Inside Golf November 2014 by Inside Golf

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InsideGolf Issue 112 November 2014

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SUMMER SENSATION

A COACH’S APPROACH

Our preview of the Australian Summer of Golf

Hank Haney shares his thoughts about Tiger, Australia and teaching

CLUB OF THE MONTH

We explore Lakelands Golf Club

JUNIORS

Breaking down golf’s barriers

SCHOOL’S IN

Australia’s best golf academies

INSTRUCTION

How to achieve putting success

GOLF TRAVEL

We chat with Jack Nicklaus about this year’s Australian Open, his design of The Australian Golf Club and his memories of golf down under

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INTRODUCING A NEW MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY

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Richard Fellner–Group Editor

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Summer of Golf Our full preview NEWS The latest golf buzz INDUSTRY The inner-workings of golf INDUSTRY PEOPLE The people behind the scenes

COVER STORY The legendary Jack Nicklaus

TOUR TALK With Steven Jeffress ON TOUR Hank Haney’s “coach approach” CLUBS Club of the month: Lakelands GC AMATEURS The latest ACGC news JUNIORS Future stars of the game NEW GEAR The latest and greatest gear GEAR INSIDER Mizuno and clubfitting

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INSTRUCTION Top tips to play better EVENTS Wraps and results STATE GOLF Golf NSW and Golf Qld

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IN THIS ISSUE:

n November last year, in response to the rise of the “Superclub” model that was being pioneered by Melbourne’s Kingswood and Peninsula Golf Clubs, I postulated that there was great potential benefit in golf clubs banding together to offer their members expanded reciprocal rights—doing away with the usual “Interstate” restrictions in favour of clubs within the same neighbourhood or general region. In that column, I stated: “Today’s golfer wants a variety of courses and value for money...Imagine the allure to a prospective member if you could offer, say, a trio of great courses with open playing rights, in the same general area, for one annual membership fee. Some club members will immediately dismiss this idea—thinking it is too hard to manage timesheets, constitutions, member egos, etc. But as my parents always told me: ‘If you want something badly enough, you will find a way to make it happen.’” Well, it appears that a growing number of progressive clubs have

further. Well, Mt Broughton Golf Club (page 32) has adopted a “Pay as you Play” points system, which is perfect for the time-poor or valuefor-money golfer. Other clubs like Antill Park (page 58), Centenary Park (page 81) and others are also introducing unique models and offers like Express golf, flexible membership, Twilight/Daylight memberships, 3-day memberships and other offers that speak directly to the wants/desires of the 21st century golfer. All these clubs above realise that today’s households are stretched by both time and budgets. They understand (and concede) that the days of a father spending an entire Saturday at the club have been replaced by, say, a quick-9 at twilight (maybe even with the kids). They recognise that today’s golfer wants, in essence, a lot for very little. I wholeheartedly congratulate all these clubs for taking positive, progressive steps forward. As always, we welcome your comments.

†

Richard Fellner

taken my recommendation to heart. They are ‘making it happen’! I’m referring to two new initiatives which were recently introduced that will flip the Aussie golfing industry on its head. The first initiative, “Golf West”, aims to bring the game of golf together in the Western suburbs of Melbourne. In essence, eight golf clubs have formed an alliance which will allow members of the participating clubs to play, for free, each of the eight group courses at least once over a 12 month period. Following in the same theme, a group of Greg Norman-designed courses have also joined forces, creating a “Passport” system which will allow members access to the courses in the network, also for free. For more on these developments, see the story on page 16. These “Super Groups” are, in my opinion, exactly what golf clubs need to do if they want to thwart declining memberships while also boosting their value proposition in the eyes of current and potential members. The Social golfers out there will now certainly be sitting up and taking notice of these very enticing options. In that same issue last year, I also stated that Flexible membership models are an area worth exploring

The rise of the ‘Super Group’

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summer of golf A

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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, 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: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 | E: scott@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: Jim Mandeville / The Nicklaus Companies It’s official: 43,575 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2013 - March 2014

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Scotty’s shot at a Masters hat-trick A

dam Scott will return to Melbourne from 20-23 November and attempt to make history as the first player to win the Australian Masters three years in succession.

This year marks the 36th staging of the Australian Masters and the first time it has been played at The Metropolitan Golf Club as the event rotates across the famed Melbourne Sandbelt, showcasing one of the world’s great golf destinations. The 2012 and 2013 Australian Masters Champion, Scott is looking forward to returning to Melbourne. “To win a hat-trick of events is something I haven’t done before and would be right up there in my career achievements, especially to do it in Melbourne at the Masters. “The Metropolitan Golf Club is a fantastic course and I am looking forward to playing a tournament there for the first time,” said Scott. An event steeped in tradition, Scott created Masters’ history in 2013 when he successfully defended his 2012 title, the first player to do so since Greg Norman in 1990. Played on the par 72 Championship Course, the 6556 metre long layout will test players’ accuracy off the tee with tree lined fairways and putting on deceptively tricky greens. The Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher welcomed the announcement following recent confirmation of an extension of the Victorian Government’s partnership with the event. “The Victorian Government is delighted to extend the partnership with the Australian Masters for another two years, showcasing Melbourne and Victoria to a global audience, whilst generating strong economic benefits to the State.

Adam Scott will aim to make it three in a row in Melbourne “We are thrilled to welcome Adam Scott back to Melbourne to defend his title and we welcome sports fans across Victoria and around the world back to Melbourne and the famed Sandbelt golf region to watch some of the best golfers in the world.” Vice President-Director of Golf, IMG Australia, David Rollo, said, “We are indebted to the Victorian Government for their ongoing support of the Australian Masters and look forward to welcoming Adam back to Melbourne to defend his title at The Metropolitan Golf Club. “The Australian Masters is also thrilled to continue a partnership with the Seven

Network who will broadcast 20 hours of live golf into the homes of Australians around the country.” Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. Free entry for kids under 16 with a paying adult. MORE INFORMATION Australian Masters WHEN: 20-23 November WHERE: The Metropolitan Golf Club Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au WEB: www.australianmasters.com.au TWITTER: @aussiemasters

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summer of golf

PGA Tour winners commit Price is right for NSW Open to Emirates Australian Open

fter a successful return to metropolitan Sydney in 2013, the historic NSW Open Golf Championship moves to the much heralded Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club near Blacktown for 2014.

hree more winners on the United States PGA Tour this year have committed to play in this month’s Emirates Australian Open. Two past Open winners, Geoff Ogilvy and John Senden, along with Steven Bowditch will compete in the tournament headlined by defending champion and world number one Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott. Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, came close to securing a historic triple crown of Australian events before McIlroy birdied the final hole to clinch victory last year. American Jordan Spieth, a rising star in the world game who shone at the recent Ryder Cup, will take on the might of Australia and Asia at The Australian Golf Club, Sydney, from November 27-30. Ogilvy, winner of the Australian Open in 2010, recorded his eighth PGA Tour win in August with victory in the Barracuda Championship. A popular figure in Australia, the 2006 US Open champion will have huge support as he bids for a second Australian Open title. Senden beat Ogilvy by a stroke to win the Australian Open in 2006, the same year he made his breakthrough on the PGA Tour with success at the John Deere Classic. The veteran endured an eight-year wait before his second victory on the PGA Tour, edging Kevin Na by a shot at the Valspar Championship in March. Two weeks later Bowditch followed his countryman into the winner’s circle In the United States with victory in the Valero Texas Open. It was a popular first PGA Tour win, with Bowditch having fought a welldocumented battle with depression.

Rory McIlroy will headline a star-studded field at The Australian Golf Club The Australian Open received a big boost in September with Emirates committing to the title sponsorship of the event for a further three years. Emirates has been connecting passionate golfers, fans and spectators alike to the Open since joining the championship as title sponsor in 2011. As the tournament continues to grow and attract the world’s best sporting talent, Emirates has committed to extending the partnership through to 2016. The Emirates Australian Open will be broadcast live on the Seven Network in Australia across all four days and the championship will again be sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia. MORE INFORMATION Emirates Australian Open WHEN: 27-30 November WHERE: The Australian Golf Club TICKETS: www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849. WEB: www.emiratesaustralianopen.com.au TWITTER: @ausopengolf

As the only Greg Norman designed golf course in Sydney, Stonecutters Ridge is fast developing a reputation for being an excellent layout, featuring all the hallmarks of a Norman design. Despite only opening in 2012, it has already been ranked No.67 in Australian Golf Digest’s top 100 golf courses in Australia – it will provide a stern test for Australia’s professional golfers in their quest to become the NSW Open champion. “We are excited to bring this tournament to Western Sydney and for Stonecutters Ridge to be the host venue – I’m sure it will showcase its wonderful facilities and first class golf course to not only the players but to the broader community” said Golf NSW CEO, Stuart Fraser. “The course will encourage some attacking golf over all four rounds, from what we expect will be the best playing field in decades” he added. With the 2013 tournament featuring the likes of Nick O’Hern, Peter O’Malley, eventual winner and US Tour player Aron Price, fellow US Tour player Ashley Hall and PGA Tour winner Steve Bowditch, the event will be a great opportunity to see some of our best players up close and personal. “Our aim this year is to encourage all spectators to actually walk the fairways with the players – the players enjoy the relaxed environment at the NSW Open which is far less restricted than at all other events they play and brings the crowd more into the event,” Fraser said.

2013 NSW Open Champion Aron Price Sponsorship opportunities are still available which provide the chance to play in the tournament Pro-Am, corporate hospitality access, signage and promotional activities. For all enquiries please contact Golf NSW on 02 9505 9105 or e-mail info@golfnsw.org . The NSW Open has aligned with a charity partner, KidsWest - a local children’s charity that raises funds for Medical research, for development and distribution of educational programs in accident awareness, and for medical equipment for children living in western Sydney. MORE INFORMATION NSW OPEN WHEN: 13-16 November WHERE: Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club Tickets : S pectator entry to the course is FREE. WEB: www.golfnsw.org

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

summer of golf

Weekley, Allenby, Chalmers join Aussie PGA field

New dates for Oates Vic Open

merican Boo Weekley will be heading down under this month, joining former champions Robert Allenby and Greg Chalmers at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast. A three-time PGA Tour winner, Weekley will play in Australia for the first time since turning Professional in 1997. “I have heard great things about Australia and the Gold Coast, I am looking forward to playing there for the first time,” said Weekley, who most recently won in 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. “Australian golf is renowned around the world so I can’t wait to test my game on the RACV Royal Pines Resort layout.” “But while I am in town I also hope to explore a little and see what else the country has to offer.” A renowned crowd favourite in the US, Weekley is sure to bring some showmanship to the Australian PGA Championship. Weekley is famed for riding his driver like a cowboy to celebrate his singles win at the 2008 Ryder Cup. “Boo is a top quality player who has won multiple times on the PGA TOUR and his outgoing personality make him the perfect fit for the Australian PGA Championship,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.” A four time champion, Allenby dominated

2011 Champion Greg Chalmers joins a solid field at the Gold Coast the tournament when it was played in Coolum but is looking forward to teeing it up on the Gold Coast. “With the tournament now on the Gold Coast it is sure to be a fun week and I look forward to testing my game on the redeveloped Royal Pines layout,” said Allenby. If Allenby were to be victorious in 2014 he would equal the all time most Australian PGA titles, with Kel Nagle and Bill Dunk also having engraved their names five times on the Joe Kirkwood Cup. However, standing between Allenby and the Joe Kirkwood Cup are a number of other former champions teeing up in 2014 including Craig Parry (1992), Peter Lonard (2002, 2004, 2007), Greg Chalmers (2011), Daniel Popovic (2012) as well as World Number 2 and defending champion Adam Scott. “The addition of six past champions to this year’s Australian PGA Championship shows the depth of Australian talent we will have on

display at the Gold Coast this year,” said Brian Thorburn. Tickets for the 2014 Australian PGA Championship are on sale via Ticketek with children 16 years and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Members of RACV, RACQ, NRMA, RAASA, RACWA, RACT, RANT and NZAA will receive a 50 per cent discount off the standard PGA gate price when they show their membership card during Championship week. MORE INFORMATION Australian PGA Championship WHEN: 11-14 December WHERE: RACV Royal Pines Resort TICKETS: w ww.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849. WEB: www.pgachampionship.com.au TWITTER: @pgaofAustralia

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

OPEN GREEN FEE

The Oates Victorian Open will be played from 5-8 February, and will be hosted for the third consecutive year at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads. The tournament will continue its unique format by simultaneously staging the men’s and women’s championships on the same courses. During rounds one and two, all players will play one round on each of the Beach and Creek courses before shifting across to the Beach course for the final two rounds after cuts have been made. “The unique format allowing the men and women professionals to compete alongside each other has created a point of difference which makes it a favourite on the schedule each year,” says PGA of Australia General Manager Tournaments Division, Simon Butterly. “We are confident that the earlier date in February will allow a strong field to compete before they head overseas for their 2015 seasons,” Butterly stated. ALPG Executive Director, Karen Lunn said the dates will work to the tournament’s advantage. “It is very exciting that the Oates Vic Open will be the main lead in event to our co-sanctioned events. We can expect a high quality field with many of the leading Ladies European Tour players expected to make the journey to Australia in 2015. “We thank Oates for their continued support of the Victorian Open, and thank the PGA Tour of Australasia and Golf Victoria for their commitment to making this event one of the most successful events on the Australian golfing calendar,” said Lunn.

news

YEAR OF THE ROO

Hend wins in Hong Kong A ustralian Scott Hend captured his sixth Asian Tour victory and his first on the European Tour with a dramatic playoff win over Angelo Que at last month’s Hong Kong Open.

Percy returns to US PGA TOUR Cameron Percy has returned to the US PGA TOUR after securing a Tour card following the final event of the Web.com Tour Championship. Percy was one of only five Australians who made the cut at the Tour Championship and whilst finishing T40 at the event, Percy was already assured of a card after finishing inside the top 25 on the Web.com money list at the end of the regular season a month earlier.

Starting the day one back of the lead behind fellow Aussie Marcus Fraser, the 41-year-old Hend cruised the front nine in level par with two birdies against as many bogeys. Birdies on 10, 12 and 14 soon pushed Hend into contention, and he approached the final hole tied for the lead. A clutch parsave from a plugged lie in the greenside bunker on 18 during regulation play gave Hend a closing three-under-par 67, equal with Que on 13-under-par 267, forcing a playoff.

With one win this year on the Web. com Tour at the Price Cutter Charity Championship in August, Percy had a further three top ten finishes during the season, performing solidly all year to finish 14th on the regular season money list.

Following a nervously poor greenside chip by Que on the first extra hole—which led to a disappointing bogey for the Filipino —Hend coolly holed a five-foot par putt, sealing the victory and a cheque for US$216,660.

Originally from Chelsea in Victoria, Percy, who turned Professional in 1998 is a five-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia and first gained his PGA TOUR card in 2010.

