playing the game with enjoyment. This article will explore what mental skills are needed to encourage/assist a champion human and golfer of the future.

What are big mental issues that junior golfers face and why do they occur?

Rapid physical, mental and emotional change It can be mentally tough to deal with rapid changes in hormones and appearance. Not only because the rapid growth phase affects the junior’s swing mechanics but it also can affect self-esteem and confidence levels.

Something I notice about some 15-16 year olds is they are almost full sized physical adults but mentally and emotionally they can be still pretty immature. Society can find it hard to treat them accordingly when they are looking at a giant.

Mental Skills needed: Adaptability, strong self-image, listening skills.

Managing social media The social media plays a huge role on the life of a teenager these days. Technology has advanced so fast that we instantly are linked in to what happens all around the world.

Sporting stars these days live a different life to the rest of the population and have become almost ‘godlike’ in the eyes of many youngsters. Media highlights these points and young aspiring golfers have a mental abyss

to cross to even think about becoming great at their sport. Sometimes mental issues arise with a lack of access to social media or on the other hand too much undisciplined freedom of what they can look at and time spent on it.

It’s a captivating digital world now and just like adults, kids need to escape the tasks of everyday life. If the parents are not careful, the kids will get lost in the new exciting world of digital addiction.

Mental Skills needed: Self-discipline, selfawareness and task management.

Parental Relations Each family has their own set of unique struggles and personalities. Every child had an innate need to please their parents or make their parents proud. Sometimes they may not show it, but it is there! If the relationship with the parent and the junior is not carefully maintained the bond can be torn and it can cause the junior to look for bizarre ways to try and show the parents that they are good enough! e.g. raging on the golf course, not talking with them about their performances.

Etc. Mental Skills needed: - Communication skills, role understandings, emotional intelligence.

Social Relationships Learning to manage relationships with friends is another issue that junior golfers need to deal with. Golf is a social game and played with people from all walks of life and age categories. People who you play with are starting to expect a decent conversation in a round now and interviews start happening when you win tournaments. This can be overwhelming for kids with quieter personalities if they don’t have some tools to move forward with.

Mental Skills needed: Communication skills, self-confidence, and empathy.

Time and priority management Adolescent athletes often tell me they are finding it difficult to juggle school work, home chores, trying to earn a little money and training once they start reaching an elite

level. I ask them if they have a weekly plan as a starting point and often hear that they don’t have one of those written out. If they are not well organized they often leave out an area (rest and reflection) which is easily forgotten.

Mental Skills needed: Planning, prioritizing and self-discipline.

Results: Fun & Discipline When juniors start playing it’s almost always for the reason to have fun with mum, dad or friends. As progress improves they need to learn how to introduce the disciplined elements while still keeping things fun. Most of society starts to tell them how important it is to perform well and get results. As we all know the first question 9/10 people ask you when you finish a round or tournament is, “what was your score”?

Mental Skills needed: Self-discipline, perspective and humour.

Life Choices!

It’s also the time of trying to deal with the massive question of what they should do with their life. School starts asking questions about what they should do with their career path subject choices. The new weight of discipline and responsibly gets thrust upon them more and more as each day goes by.

Mental Skills needed: Wisdom, long-term thinking vs short-term thinking skills, decision making.

Tips to improve the situation As a parent you could read a few books on the area to raise your awareness of how to deal with lots of different scenarios. Other things that may help are making a time each week to have conversations about any topics other than golf. Furthermore, learning to care more about what happens at practice rather than just competition day can help emphasize what needs to really happen to get results instead of putting lots of pressure and focus on performance.

What is a good age to start structured mental training?

I believe good solid mental training starts

from when you are born. In terms of structure and where an outside influence such as a mental coach can be very helpful, it’s around that age when they no longer want to listen to their parents! I don’t normally like to start with someone before 14 years old. Some kids mature a lot faster than others so you really need to look at the situation on an individual basis. If you are increasing the discipline side of things you need to make sure you are also increasing the encouraging/caring side of things to keep the balance in their mind.

What is the best way to find out if a junior is interested and ready to take on mental training?

If they are snapping clubs, having tantrums on/off the course and not listening to your advice to change then that’s a definite yes— they do need to begin mental training.

Another definite yes would be if they are asking you questions on how to become mentally great at golf and you feel yourself giving less than solid answers. More often than not the golfers that are willing to work on their minds are the ones that are already the better players with more of an open attitude.

You could ask them if they think the mental side of golf is important to their game. You could see if they are open to having a chat with a mind coach to work out if there is a willingness to get to work. •

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

57

events Primary schools event in full swing For thousands of young Victorians, this year’s Primary Schools Golf Event is the highlight of their calendar.

Hart tops Queensland Rookie of the Year

The Event is structured like a minitournament. Par 3s are 100 metres long, while par 4 and par 5 holes measure 200 and 300 metres respectively. With the partnership between Golf Victoria, School Sport Victoria and the PGA of Australia, the organisations are working together to grow the unique event to ensure that the first golfing experience for all players is a memorable one.

The Middle Ridge Golf Club is proudly staging their annual Middle Ridge ProAm on Friday 5 September 2014. For over 20 years the Club has staged this proud event and in 2012 all the hard work paid off, with event voted by the touring professionals as the “PGA Tournament of the Year”. It is now recognised as one of Queensland’s most prestigious PGA tournaments.

Last year, 2,700 students participated in the event across the state at 60 different golf courses. The target for this year’s Primary Schools Event is to attract 4,000 students.

Students from grades three to six from around Victoria have already been battling it out in the Regional Qualifiers in an effort to book a place in the State Final to be held at Kooringal Golf Club on 1 December.

With more than 30 qualifying events still scheduled in 2014, it’s not too late to enter.

- East Geelong GC (Monday 4 August) - Woodlands Golf Club (Friday 8 August) - Mildura GC (Thursday 14 August) - Long Island CC (Monday 25 August) - Bendigo Golf Club (Monday 25 August) - Box Hill GC (Monday 8 September) - Shepparton GC (Monday 8 Sept) - Bacchus Marsh GC (Tuesday 16 Sept) More: juniors.golfvic.org.au

Toowoomba BMW Middle Ridge Pro-Am Classic

This year the event will carry a prize pool of over $30,000 and will attract the highest quality PGA Professional players competing on the Queensland Sunshine Tour.

Sponsorship packages are available. For more information, ring (07) 4635 1219 Tim Hart

T

he 2014 Robbie Bennetts Enterprises Rookie of the Year is heating up with reining National Futures Champion Tim Hart taking a commanding lead.

After the Glenden Pro Am the leaderboard looks like this: Pos

Professional

State

Prize Money

1st

Tim Hart

QLD

$19,769.53

2nd

Peter Lee

NSW

$8,279.24

3rd

Blake McGrory

QLD

$6,119.86

4th

David Abbott

NSW

$2,740.86

5th

Tim Carss

QLD

$2,319.48

The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the professional who in their first year as a PGA Professional and playing the QLD Sunshine Tour has produced outstanding performances and thus have resulted in winning in more prizemoney than any other rookie, with the winner receiving an all expenses paid trip to Australasian Tour School.

For more information, visit the PGA website at: www.pga.org.au

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

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If so, then tell us all about it. Simply email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au with the dates, times, location and any other relevant details, and we will share it with the readers of Inside Golf!

Friendliest Course on the Coast • All groups of 12 or more players receive an 18 hole gift voucher • Packages available for groups of 50 or more Social groups and players are welcome every day of the week • Play free golf on your Birthday • TERRIFIC TUESDAYS - ONLY $15 • New fleet of 20 carts - bookings recommended • $28 for 18 holes with a cart (pp) from Monday to Friday (12pm to 2pm) • Seniors, uni and TAFE discount rates available on weekdays Visit our new website for more information and special offers

532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au *Bookings required, conditions apply.

58

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

seniors

NATIONAL

Australian Senior Ranking leaders position he has now held for a current total of 241 weeks.

Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

he Australian Senior Ranking Competition run by Golf Australia has certainly been one of the success stories of Australian amateur golf in the last decade.

The competition began in 2006 when it was called the Australian Senior Order of Merit. In the inaugural year it included the Australian Senior Amateur Championship, State Senior Championships plus a few additional events.

Now renamed the Australian Senior Ranking System, the competition continues to grow and this year will include 16 major golf tournaments covering every state and territory.

Since joining the Over 55 ranks in 2008 NSW senior Stefan Albinski has been the dominant player and is again the current leader on the ranking table. He has lost the top spot along the way but continues to win more tournaments and return to the premier

Since its inception nine different senior golfers have held the position of number one ranked senior golfer in Australia.

The 2014 season heats up in September with three events to be held. The 36-hole Grange Seniors in Adelaide will be played on the new Greg Norman designed East Course starting on September 4.

Beginning two days after The Grange event visitors will enjoy a very pleasant drive to Fleurieu Golf Club for the 54-hole South Australian Senior Amateur Championship.

Described as being “modelled on the links style courses of Scotland” this will be the first senior event for Fleurieu. With the surrounding Victor Harbour area often called “Adelaide’s playground” the 2014 championship should attract a large field.

At the end of the month the 2014 Australian Senior Amateur Championship will be played on the Mandurah course south of Perth. This

Senior Ranking Leader

Total Number State Weeks of Career on Top Wins

Stefan Albinski Denis Dale Brian Sams Rick Oliver Bill Banks Chris Coats Graham Blizard Peter King Paul Maslen

NSW NSW NSW NSW ACT QLD NSW QLD NSW

241+ 113 27 26 14 11 9 8 5

25 12 10 3 16 2 4 6 1

2014 Australian Senior Rankings

Stefan Albinski – current leader of the Australian Senior Ranking Competition. is the most prestigious event for the year and as usual most of Australia’s top level senior amateur golfers are expected to make the trip to the west for the tournament.

More information: www.ausoom.com

Player

State

Events

Ave.

1 Stefan Albinski

NSW

9

102.16

2 Paul Maslen

NSW

7

97.67

3 Denis Dale

NSW

8

95.65

4 Roy Vandersluis

NSW

7

88.02

5 Peter King

QLD

7

85.99

VICTORIA

Busy month in Victorian Senior Order of Merit

M

ay-June was a busy period for Victoria’s best senior golfers with 5 events played as part of the 2014 Doug Bachli (scratch) and Paul Lulofs (handicap) Senior Order of Merit competitions.

title. Runner-up was multiple Doug Bachli Trophy winner Ross Percy (Cobram-Barooga) with rounds of 74 -79. Brian Spalding (Kooringal) claimed top honours in the handicap section with a scintillating closing round of 67 net to follow his opening 78 net.