“I felt quite calm,” said Hend of the playoff. “The only thing is that you don’t want to go for the pin on 18 as you can make bogey quite easily. I wasn’t sure how to play it and we (caddie Tony Carolan) discussed it and we said we’ll play it like how we would in regulation play. Unfortunately, Angelo made a bogey ... I would rather see one of us make a birdie as he’s a great guy and it would be nice to win a play-off with a birdie. However, I’ll take the win. I’m ecstatic.” Hend also noted that the par save on the 72nd hole was crucial. “It was especially tough considering the situation. I knew what I had to do. I had

missed a chance to take the lead on 17 and I knew I had to get up and down. It’s a tough hole, no matter if you’re playing it in a practice round or tournament. I’m just very happy to get this done. This one is for my kids (Aston and McLaren). They have been sending me music messages the last three mornings. So yeah, it’s very much to be treasured.” With his win Hend emerged as the first Australian winner in Hong Kong since Greg Norman’s victory in 1983. He is also the first Asian Tour member to win the event since 2008. Hend joins an illustrious list of Hong Kong Open champions which includes Major

winners Bernhard Langer, Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, Tom Watson, Jose Maria Olazabal, Padraig Harrington and Ian Woosnam. For Fraser, a disappointing final round of two-over-par (including a double-bogey on the first hole) left him T5—a respectable finish considering he had been out of action for eight months due to a hand injury. Of the other Aussies to make the cut, Cameron Smith was best placed (T9), followed by Adam Groom (T15), Marcus Both (T31) and Wade Ormsby (T41). For a recap of all the Australian wins on tour this year, visit www.insidegolf.com.au/tag/ year-of-the-roo •

Steven Alker (NZ) will also be returning to US PGA TOUR with the New Zealander also finishing inside the top 25 in 10th place. Percy joins a list of fully exempt Australians on the US PGA TOUR in 2015 including, Adam Scott, Jason Day, John Senden, Marc Leishman, Stuart Appleby, Steven Bowditch, Matt Jones, Aaron Baddeley, Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy. The 2014-2015 PGA TOUR season started at last month’s Frys.com tournament, where Percy finished a solid T26.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

news

Playgolf WEEK to be Australia’s biggest week of golf

early 300 golf facilities across Australia will host the inaugural Playgolf WEEK campaign from 17-23 November. Held nationally for the first time and presented by Drummond Golf, Playgolf WEEK will be Australia’s biggest week of golf events, aiming to increase participation and engagement with the sport. Former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting will be the face of the week as the campaign’s ambassador. The participating facilities will open their doors to the local community for a Come & Try Day on Sunday 23 November and clubs will also promote special offerings around Memberships and other Club services during the week. Many clubs will also schedule other activities during the week to ensure as many people as possible can experience one of Australia’s largest and most popular participation sports. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said Playgolf WEEK was a key component in the ongoing development of the game at a national level. “We’ve been tremendously supported in this first year of the national program with nearly 300 clubs registering to be involved, engaging with their local communities and showing people why golf is such a great sport to be involved in,” Pitt said. “The participating facilities range from public access driving ranges such as Moore

Park Golf and Sandringham Golf Range, to a large number of regional clubs such as Charters Towers and Victor Harbor Golf Clubs, through to major metropolitan clubs such as Royal Perth and Grange Golf Clubs. Non-traditional facilities such as X-Golf Australasia are also on board. The support from venues nationwide has far exceeded our expectations in the first year.”

KEPERRA Country Golf Club is hosting a “Take a shot at a free membership” during Golf Australia’s Playgolf WEEK in November. The popular Brisbane northern suburbs club is inviting golfers and non-golfers to a free sausage sizzle and a shot at a free membership between 3-6pm on Sunday, November 23. Keperra CGC general manager Gavin Lawrence said the picturesque par-4 18th hole would be set up as a par-3 for the shot at the major prize.

Various public awareness events will be conducted in each capital city and some major regional areas leading up to and during Playgolf WEEK, supported by each State Golf Association.

“It’s open to both Junior and Open categories,” he said. “Whoever is nearest to the pin in both categories will receive a membership.”

Golf Australia welcomed Ricky Ponting on board as the Playgolf WEEK Ambassador. Ricky’s love of golf dates back years, and he is thrilled to be involved in a campaign to increase the number of people engaging in the game. Other celebrities will also take to social media to promote the event. Various prizes and competitions will be offer during the week, such as the chance for one lucky entrant to win an Audi A1 valued at $36,000.

Win memberships at Keperra

But wait. There’s more. Any person who signs up on the day will save up to $750 and any person who signs up as a seven-day member and junior together will save $1000. Ricky Ponting has come on board as the Playgolf WEEK Ambassador.

The national initiative is based on a successful pilot event held in South Australia last year, which saw over 500 people attend Come & Try Days across 40 clubs, resulting in nearly 200 new adult and junior memberships.

have lapsed playing at some point. It will be great to have a mix of families, women and juniors involved in all of the activities during the week. There are terrific benefits to being part of a golf club and the clubs play an important role in the community, particularly in regional areas,” Pitt added.

“This is a great chance for golf clubs to introduce themselves to people who may not have considered playing golf or may

A list of Playgolf WEEK activities, offerings, and prizes and competitions is available from playgolf.com.au.

A Golf Australia initiative, Playgolf WEEK is a national event aimed at driving participation. The aim is to raise the profile of golf to new, social and future players. Lawrence said there was never a better time join the activities at Keperra CGC and win a free membership or a hugely discounted membership package. Anyone interested in taking a shot at a free membership at Keperra Country Golf Club should head for Duggan Street, Keperra on Sunday, November 23.

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news

Race returns to Bonville T

HE countdown to one of Australia’s most popular golf events has begun. The 2014/15 Golf Link Race To Bonville returned last month, with a host of new innovations and new partners. The Golf Link Race Series has proved a huge hit with golfers around Australia with more than 8,000 rounds played over the past five years. The 2014/15 Series will see a minimum of 35 events staged across the nation, including new courses such as Metropolitan Golf Club in Victoria, Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club in Queensland and The Cut in WA. Bonville Golf Resort will again play host to the 30 winning golfers who will represent their state as they do battle for the coveted individual and team crowns in the National Final. The finalists will again comprise of the Order of Merit champion and the best A, B and C grade finalists from each state, along with each region’s leading female golfer. There’s also some added interest this year, with the Race Series being opened to nonhandicapped social golfers, who will play a separate competition for their own prizes at each event. “Not everybody who plays and loves the game has an official handicap and we want the Race Series to be as inclusive as possible,” says iseekgolf General Manager and Race Series Tournament Director, Jon Perkins. “There will be a separate competition for those people at each of the Race Series days and we believe it will be quite a popular part of the event. “The Race Series is all about getting people playing and engaging with golf and we feel this is an excellent way to do that.”

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

TaylorMade Golf Signs Jamie Donaldson Following his unforgettable Ryder Cup debut in which he secured victory for Team Europe in the Sunday Singles, TaylorMade Golf Company has announced the signing of Jamie Donaldson to its Tour Staff.

Golf operations specialists Social Golf Australia will be assisting Golf Link with the logistics of running each event. “The Race Series is a unique event in Australia that offers golfers flexibility and variety with both the event model and the quality of golf courses available,” says SGA Managing Director Matthew Pitt. “It is little wonder the Race to Bonville is so popular with golfers around Australia. “This year’s event schedule is the best yet, with courses that will appeal to golfers of all abilities. It is a great opportunity for our company to be involved with the Race Series.” Once again the highlight of the 2014/15 Race Series will be the National Final at Bonville Golf Resort on the NSW north coast. Bonville Golf Resort General Manager Brad Daymond said his team were excited to

once again be hosting the 30 finalists after a hugely successful event in May. “We really like the Race Series concept and to watch the final unfold over the two days earlier this year was fantastic,” he said. “The excitement on the players’ faces to be competing for the title was evident and I feel the facilities we have here at Bonville Golf Resort are perfect for hosting this event. “Not only is the golf course a great test but with all the players able to stay on site, the whole event had a really intimate and special feel to it and I’m sure next year will be even bigger and better.” More than 4,000 rounds of golf will be played in this year’s Series, with the first event teeing off at Victoria’s Metropolitan Golf Club last month. www.golflink.com.au

The 38-year-old Welshman turned professional in 2000 and is currently enjoying his most successful season on the European Tour. In August, Donaldson secured his third win in as many years on the European Tour when he won the D&D Real Czech Masters. Overall, Donaldson posted six additional top-ten finishes in 2014. His consistent, stellar play throughout the 2014 campaign has propelled his Official World Golf Ranking jump to 25th, the highest of his 14-year career. Donaldson will play TaylorMade metalwoods, including driver, fairway and hybrid, in addition to TaylorMade staff bag and headwear, effective immediately. “While it may have felt like Jamie’s coming out party was at the Ryder Cup, those close to the Tour know that he is a terrific player who excels under pressure,” said Chuck Presto, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing. “He has tremendous talent and we are excited to have him representing our brand as he continues his professional career.”

news

Threat puts club ‘out of bounds’

Two in a row for Nudgee FOR the second successive year, Nudgee Golf Club is the Brisbane District Golf Association (BDGA) Division 1 pennant champions. Last month, the club completed an extraordinary feat when it clinched the overall Division 1 flag for 2014 after winning the Division 1 flag in 2013, Division 2 in 2012 and Division 3 in 2011. The pennant is determined by the overall success of a club’s three pennant teams – Open, Junior and Masters (seniors). “It has certainly been some wonderful years for the Nudgee pennant team,” said Nudgee Golf Club’s general manager Aaron Muirhead. “The pennant teams at Nudgee are an exceptional group and the camaraderie has emerged through their results. “It was a pleasure to witness this team spirit that the players, caddies and supporters displayed at all of the events, which certainly made the win, and previous wins, even more significant.”

Tees and greens at Borneo Barracks golf course are deserted.

HE upgrade of Australia’s terror alert from medium to high has put one golf club out of bounds. Toowoomba’s Borneo Barracks Golf Club, which is located inside the Army barracks, last month closed as security was beefed up around the base. Club president Doug Coates told Inside Golf the club’s 170 members had to find alternative venues to play their golf. Fortunately, eight Darling Downs District Golf Association clubs have come to the rescue. “City, Clifton, Crows Nest, Gatton, Goombungee, Dalby, Middle Ridge and Pittsworth golf clubs will allow Borneo Barracks members to play in their competitions for the same cost as their members and social rounds have been heavily discounted,” he said. “City Golf Club provided us with a conference room free of charge so we could have a meeting with the members. “We plan to have regular meetings to keep the members informed.”

Despite being in a reasonably good financial situation, the course closure will seriously affect the club’s bottom line. “It never rains but it pours,” Coates said. “This is the best financial position we have been in for a number of years and now this happens. “If this had happened two or three years ago we would not have weathered the storm. “The Army have been helpful and have tried to help us in any way they can.” Fairways and greens maintenance will continue while the golf course is closed. Club professional Gary Small, too, will take a financial hit although he is doing some club repairs at his home and providing members with lessons at some of the smaller golf clubs that do not have a professional. Coates said there was a possibility golfers would return to the fairways of the 11-hole golf course at the end of November – after G20 summit in Brisbane.

In the final round, Nudgee hosted and accounted for Pacific 16½-4½. Nudgee captain Lindsay Rattray said winning back-toback Division 1 titles was rare. Nudgee GC president Dr Robert Sang said he was delighted with the club’s performance. “Four pennant wins in a row is a major golfing feat and says a lot about the golfing talents at Nudgee,” he said. “We really are a golf club for golfers.” Meanwhile, Indooroopilly Golf Club cleaned up in Division 2 while Wynnum and McLeod golf clubs were successful in divisions 3 and 4 respectively BDGA pennant winners: Div 1: Nudgee Golf Club; Open, Keperra; Masters, Royal Queensland; Juniors, Keperra. Div 2: Indooroopilly; Open, Indooroopilly; Masters, Gailes and Juniors, Indooroopilly. Div 3: Wynnum; Open, Wynnum; Masters, Brisbane; Juniors Wynnum. Div 4: McLeod; Open, McLeod; Masters, McLeod and Juniors, Wolston Park.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

industry news

McGrory takes rare triple Gold Coast based professional Blake McGrory has claimed a rare triple, claiming the Rookie of the Year and Queensland Sunshine Tour Order of Merits, while going on to win the Jeep Pro-Am. Trailing overnight leader Marcus Cain by three shots at the start of the day, McGrory was quick to make his move with birdies at the 3rd, 5th and 7th holes, to hold a one shot lead over Cain at the turn. Further birdies at 10 and 11 saw McGrory grow his lead to three and despite a bogey five at the last, McGrory would finish at 12-underpar for a two-shot win. Cain battled hard all day, but could only manage a share of third alongside Mahal Pearce, who also made his first ever holein-one at the par 3, fifth hole. Sam Eaves started off shaky, though a birdie at the 11th, followed by an eagle at the 12th had Eaves finish two shots behind McGrory in outright second. McGrory’s win catapulted him to the Queensland Sunshine Tour Order of Merit title and along with his win in the Robbie Bennetts Enterprises Rookie of the Year race, McGrory has become the first player to win the double in the 51 year history of the tour. “This win has done so many things for my career with exemptions and prizemoney, but more importantly it has given me the self belief and confidence that I can compete with the best in the country, and that is something money can’t buy,” McGrory said. The QLD Sunshine Tour forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia wide.

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Biion Footwear launching in Australia

elbourne-based SCMC Group International is preparing to launch Biion Footwear, an innovative, stylish performance golf shoe line set for Australian release in December. Biion was born out of a vision to create a lightweight, slip on, spikeless performance golf shoe composed of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), and designed to be worn on and off the course. “Biion footwear is unlike anything else currently on the golf shoe market,” says Cameron Stewart, founder and owner of SCMC Group International. “Because they’re made of ultra-light EVA and feature a rubber outsole, Biion shoes mould to your feet, offer remarkable comfort, and create the least amount of resistance during your swing. And all shoes are designed with a casual look that pays homage to the classic wingtip pattern design. In other words, Biion Footwear can be worn from course to clubhouse, at work and on the weekend.”

Biion Footwear is available in Men’s and Women’s and will initially launch 5 sub-lines (Traditional, Wingtips, Saddles, Bright’s and Patterns) – each with their own unique style and colour spectrum. All products feature a dual density midsole for providing optimal shock absorption, as well as a “honeycomb” patterned cleat – deliberately designed to provide maximum strength and grip, and therefore increased stability during your golf swing. Biion Footwear has already been described by one magazine as the ‘coolest and most fun of the new shoes’, and Golf Professional Conrad Riley has described the shoe as “one of the most weightless precisions golf shoes on the market”. Canadian Pro Mac Boucher is the first brand ambassador and winning tournaments wearing Biion with more

announcements to come. The brand’s full line-up will be showcased at The Australian PGA Championship - RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast in Queensland 11th – 14th December 2014. For more information, or to pre-order a pair of Biion Footwear (RRP starting at $149.95), visit the website www.biionfootwear.com.au. Retailers interested in stocking Biion Footwear can call (03) 9005 7015 or email biionfootwear@scmcgroup.com.au •

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industry news

A passport to golf’s future? Australia’s 36-hole club at The Grange, The Vintage and Stonecutters Ridge in New South Wales and Queensland’s Pelican Waters are also on board while Brookwater Golf and Country Club near Brisbane is tipped to join the brigade of clubs.

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

s the Australian golf club industry in general tries to slow the overall decline in membership numbers, numerous progressive clubs are developing local reciprocal agreements to boost their offering to members and entice new members. More clubs are either executing mergers or considering joining forces with other clubs to sure up their future but reciprocal arrangements loom as a separate tactic to strengthen a club’s prospects of long-term viability.

Internationally, two clubs in Vietnam and a Philippines club have also joined the ‘passport’ concept. “One of my board members asked me to investigate it and I just sent out a couple of emails,” Clayton reveals. “The Vintage replied back first saying ‘great idea, let’s look into it’. Both Northern and Settlers Run agree that local reciprocal rights could be the catalyst for great membership growth as well as retaining golfers.

In Melbourne’s west, the Golf West Advisory Board has been formed and represents local clubs Sanctuary Lakes, Eynesbury, Kooringal, Northern, Medway, Melton, Sunshine and Werribee Park. The members of those clubs are now entitled to one free game at each course every 12 months. “That’s got a value of around $350, so we’re value-adding onto their membership,” says Northern Golf Club’s CEO Di Fisher. “That’s going to be such a big selling point when we have new inquiries with membership.” Sanctuary Lakes members are even more fortunate than their western counterparts simply because of who designed their course. On the other side of Port Phillip Bay at the Greg Norman-designed Settlers Run in Cranbourne, the club’s board has devised its own plan to rival that of the Golf West Advisory Board.

“Those who might be tossing up going to another club out of the Golf West, they’ll have second thoughts now,” Fisher predicts. But Clayton admits not all Norman clubs in Australia that were approached to join were easily convinced. A large number of progressive golf clubs across Australia—including a group of Greg Normandesigned courses like Eastern Golf Club and Settlers Run—are forming local reciprocal arrangements to boost value for members. Ten Norman-designed courses in Australasia, including Sanctuary Lakes, have created a ‘passport’ arrangement that allows members up to six free games a year at other ‘passport’ venues. “Interstate and international clubs will get six rounds per year, no green fees, open to seven day members. If the club is within 200

kilometres of your own club, you get two rounds a year,” Settlers Run General Manager Sam Clayton says. Sanctuary Lakes, Settlers Run and Eastern Golf Club have signed on in Melbourne with ‘passport’ members able to play Eastern’s Doncaster course until the club’s Norman course opens next year. South

“A couple of the Norman clubs turned down the idea. For one, it’s actually in their constitution that they can’t have reciprocal rights with other clubs so that was a clear cut one and the other one, the owner didn’t want to be a part of it. But he might change his mind when he sees how many clubs are on this list now. I think there’s a benefit for Settlers Run members or Eastern members or Sanctuary Lakes members actually playing at other courses when their course is not in optimum condition.” •

Links Court, Woorim, BRIBIE ISLAND, Queensland p: 07 3408 1457 www.bribieislandgolfclub.com.au e: office@bribieislandgolfclub.com.au

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from the ceo

Women’s Clinics a major success Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

eptember was an exciting month for everyone involved with the ALPG, with the launch of a new initiative, the “ALPG National Women’s Golf Clinics”, at Oatlands Golf Club on the 16th September. The purpose of the ALPG National Clinics is to showcase the talented ALPG Teaching Professionals that we have all around the country and to play our part in getting more women participating and enjoying the game. 63 ladies from the Sydney area were quick to snap up the offer to spend the day learning the game from seven of our talented and most accomplished ALPG professionals; Rachel Hetherington, Shani Waugh, Anne Rollo, Denise Hutton, Kate Macdouall, Lee Harrington and Jo Bannerman.

The day started with a breakfast at the beautiful Oatlands Golf Club, where the players were split into their groups for the day. For those who were looking for some sustenance for the day ahead breakfast was provided by our sponsors Breville. On hand for the welcome speeches were Lionel Lee, CEO of Bing Lee and his mother Yenda Lee who also participated in the day’s events. There were four practice stations set up for the ladies; putting with Lee, chipping and pitching with Kate, bunker shots with Anne and driving with Jo. On the course were Rachel, Shani and Denise, showing the ladies their warm up routines and putting them

All smiles at the ALPG National Women’s Golf Clinic through their paces, instructing them to play shots from every area of the course. The morning session went well, and as lunch was served there was much discussion amongst the ladies about the various things they had learned. Shani and Rachel took the stage after lunch and spoke to the ladies about various aspects of the game and some of their experiences on tour and answered questions from the floor—which proved to be very entertaining for all present, including the revelation that while Rachel spent much of her time on tour practicing diligently, Shani took a different approach playing Uno and hanging out with her friends on tour! After the Q&A it was out to the 12th hole at Oatlands GC, where it was time for Rachel to hit some shots. The ladies were in awe of how easy and smooth Rachel swings the club and how easy she made it look! The day ended around 4pm, and though there were some tired legs everyone had a smile on their face as they headed to the clubhouse for the presentations.

As many of the ladies were toasting the day, the ALPG professionals were busy selling raffle tickets, the proceeds of which were to be shared by two great causes close to the heart of the ALPG professionals. The first is the official charity of the ALPG, the “Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign”. Fiona Pike was an ALPG professional who had competed on both the LET and LPGA Tours, and unfortunately passed away as a result of melanoma in 2010. Right up until the end Fiona was determined to get her message out, especially to all those who played golf and spent extended periods of time in the sun. The other beneficiary of the raffle would be the “Next Generation Club” an initiative launched by the ALPG designed to mentor young women who aspire to have a career involved in the golf industry. The winning prize in the raffle was a Cobra Golf bag while second prize was a Cobra driver and fitting. Other prizes included three Cobra/Puma $100 vouchers and a signed photo of Karrie Webb with her 2014 Australian Open trophy. Breville had also

donated a Smart Waffle maker as a lucky door prize, which was won by Oatlands GC member Sandra Sun.

All in all the launch went as well as the ALPG could have envisaged. Even the weather was kind to us, and we managed to avoid the many severe thunderstorms lurking all around the Sydney area for most of the day. To all of the ladies who attended, from all of us at the ALPG, a very sincere thank you for supporting the launch of our National Women’s Clinics. I hope you enjoyed the day as much as we all did. Also very sincere thank you to our sponsors for the day, Breville and Bing Lee, to our hosts, Oatlands Golf Club, to the ALPG’s partners Cobra Puma for supplying prizes and jackets for our teaching professionals and Volvik Golf balls, for supplying the range balls for the day. Finally to our wonderful ALPG teaching professionals for putting on such a great day, we look forward to many more ALPG National Women’s Clinics in the future.

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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from the ceo

Women, coaches and pros hot topics at RACV Royal Pines Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

was privileged to join a host of worldwide industry Professionals who gathered on the Gold Coast recently for the PGA’s renowned coaching event, the Srixon PGA Coaching Summit. Held every two years, the Srixon PGA Coaching Summit brings together leading sporting authorities to provide PGA Professionals with a unique opportunity to undertake valid coaching-based, golf-specific training and education, plus peer and industry networking opportunities. PGA Professional Ritchie Smith was recognised as the 2014 PGA Teacher of the Year receiving the PGA’s highest teaching honour. Head Professional at Melville Glades Golf Club in Western Australia, Ritchie has played a significant role coaching and developing many of Australia’s leading amateur and Professional golfers including Oliver Goss and Minjee Lee. The three-day event at RACV Royal Pines Resort also included the opportunity for leading industry females, from both the ALPG and PGA, to attend the Women in Golf Breakfast as part of the PGA’s Women of the PGA initiative. In recent years the PGA has recognised and embraced the increase of women within its Membership and encouraging opportunities for women in golf is paramount for continued industry growth. It has

RACV Royal Pines been encouraging to see female engagement increase in recent years and the Women of the PGA initiative is a result of this positive step forward. Another talking point this month has been the anticipated completion of the front nine holes at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Stage one of the redevelopment has recently been completed in preparation for this year’s Australian PGA Championship from December 11-14. The tournament course has been given more teeth by the design team of one of Australia’s most successful golfers, designers and PGA Life Member, Graham Marsh. Completion of the second nine will see the full eighteen holes remodelled and a completely new layout ready for the 2015 Australian PGA Championship. Tickets, travel and corporate hospitality packages for 2014 are available through the Championship website www.pgachampionship.com.au. Earlier this year Channel 7 were awarded the broadcast rights to the Australian PGA Championship,

amalgamating the summer coverage of all four major domestic tournaments. In previous years there has been a great deal of confusion among consumers with events split across two networks. This agreement is a win for golf fans and we are delighted to have a single broadcaster providing coverage. Finally, the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School presented by Cobra Puma Golf has taken on a new format this year to allow better access to assist the country’s brightest golf talents earn status on the Tour. To ensure the best talent in the country have the ability to tee off, the first stage of Qualifying School will be played across three venues in three states: Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In addition to their Tour card, three of the top performing golfers at the final stage will earn an equipment and monetary contract from Cobra Puma Golf. Registrations are currently open through the PGA website www.pga.org.au for the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School presented by Cobra Puma Golf.

Clubs are our lifeblood Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

he health of our clubs is hugely important to Golf Australia. It was identified in our strategic plan released this year as being a key focus area, and also in our participation plan of 2013, and it is critical to the game in this country. It is as simple as that. There are roughly 1600 clubs in Australia, and our research tells us that around half of them are under some kind of financial duress. Many of them are effectively run by volunteers; all of them are key stakeholders in our game. They need help and this is why Golf

Australia, in a collaborative initiative with the peak bodies in the game, has launched a club support portal on our website, at http://clubsupport. golf.org.au/ aimed at improving the capability, financial performance and sustainability of our clubs. It’s quite an interesting idea, which we have taken from a look at England Golf, as well as other sports in Australia such as bowls and cricket which have gone out of their way to provide support mechanisms for their clubs. We see it as Golf Australia taking leadership in this area, but we also needed buy-in. This is why it has been done in cooperation with the state and territory golf associations, the PGA of Australia, Golf Management Australia, Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Australian Sports Commission. Clubs who use the resource will find that it carries a health check tool

which takes around half an hour to complete, and even offers up potential actions to address problems. It also includes a club benchmarking tool developed by Golf Management Australia, where clubs can compare themselves with others. The state bodies are coming on board. Several have already agreed to employ specific staff to help out golf clubs with issues. At Golf Australia, we urge clubs to consider using these tools and draw upon the expertise that exists in the industry. Golf clubs are an unusual business and they are difficult to run, with a massive asset to maintain. In the modern environment, consumers are not necessarily wanting club membership because of time constraints. Clubs need to adapt to this environment but we are on hand to help.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

industry news

High-tech watering system a boon for Northern Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

omplete with a state-of-the-art course irrigation system that can be controlled with the touch of an iPad, Northern Golf Club’s battle with an outdated watering system is over. The club has successfully upgraded irrigation on 15 of its holes and will complete the remaining three holes next year, simultaneously with the redevelopment of its eighth, ninth and 10th holes. Under the new system, maintenance staff can use an iPad to make real-time adjustments to course watering from any location within minutes of any problem being detected.

practice fairway of almost 300 metres in length on its current par-five ninth hole after it sold the land on its old driving range to Moreland City Council last year.

“You can isolate areas or holes on the course that need to be watered and if there is some sort of damage that occurs on the IC system, everything downstream is still operational,” Fisher said. “If you’ve got damage to one of the decoders, then everything else is still operational. The system will pinpoint which decoder has gone down.”

“It was seen as a win-win,” Fisher said. “They acquired the green space, we negotiated a deal, which involved cash and some rates concessions for the club.” Fisher conceded the old practice fairway had become inadequate. “Players couldn’t (hit drivers) because it’s short and beside Glenroy Road. There were limitations in regard to its efficient use.”

Fisher estimated that the club has been forced to assign an average of one and a half staff per week to fixing problems with irrigations in recent years.

Until now, damage to even a small section of Northern’s irrigation meant the entire watering system needed to be shut down. Fisher admitted the old system affected the club’s ability to keep the course in good condition for close to a decade.

Incorporating a new practice fairway and short-game area forced the club to look at course redevelopment options.

“It becomes a point where you’re starting to plough good money into an old, ageing system and you can only do that for so long. The sourcing of parts become a real issue as well and you keep repairing and obviously it’s just costing a lot so we just got to the point of no return and Band-Aid repairs were no longer going to cut it.”

“In peak watering times around summer when you need water, you need to get it out there. Particularly the major eruptions where they have to turn off the water, it was obviously very inconvenient. When you have one and a half men devoted to repairs, they’re taken away from other day-to-day course presentation duties.”

The new system is a six-figure investment for Northern but Fisher would not comment on the exact cost.

Meanwhile, Northern expects to finish the redevelopment of its eighth, ninth and tenth holes by late 2015. The club will build a new

“We’ve put in a Rain Bird IC system designed by Paul Jones and Associates,” Northern chief executive officer Di Fisher revealed. Fisher said the club has been one of many to toil with irrigation that was fitted during the 1980s. “A lot of them have asbestos mains and, of course, with drought conditions and movement in the earth, it’s caused damage along the way to pipes. Twenty-five to 30 years of wear and tear catch up with the systems.”