Warragul: The final weekend of May saw the playing of the inaugural Gippsland Senior Amateur over 36 holes at Warragul Golf Club.

In relatively cool conditions punctuated by the odd shower of light rain the field of over 50 seniors found the undulating fairways and native bushland of the enjoyable Warragul course a real test.

Heathcote: The next event on the Doug Bachli Trophy schedule was the 18-hole Heathcote Senior Amateur. A record field of 73 seniors teed off and the challenging course was playing its true length after heavy rains in the preceding week.

After opening with a one over par round of 71 Ken O’Brien had established a two stroke lead. The talented Rossdale senior only needed a solid final round to be the first golfer to have his name engraved on the Gippsland Senior Amateur trophy.

Round two presented a tough day for all players and O’Brien responded well to the challenge with his score of 79 being good enough to maintain his lead and claim the

Chirnside Park senior Ray Walker was the winner after a great round of one over par 72. Walker was certainly no stranger to the winner’s podium after his wins at Bright and Box Hill earlier in the year. In second place and two shots behind Walker was Yarra Yarra’s Guy Krall on 74. In the men’s handicap section Trafalgar’s John Hoare proved too strong for the field with a great round of 68 from his handicap of 15.

Shepparton: Following immediately after Heathcote was the 36-hole Shepparton

Senior Amateur, an event that always attracts a god field. This year was no exception with a record 89 teeing off in foggy conditions that soon cleared to produce a fine golfing day.

Ian Frost (Bendigo) led by four stroke after his opening 74 and when he followed that with a well-crafted 75 in the second round the Shepparton title was his.

The scratch runner up prize went to John Ciezki (Buninyong) with rounds of 80 and 75.

Kerry Boehm from the Rossdale Golf Club took home the men’s handicap section after the 9 marker returned net rounds of 75 and 70.

Tocumwal: After one day of rest and recovery many of the same dedicated seniors then completed their week of golf with the 36-hole Tocumwal Senior Amateur. Tocumwal is a wonderful course ideally nestled alongside the Murray River and recommended for a visit by any golfer travelling along the Murray. The 36 hole tournament was played on both of the courses available at Tocumwal – the President’s and Captain’s eighteens.

Having returned a scintillating two under par 70 in the opening round the defending champion, Guy Krall (Yarra Yarra) looked set to win successive titles. An opening 43 on the front nine of the second round opened the 2014 Victorian Senior Order of Merit Doug Bachli Trophy - Scratch

1 2 3 5

John Hoare and Guy Krall – champions at the 2014 Tocumwal Senior Amateur 60

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

2

Player

Club

Gordon Claney Ian Frost Barry Tippett Ray Walker Tony Hyde

Kingston Heath Bendigo Thirteenth Beach Chirnside Park Rossdale

Events Best 12 8

1780

9

1753

9

1708

10

1630

19

1604

Kerry Boehm and Ian Frost – champions at the 2014 Shepparton Senior Amateur door for his chasers but Krall then steadied the ship and an even par closing nine gave him a total of 149 and a three stroke victory.

Joint runner-ups were Ian Frost (Bendigo) and Colin Wearne (Box Hill) with totals of 152.

In the men’s nett section John Hoare claimed the honours after the 15 marker signed for net rounds of 72 and 68. Hoare is certainly in a purple patch this year with this victory making it three titles for 2014.

Doug Bachli Order of Merit: After the events described above the Doug Bachli Trophy leader is Kingston Heath’s Gordon Chaney with a total of 1780 points. Close behind on 1753 is Ian Frost (Bendigo) with Barry Tippett (Thirteenth Beach) on 1708 holding down third place. At this stage it does appear that the much coveted season long trophy will be fought out by this trio.

Paul Lulofs Order of Merit: In the Paul Lulofs Handicap competition Yarram senior Ignatius Duivenvoorden on 1207 points maintains his lead although John Hoare (Trafalgar) has narrowed the gap and with 1119 is just 88 points behind. Ken O’Brien (Rossdale) is in third place on 918 points.

Further information: www.golfvic.org.au

seniors

QUEENSLAND

La Chiusa takes lead in Senior Order of Merit

T

he Queensland PresCare Senior Order of Merit competition has passed the half way stage and at the end of July 26 of the 46 events had been completed. In its second season the competition is growing steadily with many fields showing a good increase on the 2013 numbers.

Queensland Senior Order of Merit: Consistent high quality golf this season has allowed Nudgee senior Mario La Chiusa to take a commanding lead in the 2014 Queensland PresCare Senior Order of Merit competition.

With 1125 points from his best eight events La Chiusa leads Keperra’s Lindsay Brown by 170 points. Steve Toyne (Nudgee) is the big mover on the table and he has moved into third place from seven events.

In the 2014 Women’s Senior Order of Merit Margaret Emerson from Nudgee leads on 875 points with club mate Elizabeth Moran exactly 100 points behind her in second place. Also sharing second place is Wendy O’Connell from the North Lakes club. O’Connell won this competition in 2013 and is well placed to again challenge for the title as the season continues.

Caloundra: A record field of close to 80 seniors lined up for the Caloundra Golf Club’s Senior Cup. The course was in top rate condition and enjoyed by all. Nudgee visitor Steve Toyne was the winner with an excellent round of 73. He defeated fellow Nudgee member Mario La Chiusa by two strokes with Keperra’s Lindsay Brown next on 76.

Local member Dick Kamen had the best handicap round with a very good 39 Stableford points from his 24 handicap. Twin Water’s golfer Rosie Glasson won the women’s scratch event with a nice round of 85.

Half Moon Bay: It was a women’s only event at the challenging Half Moon Bay Golf club described by the locals as “the friendliest golf course this side of paradise”.

Local member Marion Wright was the winner with her score of 85 being five better than Cairns Golf Club member Ruth Yelland. Marilyn Barners was the handicap winner with Jeanette Gilliver taking out the Over 65 trophy.

Burleigh: Located on the Queensland Gold Coast the Burleigh club is a championship quality course with a

NSW

Senior Order of Merit goes ‘Country’

T

his year the NSW Senior Order of Merit competition has 45 events and at the end of July 28 of these were completed leaving 17 events still to be played.

Consistent with the Golf NSW policy of expanding senior golf throughout the state many of these remaining events will be held on non-metropolitan courses.

Already tournaments have been held on some wonderful regional and country venues - Belmont, Tuncurry, Gungahlin Lakes, Bowral, Duntry League, Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Bonville and Ocean Shores.

Oatlands: 83 players enjoyed a beautifully prepared course for the 2014 Oatlands Seniors. The fairways were well defined, the course setup was friendly for the senior field and the greens were typical of Oatlands running smooth and fast.

The winner was Australia’s leading senior amateur Stefan Albinski with an even par round of 70. Albinski also won this event in 2012 and now has the impressive record of having won both the Oatlands Senior Cup and the Oatlands Cup (1998). Runner up and just a stroke behind was Graeme Howland from Penrith. Howland did not start well and was five over par after his first five holes but then produced some sensational golf to record five birdies with a late dropped shot meaning he was to fall one stroke short of victory.

The Over 65s was won by Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale (73) with the runner up prize going to Nick Dunn from The Australian (77). The handicap competition saw Ross Liddle from Magenta Shores defeat Mark Stannard from Oatlands on a countback after both players had returned nett scores of two under par 68.

‘woodland’ type forest front nine followed by a ‘sandbelt’ type heath back nine. The results saw a repeat of the Caloundra Seniors with Nudgee member Steve Toyne recording an outstanding round of one under par 70 to defeat his club mate Mario La Chiusa by two strokes. Coolangatta Tweed’s Dave Morrison was next on 75.

Save with the Over 50’s Insurance specialist.

Burleigh member Don Wood had the best handicap round with 38 Stableford Rod Dale – winner of the 2014 points. The leading women’s Coolangatta-Tweed Heads score came from Burleigh Senior Cup. member Cheryl Wood with a Stableford score of 33 points.

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Coolangatta Tweed: Both the River and West courses at the 36 hole complex are challenging and this year a quality field of 44 seniors enjoyed their round on the River course.

The winner after an outstanding round of even par 72 was local member Rod Dale. The one handicapper played solidly all day and his round included just the two birdies and two bogies. A stroke behind was Nudgee’s Mario La Chiusa who continued his excellent recent form that sees him on top of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit.

Caloundra visitor Dick Kamen made the trip south very worthwhile in winning the handicap competition with a score of 37 Stableford points. Robert Ind (Coolangatta) and Tony Irvine (Southport) were next on 36 points. With 65 year old Rod Dale winning the overall championship the Over 65’s competition went to the club captain at Coolangatta Tweed, Dave Morrison, with a score of 77 edging out clubmate Dave Marshall by a stroke. Jean White from Nudgee had the low round in the women’s scratch section with a score of 93.

2014 Queensland PresCare Senior Order of Merit Men’s Scratch 1 2 3 3 4

Player Mario La Chiusa Lindsay Brown Steve Toyne Stephen Rowley Neil King

Club Nudgee Keperra Nudgee Nudgee Gailes

Events 12 11 7 7 14

Best 8 1125 955 870 845 830

Pymble: A field of 78 seniors had the pleasure of playing the well-respected Pymble course presented in outstanding condition. The winner with a score of 76 was local member Frank Mellish who was playing in his first Senior Order of Merit event. The local scratch marker played some wonderful golf and it was only a four putt green and three more 3 putts that prevented him recording a sensational round.

Richard Greville (Avondale) recorded his best finish for the year and he was the runner up after a good round of 77. He defeated the always consistent Dale Tapper (Bayview) on a countback. The Over 65’s was won by Twin Creeks’ member Denis Dale with a round of 77 while Bexley’s Tom Yates was the runner up with a score of 82.

The handicap winner was Chatswood senior Ian Harber with a net score of 74 from his handicap of 12. A stroke behind was Castle Hill’s Trevor Amery (handicap 6) with a net score of 75.

NSW Senior Order of Merit: Mona Vale’s Greg Stanford continues to hold the lead in the year-long Senior Order of Merit competition. With a total of 1469 points he leads Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) by 38 points with Dale Tapper (Bayview) close up on 1392 points.

Denis Dale leads the Over 65 competition with 1431 points from Kooindah Waters senior Paul Day on 1217 points and Tom Yates (Bexley) in third place on 1114 points.

2014 NSW Senior Order of Merit Player

Club

Events

Best 14

Greg Stanford Denis Dale Dale Tapper Paul Day Tom Yates

Mona Vale Twin Creeks Bayview Kooindah Waters Bexley

18 17 14 14 13

1469 1431 1392 1217 1114

More information: www.golfnsw.org www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

61

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golf nsw

100 Years on “The Rock” T

he Rock Golf Club proudly celebrated its centenary on the weekend of 1718 May 2014. The club is situated on a picturesque 18-hole sand green course nestled at the foot of Rock Hill just 25kms south of Wagga Wagga in the Riverina District. It was formed on 24th April 1914 and formally opened its golf club in “The Paddock” a month later by a group of enthusiastic locals interested in developing a golf course in their small country town.

A book titled ‘At the Foot of a Hill – The Rock Golf Club celebrating 100 years 1914-2014’ was created to mark the celebration and record its history.

Chairman of the Centenary Committee Ian Weily acknowledged the hard work of the Centenary Committee Members Carol Magrath, John Jarick, Penny Stewart, Col Stewart and Lyn Blake as well as local historian Mr Ian Vennell.

Ian stated “I would like to congratulate all members of the golf club past and present for their dedication and hard work in keeping this club going for 100 years.”

He also thanked all those “who have contributed articles and photos, etc. to this book…This is a very big milestone considering the club has survived through two world wars…This centenary has given us a great opportunity to record the history of the club for present and future generations.”

The Tier 1 golf club currently has 43 members and 11 associate members. It recorded 2,144 members through its doors from 1937-2014 with numbers peaking at 58 (1956) within a year.

The club is showing no signs of slowing down. A brand new kitchen was installed in February. The Friday morning VET competition has grown to become one of the Club’s most popular events during the

62

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

summer months. The members look forward to attending the Vets Christmas Party and their new kitchen will add further benefits to help the club generate more social activities.

A group of dedicated players make up their ROCKART Pennant team.

The Rock Golf Club has become an integral part of the local community, hosting not only golf events but has supported charities and other events such as the Pony State Championship, a Girl Guide Muster, and was the launching pad for hot air balloon enthusiasts for The Rock to Narromine campaign.

The next club event, The Women’s Rock Tournament, will be held on 13th August 2014 at Tootool Road, The Rock, NSW 2655.

For more information contact colin.stewart2@bigpond.com.au at www.riverinalga.com.au

UPCOMING EVENTS KENO NSW Mixed Fourball Championship WHEN: 10-11 September WHERE: Bonville Golf Resort The 2014 KENO NSW Mixed Fourball Championship is about to reach its pinnacle – the State Final. The year-long event will culminate with 40 golfing pairs from around NSW, playing 36-holes over two days.

There are 20 Men’s Country Districts, and from this, the winning pair in each Country District playoff qualify for the State Final. This year Finalists range from as far as Grafton and Finley.

The Metropolitan playoff encompasses all Clubs in the Metropolitan District. The leading 20 pairs qualify for the State Final, taking the total number of pairs to 40. www.golfnsw.org

Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser and The Rock Golf Club President Rod Martin

GOLF NSW – AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events Start Date

Pennants / Grade Event

9-10 Aug

Women’s NSW Sand Greens Tournament

23-24 Aug

Women’s Weekend Tournament

Venue Barraba GC

The Vintage GC

Event

2-3 Aug

Seaside Classic

03-Aug

Twin Towns Amateur

16-Aug

Cumberland Cup

23-24 Aug 24-Aug 30-31 Aug 30-31 Aug

Mollymook Amateur Kooindah Waters Cup W.E. Alexander Open Goulburn Cup

Venue Port Macquarie GC Cool/Tweed GC Cumberland CC Mollymook GC Kooindah Waters GC Waratah GC Goulburn GC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events Date 21-Aug-14

Event Royal Canberra Open Day

Event

Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan 03-Aug Rd 3 03-Aug Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 1

Venue Various Various

10-Aug Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 4 Various 10-Aug Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 2 Various 17-Aug Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 5 Various

Men’s Vardon Events Date

Date

Venue Royal Canberra GC (ACT)

17-Aug Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 3 Various Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan 24-Aug Various Quarter Finals 24-Aug Eric Apperly Shield Country Play Offs Various 24-Aug Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 4 Various Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Various 31-Aug Semi Finals 31-Aug Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 5 Various

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Suk ho Seo, Dan O’Neill, David Laing, Glen Besgrove, Norman Martin, Wayne Seabrook, Michael Hoskin, Edward Coupland, Wayne Gill, Vi Duffy, and David Jennings.

golf qld

Cullen to defend his crown I

n 2013 Nick Cullen held his nerve to defeat marquee player Peter O’Malley and win the Isuzu Queensland Open’s T.B. Hunter Cup at Brookwater Golf and Country Club.

Golf Queensland releases video videos resource suite The cover basic Golf Queensland has released a suite of Rules of Golf and Golf Etiquette videos aimed to educate and inform new and current golfers.

The etiquette suite includes pace of play, raking of bunkers and repairing divots; while the rules videos comprise of, out of bounds, water hazards and loose impediments plus many more.

Golf Operations Manager Luke Bates said it was important for Golf Queensland to provide innovative ways of providing information to Queensland golfers.

He finished with a fantastic total of 9-under (279), set up after a third round course record of 7-under par 65.

Golf Etiquette and the Rules of Golf and we hope they will help people with their understanding of these aspects of the game.

“In addition to individuals viewing the videos, Golf Queensland encourages clubs to use this free resource to assist in the education of their members.”

The win was Cullen’s second as a professional golfer, after winning on the OneAsia Tour in 2012.

“With the ever expanding digital space, people are looking to the internet for information and answers to their questions and it is important for Golf Queensland to provide this accurately,” Bates said.

Golf Queensland’s Golf Operations Officer, Matt Field who fronts the videos, recently returned from the Golf Australia Advanced State Level Rules Seminar in Auckland which included presenters from the R&A and Australasian PGA Tour.

“It felt great to have my second win. I think the second win is harder than the first one, now I’m looking for my third which seems to be even harder!”

“The videos are a fantastic learning tool and another way we are able to effectively improve engagement with golf clubs, members and potential members.

Matt presently conducts Rules of Golf Seminars across Queensland and answers hundreds of questions relating to the rules of golf in his role.

“Each year Golf Queensland receives over 1000 enquiries relating to the Rules of Golf.

To view the suite of videos, visit www.youtube.com/golfqueensland

It’s been a difficult year for the South Australian, having to pull out of the Australian Open late last year due to health problems.

“I’m going well now, physically I feel good again but I’ve been struggling to get my golf back to the level I was at during the end of last year,” Cullen said.

Cullen will be back at Brookwater Golf and Country Club this month to defend his crown and is looking forward to getting back on track.

“I’m really excited to be back. I love the course and I’ve obviously got some really great memories from last year so I’m hoping I can put up a good title defence,” he said.

“Knowing the course and having confidence in my strategy will definitely be a benefit.”

The Championship will be played 28-31 August 2014 at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Spectators are welcome and entry is free. Bring the kids along to the MyGolf junior activity zone to be held over the weekend of 30-31 August.

QUICK 5 WITH NICK CULLEN: Q: Future Plans?

A: To play on the US PGA Tour. That’s where the best players are and where I want to be.

Q: Golfing Idol?

A: Adam Scott – His swing, attitude and professionalism are something every golfer should aspire to be.

Q: Favourite course?

A: Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and Carnoustie. They are all amazing courses and I can’t separate them!

Q: Best ever round?

A: Third round at the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open. I’ve had lower scores before but -7 at Brookwater is something I didn’t think was possible at the start of the week.

Q: Favourite golf club in the bag?

A: Putter. I love putting!

MyGolf fun in regional Queensland During the June/July school holidays, Golf Queensland held three Junior MYGolf Camps designed to introduce and engage juniors of all experience levels to the MYGolf Program.

The program focuses on skills development of juniors through games based activities in an environment that is fun and junior friendly.

The camps were held at Capricorn Resort, Charters Towers and Emerald Golf Club, with over 130 participants involved ranging in age from 4-15 years old.

A structured program was delivered over the three days, consisting of warm up games and activities, skills sessions, putting, chipping and long game, rules and on-course play.

Golf Queensland’s Participation Development Manager Adrian Hewat said the camps have become a popular addition to Golf Queensland’s junior development program since its inception last year.

“This year’s camps have been fantastic and their popularity really highlights just how important these visits to the regional areas are,” Hewat said.

“It’s great to see the juniors not only learning about golf on and off the course but also making new friends, learning life skills and most importantly having fun in a safe environment.

“Golf Queensland Development Officer and PGA and ALPG Professional Lee Harrington has been instrumental in the development and delivery of these camps.”

Thanks to the assistance of local PGA Professionals Nick Webber (Capricorn Resort), Josh Tindale (Charters Towers) and Dave Delahunty (Emerald), Golf Queensland was able to ensure a smooth delivery of each camp.

More: www.golfqueensland.org.au.

Queensland Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship Sunday 7 – Tuesday 9 September

Entries close Monday 25 August. www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

63

calendar

CALENDAR > AUGUST

2014 Women’s Weekend Tournament

When: August 24-25 Where: The Vintage Golf Club The 2014 Women’s Weekend Tournament event is open to female amateurs who hold a current Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is played over two days, with shotgun starts on both days. The format is 18-holes singles stableford on the first day and 18-holes best ball team event V-Par on the second day. This event is the most popular participation event on the Golf NSW calendar attracting players from all across the state. Entries open on 8 June. The entry fee is $160 per player (online). www.golfnsw.org

2014 Women’s NSW Sand Greens Championship

When: August 9-10 Where: Barraba The Women’s NSW Sand Greens Championship is open to female amateur golfers who hold a current Golf Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is hosted in rotation

by Country District Associations. The event is played over 36-holes stroke play in two or three divisions (depending on entries). Prizes are awarded for: DIVISION 1 - NSWLGU Sand Greens Championship Salver – 36hole scratch DIVISION 2 - NSWLGU Bronze Salver – 36-hole scratch DIVISION 3 - Bronze Bowl – 36-hole scratch (if player numbers allow) The Women’s RLGA Jug (handicap teams event) and Women’s SLWGA Bowl (scratch teams event) are played concurrently with the Championship. www.golfnsw.org

SEPTEMBER 2014 Women’s Coronation Medal When: 15 September Where: Concord and Bayview Golf Clubs

The Coronation Medal has become a most prestigious event. The Medal was donated by the English Ladies Golf Union to celebrate the Coronation of King Edward VII. The format is an 18-holes stroke handicap competition for teams of four players on handicaps from plus to 22, played over two courses which are determined by the previous year’s competition.