With the removal of the current ninth, trees will be cut out between the ninth and tenth holes to clear space for Northern’s new ninth. The 390-metre par-four eighth hole will also be lengthened as part of Northern strategy to increase the overall difficulty of its 18-hole championship layout. “We’ve been working with Thomson Perrett to do those changes. That will be started next year and once we’re finished, we’ll move on to looking at an overall course master plan with Thomson Perrett to look at ways which we can obtain some length.” •

Hope springs eternal at Links Hope Island Links Hope Island, one of the Gold Coast’s premier golf courses, continues to bloom under new owners Golden Horse Nine Dragon Lake Holdings Limited-the owner and developer of the 45-hole Dragon Lake Golf Resort in Guangzhou, China, host of The Royal Trophy, an Asia vs Europe version of The Ryder Cup. The two prime waterfront hotel and villa development sites at Hope Island total 8,162sqm and have approvals in place for up to 400 resort rooms and 29 permanent residences, situated adjacent to the golf course and private canals. The hotel may integrate with the existing clubhouse to utilise function rooms, restaurants, lobbies and full line kitchens. Mr. Feng Di, Chairman of Golden Horse Nine Dragon Lake Holdings Limited, stated his excitement about his company’s entry into the Australian golf market and the construction of an upmarket hotel adjacent to the Links Hope Island clubhouse in the not too distant future. To attract more members to Links Hope Island a new non equity membership category has been released. Priced at $3,500 per year, the membership provides 7 day course access and entry into all Member Competitions and Honour Board events. “The offering demonstrates our commitment to a strong membership base and we are confident with the calibre of our course, clubhouse and quality operation that it will be well received in the local market place,” says Executive General Manager, Mark Holland. “An added benefit for new members is complimentary access at our sister course, Noosa Springs Golf & Country Club.” Links Hope Island is offering membership without joining fees entitling members to 7 day course access. To find out more about Links Hope Island Membership contact 07 5530 9000 or email: mark.weir@linkshopeisland.com.au www.linkshopesiland.com.au

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

industry people

A wee bit of Scotland at Flinders GC A

fter more than a decade working as a golf professional at Flinders Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula, Scotsman Gavin Coyle has revealed it’s the club’s similarities to his homeland that have sustained his passion for both the job and the seaside links course. Coyle, who hails from Gourock Golf Club on Scotland’s west coast, said he’s reminded of his heritage when he peers out across Bass Strait on almost a daily basis. “It’s almost like you’re in the west of Scotland,” Coyle admitted. “We had two film crews come down last year, one filmed a movie (set) in Scotland and the other one was (set) in Ireland. It’s a lot like home.” At just 5,277 metres and with a par of 69, Flinders proves that lengthening courses to offset technological advancements with the golf ball isn’t necessary. “It is enjoyable no matter the conditions,” Coyle said. “It’s not like going to a 450-metre par-four into the wind and the tour guys are hitting drivers and a three-wood to the green. That just beats you up. Even on a windy day, because it’s a short course, you can still enjoy yourself. Flinders was founded in 1903 and is the oldest golf course in Victoria that still exists at its original site. Coyle insists its condition and playability has improved every year since he came to the club. “There’s not many that can say that.” Since Coyle’s arrival, Flinders has added couch fairways and overhauled its 11th hole,

known as ‘Fairy Dell’. Formerly a short, downhill doglegleft par-four framed by houses to the left, the green was moved close to 100 metres to the right, which transformed the hole into a short doglegright and protected the nearby homes from any stray tee shots. “We won an award from the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association for ‘excellence in golf course management’. It’s a good golf hole now, much better than the old 11th. It was a kind of blind lucky dip shot over the slope, down the left-hand side.” But asked which hole at Flinders is his favourite, Coyle didn’t hesitate in saying it was the precarious 263-metre par-four fourth. Known as ‘The Coffin’, the hole hugs the coastline and offers sweeping views of Bass Strait to the left from the tee. “The view from the tee, the view from the green, you can hear the waves crashing.” The hole’s risk-reward design is equally appealing according to Coyle. “You’ve got two ravines, you can play safe. I can get to the green in normal conditions. The risk is, if I don’t quite carry the 230-metre carry, I’m in the second coffin and I can’t guarantee a good lie. What’s worse is if I land on the green and the ball doesn’t stay on the green. If I’m over the back, I need a short game like Phil Mickelson to get the ball

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Gavin Coyle on the green. It’s a sloping green so there’s pretty much danger lurking all around it. The first time I played it, I five-putted it. For the average handicapper, you’ve also got a ravine, which is about 150 metres off the tee. Calm conditions, most people can carry it but if you’re into the wind, you’ve got that dilemma to lay up short.” Coyle moved to Australia from Scotland in 2000 and remembers an epiphany he had while competing in a Scottish mini-tour event. “I remember playing in a final round and I had 110 yards to the green and I had a fouriron out and I backed off it because I didn’t think I could get to the green and when I changed to the three-iron, the hail stones were bouncing off my face like somebody was stubbing a cigarette out and I thought, ‘there must be more to life than this’.” He quickly took up a job at Eagle Ridge, which he held for 10 months, before accepting a teaching professional role at The National Golf Club, before moving to Flinders in 2003.

Club support Portal launched Last month, Golf Australia announced the launch of a new club support resource portal which aims to improve the capability, financial performance and sustainability of clubs. The portal, located at http://clubsupport. golf.org.au, was developed by Golf Australia in collaboration with key industry bodies. Designed specifically for clubs, the portal includes a comprehensive array of resources that can be adopted by any size and type of club. Areas covered include: Strategic Planning & Governance, Financial Management, Risk Management, Insurance, Membership & Marketing, Facility Management, Workforce Management, Participation Programs and Case Studies & Research. Supporting the portal are also two online tools. Club Health Check is a diagnostic tool provided by the Australian Sports Commission and now adapted specifically for golf clubs. It involves a series of questions related to the various aspects of running a club. Once submitted, an instant report is generated giving a club feedback and providing an action plan on addressing areas that are critical to a club’s success. Golf Club Benchmarking is a business intelligence tool developed by Golf Management Australia. With this tool, clubs can enter data such as revenue, subscription fees, and operational costs and generate reports to benchmark themselves against other golf clubs in Australia. Golf Australia aims to have as many clubs as possible utilising the club support portal and on-line tools including sharing case studies.

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cover story

Golden Memories We chat with “The Golden Bear” Jack Nicklaus about this year’s Australian Open, his design of The Australian Golf Club and his memories of golf down under.

as it could be, and he thought I could help him do that. Packer was an enthusiastic golfer. He was a true Australian Golf Club member. He did not really care whether he shot 85 or 90; he just wanted the golf course to be a good stern test.

By Andrew Crockett Can you tell us about your relationship with Mr Kerry Packer in the 1970s and what do you think he was doing that was elevating the Australian Open to the International stage?

Did Mr Packer take you up to North Queensland fishing? That must have added to the experience of playing the Australian Open? Is it true that Mr Packer would also give the wives of the players some money to go clothes shopping?

As a person, Packer was just one of the real great friends—best friends—I have ever had. Packer was the kind of guy that if he was your friend, he was truly your friend. That was something you never had to question. He would do anything in the world for you and, in turn, you wanted to do anything for him. He was one of my original members at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio, and one of my founding members at The Bear’s Club in Florida. Everything I ever involved myself in, if I needed Kerry’s support, he was there for me. If you wanted or needed something, you could call Packer. I’m proud to say he was a good, dear friend.

He hosted us every year. I went down the first year on my own, and then Kerry hosted us two or three times to the Great Barrier Reef. I always looked forward to the fishing and the diving. The Australian Open was just an added feature of the trip (Jack said with a wink and smile). If Kerry Packer was alive today, what do you think he would try to do to get the Australian Open back on the International stage? I don’t know, but I think it’s a difficult thing to try to do. I think The Australian Open is a significant event—always has been and remains one. It’s a very good event. Years

Packer was a very proud Australian and very proud of The Australian Golf Club. He wanted to see The Australian be as good a golf course

Jim Mandeville / The Nicklaus Companies ago, when the four major championships were what they were, there was really only a couple of other significant events in golf— be it the Memorial Tournament, The Australian Open, the start of the TPC (The Players Championship). At the time, that was all there really was. The Australian Open really fell into being close to maybe the fifth major, the fifth most important tournament of the year. Arnold (Palmer), Gary (Player) and I went down and played in it every year. Almost all of the good players in the world went down there to play. It was very special.

But today, with all of the World Golf Championships, and all of the players around the world playing all over the globe, The Australian Open remains a very good event but becomes one of many good events. I think to try to elevate that further, because of its location, it’s very difficult to make it into what it could be on an annual basis because there are so many events that compete with it. I don’t think that Kerry could do a lot. To me, I think it is what it is—it’s the best event in Australia; it’s the best event in our fall and their spring down there, and it’s one of significance.

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cover story Obviously I place great significance on it. I won it six times and Gary (Player) won it seven times. We seemed to have a great competition every time we went down. But to take The Australian Open, and bring it back to the prominence of being the fifth most important tournament of the year, would be very difficult to do. With the likes of Rory and Adam Scott coming, and an overall strong field committed, they will have a great event, but it would be a challenge to get the recognition from the world that we got 40 years ago. With Rory confirming he will defend and Adam and others in the field, it is looking like the strongest field the tournament has had for many years. Will you get to watch it on television in America or are you planning on being in Australia? I had hoped Rory would go back and play, and I am happy for the event that he is. I think Rory will enjoy the golf course, and Adam is playing very well. It’s that simple. If players are on their game, there is no golf course that does not set up well for them. If I have other business in the area and reason to be in Australia–which I don’t at the present time–I would try to organize it around The Australian Open. The members of the Australian GC want a strong and difficult test of golf. 279 (9-under) was your lowest winning score there (1979) and it has only been bettered once (2007Craig Parry 277). Do you think we can expect four rounds of 70 to be close to the top of the leaderboard in 2014? It is one of the only memberships I have ever been involved with that wanted to continually make the golf course more difficult or challenging. I said, “Why would you want to do that for your membership?” They said it is their history and their heritage. I think it’s a good, stern test of golf and will stand up well. From my design perspective, I would not let the members try to murder themselves. I always try to make it a fair test, one that can be played by the membership. You don’t have to do that for tournament golf. The members wanted it for themselves, not for the tournament.

The Australian GC (Robert Wade) Australia. But from our standpoint, it was always a lot of fun, a big thrill to go “down under” when the golf season had virtually stopped here. It was great to go down and play another tournament, to go to the Great Barrier Reef, to do some things we couldn’t do any other place in the world, and, at the same time, play good golf courses.

I never did win down in the Melbourne Sandbelt. But I won four times in Sydney, three times at The Australian, once at The Lakes. I won at Royal Hobart and then I won once in Perth (Lake Karrinyup Country Club). They were all enjoyable tournaments, ones that I enjoyed being there for and being a part of. I think the Australians enjoyed having the world’s best players come down there. Back then, some could argue that the world’s best players were the handful of Americans they brought down. Today, the world’s best players are from all over the world. There’s a big difference. In your career as a Golf Course designer have the requests from the landowners changed much? Do they still want notoriously long and difficult golf courses or have their requests softened in favour of member/guest-friendly layouts? Our job is to listen to the membership and respond to their wants and needs. For many years, The Australian Golf Club was considered a good, strong golf course. That was over 30 years ago and it needed to be modernized, and that’s what we did. In the 35 years or so between

re-designs, the game of golf has changed—and often—and a course has to change with it. To me, you don’t build a clubhouse just for New Year’s Eve. And you don’t design or build a golf course just for The Australian Open. You design a golf course so it will first and foremost service its members, and then can accommodate The Australian Open. What that means is that on a daily basis, you want the members to have a fair, fun and enjoyable test of golf. Then, all you do is move the tees back and hide the pins, and it should be a good tournament golf course. Olympic Golf. Many people have argued that the organisers failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity: instead of Matchplay, Knockout, or an exciting country/teambased Ryder Cup-style event, they went with the standard 72-hole strokeplay, which will arguably only be exciting for a small handful of players come the final round. What are your thoughts? I think it should have been match play. I know they can only handle so many people in Olympic Village, but I think it should have been, maybe, 36 holes of qualifying, and then maybe–they’re only taking 70 players or something like that–the low 32 go into match play. I think that would have been far more exciting than 72 holes of play. That’s just my opinion. • Andrew Crockett is the author of Bump & Run: At the feet of the masters. www.bumpandrun.com.au

With this latest renovation, I don’t think we changed the golf course so dramatically that it changed the quality of play needed to be successful. It still requires good golf shots and overall quality play. You have six victories, Gary Player has seven. You must have very fond memories of that era, Slazenger’s Noel Morris helping to get you and Player to Australia…Slazenger making (in Australia) some of the finest clubs on the planet…can you paint a picture of how wonderful that era was for Australian golf? Well, I was an American going down for two weeks. Perhaps the perspective of an Australian could better describe how great it was for

Jim Mandeville / The Nicklaus Companies www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

tour talk

Back into the grind

Australia’s Rolley new Golf Channel host

Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

fter arriving back and celebrating my Fiji win, I realised that life goes on, and it was time to reset my goals and get back into the grind. I have found it difficult to reset my goals and get my head around what opportunities I may have after my win. I arrived back at my house at 9.30pm Monday evening and was on the tee the next morning at 8am to play the Gold Coast Invitational. The following weeks I had the Queensland Open, South Pacific Open and a run of Pro-Ams in and around Brisbane and therefore I hadn’t really had a chance to breathe.

Australia’s own Annabel Rolley—a former professional at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and TV presenter on Fox Sports’ The Golf Show—made television history last month, securing a coveted spot as host on The Golf Channel in the US.

So now it’s into practice for the events at the end of the year. I have a big run starting at the WA Open. Then over the next seven weeks it goes Perth International, WA PGA, 3rd stage of Japan Q School, Australian Masters, Australian Open, Final stage of Japanese Q School and finally the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines.

My golf was just average, running mid 40’s in both the QLD Open and South Pacific Open – isn’t it is an amazing game that we play: whether you’re a high handicapper or a Tour Pro, this game can vary from good to bad, from shot to shot. I was working on exactly the same ‘feels’ that I had in Fiji but it just wasn’t feeling the same. It was probably more timing than anything else but no matter how well you have done in the past, you always want to keep playing well.

I was lucky enough to be invited to sit on the lounge on the Golf Show, on Fox Sports recently. I’m good mates with Brett Ogle and Paul Gow so I jumped at the chance of doing something a little different. Actually as a junior there were two players I really loved watching - one was Jose Maria Olazabal and the other was Brett Ogle.

I then moved onto the bmag week of golf which were a run of Pro-Ams throughout Brisbane played at Virginia GC, Victoria Park GC, Indooroopilly GC, Wantima GC and Royal Queensland to finish the week off. There was 500,000 Qantas frequent flyer points up for grabs with the lowest aggregate five rounds at the end to win the prize. I started the week great, shooting 4-under-par to run second at Virginia. And a 5-under-par round at Victoria Park had me in good position but unfortunately that’s where the run ended. The last three days were average and I didn’t end up featuring in the end-of-week presentations or the frequent flyer points.

They flew me down and a car was waiting at the airport to take me to the studio which is located near St Leonards in North Sydney. Just walking down in the studios was a great experience. Matt Shirvington was doing a sports update in a studio as I walked past. Just seeing all the cameras, TVs, producers, computers and people needed to air shows was amazing. It just made me think what it would cost to air shows or even broadcast the golf.

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As host, Rolley will deliver instruction on the weekly show, which also features world-renowned guest instructors like Jim McLean, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Butch Harmon, Sean Foley and others. Rolley will also act as the social media expert in a segment called ‘Get social with Annabel’. In addition, she will also be hosting “Playing Lessons” in 2015 where she will play holes with PGA Tour and LPGA Tour stars, and will also appear on other shows including the network’s popular “Morning Drive”. Australians hoping to catch a glimpse of the show will, unfortunately, be forced to search for streams or clips online, as The Golf Channel—despite reaching more than 82 million households around the world—is still not available in Australia.

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Anyway I am really looking forward to the end of year with the position that I am in. I would love to say that I will win again but the truth is, who knows? If I just keep working hard and worry about the task at hand, you never know as I would love to have another trophy in my hands. •

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I was then taken to makeup. Now, I know what most of you are thinking, surely I didn’t need any makeup! But they decided to just use a little and then I was off to the set to have a talk with the boys. Both Brett and Paul are real professionals and did a great job of making me feel comfortable and relaxed. Anyway, after a 12-minute session we were done. Only one take! It was great fun as the boys are professional but they also have a great time, talking golf and also throwing some light-hearted banter at each other. I then sat back with Ricki Ogle, Brett’s wife, and watched them film the rest of the show which was really interesting. I have had some great feedback from the show from amateurs that were interested about my story, and also some feedback from my friends and peers, but I can’t say they were all positive! (What does a ‘head for radio’ mean?).

With her debut in October as host of “Lesson Tee Live”, Rolley becomes the first female professional golfer to deliver instruction on the Golf Channel and is also the first Australian to secure a contract with the famous 24-hour golf network.

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growing the game

YourGolfPro PGA pros travelling far and wide DIALED IN WEIGHTING THAT DIALS UP

DISTANCE

Golf all the go in Alice . . . There were plenty of students swinging along when YourGolfPro’s Remote Golf program visited Alice Springs recently. Picture: CHRIS RUTHERFORD

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

HEN golf industry group YourGolfPro began in 2010 its PGA-member founders not only planned for it to become one of Australia’s most successful greengrass golf networks, but also for it to be a powerful force in “growing the game” – indeed so serious was the intent that those words are on its logo. Four years later it seems the golf network dreams have been realised with YourGolfPro – currently capped at 75 members (all PGA Members) including some of the nation’s mostrespected club professionals. And, just as importantly YourGolfPro has fulfilled its other ambition and has developed into a pacesetter in “growing the game”-- especially in remote regional areas. Proudly brandishing the Professional Golfers Association of Australia’s prized roundel PGA logo, YourGolfPro’s well-organised Remote Golf Program not only is taking the game to many places in Australia where golf is almost unknown (Kangaroo Island, Port Augusta and Coober Pedy in South Australia, Ayers Rock, Northern Territory, Broken Hill, NSW, and to Queensland’s outback) it is making a tremendous impact in attracting widespread attention and support. With enthusiastic hands-on flag bearers such as well-known PGA figures Jack Newton (PGA Tour star, commentator and junior golf development legend) Brian Thorburn (the CEO of the Australian PGA) and high-profile club pros Chris Rutherford (Royal Queensland) Ken Trimble (Concord) and Greg Hohnen (Killara) the YourGolfPro Remote Golf

Program has amassed some amazing statistics as it spreads the good news about golf. Consider these numbers: • costs of staging all of the events (about 20 in past four years covering almost 100,000km) are funded by YourGolfPro with the support of CocaCola Amatil • at all events YourGolfPro members donate their time (seven travelled to Ayers Rock and Kangaroo Island in October) • for the Ayers Rock event the 5000 golf balls used were donated along with 200 golf clubs (which had been cut down and professionally regripped) • YourGolfPro has staged four events a year with each averaging about 150 kids, most of whom hadn’t seen or held a golf club and among those 3000 there has not been one injury. The Chief Executive of YourGolfPro Darren Delacy and the National Communications Manager Mark Rainey (both PGA Members) justifiably are proud of what their group’s members have achieved, but don’t intend to relax the program’s expansion and expectations. “We want to intensify the events

next year and in more directions than just golf,” Delacy said. “Our program isn’t aimed at solely growing the game, but developing life skills for the school students. “ We are not out to find another Greg Norman but are keen to help some kids who might be struggling at school with life mentoring by getting them to talk to other people. We use golf as a connector – what a great way to talk to kids, through sport.” The highlight of the three-day trip to Central Australia, which involved 70 school students from Yulara School and seven PGA Professionals, was when everyone dressed in YourGolfPro shirts hit golf balls with Ayers Rock in the background. The amazing thing was this was the very first time that Ayers Rock has seen so many kids get involved in such a great game that we call golf. This event, attended by representatives from Coca-Cola Amatil, marked another massive achievement by YourGolfPro who all combined to help stage Australia’s first Pink month of Golf in October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month and raise money for the McGrath Foundation. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

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growing the game

A lesson with Tiger’s ex-coach David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

E helped Tiger Woods win six major titles, but last month golf instructor Hank Haney arrived on the Gold Coast to attend the On Course golf group’s national conference and give lessons to five lucky Australian club golfers. On Course brought Haney to Australia to present his coaching methods to its members in private sessions.

contest today and will enjoy doing that,” he said. “It will be a special day for them.” Cairns Golf Club’s Jim Guilfoyle said the lesson with Hank Haney was “like being in Heaven”. “I can’t wait to get back to the golf club and tell my mates,” he said. “Hank is such a nice, patient guy and took a real interest in the group.” It didn’t take long for Haney to pinpoint each person’s mistakes and correct them just by watching their practice swing.

The members had the opportunity to hear Haney speak about his ideas and engage with him in a Q&A session, which also included Craig Parry.

Some of the issues the quintet needed ironing out were chipping and bunker play, short game assistance, getting the ball airborne using a fairway wood and the long game – driver and long irons.

He then provided an extensive coaching session on the driving range using Parry and some of the On Course PGA members as his subjects.

“He told me I wasn’t setting up to the ball correctly and adjusted my feet,” said Jim, who plays off 17. “Then he said I had to make a fuller shoulder turn.

Then it was the turn of the competition winners.

“Those two hints helped me and I started hitting the ball straighter. I can’t wait to get back to my club to try it out.

Gerard Waters (Secret Harbour, WA), Ms Nita Kino (Yarra Yarra, Vic), Ms Di Simpson (Northbridge GC, NSW), JimGuilfoyle (Cairns GC, Qld) and Steve Stefanopolous (Westlakes GC, SA) honed their skills under the watchful eye of Haney after winning the privilege through an On Course Golf Shops competition. On Course Golf Shops CEO Geoff Zarth said anyone who purchased a pair of Crocs golf shoes from an On Course outlet had gone into the draw to win the lesson of a lifetime. The prize included a lengthy round-table chat with the 59-year-old former PGA Teacher of the Year (USA) followed by an extensive clinic and a playing lesson at RACV Royal Pines Resort. I ask Haney if he is looking forward to coaching five golfers with handicaps ranging from 15-18. “I am going to help five winners of our

Hank Haney (right) helps five Australian club golfers improve varying aspects of their game on the Gold Coast. (INSET) Crocs golf shoes are endorsed by Haney.

“During our playing lesson, Hank gave us some very good hints and simple messages about how to improve our short game.” Prior to hitting the practice tee, Haney told his amateur students they needed a plan if they wanted to improve. “If you don’t have a plan you are never going to get better,” Haney said. “Most people are out there exercising, but not practising. Everybody has a tip for you but nobody has a plan. “If you don’t have a plan you can’t improve at anything.” Haney went on to say amateur golfers needed to work on eliminating a number of fundamental errors. “They need to eliminate penalty shots, eliminate two chips, two pitches and two sand shots and eliminate three putts,” he said.

“If you look at amateur golfers that’s what they do – they have penalty shots, they have two chips and three putts. “That’s how their scores add up and as you start to eliminate those penalties then your score comes down.” Jim said he would work on these and other important tips. “Hank also said we need to practice regularly and that if we didn’t have time to hit balls then we should spend 10 minutes in the backyard and do 100 practice swings,” Jim said. “He said that was as good as practice. “He was fantastic and really made us feel

relaxed and comfortable.” Jim was reluctant to enter the competition, but club pro Darren Golder and assistant pro Jason Roach talked him into entering. I’m glad I entered,” Jim said. “When they rang me to tell me I was one of the people to win a lesson with Hank Haney I couldn’t believe it. “It’s the best thing that has happened to me in my golfing life. “Ah geez, I am going to buy another pair of Crocs golf shoes. “That was a wonderful thing On Course Golf Shops did and I can’t thank them enough.” •

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On the tee with Hank Haney David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

INCE quitting as Tiger Woods’ coach in 2010, Hank Haney has turned his attention to helping club golfers and social players improve their game. In a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, the top American golf instructor has given more than 55,000 golf lessons around the world. Aside from Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara, he helped hone the skills of more than 200 touring professionals. During a lengthy interview, he happily answered questions about Tiger, Bubba Watson, Jason Day, life on the range and his coaching philosophy. Inside Golf: You worked with Tiger for six years and helped him win six majors. How much time did you spend with him? Hank Haney: 110 days a year. You quit teaching Tiger in 2010. Was he your last individual student? Yes, I don’t give individual lessons anymore. What have you been doing post-Tiger? I give clinics. Last year I gave clinics to over 15,000 people. I train teachers to teach and I have academies all over the world. I also have a (weekend) radio show in the US. Was it difficult to walk away from teaching the best players? Some people can’t get enough of teaching touring pros, but I taught pros for over 30 years and that was enough.

Do you enjoy coming to Australia and attending teaching summits?

What drives you and are you a workaholic?

I always enjoy coming here – it’s a great country and the people are so nice. I have such respect for the Australian PGA. The pros are just great. Over the years, I have had five or six Australian pros that have taught for me in the States and they have always been some of my best instructors.

Golf has always been so much fun. Helping people is fun and seeing people improve and the enjoyment they get out of it makes it less like work. Golf is my hobby. I feel as if I haven’t really worked a day in my life because it’s something I enjoy.

Describe your teaching philosophy. When I first started coaching, I worked with John Jacobs who, to me, is the finest golf instructor the world has ever seen. His philosophy is based on the ball-flight. He says, ‘golf is what the ball does’. So I always first look at the ball and see what shot the student is hitting or what shot they can’t hit. I work from there, the ball-flight back, as opposed to working from the swing forward. You still end up at the same point. You have to fix the swing if you are going to hit a particular ball-flight. The most important thing is making a good diagnosis and having a good plan to improve. In order to do that, you have to analyse the ball-flight. What makes a good teaching pro? You have to be able to communicate to get people to do different things. You have to get your point across, not just know what you want to tell somebody. Do some teaching professionals’ methods baffle you? Oh yeah, but everybody is different. They teach their methods because it’s the best way they know. I respect that. I teach what I think because I think it’s the best and works for people.

How does teaching Tiger and other top pros compare with teaching the lessskilled amateurs? It’s the same. It’s just the average player’s mistakes are more frequent. Obviously, a more gifted player has an easier time changing something, but they are a little more stubborn and harder to get through to. I look at each student just as a student. Was there any one thing you taught Tiger that gave him the edge? He was great before I helped him, but I am very proud of my record with Tiger. He won 45 per cent of his tournaments the last three years I helped him. He was top-10 85 per cent of the time. I would like to think there were a lot of things I helped

Hank Haney.

Chasing the Sun Golf Festival Ceduna to Kalgoorlie 11 - 18 April 2015 Nullarbor Links, ‘World’s Longest Golf Course’, is unique. This 18-hole par 73 golf course spans 1,365 kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. Each hole includes a synthetic green, tee and somewhat rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. The course provides visitors with a quintessential Australian golfing experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

then down to Fowlers Bay for your first concert. Venture past the whales and the beautiful coastline at Nullarbor to arrive at the beaches of Eucla, you move on to the remains of Skylab at Balladonia and the working sheep station at Fraser Range. Indigenous art and dance of the Ngadju people in Norseman will features strongly in your memories of this festival. Finally you head to Australia’s gold capital Kalgoorlie. On this tournament your entertainment are two fabulous Australian bush poets, Muzz and Marco plus South Australian singer songwriter Allan Wright. They will be performing at Fowlers Bay and the final night in Kalgoorlie.

“Chasing the Sun” Golf Festival has established itself as a brilliant Australian golfing experience, from the very first sip of champagne on Saturday morning at Ceduna, through to toasting the setting Sun in Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie

Ceduna

World’s Longest Golf Course, Australia

“Chasing the Sun” takes you on a drive to Australia’s famous oyster beds in Ceduna,

For more information and to view the full itinerary visit www.nullarborlinks.com

H O T E L

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au



M O T E L

exclusive him with. I feel his iron game and his wedge game improved a lot when I helped him. They were significant – everything is measurable. At that level, you are just looking for little things to improve and monitoring to see if the things he does well change anywhere.

IN THIS CASE, FORGIVENESS IS ANYTHING BUT A WEAKNESS.

Can you give us an example? His putting. I never really changed his putting, but I monitored it. I would say, ‘usually you are doing this and now you doing that. You are not doing the things you usually do when you putt well’. When you look at stats, you have to have measureable results. They got better or they didn’t. Why do the world’s best players like Tiger Woods need a coach? What a teacher does is help you formulate a plan and stay focussed. Tiger and Rory (McIlroy) know a lot about the swing, but what a teacher can do is make the plan and make them stay focussed. Tiger will wander off and work on different things that maybe aren’t part of the plan, but that’s his personality. He likes to change things and try different things. Players can’t see themselves, though. A lot of times it is better if you have someone who can make more of an objective observation and a coach can do that. There aren’t any top players today that I can think of that don’t have a coach. Apparently, Bubba Watson has never had a lesson. He likes to say that, but his caddie is a wannabe coach. Most caddies think they are coaches. Do you think that Bubba Watson just gets up there, hits the ball and never thinks about anything? Well, it couldn’t be further from the truth. He has constant discussions with his caddie about how he is playing and discussions about his swing. When I was with Tiger, Bubba would play practice rounds with Tiger and no one asked more questions or was more observant than Bubba Watson, but he can’t wait to tell everybody he hasn’t had a coach. Jason Day has his coach on the bag, is that a good thing? I think it is. They are there with them all the time and as a coach you see what they are doing on the practice tee, but oftentimes it might be different when get on the course. They have certain tendencies under pressure, but I think it’s a good combination if you can do it. Are today’s professionals spoilt? There’s so much prizemoney and they play on perfectly manicured fairways and greens. That’s a good point. There is a lot of money in golf and it can be hard to keep your desire up when you are making a few million dollars a year. Do you push and practice as hard? Jack Nicklaus and Byron Nelson were winning tournaments, but they had to keep winning to make money. Nowadays you can be a middle of

Hank Haney warms up at RACV Royal Pines Resort. the road player and make a lot of money and your desire to try to be better and to change is not what it would be if you hadn’t made it financially yet. So I think it does influence players’ work ethic and their desire to improve because they get comfortable at a certain level. But it is what it is. It just takes a special player to play for the championships and not for the money. Are today’s pros a little clichéd – boring perhaps? There is something to be said about that, but it’s such a competitive environment. When you have such a competitive environment, you are going to have less chitchat. It seems there was more chitchat engagement in the past, but it doesn’t mean there won’t be more in the future. What advice do you have an elite amateur turning pro? Practice hard. There is a world of different between a great amateur and a great pro. It’s like night and day. You have to keep improving and have a mindset that is going to get better. If you don’t you won’t be nearly good enough. There is a world full of good amateurs and there is not a world of spots on different tours. It’s hard and competitive and you have to keep trying to improve if you are going to have a chance. I’ve had people point out 18-yearolds and say ‘they are better than Greg Norman was at 18’, but those players turn pro and never make it. Why? Greg Norman consistently improved and he kept getting better and better. Just because someone is as good as Greg Norman was at 18 that doesn’t mean he is going to be as good as Norman at 32. There are a lot of years to practice and get better and you have to have the right work ethic, mentality and right team around you. It’s an indicator, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. In 2016, putters hinged to the body will be banned. Is that a good thing?