Each club entering the competition nominates the players to represent it and the courses on which each pair will compete.

For further information about the 2014 Women’s Coronation Medal contact Fiona Carroll at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email fiona.carroll@golfnsw.org

2014 Women’s Bronze Medallion

When: 18 September Where: Wakehurst and Monash Golf Clubs The 2014 Women’s Bronze Medallion is an 18-holes stroke handicap competition for teams of four players on handicaps from 23 to 32.

Each club entering the competition nominates the players to represent and the courses on which each pair will compete.

The Bronze Medallion is awarded to the team with the best aggregate of four nett scores.

Wakehurst will be bidding for a third title in a row having won the event two years running.

For further information about the 2014 Women’s Bronze Medallion contact Fiona Carroll at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email fiona.carroll@golfnsw.org

OCTOBER City of Orange Golf Championship

WHEN: 4-6 October WHERE: Duntryleague Golf Club, Wenworth Golf Club and Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club With three fabulous golf courses, majestic landscapes, astonishing attractions, fabulous food and wine and a unique style and energy, Orange is the perfect destination for a golf getaway. Just 3 ½ hours from Sydney and within easy reach of the Blue Mountains, Orange offers a welcoming city, rich in local history, a flourishing cultural scene, fruitful landscapes, historical buildings, art and culture to surprise you and some of the best food and 2013 City of Orange Golf wine in Australia.

Champions, Robert Payne This year’s event is open to both and Alison Seib men and women with prizes for each grade up for grabs daily and the 5- hole events. With $6,000 in prizes, a $90 entry fee for three days of golf over Orange’s three golf courses, this represents outstanding value.

Last year’s City of Orange Golf Championships saw defending champions Robert Payne from Duntryleague Golf Club and Alison Seib from Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club take out the Men’s and Ladies City of Orange Golf Championship respectively.

Robert and Alison, as defending champions, had the services for the entire October Long Weekend, of a brand new Land Rover, courtesy of major sponsor Tony Leahey Land Rover.

All grades play each course once over the 3-day event.

Places are limited to 200, so get in early. Registration forms, information and Stay and Play Packages are available via the Events section at: www.golforange.com.au

NSW Men’s Fourball Championship

WHEN: 8-9 October WHERE: Bonville Golf Resort The 2014 NSW Men’s Fourball Championship is about to reach its pinnacle – the State Final. The year-long event will culminate with 40 golfing pairs from around NSW, playing 36-holes over two days.

This year there were 174 Clubs across NSW that participated and 3896 pairs. There are 20 Men’s Country Districts, and from this, the winning pair in each Country District playoff qualify for the State Final.

The Metropolitan playoff encompasses all Clubs in the Metropolitan District. The leading 20 pairs qualify for the State Final, taking the total number of pairs at the State Final to 40. www.golfnsw.org

Men’s NSW Sand Greens Championship WHEN: 18-19 October WHERE: Nyngan Golf Club

The 2014 Men’s NSW Sand Greens Championship, incorporating the 2014 NSW Junior Boy’s Sand Greens Championship and the 2014 NSW Sand Greens Teams Event, is open to male amateur golfers with a Golf Australia handicap of 27.4 or under, and will be played over two rounds of 18-holes.

The Championship includes the popular team’s event whereby teams of three compete, with the two best nett scores each day counting towards the team total.

Online entry is just $70 at www.golfnsw.org , while all other forms of entry are $80. Entries close: Friday 3 October at 5.00pm For further information regarding this event please contact Olivia Wilson on olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org or (02) 9505 9105.

2014 Women’s Mountain Meeting

WHEN: 20-23 October WHERE: Lithgow, Blackheath, Leura and Wentworth Falls Golf Clubs This event is one of the longest running and most popular tournaments on the Golf NSW women’s calendar. The format begins on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 with 36-hole stroke play for Divisions one and two with 36-hole stableford for Division 3. On Wednesday 23 the Foursomes are held in two divisions and on the final day, Thursday 24, a four person Teams V Par Event completes the tournament. Players can nominate to play in all four days of play or play in individual days of their choice. Golf NSW is happy to assist competitors to find a partner for the foursomes or complete a team of four for the Teams event.

The ever popular Trophy Presentation this year will be held on the evening of Tuesday 21 October at Wentworth Falls Golf Club.

Entries for this event are now open. Entries are One Day $45 one day ($35 online). $80 two days ($70 online), $115 three days ($105 online) or $120 four days ($110 online).

Entries close: Friday 26 September 2014 at 5.00pm. Full event details are available at www.golfnsw.org For further information regarding this event please contact Fiona Carroll on fiona.carroll@golfnsw.org or (02) 9505 9105.

A u s t r a l i

a ’ s

G o l f

N e w s

Queensland Sunshine Tour Proud Sponsors 64

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

L e a d e r

calendar 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship WHEN: October 23 - 26 WHERE: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club WEBSITE: www.aacgolf.com

The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (ACC), one of the world’s premier amateur golf tournaments, will this year be staged at the internationally acclaimed Royal Melbourne Golf Club from October 23-26.

With entry into the 2015 Masters Tournament and places in the 2015 Open Championship Qualifying Series up for grabs, competition between the 120 amateurs from 38 countries will be fierce.

Played on the composite course at Royal Melbourne, home of the 1998 and 2011 Presidents Cup. The AAC is conducted in partnership with the Masters Tournament, The R&A and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation.

The sixth Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be played in Australia for the first time and boasts PGA Tour winner Hideki Matsuyama (2010, 2011) and teenage phenomenon Guan Tianlang (2012) as past champions.

The Charity Challenge Golf Series

Sydney: WHEN: Thursday 7th October WHERE: Macquarie Links International Golf Club Melbourne: WHEN: Wednesday 10th December WHERE: Woodlands Golf Club The Charity Challenge Golf Series - run by Gary (Smokey) Dawson OAM & Matthew Laverty, is supporting the Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group with both a Sydney and a Melbourne Golf Day this year. The Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group (www.alds.org.au) is a Not For Profit that supports hundreds of Australians (and their families) affected by a severe group of genetic neurological diseases known as ‘Leukodystrophies’. In the case of childhood diagnosis, the result is often fatal within a matter of years. The Support Group provides much needed financial as well as emotional and advocacy support services and is grateful to the Charity Challenge and its golfers who raise urgently needed funds for the Group.

Individual, Team, Sponsorship & Prize enquiries: Contact Earl - 0439790151 or earls@scored.com.au

NOVEMBER Parkinson’s NSW Golf Classic When: Thursday 13th November Where: Monash Country Club, Ingleside

Cromwell Property Group presents the 8th Anniversary Parkinson’s NSW Golf Classic. The fun-filled day will include on-course competitions including NTP, LD and the famous putting competition.

Afterwards enjoy a delicious buffet dinner in the dining room overlooking the golf course and live entertainment. As usual there will be heaps of golf prizes and amazing auction items.

Your support will assist in raising awareness and money to fund essential research and support services for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Proceeds go to the Parkinson’s Counselling Service; a vital program that helps take away much of the initial anxiety and uncertainty that confronts people with the disease. People with Parkinson’s disease their families and carers can access a counsellor by ringing 1800 644 189 for an appointment.

In Australia every hour of every day someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s does not discriminate.

It can attack anyone and has - Pope John Paul II, the great Mohammed Ali, Michael J Fox, former Governor General Zelman Cowan, NRL St George & Cronulla great Peter Proven, former Penrith Panthers star Brett Lobb and Mike Leyland of the Leyland Brothers have all been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

To participate please complete the registration form at http://pnswgolfclassic.gofundraise.com.au, or contact the Events & Fundraising department on 02 8875 8900 or email pnsw@parkinsonsnsw.org.au

Veteran Matchplay finds a home

T

HE NSW Veteran Golfers Association Matchplay Championship has long been a popular tournament for older golfers and the 2014 edition will now go ahead in the Newcastle area after fears it may not find a home this year.

The week-long event for over 55’s will take place at the top rated Newcastle (Stockton) Golf Club, Waratah Golf Club, Belmont Golf Club and Charlestown Golf Club from Monday November 3rd to Friday November 7th.

For the entry fee of $120 male and female golfers get four days of competitive golf at four great courses plus a presentation lunch on the Friday.

Entries for both men and women are divided into groups of 16 determined by handicap order for the tournament, which has a rest day on the Wednesday.

The top 16 male golfers with the lowest handicaps play off scratch in a premier grouping that competes for the overall championship and the Bob Coulson Shield.

Players who lose matches in the first three rounds aren’t eliminated and everyone entering gets a full week of golf.

No matter what a golfer’s results are during the week they will still be competing for a trophy on the Friday at Charlestown Golf Club against a player with exactly the same set of results in the first three rounds.

Every winner on Friday will receive a voucher, the value of which will reflect the number of wins that player has had during the week.

Apart from the top men’s group all other golfers play off their handicaps. Maximum handicaps are 36 for men and 45 for women so no matter the level of golfing skill, everyone can have a fun, challenging time in the always enjoyable matchplay format.

More information: www.australianseniorgolfer.com.au

Special Olympics 54 hole Tag Team Golf tournament When: 17th November Where: Riverside Oaks Golf Resort

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

UPCOMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS August 1 Hervey Bay Seniors (QLD) August 2-3 Seaside Classic at Port Macquarie (NSW) August 11 Carnarvon Seniors (NSW) August 11 Palmer Gold Coast Seniors (QLD) August 11 Yarra Yarra Senior Amateur (VIC) August 12 Kingston Heath Seniors (VIC) August 13 Victoria GC Seniors (VIC) August 15 Royal Melbourne Seniors (VIC) August 18 Metropolitan Senior Plate (VIC) August 18 Kooindah Waters Seniors (NSW) August 18 Pacific Harbour Seniors (QLD) Wyong Seniors (NSW) August 19 August 25 Newcastle Seniors (NSW) August 28 Maryborough Seniors (QLD) August 29 Tin Can Bay Seniors (QLD) September 1 Kooyonga Seniors (SA) September 4-5 * Grange Senior Open (SA) September 8-10 * South Australian Senior Amateur at Fleurieu GC (SA) September 8-11 Capricorn Senior Amateur (QLD) September 14 Shelly Beach Seniors (NSW) September 18 Port Kembla Seniors (NSW) September 18 Keperra Seniors (QLD) September 22 Camden Seniors (NSW) September 22 Headland Seniors (QLD) September 29-30 Northern GC Seniors (VIC) Sept 30-Oct 2 * Australian Senior Amateur at Mandurah GC, WA * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers.

Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Parkes Golf Club London Road, Parkes NSW 2870 5th Qualifying Round 9th August 2014 Final 31st August 2014 Hurstville Golf Club Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210 Final 9th August 2014 Thurgoona Golf Club 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona NSW 2640 5th Qualifying Round 9th August 2014 Final 16th August 2014 Bayview Golf Club 1825 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale NSW 2103 4th Qualifying Round 9th August 2014 5th Qualifying Round 16th August 2014 Final 23rd August 2014 Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 3rd Qualifying Round 27th August 2014 4th Qualifying Round 17th September 2014 5th Qualifying Round 29th October 2014 Final 26th November 2014 Pacific Dunes Golf Club Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318 5th Qualifying Round: 9th August 2014 Final: 30th August 2014 The Links Shell Cove Golf Club Corner Southern Cross Boulevarde and Shellharbour Road, Shell Cove NSW 2529 4th Qualifying Round 9th August 2014 5th Qualifying Round 23rd August 2014 Final 30th August 2014

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

65

19th hole

Golf in America; at your service Michael Green

@AussieGolfer

W

Pro shop staff will do everything they can to ensure your round is a great one even if the golf is bad. I saw one pro shop staff member spend a good 10 minutes with one golfer assisting him by randomly choosing holes needed to complete their game of “blind bogey”.

elcome Mr. Green, it’s great to have you. You’re all set for your round, here are some tees, your card and someone will be right with you with your golf cart. Please see check in at the starters’ box down at the first tee and then go hit some complimentary golf balls on the range.”

I’ve set foot in pro shops in Australia where staff would be reluctant to hand you a score card let alone help your group chose the right format of golf for the day. I’ve wandered into some shops just itching to make a purchase only to be thwarted by staff who are more intent to on the footy score than making a sale.

“Oh and would you prefer TaylorMade, Callaway or Titleist rental clubs?”

On one occasion I was keen on buying a new putter I’d had my eye on. I’d envisaged a few minutes on the practise green with it before proudly announcing, “Sold!”, pulling out the credit card and completing the transaction. But for the life of me I couldn’t get the attention of the staff who were in deep conversation with a fellow member about the merits of AFL v NRL.

“

Welcome to golf in America. Home of the world’s most lucrative professional golf tour and many of the world’s greatest golf courses.

But this exchange did not take place at some exclusive, fancy gated golf club - it was at a municipal (public) golf course in San Francisco. And what is perhaps most amazing about golf in America is that at many more municipal golf courses, this sort of service is pretty much par for the course.

For numerous reasons, the Americans do service like no other country on the earth. There is a certain level of courtesy and attention that is expected across all industries in the land of the Stars and Stripes - golf courses included.

As an Aussie who was lucky enough to recently spend some time in California it’s an eye opener to see and experience this sort of service on the golf course. It’s in stark contrast to some of the ‘service’ I’ve experienced at golf courses in Australia.

After 10 minutes of trying to catch their eye I left, only to go on and make 28 putts the week after with my old putter - which still sits in my bag to this day.

Quite often someone is on hand to grab your clubs from your car as you pull up and will be ready for you after you depart the pro shop.

Club-carrying porters are a common sight.

A larger market, fewer accessible courses and a high level of service expectation all contribute to make golf - in general - a more expensive, and dare I say, rich man’s game.

But perhaps it’s this lack of service that not only makes Australian golf what it is, but makes it better without it.

Golf in the United States is certainly something I’d recommend to anyone from Australia. Club houses and courses have a majestic feel about them and it’s easy to feel like you’ve just jumped a few rungs on the social status ladder.

Exclusive, private golf courses are on a completely different level in the US and there are perhaps only a handful of golf courses in Australia that are impossible for a golfer with a GA handicap to play.

Even at municipal (public) golf courses in the US there is a level of service you rarely see in Australia.

Contrast that to the US where most of the country’s best golf courses are completely off limits to not just the general population, but the general golfing population. I’m not sure why some of them even bother to have a website when it serves as nothing more than a reminder to everyone else of that which you can’t have. Perhaps that is the point.

Rather than the pro staff announcing your tee time through the sound system behind the counter, a first tee starter will control the area ensuring all golfers have met each other, are aware of local rules and most importantly, pace of play.

While many golf clubs in Australia would benefit from increasing their level of service to their customers, the sort of service you experience in the US brings with it high expectations that only drives the price to play golf much higher.

Only in Australia.

Tuncurr y Course rate Australi d in a’s Top 100 Pu blic Acc Course ess s

Where else can you get the choice of 2 beautiful courses?

Nowhere else but the Forster Tuncurry golf courses on the majestic mid north coast – less than 3 hours drive from Hornsby.

• Social golfers most welcome • Stay and play packages are available Ring the Club on 02 6554 6799 for your booking.

• All weather courses that test the abilities of all levels of golfers • Enjoy a drink at the club after the game overlooking the picturesque Pacific Ocean.

Forster Course Tuncurry Golf Course Strand Street, Forster Northern Parkway, Tuncurry (02) 6554 6167 (02) 6554 7622

www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au

The home of Sarah Kemp 66

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

reSULTS 11th July 2014 Winner - J. King Runner Up - G. Duffield Next Best - M. Bourke Best Gross - A. Brandon N.T.P 3rd - M. Bourke N.T.P 6th - J. Szumlansky N.T.P 12th - N. Bancroft Approach 11th - C. Phipps Approach 17th - P. Joss

We’re lucky in Australia. Golf courses straddle a wider demographic and social standing to our friends across the Pacific. Golf is more relaxed, more accessible and possibly more fun. Albeit with a lack of service.

You may struggle to be sold that putter you were keen on, but at least you can play some magnificent golf courses when you feel like it. • Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www.aussiegolfer.net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites. Follow him on Twitter (@AussieGolfer) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AussieGolfer

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19th hole

to the amount one is used to playing golf for.

I’m talking anything from a $10 KENO ticket and upwards. Remember this year’s Players Championship when former World Numero Uno, Martin Kaymer was battling his way back from the golfing abyss? He stood on that tee knowing if he could avoid about 10 zillion mega-litres of H2O by landing his nut on 20 square-feet of green, he was going to win 1.8 million bucks and relaunch his career. And it’s not as if you can drop your ball somewhere that offers you a safe chip and run. If you dunk your fist attempt, you just have to keep hitting until one of your shots stays dry!

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

Y

ou know how people who write stuff in magazines, always throw in their “Wish List” at the beginning of each year?

Well, I’m breaking all the rules in this month’s Inside Golf. Yes folks, I’m turning the tables on traditional golf publications and coming up with “Things I don’t want to happen to me.”

And I’m doing it in August. Here we go!

My anus would be that tight, I’d have to get my caddy to tee my ball up. The next time I needed to perform a bodily function, I would need to summon the SES to perform an emergency surgery using the Jaws of Life! I guarantee, by the time I had one on dry land, all the grandstands would be removed and the greenkeeper would be cutting the green.

I’d probably hit the mower and bounce back in the drink!

1. I don’t want to go to a casino with John Daly.

Not so much because I wouldn’t have a good time or have the odd imported beer shouted for me but I would come out of that place with no money, no shirt, house, wife, teeth (I would have lost those to the croupier right after I told him he was a cheat), golf clubs (they would be sitting with the prizes at the chocolate wheel), my last two Viagra tablets would now be owned by the drug lord on the blackjack table and what’s left of my hair would now belong to the bald-headed barman.

2. For the sake of my self-respect, I definitely would not need to interview American upstart Patrick Reed. He might be popular with his mates and family but if I hear him say, one more time, how bloody good he is, I will have to take a swipe at him. The problem here is that that’s exactly what it would be, “A Swipe”.

There’s a very large chance that my right hook would make contact with nothing more than fresh air. I have lost every stoush I’ve ever

I

attempted–which isn’t that many, mind you.

Whilst I have a pretty good looking stance and I can fake a mean hard-arse facial expression, my reflexes are about as sharp as a Koala after a night out on the gum leaves with his mates.

3. I wouldn’t want to have to play the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass when there is a ludicrous amount of money on the line. I guess the term “ludicrous amount of money” is relative

As always, I enjoy any feedback from my readers, particularly when it agrees with me, so please send me some.

See you next month! •

With David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. How many Australians have won the US PGA Championship?

2. What is the name of the trophy presented to the winner of the US PGA Championship?

3. How much prizemoney, in US dollars, is on offer at this year’s US PGA Championship?

4. Who was the leading Australian at last year’s US PGA Championship – Adam Scott, Jason Day or John Senden?

5. Who was the last player to win the US PGA Championship in successive years?

6. How many times did the great Jack Nicklaus win the US PGA Championship?

7. Who will take his place in this year’s US PGA Championship field after winning the Senior US PGA Championship – Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Fred Couples or Kenny Perry?

8. What is the lowest 18-hole score ever recorded at the US PGA Championship – 61, 62, 63 or 64?

9. Southern Hills Country Club has hosted the most frequent number of US PGA Championship. How many?

Inter-district challenge ends

T’S going to be a melancholy affair when an inter-district event that started in 1964 is played out for the final time at Yowani Golf Club in the ACT.

“ALPG member and retired touring professional Joanne Mills is our guest speaker and we are having some memorabilia ballmarkers specially made for the occasion.”

This month (Monday, August 11) will be the final showdown for a 20-strong women’s team (10 division 1 and 10 division 2 players) from Central Southern Golf Association (CSGA) versus a combined team from Women’s Golf Illawarra (WGI)/Women’s Golf Nepean (WGN).

Dawn said some of the women playing in the final event had been involved in the challenge for more than 25 years.

CSGA honorary secretary Dawn Manning, who is helping organise the final inter-district matchplay challenge, said it was unfortunate the event had to end.

“WGI have advised that they will no longer be able to compete in this yearly challenge due to financial issues affecting a good number of golf clubs,” she said.