I don’t understand why they let it happen for so long and all of a sudden they are not going to allow it anymore. I am not a big fan of that ruling. I would have left it alone because I want to see golf grow. Golf is not booming so I don’t know how that helps the game. I like everything that is good for the game of golf. I don’t see how that (banning) is good for the game of golf. People who have the yips are some of the most jeopardised people in terms of how much they are going to play golf. If you can’t make a putt from two feet, your desire to play is very low. If a long putter helps, then more people play golf. Do you approve of golf returning to the Olympics. Yeah, I think it’s good. Many countries view the Olympics as the ultimate test. A lot of people that don’t know what the four majors are, but they all know what a gold medal is. It helps the notoriety and the funding for golf in some of these countries it can’t hurt. I feel strongly that anything that helps grow the game is good in my book. When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing? Playing golf – I love golf. I was working so much through the years that I didn’t play as much, but now I have more time and I like to play golf. How is your game? Hopefully, my game is good, but I feel good about it. I’m 59 so I’m not looking to play the PGA Tour, but I think I can go out there and shoot something decent. But really, I just want to hit some good shots. I judge myself on how I struck the golf ball. Hitting the ball good – that’s all that matters to me. What’s your favourite holiday destination? I go down to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico – that’s my favourite place. We have a house down there and spend a lot of time there in the winter. When we are there, I play golf every day. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

GAME CHANGED

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clubs

Graham to enter World Golf Hall of Fame

Membership drive at Mt Broughton

Two-time Major champion David Graham will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2015 after being elected by the selection commission last month. Graham will enter the WGHF alongside Professionals Mark O’Meara, Laura Davies and former American golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. “It’s a great honour, and I’m delighted.” said Graham “It’s been a long time, but like they say, good things are worth waiting for.” The former Australian Professional is one of only four Australians to receive induction into golf’s most honoured club. “This induction caps off an exceptional career and on behalf of the PGA of Australia I congratulate David on this magnificent achievement and milestone,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia. While Graham’s two biggest wins were in the United States he is truly a worldwide competitor representing Australia in three Dunhill Cups, two World Cups and International Team captain in the inaugural Presidents Cup in 1994.

ocated deep in the heart of the southern highlands in the town of Sutton Forest, Mount Broughton Golf Club is a naturally beautiful course. With sweeping rye grasses and the course’s natural waterways, lush greens and undulating fairways, members and guests are presented with incredible vistas throughout their round. Add to that the abundant wildlife inhabiting the course, and the challenging yet playable course design, and you have a magnificent atmosphere all year around. The course was opened in 1994 and quickly gained the reputation as one of the finer tests of golf in Australia. It is reputedly one of the longest courses in Australia, yet the course is enjoyable to golfers of all level. “Mt Broughton Golf Club is one of the most interesting developments in Australia for

many decades. It’s natural, and feels like it’s been there for a hundred years. Just walking the course is enough to send a tingle down my spine and take me back to my roots,” says Frank Phillips, winner of over 70 professional events worldwide including two Australian Opens. Mt Broughton Golf Club has just announced a unique type of membership which is currently being offered by a number of courses throughout Australia. The “Pay as you play” membership model—which has become popular in the UK and throughout Europe—is now available at the club, with the aim of making golf more affordable, without compromising on club/course quality. In “Pay as you Play” you only pay for the rounds that you actually play on the golf course. Every dollar equals one point; the

more you choose to play the more points you can purchase or “top up” as you go. Points are also able to roll over to the following year, for one year only. Your points can be used in two different categories: weekend and midweek. “We understand that not every golfer is able to make it out on the course week in week out so this membership option suits the person who cannot justify paying for a full membership but would still like to maintain an official handicap and have access to a championship course and facilities,” the clubs says. For more information about Mt Broughton Golf Club and their “Pay as you Play” membership offer, ring the club at 02 4868 3200, or visit www.mtbroughton.com.au. Alternately, you can email them at manager@ mtbroughton.com.au •

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CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Lakelands Golf Club David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

N a Jack Nicklaus-designed signature golf course crammed with spectacular golfing scenery there is nothing quite like the euphoria one feels teeing it up on the 14th hole at Lakelands on Queensland’s Gold Coast. It’s a breathtaking short hole over water – 133 metres off the black tees and 101m off the white tees. Even a strong shot here will have your heart racing as the wind teases your golf ball before it drops, hopefully, on the putting surface.

“That’s why Lakelands is so well received by a lot of visitors. “You don’t have those tricky tee shots and you don’t need a lot of golf course knowledge. “What you see is what you get. “At the same time, it does have enough length so when the top players are playing off the black or blue tees it’s still a very good challenge.” Beste said most golfers of reasonable ability only need a couple of golf balls to negotiate the golf course. However, if you are a Harry Butler-type golfer and tend to spray the ball then you might need a few more.

A weak shot, too, will seem to soar and give a sense of anticipation as you dash towards the green only to discover your ball lies in a watery grave.

If you spend time looking around the clubhouse and pro shop you’ll come across photographs of Jack Nicklaus and his masterpiece at every turn.

“It’s only a short hole, but it’s a beauty,” said Lakelands Golf Club’s golf and membership manager Rowan Beste.

That’s because the world’s greatest golfer, with 18 majors, is tremendously proud of his signature golf course.

“The wind really swirls there as it comes through the trees and off the big lake. “You think it’s out of the right and it comes at you from the left.”

“To design a golf course like Lakelands is to design something that will be here long beyond my golf game and my lifetime and that really excites me,” Nicklaus said.

The 14th may be the club’s signature hole, but Nicklaus, when asked, said they were all “good, strong holes”.

In the design, Nicklaus provided five teebox options so that players of varying skills can choose their own examination.

What’s enjoyable about playing golf at Lakelands is it’s not a taxing head-to-head battle where you have to pit your wits against the course designer.

From the black tees, the course stretches to 6489 metres and eases down to 4685m off the yellow tees. It’s 6142m off the blue, 5814m off the white and 5334m off the red tees.

It’s more a gentle stroll, or golf cart ride, in the sunshine on the golf course that is more pleasant and challenging than punishing.

Water is an important part of the landscape with 11 holes flanked by water, but fear not as you will have to hit an ugly shot to find it.

If I told you Peter Senior shot a 63 here to set the course record you might deduce this is a resort course...and you would be correct.

Mostly, water enters the picture on the back nine – holes 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18.

“It’s a resort-style golf course that is friendly and inviting, but also challenging,” Beste said.

Perhaps that’s why there is a variance in difficulty between the front and back nine holes.

“With generous fairways, the tee shots aren’t too demanding so the golf course is perfect for golfers of all levels.

“Normally you will see a few shots difference from the back to front nine,” Beste said.

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“The holes on the back nine aren’t that much longer, but there are a few raised fairways so you have to carry the ball a little bit further so you can get that roll otherwise you are landing into an upslope and it takes a bit off it. “Then you are hitting a longer club in.” The test starts with a longish (392m black tees) opening hole. There is water down the right, but only a wild duck-hook will find it. Then it’s water-free golf until you reach the fifth and eighth holes where water can come into play. “Holes two and five, both par-5s, are good birdie chances,” Beste said. “The 16th is also a very straight-forward par-5 so that’s another good opportunity for a birdie.”

The 18th (414 metres) is a formidable finishing par-4 that tempts death or glory. It’s without doubt the toughest hole on the course and even off the white tees (365m) it’s extremely testing. “It’s a long hole that typically plays into the wind,” Beste said. “There is out of bounds down the left, water down the right and the green is on an angle away from the shape of the hole. “That means you are approaching over the corner of the water, carrying a greenside bunker that covers the right two-thirds of the green. “If you miss the green left, the ball goes off into a swale and then you have a tricky upand-down chip from the side.”

clubs

Lakelands boasts a superbly appointed clubhouse with all the facilities and services you’d expect of a five-star facility.

corporate membership offers,” he said. “Corporate members are entitled to game vouchers for themselves and their clients.

“The restaurant is open to visitors, there are function rooms and we cater for weddings, corporate function and other events,” Beste said.

“We also cater for interstate and overseas memberships.”

“We even have a full-size billiard table in the members lounge.” Speaking of members, Lakelands has membership categories available and currently there is no joining fee. “We not only have local membership categories, but we have other options and

Members and visitors have access to a fulllength driving range, grass and mat tees as well as two short-game chipping and putting greens and a practice bunker. When numbers justify it, a food and drinks cart is available. Alternatively, players can place an order and have it delivered to them on the golf course.

It’s all part of the Lakelands service. The pro shop caters for golfers’ needs including shoe and club hire. There are three teaching professionals – David Nable, Ann Wilson and Jake Killeen – available for lessons and clinics. Lakelands welcomes visitors seven days a week although Saturday mornings are reserved for members, however visitors can play after 12.30pm. “Golfing visitors are welcome here most days,” Beste said.

“I invite golfers to come and experience a championship golf course and enjoy the great atmosphere and clubhouse facilities. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.” Lakelands Golf Club is located at 100 Lakelands Drive (off Gooding Drive) at Merrimac – just a few kilometres from beautiful Broadbeach and directly opposite Palm Meadows. T elephone the club on (07) 5579-8700 or visit the website www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

Phone (07) 5510 6504 Australia’s First Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course 100 Lakelands Drive Merrimac QLD

Lakelands Golf Club Memberships available from $50 per week Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club provides a Membership experience unrivalled on the Gold Coast. We have memberships to suit everyone. From Interstate guests to Corporates and even juniors. Call our membership team today on (07) 5510 6507 to discuss which of our membership categories will best suit you. www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

SERGIO GARCIA

THE REST OF US

NOBODY’S PERFECT.

Even the best in the game, like Sergio Garcia, mis-hit from time to time. That’s why we made RSi with Face Slot technology. Designed to maintain speed across the club face. For consistently longer shots, even when you miss the centre of the club face.

clubs

Clubs turn pink for YourGolfPro Breast Awareness month Bill Colhoun

ATIONAL golf industry group YourGolfPro, in collaboration with Mount Franklin supported the McGrath Foundation in October by turning many of their clubs pink to launch Australia’s first ever “pink” month of golf.

ALPG Executive Director Karen Lunn said: “Eugenie’s appointment will strengthen the Board’s overall range of skillsets, especially in terms of commercial and legal expertise and experience.”

The McGrath Foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Cancer Nurses in communities right across Australia, as well as to increase breast awareness in young Australians, with a particular emphasis on young women.

To coordinate events on a national scale required the support of multiple parties, and YourGolfPro thanks Mount Franklin for their support. The first brand to turn “pink” some 10 years ago, Mount Franklin started supporting the McGrath Foundation in 2010 and the contribution to the Foundation this year alone will be in excess of $250,000. YourGolfPro involves 70 PGA Professionals who are all dedicated to supporting the “pink month” in some way with 30 golf courses hosting week-long events in October. YourGolf Pro clubs in all states were

Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) have announced the appointment of Eugénie Buckley to the organisation’s governing Board. Ms Buckley’s expertise lies in the commercial area of sport with a strong background in legal and business affairs.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

The objective of the YourGolfPro Breast Awareness month was not only to increase breast awareness but to also raise funds for the McGrath Foundation to help give Australian families in need of access to a breastcare nurse, no matter where they live or what their financial situation may be.

Buckley new ALPG board member

PGA PINK PACESETTERS: YourGolfPro’s CEO Darren DeLacy, left, and Communications Manager Mark Rainey sporting McGrath Foundation-PGA pink shirts which were a feature of the YourGolfPro-Mount Franklin-McGrath Foundation Pink Breast Cancer days last month. adorned with pink flags, banners and bunting. Women, men and children wearing all-pink hats and outfits drove, chipped and putted pink golf balls – some with pink clubs-- to swing the coordinated campaign off to a sensational start. YourGolfPro’s Chief Executive Officer Darren Delacy said: “Working in conjunction with Mount Franklin in support of the McGrath Foundation is the golf industry’s chance to get behind a great cause to support families experiencing breast cancer and increase breast awareness in young Australians.”

“We know that many clubs across Australia stage ‘pink’ charity days, which is really fantastic as it brings clubs members together with the same vision and cause. Bringing all our clubs together to stage their ‘pink’ week at the same time shows our united support for the McGrath Foundation,” Delacy said. “By turning pink in October we supply numerous co-branded Mount Franklin and McGrath Foundation pink flags, pink uniforms and a number of pink initiatives and with the golf clubs making a donation which goes directly to the McGrath Foundation. We are delighted to be donating to such a great cause.” •

Ms Buckley’s current position is the Principal of Suiko Consulting, a company which drives business improvement in the sports and major event industries. She has recently designed optimal competition models and club ownership structures for Football Federation Australia and Basketball Australia, conducted reviews and developed best practice documentation for NRL and assisted Tourism and Events Queensland with major events strategy. ALPG President, Shani Waugh, welcomed Ms Buckley’s acceptance of the board’s invitation. “Eugenie is highly skilled, and her diverse knowledge and experience within the Sports industry will prove to be a major asset to our organisation. Together with the current passion that exists on our Board, we look forward to further enhancing the profile of ALPG and working with our stakeholders to promote and build a strong future for golf in Australia.”

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ACGC Simply Energy power up the ACGC

The ACGC are thrilled to welcome Simply Energy on board as an official partner of the event. Simply Energy is one of Australia’s fastest growing energy retailers who are powering the lives and businesses of almost 500,000 customer accounts across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. On top of the incredible prize pool on offer at every one of the 85 ACGC qualifying rounds, the team from Simply Energy will charge up the “Simply Energy Power Drive.” General Manager, Sales and Marketing - Paul Watmough said “Simply Energy is delighted to be a major partner of the 2014/2015 Auto Club Golf Championship. We believe a partnership with this friendly, amateur Golf Championship is a great fit and is further complemented by our existing relationships with RACV, RAA, RACQ and NRMA clubs where we provide exclusive energy offers to auto club members. We’re looking forward to meeting golfers throughout the championship, and in particular, seeing how much energy they can muster up as they compete for the Simply Energy Power Drive.”

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Gold Coast golf trips up for grabs

170 Australian golfers will have the opportunity to play and stay at Queensland’s home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast in this year’s Auto Club Golf Championship (ACGC). The event is the largest amateur pair’s event in the country with 85 regional qualifying events being held around Australia. Players from the first events in this series have been singing the event’s praises with a registration fee of only $33.00 per person. The bonus registration gifts of six TaylorMade golf balls and complimentary refreshments from Coca-Cola Amatil, plus the opportunity to move straight through to the Championship Final on the Gold Coast is seeing golfers sign up from multiple qualifying events across their state and in many cases even planning trips to play in one of the many events held around the country. The hot ticket, of course, with this event

UPCOMING ACGC EVENTS

is that the winning pair from every one of the 85 regional events receive travel and accommodation, plus three days of Championship golf, social functions and frivolity during the 2014/15 Championship Final being held at the newly renovated RACV Royal Pines Resort. “Just being there I felt like I was a winner. The golf competition was great but the result was irrelevant as I was already a winner” – said a 2013/14 Championship Finalist. So if you would like to win one of the 170 places to this years Championship Final, just visit the ACGC website and select one or more events you wish to play. Not only could you find yourselves enjoying a sensational trip to Queensland’s home of Championship Golf in 2015. It could be you and your playing partner who has the honour of being crowned the 2014/15 ACGC Australian Amateur Golf Pair. www.acgc.com.au •

STATE SA VIC TAS NSW TAS VIC QLD VIC TAS VIC WA NSW VIC SA NSW WA QLD NSW TAS VIC VIC QLD NSW NSW SA QLD VIC TAS VIC VIC VIC SA VIC NSW NSW NSW VIC VIC VIC NSW QLD NSW VIC NSW

GOLF CLUB McLaren Vale Leongatha Kingston Beach Narrandera Royal Hobart Cardina Beacon Hills Rockhampton RACV Torquay Launceston GC Kingston Links #2 Hillview Shelly Beach Cobram Barooga North Adelaide Cronulla Meadow Springs Logan City Fairfield Golf Club Greens Beach Maryborough Queens Park RACV Royal Pines #1 Eden Golf Club Bathurst West Lakes Tewantin Noosa Golf Club RACV Cape Schanck Devonport Gisborne Box Hill Cohuna Blackwood Yallourn Griffith Federal ACT Magenta Shores Stawell Mornington RACV Healesville Armidale RACV Royal Pines #2 ***Fairfield Golf Club**** Lakes Entrance Banora

DATE 1/11/2014 2/11/2014 7/11/2014 8/11/2014 8/11/2014 8/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 15/11/2014 19/11/2014 22/11/2014 22/11/2014 23/11/2014 24/11/2014 27/11/2014 29/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014 5/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 9/12/2014 14/12/2014 20/12/2014 9/01/2015 10/01/2015 18/01/2015 18/01/2015 18/01/2015 23/01/2015 25/01/2015 25/01/2015 30/01/2015 31/01/2015 31/01/2015 6/02/2015 8/02/2015 8/02/2015 28/02/2015

juniors

Gary Player kids shine bright David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

EE-WHIZ, aren’t our junior golfers impressive.

Last month, for the 30th successive year, I wander out to picturesque Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane to watch more than 200 youngsters take part in the 43rd Gary Player Classic. It’s a prestigious event and the winner of each age division (15 and under, 16-17 and 18-20) has their name etched on a trophy alongside names like Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Peter Senior, Ian Baker-Finch and Steven Bowditch. While the quality of golf is always outstanding, the behaviour and acceptance speeches at the trophy presentation are notable.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Gary Player Classic winners Joshua Taylor (16-17 years), Daniel Gale (18-20) and Charles Pilon (15 years and under).

This year the winners were Charles Pilon (15 and under winner representing Hills International, Qld), 16-17 years Joshua Taylor (Yarra Yarra, Melbourne) and 18-20 years Daniel Gale (Castle Hill, Sydney).

It’s the same story at every junior tournament around the country.

All thanked the sponsors, the golf club for hosting the event, Golf Queensland for organising the event, the course superintendent and his staff for the excellent condition of the course, their playing partners, their parents and the volunteers, who rise at 4am to ensure the event runs without a hitch.

Kaito told me he lowered his handicap from 14 to 4 and cut 28 shots off his three-round 2013 total to make the 54-hole cut.

Okay, occasionally someone will forget his lines or attempt humour, but they are mostly saying the right things.

At the conclusion of the Gary Player Classic, I spoke to the enthusiastic and articulate winners and the tournament’s most improved player, 10-year-old Kaito Chiu from Oxley Golf Club.

I know major sponsor Bob Menzies from Adina Watches was impressed. That’s why he’s been sponsoring the event for more than 30 years and will continue to do so.

BIG IMPROVER: Kaito Chiu improved by 28 shots.

And it’s why nine-time major winner Gary Player continues to make a significant financial contribution.

their food and tyrannise their teachers.”

These kids are a credit to their parents, their clubs and the various golfing bodies.

Perhaps if golf had been around when the Greek philosopher said that he may have had a different opinion.

Too often society is quick to jump on our youth for being brash, spoilt, disrespectful and bad mannered, but might I remind you of this quotation. “Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up

That was penned by Socrates (470/469 BC – 399 BC).

The game of golf in Australia is in a good space and if you haven’t already done so – get your kids into golf. • FOOTNOTE: There were two holes-in-one during the 72-hole Gary Player Classic. Keegan Short (Indooroopilly) and Futa Yamagishi (Hills) aced the 13th and 17th holes respectively. For the full list of results go to www.golfqueensland.org.au

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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juniors

Breaking down golf’s barriers GMA NZ conference chairman Des Topp said some delegates were gobsmacked when told Congressional allowed people to wear t-shirts and jeans in the clubhouse.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

N an effort to help stimulate interest in the game of golf, Congressional Country Club, host of the 2011 US Open won by Rory McIlroy, has relaxed its dress standards.

Leemhuis also suggested clubs break down an 18-hole golf course into three six-hole courses to allow time-poor people to get around in less than 90 minutes.

The 90-year-old club now allows people to wear t-shirts and jeans in the clubhouse.

In the US, around half a million people drop out of golf annually and one or two golf clubs close each week.

These are the changes that are going to attract younger people to the game of golf, says one of the world’s foremost golfer teachers Hank Haney. “Golf is steeped in traditions and some of those traditions don’t match up with today’s society,” he told Inside Golf.

In Australia, clubs too are closing, but the number is significantly lower. In the US and Australia, some clubs have introduced Big Hole Golf (putting to a dinnersize plate cups) in an attempt to grow the game. I ask Haney if he supports Big Hole Golf.

“In the US, there are some clubs that say ‘don’t do this, don’t do that, dress like this and don’t use your cell (mobile) phone’.

“Everything is good if it gets people interested and started (in golf ),” he said.

“For today’s youth, those are the things that are unattractive about the game.

“Golf is a very difficult game … the learning curve is extremely steep.

“There are many rules and regulations you have to abide by. They are inhibiting factors in the game and it’s very intimidating for beginners.

“When you start out, it’s hard and it takes a long time to get to the stage where you can say, ‘I can play this game’.

“So, I think golf needs to loosen up a little bit and let go of some of the perceived stuffiness and make it more fun and inviting for people to want to play.” Perhaps Haney is channelling Jack Newton, who has been saying the same thing for years. Yes, the days of only allowing those into the clubhouse that are dressed appropriately for morning tea and biscuits with the Queen are gone. Congressional Golf Club CEO Mike Leemhuis, in New Zealand for the Golf Managers’ Association of New Zealand (GMA NZ) conference, told delegates “flexibility” and “new golf concepts” were needed in the 21st century.

“It’s also expensive. You have to buy equipment, have lessons and you need a place to play.” Haney, who coached Tiger Woods for six years, believes the best golf instructors should be teaching beginners – men, women and children. “Every new golf instructor starts out by teaching beginners, juniors and ladies,” he said. “This is the group most likely to leave the game. “This is the most important group of people there is to us and yet we put our least experienced teachers in charge of the most important group of people and the better teachers coach the better players. “The better players are not leaving the game – the beginners are.

mizuno.com.au/golf 42

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Junior League Golf is one of the many positive steps for golf (Photo: PGA Jr League Golf) “These people should have the best instruction because that would allow them to progress faster and stay in the game of golf.” Junior League Golf (team golf ), supported by the PGA of America, is another positive step forward, according to Haney. “We have to do a better job with the juniors and get them playing and interested,” he said. “With Junior League Golf, you have a chance to get kids engaged and thinking about golf and wanting to play. “Kids are influenced by what their peers and friends are doing so I think it’s very good

to have kids in a team environment.” With proper tuition, juniors and social players start to take the game seriously and join a golf club where they can test their ability in a more competitive environment. Marketing golf as a lifetime sport is something Haney favours. “Golf is the most attractive sport because you can play until you are very old,” Haney said. “Everyone has to have recreation and exercise and I think golf fills an important role for people.” •

juniors

Young Lucas a true inspiration David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HAMPION golfer Lucas Higgins, a 15-year-old from Murwillumbah Golf Club in northern New South Wales, is standing over a short putt when he starts to feel a little shaky. No, he doesn’t suffer from the yips.

Lucas, a grade 10 school student, has Type 1 Diabetes. “If my blood sugar levels are out of whack, my golf starts to deteriorate,” the teenager told Inside Golf. “It can affect how I play. When my blood sugar is low, I start to feel hungry and get a little shaky. “It can affect my putting a lot if I’m shaking.” UNSHAKEN: Teenager Lucas Higgins won’t allow a health setback to dent his golf career.

His dad David Higgins told Inside Golf his son required four insulin needles a day and sometimes had to check his blood sugar levels mid-round.

That puts him level with his dad, who is a two-time Murwillumbah club champion.

The teenager understands it’s something he has to live with and refuses to allow the condition to disrupt his golf or playing other sports.

Lucas counts winning the North Coast Schoolboys’ Championship a career highlight along with countless junior open tournaments in the Northern Rivers.

Last month Lucas, who plays off +2, collected his second successive Murwillumbah A grade club championship title when he edged out Christopher Dean by a single shot.

During the recent school holidays, Lucas ventured to Brisbane to play in the prestigious Gary Player Classic at Pacific Golf Club.

Dad David, who plays off one, finished fifth. “Winning my second club championship was more special than the first because I was defending champion and I’m proud I was able to do that,” said Lucas, who first picked up a club at the age of five.

Playing in the 15 years and under division, he finished a credible third in the championship. He has a deft touch with the flat-stick, hits the ball long off the tee for his age and is currently working on improving his chipping.

A confident and ambitious young man, Lucas has plans to attend college in America when he finishes his schooling in 2016. “One day I want to play on the PGA Tour, but first I am going to college in America,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get a few starts in tournaments and go from there.” Aside from golf, Lucas enjoys playing other sports socially. “I am a pretty outgoing kid and also like to hang with mates,” he said. Dad David said his son was determined not to allow Type 1 Diabetes to affect his enjoyment of golf and life in general.

Kilcoy celebrates 50th MORE than 90 members and guests helped tiny Kilcoy Golf Club celebrate its 50th anniversary with a lavish dinner recently. The club’s general manager Lester Bechly said two of the original committee members, John Runge and Ken Moncreiff, joined in the celebrations. “And we had a surprise guest,” he said. “Anna Stanton, who started here as a junior, came along as well.” (Stanton, 19, plays her golf at Palmer Colonial on the Gold Coast and recently won the NSW Women’s 72-hole stroke play championship.) “It was a great night,” said Lester, who has been a member for the club for 46 years. He described the nine-hole undulating country course as “picturesque” and “challenging”. “We keep making changes to make the course more interesting by changing a tee or green here and there,” he said. “The club is run by volunteers and we are holding our head above water.” He said Kilcoy Golf Club had a solid junior base. “We have had some good juniors at the club over the years and are very proud of them.” Currently, the club is promoting its golf package – 12 or more golfers can play golf and have lunch for $25 per person.

“Just because a young person has Diabetes doesn’t mean they can’t play sport.” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

new gear

GolfBuddy VS4 Talking GPS The stylish VS4 Talking GPS combines highquality audio distance information and Golf Buddy’s unique dynamic green view, giving golfers reliable distance readings so that they have complete confidence and knowledge of the course. The new easy-to-use design enables users to hear the distance to the front, centre and back of the green via the Dynamic Green View which provides distances always

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The new MGI Quad Series motorised golf buggies represent power, performance, style and innovative technology. They are the only four wheel motorised buggy with swivelling front wheels and suspension for added stability & manoeuvrability. Featuring patented technology, the MGI Quad Series motorised buggies are compact in size, fold easily in two steps and can take several accessories so you can enjoy your golf more. Available in three impressive models the

flagship being the MGI Navigator Quad Gryo with full remote control and Gyro Antideviation Technology. The MGI Coaster Quad Brake features the patented Electronic Park Brake, while the MGI Hunter Quad reflects the MGI signature features of integrated solar charging, multi functional utility handle and lithium battery options. www.mgigolf.com 1300 644 523

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>NEWGEAR We highlight the latest products to hit the market FootJoy FJ City Shoe Collection

Callaway Big Bertha Irons For the first time ever, Callaway engineers put the same 360 Face Cup Technology used in the Company’s fairway woods into their irons. This hotter, more flexible face in the new Big Bertha Irons delivers increased ball speed that can make golfers up to two clubs longer. Designed for golfers seeking maximum forgiveness and distance, the Big Bertha Irons feature confidence-inspiring sole designs that are wider in the longer irons and smaller in the short irons, which are typically easier to hit. The irons also feature Callaway’s Internal Standing Wave, which allows engineers to position the centre of gravity (CG) low in the clubhead for a more optimum launch angle while still delivering high ball speeds. Golfers who prefer hybrids can replace the long irons with the new, adjustable Big Bertha Hybrids, which are designed to deliver distance and optimized ball flights. RRP: Steel: $1,299.99 (8-piece iron set) Graphite: $1,399.99 (8-piece iron set) Hybrids: $309.99 each

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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These soft, 1020 Carbon (8-piece set) steel irons are intended AUD for elite golfers, with a Tour-inspired shape and style in a premium forged design. They’re also packed with gameenhancing technologies like the high performance wide-spaced grooves, which deliver more control and consistent spin out of a variety of playing conditions. An Optimised Sole Camber enables excellent turf interaction from any lie for more playability than you’d expect from a muscleback.

FJ City is inspired by popular street styles and features trendy designs made of high-quality, full-grain waterproof leather uppers and a durable, cleated outsole. The line offers six styles and a variety of eye-catching two-tone colour options. Five of the styles are also available with a spikeless outsole through the FJ Professional line for wear on and off the course.

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Tifosi Technology Tifosi Eyewear introduces new Clarian interchangeable sunglasses, specifically for Golfers. Available in a great range of fashionable colours and designs Tifosi sunglasses offers golfers the ultimate in performance eyewear and, for a limited time, a FREE performance cap for the ultimate in all round sun protection. Tifosi’s new Clarion Mirror lenses feature a hydrophobic coating that repels water and sweat to help prevent moisture from gathering on the lens, increasing visibility and preventing distortion. Call: Peter Wright Golf Agencies on 02 9634 1876 for your nearest stockist.

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new gear

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PUMA Solid Tech Short

The MP-15 embodies the definitive balance of tradition and technology for the stronger ball striker. Forged directly inside the 1025E steel framework is a re-engineered Titanium Muscle insert, which maintains thickness behind impact for solid feel, while allowing weight to be shifted to the perimeter to provide “full cavity” forgiveness. The MP15’s refined Ti Muscle weighs just 10g, yet its increased curvature and thickness ensure that feel is not sacrificed to achieve off centre stability. The playing profile and head-size of the MP-15 is based on the classic MP-64 – with 10% greater forgiveness created through the use of the Ti insert. As the Ti insert is engineered to create off centre stability rather than launch forgiveness, trajectory is comparable to Mizuno’s more traditional tour irons.

Sunshine-ready with a UPF of 50+, these shorts feature moisture-wicking properties to combat sweat and are equipped with pockets a-plenty for stashing keys, scorecards, good luck charms... whatever. 95% Polyester, 5% spandex, dryCELL designation for moisture-wicking properties that help keep you dry and comfortable, Single button closure at waistband, with zip fly.

PUMA Flipside Fitted Golf Belt This stylish PUMA belt perfectly rounds off your style on the golf course. 100% leather-- elegant, sturdy, and comfortable, Metal buckle and belt loop for a perfect fit, Special twist: PUMA Cat logo can be flipped over. Width: 3 cm.

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Jumbo Max Fat Golf Grips Ideal for every club in your bag, Jumbo Max fat golf grips give you a more relaxed grip pressure, which leads to more accurate ball striking. Testing by Golf Test USA has found that Jumbo Max fat golf grips outperform standard golf grips in every category: driver distance (carry increased 6.2%), accuracy (wedge accuracy

The E.L.K GT Lithium weighs in at a feather-weight 9.5kgs, using a ‘PowerOn’ lithium battery pack weighing 2.25kgs, with a ‘Super-fast’ charge which uses less energy. The frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminium and easily folds to fit in the boot of small and compact cars. Simple to operate with three distance control settings, the buggy comes complete with lithium battery and charger, seat, umbrella holder and sand bucket holder, all at no additional cost. E.L.K Golf also produce a stylish and light-weight cart bag to fit most buggies, as well as providing a range of Lithium Batteries to suit all motorised buggies. The GT Lithium Buggy and Power-On Batteries are supported by E.L.K Golf’s 24 month warranty via their National Service Network.

The ‘hollow flow’ concept is a response to the demands of modern golf courses – with longer approaches to tighter pin positions on firm greens. Tour players looking for more vertical landing angles have instigated the move into forgiving equipment tailored to suit a more critical eye. Refined from the long iron replacements (MP Fli-Hi) the MP-H5 pushes the concept further with a complete flow of hollow and part hollow irons (from 1 iron to PW). By progressing into a full set, the MP-H5 ensures a smooth flow of trajectory, feel and distance control. The MPH5 achieves its launch forgiveness while keeping a neat top line and minimal offset – which taper down to relatively compact scoring irons.

Ti Muscle Innova tion

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gear

Mizuno the right fit for club golfers lub and social golfers who purchase stock-standard clubs are putting themselves at a huge disadvantage, according to US-based Mizuno custom-fitting manager Bill Price.

“Others might need to have more fairways woods than hybrids to get the correct distance from point A to point B.

In Australia to hold custom-fitting training sessions, Price says players, irrespective of ability, should be custom-fitted if they are serious about improving their game.

Mizuno’s Australian sales and marketing manager Chris Jacobsen said the company held regular demo days throughout the country.

“There are misconceptions about clubfitting,” he said. “There are golfers on high handicap that still believe custom-fitted clubs won’t benefit them.

“We have every model, including MP and JPX lines, and with those two lines we can fit anybody from tour pro to beginner.

“The truth is that custom-fitting benefits everybody, but it benefits the higher handicapper more. “To improve, golfers need to have clubs that are the correct length, have the correct shafts, lie angle and grip. “The length of the club is important because it allows you to set up to the ball correctly and it gives you a fighting chance to make a good golf swing. “You certainly need the correct shaft because that’s the engine that allows the ball to go out there. “Those two things are critical.” Price said Mizuno club-fitting specialists had the expertise to fit all genders and players of all abilities. “Different players have different needs when it comes to golf clubs,” he said. “The set make-up is so important these days because lofts have become stronger. “A player might not need as many irons in the set and might need more wedges because they are the scoring clubs.

“So, if we get the right fit we can really have some fun and shoot lower scores.”

“We take pride in that and we have our fitting cart that allows interactive fitting. We have all the software packages – launch monitors, shaft optimiser and wedge optimiser. “A golfer can be fitted with clubs that are going to help them improve, looks good and helps them enjoy game more.” Price said the cost of a set of Mizuno irons were comparable with all other brands. “There still is a misconception that Mizuno clubs are expensive and are designed for the better player. “The cost is relative to the market and you can purchase irons for $1000 to $1500. “A golfer will spend the least amount of money on golf clubs compared to other golfrelated things. “If you take a set of clubs that costs you $1000 and average that by the number of years you have those clubs then it’s going to be pennies a day. “If you play once a week, pay green or competition fees, buy a shirt, have a drink and buy golf balls it adds up to much more than your golf clubs over the time you have them.

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Bill Price says many club golfers are being left behind. “Your clubs are the most important because they are going to allow you have more fun and enjoy the game instead of looking at the number saying ‘wow, $1000 is a lot of money’. “But you have to look at it over a long period of time.” Recently Mizuno released four new models including the MP15 and MP-H5. Jacobsen said Mizuno was mindful of customers when it came to releasing new models. “When we release something, it’s performance based,” he said. “We don’t release product for the sake of it and that ties into our custom-fitting as well.” Added Price: “A lot of companies are coming out with product very quickly.

getting shorter, it is causing confusion. “We have taken a stand – our product cycles are longer. When we come out with a new product, we want it to have a technological advancement to it. “There is a performance gain with the product we release. That’s why our cycles are usually two years. “Primarily, we have been the leading iron company and with our wedges we have stepped it up. There is more variety and options. “We are there to build the customer a set of golf clubs that is going to be right for them and it’s going to allow them to have more fun and enjoy the game. That’s what we are all about.

“Because the product release cycle is

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people

Margaret, 82, makes honourboard “I had played in the club championship once before, but in my old age I get nervous.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

“I wasn’t going to play this year, but due to my old age I thought it was probably the last chance to get on the honourboard and everything turned out right.”

HEN it comes to playing winning golf, sometimes all one needs is a little inspiration … and maybe a

What’s extraordinary is Margaret only took up golf at the age of 69.

lesson.

At Beerwah Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Margaret Goodger, 82 years young, is an inspiration to golfers of all ages after winning the C grade championship.

“I started playing golf in 2000,” said Margaret, who earlier in her career played off a 22 handicap. “I have always been keen on sport and played hockey and squash until I was in my late 50s.

She did it in style after seeking out the club’s teaching professional Chris Mellish. “I was playing quite badly so I asked Chris if he could do anything for me,” Margaret explained.

“Then I broke a leg and had to give up playing squash. “I thought ‘what am I going to do now’?

“I told Chris all I really wanted was to be able to play to my handicap.

“My husband, who died in 1988, played golf a lot and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law encouraged me to try it.”

“I don’t need anything more than that because I just want to enjoy myself.

After hockey and squash, Margaret was somewhat reluctant to “hit a ball and walk after it”.

“He said ‘do you know your left hand from your right hand’? “I said I did and he suggested taking four lessons, which helped me drop four shots off my handicap.” Stance and grip were two areas Mellish focused on and once these issues were sorted out Margaret was on her merry way. Not only did she win the C grade club championship with an overall gross of 429 off a 31 handicap, but she has won twice since and shaved three shots off her handicap. “It was a thrill winning the club championship,” Margaret said.

LESSON LEARNED: Margaret Goodger certainly knows her left hand from her right. “It doesn’t matter what their handicaps are, you can all play in a group.” When Margaret isn’t playing golf at Beerwah she heads over to Maleny golf driving range where she puts in a few shifts behind the counter.

“But I tried it and liked it so I had a couple of games on a par-3 course, but wanted more and so I joined Beerwah.

“I look after the driving range on Tuesdays and Wednesday,” she said. “When people arrive, I give them a bucket of balls, take their money and refill the buckets.”

“I enjoy the sport and being out in the open.

While there, it also gives Margaret the chance to work on her swing.

“Beerwah is especially nice because there are no hills to walk up.”

“Because I help look after the range I get to hit a bucket of balls,” she said.

“I also like the challenge of golf. I can’t think of another sport where you can play from the age of 3 to 83 and with all the members of your family.

Beerwah Golf Club women’s president Monica Dangerfield said Margaret was an inspiration to other players. “Margaret is living proof how an active

body keeps an active mind,” she said. “These days Margaret walks the first nine holes and rides in a motorised cart for the last nine holes. “At Beerwah, we have several older lady members, who still enjoy the game. “Among those are Josie Thistlethwaite and Oriel Lyon. “Both are close to becoming octogenarians and together have won a recent par competition with a score of +8. “It’s important to keep our bodies and minds active and what better way to do this than playing a round or two of golf. “You are out in the sunshine getting your vitamin D, which is important to your health and you’re enjoying the surrounds and good company of friends.” •

Mix business with pleasure Make a lasting impression on your clients, colleagues, sponsors and more with a corporate golf day at Cromer Golf Club. • Ideal for team and relationship building • Up to 240 players (double shot gun start) • Combine a meeting with 9 holes of golf • Fun, novelty competitions and events available Escape the always-on digital world and enjoy some uninterrupted time outside on the golf course.

Contact Scott Cain today on 9982 3088 to arrange your next corporate event

Phone: 02 9982 3088 | Email: scott@cromergolfclub.com.au | www.cromergolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

people

Golf farewells legend Jack Harris He worked with Hollingsworth at Wattle Park and never told him the story.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T’S hard to know where to start when writing about the passing of Melbourne’s legendary teaching professional Jack Harris. John Bruce “Jack” Harris, who died recently aged 91, was an amazing man. A quiet achiever, Jack’s golf story began as a 10-year-old at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Born in 1922, he went to Kingston Heath to caddie, but was too small to carry the bag. “So, Kingston Heath’s pro Ern Wood gave Jack a job picking up balls on the range,” said Wattle Park Golf Course professional Trevor Hollingsworth. “When Jack was 13, he started working in the pro shop and when he was 15 he was allowed to teach because he had done two years of his apprenticeship.” One of his first students was Geoff Brash whom he gave lessons to for more than 60 years. Jack Harris, who won six Victorian PGA titles, was a fabulous player who often beat some of the world’s best players. He once played a match at The Australian with Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Bruce Devlin and finished seven shots ahead of Nicklaus. “He and Gary Player both shot 66s and Nicklaus shot 73,” Hollingsworth said. Harris was a modest man and never boasted about beating Nicklaus.

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 52

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“You’d think if you went out and beat Jack Nicklaus by seven shots, you would at some stage tell your mate, wouldn’t you?

the press came down to interview Jack and he kicked them out of the shop because he didn’t want anyone to know,” Hollingsworth said. “I said ‘why did you do that, Jack’?

“He should have been a world famous player, but everyone said he was a much better teacher.

“He said ‘if people find out I know how to teach good players, they’ll all start coming down’.

“The only year he played golf full-time was in 1960 and he won three tournaments at Long Island, Metropolitan and Keysborough,” Hollingsworth said.

“He just wanted to teach the average player and have fun because it’s too serious teaching the good player.”

“In those three tournaments, he shot 45-under par and in one tournament beat Eric Cremin by 23 shots and in another beat Peter Thomson by 12 shots. “He should have won four Australian Opens, but the guys he was playing against were full-time players and they would run over him over the last nine holes. “He didn’t have time to practice because he was teaching all the time.” Still, the flat stick might have been Jack’s Achilles heel. “Jack told me he wanted to play a game where he didn’t have to rely on his putting,” Hollingsworth said. “He would just hit the ball on the green all the time but if a pin was in behind a bunker, he would never take it on.

According to Hollingsworth, Jack was good friends with Ossie Pickworth. “Colin Campbell, who was Jack’s boss, told me that Ossie said ‘if Jack ever finds out how good he is, he will leave every player in Australia for dead’. “But he was just too busy teaching. “He was in his 60s and 70s and I would book him 24 lessons a day and he would stand there and rely on a cancellation so he could have a break.” Jack was the club pro at Keysborough for 16 years and also spent 15 years at Sorrento Golf Club. In 2001, he was made a life member of the PGA and in 2011 he was inducted into Victoria’s Golf Hall of Fame. Wattle Park’s David Lunt is penning a book on the life and times of Jack Harris.

“He would never go in a fairway bunker and would go months without missing a fairway.”

Daughters Marilyn and Chris survive Jack, whose wife Grace passed away some years ago.

The late Payne Stewart, who won three majors, was one of Jack’s students.

Thank you for your contribution to our great game, Jack. Your gift is immeasurable – rest in peace. •

“When Payne Stewart won the US Open,

social golf

NSW rookies capture Social Golf Club Championships

he NSW SGA Tour team has taken top honours in the 2014 Australian Social Golf Club Championships held on the Gold Coast in August. In a thrilling final round at Palm Meadows, the rookie Sydneysider team of Craig O’Donnell, Nathan Smith, Neil Carpenter and Glen McGowan never surrendered their overnight 5-shot margin, grinding it out to record a four-round team total of 381, five shots better than Championship veterans Sunraysia Social Golf Club, whose team of Paul White, Andrew Stewart, Clinton Mayes and Dennis Williams finished on 376. The team of Anthony Rouse, Kevin Biddle, Neill Smith and Marius Van der Nist from Tour Fore Golfers 2 (Qld) finished in third on 374 points. For the victors it was jubilation for a much deserved win with all four players contributing throughout the week. Nathan Smith was particularly proud of how the team pulled together after slow starts in some rounds. “The format of the tournament really places an emphasis on battling it out if you have a tough start. The top three individual stableford scores count for your team total each day so the third best score really matters,” he said. “We realised that if we ever had a bad start to a round, we always had to fight it out to post the best score possible. It proved a valuable approach as each day one or more of us struggled, but we accumulated a great team score over the four days.”

Runners-up Sunraysia is one of only two clubs to have been represented in all ten years of the tournament. Every year they have joined in the spirit of fun, camaraderie and good sportsmanship of the event, but