“They are only being involved in this year’s matchplay challenge because it is over 50 years since the first match.

“We want to exit with a bang and are planning a memorable luncheon after the morning matchplay challenge.

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4. Finally, I would never want to play golf with Jim Furyk. I pride myself on having an orthodox, almost pleasant looking golf swing, that has taken me years and millions of unearned prizemoney dollars to perfect.

If I played with Jim, I know he would beat the living daylights out of me with an action resembling an Orang-utan peeing on an electric fence. By the time we finished the back nine, I would have booked my surgeon to have all my hair removed, half my body weight liposuctioned and two extra elbows implanted in each arm.

The quick nine quiz

ANSWERS: (1). Four – Jim Ferrier, David Graham, Wayne Grady and Steve Elkington; (2). Wanamaker Trophy; (3). $US10m; (4). Adam Scott tied for fifth; (5). Tiger Woods in 2006-2007; (6). Five; (7). Colin Montgomerie; (8). 63 by 10 different players; (9). Four (1970, 1982, 1994, 2007).

My mid-2014 ‘anti-wish’ list thing

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“Some ladies played in this event as juniors and are still playing,” she said. “There is some amazing history to this event.

“We have prepared a list of every single player that has ever played in the event and how many times they have played in it.

“And this year the losing team will present the ornate Harry Potter-looking leatherbound ledger to the winners.

“It has recorded, in calligraphy, all matches since 1964 with names of players, scores, photographs and results.

“We have invited CSGA’s past representative players to the event and have asked WGI and WGN to do the same.”

CSGA are the current holders of the matchplay challenge. •

THE END: Players gather at last year’s inter-district challenge.

chips and shanks

Bob’s putter collection grows R

EMEMBER Bob Abbott from Gympie in Queensland?

He’s the guy whose aim it was to collect 500 putters – and then stop.

Well, at the time of writing, Bob, who was fast running out of space in his garage for the vast collection of flat sticks, picked up his 677th putter.

“I am about to build a couple more stands for the additional putters,” he told Inside Golf.

“A golfing friend rang me a month ago and told me he had an Aeroplane putter I could have.

The Aeroplane putter has been added to Bob Abbott’s vast collection.

“Then my brother-in-law from Maryborough gave me a PING Zing putter and another golfing mate from veterans gave me a Robert Forgan, St Andrews putter.

“Then I did a trip down to the Sunshine Coast and picked up a Sam Snead Wilson, Lynx Model 4 Parallax (the shaft and grip are all made of the same material).

“And an ex-Gympie player from Cooroy gave up a left-handed Odyssey tri-ball white steel putter.”

Stuffed croc baffles Scots IN some countries the discovery of a crocodile on or near a golf course is, well, par for the course.

Perhaps it’s why concerned golfers in Scotland called in animal welfare officers when they discovered a crocodile, albeit partially stuffed, next to a golf course.

The reptile was spotted in a creek at Carnwath Golf Course in South Lanarkshire.

No one knows how the 1.4m long protected West African dwarf crocodile got there or how it ended up stuffed, but the Scottish SPCA’s Heather Lawson is treating it as a prank.

“I first thought it was a prank when I received a call saying there had been sightings of a crocodile but when I

IN recent years, Carbrook Golf Club in southeast Queensland has copped its fair share of damaging storm activity.

After the last big wet, the club thought the large bull sharks that reside the golf course’s main dam had been washed out but they are still there, according to the club’s general manager Scott Wagstaff.

Anyway, Scott gets a little nervous when storm clouds gather and goes into overdrive.

That’s code for “grab my camera”.

That’s exactly what he did the last time the wild weather moved in. He took a number of amazing pictures (see above) and posted them on the club’s website.

“I always keep a close watch on the weather,” said the man known as shark whisperer.

Storm chaser might be another moniker for the award-winning golf club manager.

Shark in commentary box investigated I found it was real,” she told Heather Saul from The Independent.

“The crocodile was dead and oddly had tape wrapped around its head.

“It seems someone has attempted to stuff the crocodile as it had no insides and there was straw stuck in its legs.

“We now know it was a West African dwarf crocodile and it’s a complete mystery how it got there.

“These are protected animals and anyone who owns one in this country would need to have a dangerous wild animal licence.”

Museum celebrates Thomson’s glory The National Sports Museum at the MCG is recognising the achievements of an Australian golfing great whose success at the British Open saw him become arguably Australia’s greatest ever golfer.

Running until August 26, Blazing a trail: Peter Thomson at the British Open features the seven medals won by Thomson at the British Open: • Five Open Championship winner’s medals (1954, 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1965) • Two Ryle Memorial medals as winner of the Open Championship and a member of the Professional Golfers Association (1955, 1958) Unable to keep the perpetual Claret Jug, winners of the British Open are presented with a medal. In 1954, at the tender age of 24, Thomson claimed his maiden British Open title by a single stroke to become the first Australian golfer to claim the coveted Claret Jug. Thomson won the major championship another four times over the next 11 years, firmly cementing his place as an Australian trailblazer and international golfing legend.

Carbrook’s storm-chasing GM

GREG Norman, Australia’s greatest golfing export, next year will add another string to his bow when he calls the US Open on Fox. The two-time Open champion and Joe Buck will have the honour after Fox signed a 12-year rights deal with the USGA to air the US Open.

Buck is Fox’s top voice for its NFL and Major League Baseball coverage.

Still, not all golf fans are happy with the Shark getting the gig.

“Thank goodness it is only for two big events (men’s and women’s Open),” was the response from one hack.

“Don’t think I could stand much more of Greg Norman-isms beyond that.

“Get ready for a lot of ‘well, I think the best two players in the world are Adam Scott and Jay Day’.

“And on the women’s side it will be Karrie Webb and Minjee Lee as the two best women’s players in the world according to the Toothless Shark?

“I can’t wait.”

Nasty.

Well, all we know is if the Shark approaches his next “career move” as he did his golf in his prime, it’ll be terrific.

LINKS LAUGHS

For seniors only over 65 Rule 1.a.5 A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the fairway at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the rough with no penalty. The senior should not be penalized for tall grass which ground keepers failed to mow.

Thomson remains one of only five players in the tournament’s history to have won it five times.

“It’s quite special to think that my achievements all those years ago are still meaningful to Australians today,” said Thomson. “Seeing my Open Championship medals among hundreds of other treasured items in the National Sports Museum certainly evokes a strong sense of pride.”

The National Sports Museum is located at Gate 3 at the MCG, and is open daily from 10am (check www.nsm.org.au for details).

Access to Blazing a trail: Peter Thomson at the British Open is included in standard museum entry.

Rule 2.d.6 (b) A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. This is simply bad luck and luck has no place in a scientific game. The senior player must estimate the distance the ball would have traveled if it had not hit the tree and play the ball from there.

Rule 3.b.3(g) There shall be no such thing as a lost ball.

The missing ball is on or near the course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone else, making it a stolen ball.

The player is not to compound the felony by charging himself or herself with a penalty.

Rule 4.c.7(h) If a putt passes over a hole without dropping, it is deemed to have dropped.

The law of gravity supersedes the Rules of Golf.

Rule 5.

Putts that stop close enough to the cup that they could be blown in, may be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the hole. No one wants to make a travesty of the game.

Rule 6.a.9(k) There is no penalty for so-called “out of bounds.” If penny-pinching golf course owners bought sufficient land, this would not occur. The senior golfer deserves an apology, not a penalty.

Rule 7.g.15(z) There is no penalty for a ball in a water hazard, as golf balls should float. Senior golfers should not be penalized for manufacturers’ shortcomings.

Rule 8.k.9(s) Advertisements claim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new golf equipment. Since this is financially impractical for many senior golfers, onehalf stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old equipment.

Submitted by Stuart Watkins

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

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your voice

Ticker Troubles I had a huge wake up call recently. I got home from the Cardiac Unit at Greenslopes hospital to read an article in a golf magazine about warning signs for heart attacks. I ignored a mild one on the previous Sunday, feeling “10 foot tall and bulletproof” even at 70. Felt OK on the Monday so I fronted for the Veterans event at Redland Bay GC, a shotgun start Stableford. I felt a little “off” heading out to the No. 13 Tee so accepted a lift holding my buggy alongside. I teed off and walked up the fairway with chest pains and dizziness becoming more intense. I then putted out for a bogey (2 points), then finally did the sensible thing and told the group I was having a heart attack. They were in two buggies and one player, Ian, put me in his buggy, telling me he knew CPR from his time in the Fire Brigade. John rang 000 and Mike said something that made me laugh and away we went. Nothing but praise for the way the boys reacted, and for the medical treatment that followed complete with a stent in the Circumflex artery.

The message is clear: ignore the warnings at your peril. Statistically 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women over 40 will have a heart attack to some degree of intensity. The high end of the scale means you just played your last game of golf.

The good news for me is that I will be back to golf in about 4 to 6 weeks and on the day I played to my handicap even if it was just for one hole!

Bob Muir

Letter of the Month Editor’s note: Great advice Bob. Like you, many out there feel “bulletproof”, so we hope that your Wake-up Call will help others to realise that we are all human, and to heed the signs.

According to the American Heart Association, symptoms of a heart attack can include: • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, weakness or lightheadedness, or an overwhelming feeling of anxiety.

Note that not everyone experiences severe chest pain. The pain can often be mild and mistaken for indigestion.

Remember: Minutes matter! If you suspect you are having a heart attack, ring 000 immediately.

Signs of the times I have been playing golf for a relatively short period of time, but have played at numerous courses around Sydney. The courses have all be challenging to me, yet often the biggest challenge has been finding my way from one pin to the next tee box. The lack of signposting at numerous courses is next to non-existent and to a visitor this is most frustrating. Not only does it slow play down, it encourages the player to then hurry their next shot, thereby decreasing a player’s enjoyment of the game. In the end this could lead to a player giving the game away altogether.

Just an arrow and a number placed strategically would be all that is needed. Of course this is not the issue at every hole at every golf course however is quite prevalent.

In addition, many of the scorecards issued do not have a layout of the course or if they do, you need a magnifying glass to read it. Not good for people like me with diminishing eyesight!

Ian Rowley

A Baker’s Dozen We all read about ways to get more players onto the course. Some say being “time poor” is a problem. I have a different problem, I used to play twice a week in comp but now find myself only playing once a week and hiring a buggy—costing me $40 for a comp game. If I could play in a comp at my club consisting of 13 holes, I am sure I could walk it, so I would be back to two games a week, possibly three.

This equates to more income to the club via course fees and refreshments afterwards. Imagine if there are thousands in the same boat as me, which I’m sure there are.

Allan Burford

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Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

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Slowly lost and found?

Re: Slow Play (July issue). Your suggestions about managing the course make a lot of sense – I only wish my club would implement them to make the course quicker to play, be more interesting and less repetitive. A four-hour round is considered fast at my club.

After reading your suggestions, it became obvious that four of our par-4’s and three of the par-3’s are too long. In addition, those long par3’s are almost identical in length.

It’s ok to keep the long holes to enable the course to be classed as a championship layout, but the majority of club members are not A-graders.

Also - I am not an expert on the thousands of

First in - First off My playing partners are all fairly quick golfers.

As I was reading your “Quick Tips” for slow play, after every tip, I said to myself - “we do that.”

I have one more tip: We call it “First in - First off”.

We all carry our score cards and pencil in our back pocket. As soon as the first player putts out, as he is holding the flag, he records his score. As the other three players putt out, he records their score.

This way as soon as the group reaches the next tee, he is ready to hit off. Once he has hit off the rest of the group are also ready to play.

Unfortunately by playing quickly using your common sense tips, we find ourselves waiting at most holes! The other day on a par-4, after our tee shots, we were 150 meters out and waiting for the green to clear. Once clear, we 70

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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rules of golf, but offer a comment on “if it’s lost, it’s lost.” As far as I am aware, there is no rule in golf that allows a player to “declare” a ball lost. After looking for five minutes without success, the ball is “deemed” lost.

Warren Elliott Editor’s note: You’re absolutely right Warren.

It’s a common misconception that you may “Declare” a ball lost. Decision 27/16 states: A player cannot render a ball lost by a declaration.

See Definition of “Lost Ball.”

Instead of “Declare it lost” perhaps I should have said something like “Realise that there are too many rules in golf for even a knowledgeable person to remember.”

hit up. Two of us needed two shots to get on the green.

We had all walked 150 meters, had 6 shots, were ready to putt, and I noticed the group in front had still not left the next tee... which was only 20 meters from the green!

Some people’s nature is just to be slow and selfish. They are the same ones, when you are on holidays are always 10 minutes late for the bus.

They likely get half way reading your article and say “that’s not for me.”

I don’t know what we can do about them. I hardly ever see a Marshall on a course anymore.

I think as clubs are struggling financially, it is a cost cutting measure, but it might cost them members in the long run.

Keep up the good work.

David H

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ACROSS

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1 & 4-across Winner of the 2014 US Open (6,6) 10 Adapt to fit (9) 11 Australian lady golfer who won the 2002 Jamie Farr Kroger Classic (5) 12 Make money (4) 13 Web.com player, winner of the 2011 Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open (5,5) 15 Elbow-room (6) 16 Covered (like a golfball) with small indentations (7) 18 Pleasantness (7) 21 Golf gear, for example (6) 23 Energised (10) 25 Small round marker (4) 27 Golf ranking: Order Of _____ (5) 28 Winner of the 2014 Memorial Tournament, Hideki _________ (9) 29 Approaches (6) 30 American winner of the 1988 Victorian Open, Jim ______ (6)

1 Top lady golfer, ________ Wie (8) 2 Someone who can be called upon in case of withdrawal by first-choice competitors (7) 3 Golf club with a metal head (4) 5 Look forward to (10) 6 White wine (7) 7 Staggers (5) 8 A travel document that may be needed by a globe-trotting golfer (4) 9 Phil Mickelson’s star sign (6) 14 Scottish links course, an Open Championship host (10) 16 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2014 US Open (3) 17 Winner of the 2014 St Jude Classic (3,5) 19 Winner of the 2014 BMW PGA Championship, Rory _______ (7) 20 Physical injury (6) 22 Copy (7) 23 Matchplay games before the final (5) 24 Consumes a meal (4) 26 Regulation that must be followed by golfers (4)

Answers: page 73

demo dates Callaway

www.callawaygolf.com | au.callawaygolf.com/demo-days

Location

Day

Demo Days New South Wales/ACT Sharks Golf Centre Thursday Drummond Golf Northmead Thursday Queensland Brisbane Golf Club Friday Victoria Park Golf Complex Tuesday Riverlakes Golf Course Thursday Mat’s Golf Centre and Driving Range Thursday Mt Warren Park Friday Parkwood International Golf Complex Thursday Palm Meadows Driving Range Friday Fitting Days New South Wales/ACT Monash Country Club ** Friday Queensland Royal Queensland Golf Club ** Friday

Date

Time

August 07 August 21

4 - 7.30pm 4 - 7.30pm

August 01 August 05 August 07 August 07 August 15 August 21 August 29

2 - 5pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 4.30 - 6.30pm 2 - 5pm

August 15

12 - 5pm

August 22

1 - 4pm

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location New South Wales Elanora Country Club ◊ * Cabramatta Golf Club ◊ * Pennant Hills Golf Club ◊ * Bonnie Doon Golf Club ◊ * The Ridge Driving Range ◊ * The Coast Golf Club ◊ * Mona Vale Golf Club ◊ * Oatlands Golf Club ◊ * Illawarra Golf Complex ◊ * Terrey Hills Country Club ◊ * Killara Golf Club ◊ * Shelly Beach Golf Club ◊ * Asquith Golf Club ◊ * Eden Gardens Golf Club ◊ * Tura Beach Country Club ◊ * Narooma Golf Club ◊ * Mourya Golf Club ◊ * Mollymook Golf Club ◊ * Georges River Golf Club ° Maitland Golf Club ◊ * Moore Park Driving Range ◊ * Thornleigh Golf Centre ◊ * Highlands Golf Club ◊ * Queensland Golf World Kawana ◊ * Victoria Park Driving Range ° Bribie Island Golf Club ◊ * Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Horton Park Golf Club Redcliffe Golf Club ◊ * Burleigh Golf Club ◊ * Parkwood International ° Coolongatta Tweed Heads GC ◊ * Indooroopilly Golf Club ° Drummond Underwood ◊ * Palm Meadows °

Day

Date

Time

Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday

August 01 August 04 August 05 August 06 August 06 August 07 August 08 August 11 August 12 August 13 August 14 August 15 August 18 August 19 August 20 August 21 August 21 August 22 August 25 August 26 August 27 August 28 August 29

9am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 8am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 8am - 1pm 11am - 4pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 8am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 11am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm

Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday

August 01 August 05 August 06 August 07 August 08 August 15 August 15 August 20 August 21 August 22 August 27 August 28 August 29

9 - 11.30am 5 - 7.30pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 6.30pm 3 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 1 - 5pm

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location

Day

Date

Victoria August 01 Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday August 06 Yarra Yarra Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday August 06 Melbourne Golf Academy Wednesday Barwon Valley - Drummond Golf Geelong ° Thursday August 07 Saturday August 09 Warragul Country Club ◊ * Morack Golf Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday August 13 House of Golf - Long Island ◊ * Thursday August 14 Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ° * Thursday August 14 Patterson River Golf Club ◊ * Friday August 15 Settlers Run Golf and Country Club ◊ * Saturday August 16 Peninsula Country Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday August 20 Sandringham Golf Driving Range ° * Wednesday August 20 Thursday August 21 Wodonga Country Club ◊ * August 22 Rich River Golf Club Resort ◊ * Friday Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort ◊ * Saturday August 23 August 29 Green Acres Golf Club ◊ * Friday Saturday August 30 Sorrento Golf Club ◊ * Western Australia August 13 Mount Lawley Golf Club ° Wednesday Friday August 15 Collier Park Golf Club ° Friday August 22 Marangaroo Golf Club ° Saturday August 23 Carramar Golf Club ° South Australia August 06 Drummond Golf - West Beach ° Wednesday Friday August 08 Tanunda Pines Golf Course ◊ * Saturday August 09 Barossa Valley Golf Club ◊ * Saturday August 16 Grange Golf Club ° Saturday August 30 Adelaide Shores Golf Park ◊ *

Mizuno

Time 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 11am - 5pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 3pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 11am - 3pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 8am - 12pm

mizuno.com.au

Location New South Wales Belmont G.C * Thornleigh G.C. * Lismore G.C. * Power Golf - Alexandria * Power Golf - Artarmon * Power Golf - Castle Hill * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Drummond Golf - Casula * Tweed Heads G.C. * Moore Park G.C. * Drummond Golf - Gosford * Queensland Brisbane G.C. * Victoria Park G.C. * Oxley G.C. * Parkwood International G.C. * Dalby G.C. * Indooroopilly G.C. Burleigh G.C. * Palm Meadows G.C. Horton Park G.C. Victoria Mga Driving Range Peninsula G.C. * ** Long Island C.C. * Yarra Bend G.C. Yarra Yarra G.C. * ** Bulleen Driving Range * Western Australia Links Kennedy Bay G.C. Albany G.C. Fremantle Public G.C. Albany G.C. Carramar G.C. Marangaroo G.C. Lakelands G.C. South Australia Tea Tree Gully G.C.

Day

Date

Time

Friday Tuesday Wednesday Monday Monday Monday Thursday Thursday Friday Tuesday Thursday

August 01 August 05 August 06 August 11 August 11 August 11 August 14 August 21 August 22 August 26 August 28

11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 1 - 4pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 2 - 4.30pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 6pm

Friday Tuesday Monday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday

August 01 August 12 August 18 August 21 August 26 August 27 August 28 August 29 August 29

2 - 5pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 6.30am 8am - 12pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 2 - 5pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Wednesday Thursday

August 06 August 20 August 21 August 21 August 27 August 28

4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm

Saturday Friday Friday Friday Saturday Friday Saturday

August 02 August 15 August 15 August 22 August 23 August 29 August 30

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Thursday

August 21

10am - 2pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. ≠ Callaway Ball Fitting Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

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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

Play Australia’s Finest Sandbelt Courses • 6 nights accommodation • Green fees on 5 golf courses (Cape Schanck, Devil Bend, Eagle Ridge Golf From Course, Flinders Golf Club, Moonah Links, Mornington Golf Club, Portsea Golf Club, Rosebud Country Club, Sorrento Golf Club, The Dunes Golf Links, The National Golf Club, St Andrews, Mornington Peninsula) • Cooked or Continental breakfast included • Foxtel in all units per person per night* • Rosebud House also available to hire

110

$

• Improve your putting with up to 50% better accuracy • Available in three different lengths: 33”, 34” and 35”; left or right handed • Tested by GolfTest USA with oustanding results • This Revolutionary Putter is used by Tour Pros, endorsed by the USGA and conforms to USGA rules

*Extra fees apply for Moonah Links, Sorrento Golf Club and The National Golf Club

ROSEBUD MOTEL

1869 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud West VIC, 3941

www.clearballputter.com.au

Just landed in the water?

Take the water chip.

pp $215 From share twin eek w mid

A new exciting way to bet during your next round with friends and guaranteed to get the banter up to new levels.

For further enquires and bookings P: (03) 5985 2041 E: rosebudmotel@bigpond.com W: www.rosebudmotel.com.au

Benalla Golf Club

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

For more information visit

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf@bigpond.net.au

www.vegasgolfthegame.com.au

Clearwater Noosa

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 Some conditions apply

72

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory

JUST HAD A BIRDIE? Take the birdie chip.

A new exciting way to bet during your next round with friends and guaranteed to get the banter up to new levels.

›› Hole Out

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

www.vegasgolfthegame.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

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$455 P/P Twin Share

FROM

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

For more information visit

FROM

Spectacular

Conditions apply

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Pambula Merimbula GC • Eden Gardens GC • Bega Country Club • Tura Beach Country Club

Fellow GolFers

100% Premium Leather

$24

• All weather glove • Exceptional grip and feel • All sizes, left and right hand • Unique Australian gift

+P&H

Gift Packs available

Order online www.kakadugolfglove.com

Phone (07) 5450 7578

Crossword Answers M I C H E L L E S E M I S

A R E U S E A R V E E A M C T I L E R O T Y

95

T I R T O N N C W A R E N O M U S I T I L E

N

V G M I S E S M G A V I N Y D I A I T Y R L A T E U A M A T A S S

K A N T I N C I M P A A T E D R S U L B E

Y M O E S E O L L L E T I M D I T Y A T N E

Want to live in golf paradise?

We have for 20 years but now in our 80’s we regretfully offer our 330m2 home with 3 bedrooms and 3 ensuites and with absolute frontage to beautiful Bargara golf course for private sale @ $590k

To view our home just Google.....

27 Fairway Drive, Bargara or contact owner on

(07) 4159 2028 or 0409 592 228 or email john.warmington@bigpond.com

3 Great Courses and a Great Place to Stay in Orange E R E K E L E S

2 Night Accommodation and 2 Rounds of Golf (Duntryleague and Wentworth)

$

210

pp twin share

There is nothing like golfing in the high country of Orange only 3 hours drive from Sydney.

Orange has three wonderful courses where visitors are most welcome. All courses are minutes from Melview Greens which is a chip away from Wentworth Golf Course and owned by a keen golfing family. All apartments are fully appointed with undercover parking at the door.

“Once you have stayed you’ll come back again”

D R S M P

The Original Golf Package Specialist in Orange

B E N C R A N E

MELVIEW GREENS

For advertising call 1300 465 300

Phone 02 6362 0955 Studio & Family Apartments, Ploughmans Lane Orange NSW 2800 www.melviewgreens.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

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golf directory

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage

*WINTER SPECIAL*

Play anytime - No waiting

• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

$

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

$

100A Creek Road, Birkdale, Qld | Phone (07) 3207-2452

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag”

www.lemontreemotel.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

• clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

Need new batteries?

Don’t replace them, restore them with the Battery Reviver > Cleans the damaging sulphure build up on the lead plates. > Restores the voltage of the batteries. > Restores the sulphuric acid strength. > Restores the performance of the batteries.

Want to triple the life of your good batteries?

Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must 30 DAY increase the life of SATISFACTION your batteries.

Patented Softgrip Technology

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

www.kahmagolf.com

Aquarius E

S

O

R

MAGIC MERIMBULA This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out

T

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

• 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

Play & Stay for $120 *

per person

Packages starting from:

• Large Groups Welcome

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

$489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share

Package includes: • 2 games of golf • Meal • 1 night accommodation with continental breakfast

bersh em 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.

74

*

ips

• 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied).

Ring toll free for free brochure

www.batteryreviver.com.au

Patent # 7374839

M

R

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

1300 738 557

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 Nudgee Golf Club

The Pill™ is the only practice device designed to be played all the way to the hole

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE 3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

The Pill™ is a putting aid that will only roll when struck with a square face. This modified golf ball is designed to give you immediate feedback on the quality of your putting stroke. If hit improperly the ball will either lean to one side and roll off line, or tumble wildly.

Try it around the green with your pitching wedge and watch it roll if hit correctly or drop it in the bunker and try hitting it out of the sand.

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $15 Visitors $25

Includes competition fee and after golf platter for 4 Phone: (07) 3267 7744

peter@thepillgolf.com.au | 0408 330 800 | www.thepillgolf.com.au

Golf Packages

Not available during competition or Saturday play or Sunday before 12pm and Peak Periods

• 18 hole championship course with enormous greens • Twin Share electric cart hire • Lunch

pe

r

$4

pe

rs

Play & Stay Packages

pe

r

9

on

Great Course Great Deal

$1

31

pe • Twin Share Accommodation • Continental Breakfast • 18 holes golf • Two Course Dinner rs on • Twin Share electric cart hire Packages designed to suit individual needs Under New Management Bookings and enquiries call Ocean Shores Motel (02) 6680 2222

Blue Marker Challenge • • • •

Play to your handicap or better and receive a dozen Pro-V’s Challenge Winner (best nett score) wins a shirt, a Blue Marker Challenge ball marker and a dozen Pro-V’s Best nett score by a visitor or wins a dozen Pro-V’s 6 NTP’s - win 3 Pro-V’s each • Break 80 nett and win a Pro-V

$30

Carts available for hire all bookings through the Pro Shop (02) 6680 1008

PLAYED LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH Are you up to the challenge?

VISITORS

www.oceanshorescc.com.au Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW Ph (02) 6680 1008 Fax (02) 6680 1721

www.oceanshoresmotel.com.au info@oceanshoresmotel.com.au Ph (02) 6680 2222 Fax (02) 6680 2018 Only 30 minutes South of Coolangatta and 15 minutes North of Byron Bay

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

A family run business for 18 years Best Service & Best Value Guaranteed

• Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions

Ph (03) 5873 4477 Fax (03) 5873 4511

Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW

(Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Contact michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au or visit our website

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

www.murrayrivergolf.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611 For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2014

75

golf directory

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00 6 O rv i isi n ct t: P ob w w riz er w . g es ol | 20 fo $ r a 90 14 ng En e. c o tr m y .

te

au

76

August 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

ENGINE/DRIVE TRAIN

ENGINE TYPE Yamaha built, low emission single cylinder 60° incline OHV DISPLACEMENT 357 cc BORE x STROKE85 x 63 mm HORSEPOWER11.4 HP (8.5 Kw/3500 rpm) COMPRESSION RATIO 8.1:1 LUBRICATION SYSTEM Splash style positive oil lubrication OIL CAPACITY 1 U.S. quart (1 liter, 1000 cc) AIR CLEANER Two stage, urethane-foam

pre-cleaner and high-capacity

pleated paper cartridge COOLING SYSTEM Forced air FUEL SYSTEM Electronic Fuel Injection IGNITION SYSTEM Transistor magneto ignition TRANAXLE EnduraDrive™ V-belt automatic

forward/reverse transaxle

equipped with high-precision

helical gears, 11.40:1

drive axle ratio

QLD QLD

Bay City Moto & ATV Central Bike Centre

Standard Colour Premium Colours*

Hervey Bay Emerald

(07) 4194 5688 (07) 4982 1096

Premium Metallic Colours*

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 Days penrith_golf@iprimus.com.au

NEW WEBSITE GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN www.penrithgolffactory.com.au Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA Postage and handling any quantity

Callaway Super Soft Balls

TaylorMade Jetspeed Driver

38 compression for moderate swing speeds

Seniors, regular and stiff shafts Right & left hand Adjustable loft driver 8° through to 13.5° loft

Individually boxed

$22

Doz

Callaway Sunday Bag Holds approx 10-12 clubs Black/Blue only

$59

SAVE $100

$199 Includes cover

HALF PRICE

$14

Including covers

White, Yellow or Pink

Ping Grips HALF PRICE Each

TaylorMade Tour Golf Bag Charcoal/Red 9.5” standard

$150

$7 Cleveland Deluxe 14 Way Bag Yellow Ball Sale iD8 model fitted

$139 SAVE $50

TaylorMade Jetspeed Rescue Hybrid Fairway Metalwood Adjustable Driver

$129 $149 $199

Taylormade Burner (sleeves) Srixon Soft Feel (sleeves) Srixon Q Star (indiviually boxed) Bridgestone E6 (old model sleeves) Srixon Z-Star XV & SL (sleeves)

Callaway X-Hot 7 Irons 2 Hybrids Rescues 1 Fairway Metalwood 1 Titanium Driver 1 14-way Bag

TaylorMade Tour Preferred Balls

$10 DOZ $15 DOZ $18 DOZ $18 DOZ $28 DOZ

X Version 5 piece Std version 4 piece Urethane cover

$36

TaylorMade Project (a)

$20 Dozen Balls

$45 Doz

$28 Doz

Individually boxed

$1200 SAVE $210

$990 Includes covers (4)

Callaway HX Diablo

Optima TS+

Panthers NRL Bridgestone Golf Bag

SAVE $30

$79

$12

Callaway Set & Bag Package

Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges Lob, Sand, Gap and Pitching Black Pearl or Satin

Rescue Hybrid $79 Fairway Metalwood $89 Titanium Head Driver $139

12 foot long 4x3 foot extendable Lightweight

$5

Including covers

Cleveland Classic XL

Maxfli Ball Scoop (Creek Stick)

Not fitted

Horizontal and vertical full length dividers Putter holder Cooler pocket Black, Blue, Red, Green & Charcoal

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 6 Days

14 way divided Putter holder Cooler Pocket

$109 $250 Callaway Hex Balls Urethane cover tour quality ball

Chrome (3 piece) $26/doz Chrome + (4 piece) $29/doz Black Tour (5 piece) $32/doz

Sea Eagles & Sharks also available

Srixon Distance Balls Distance ball with great feel Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

$156

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed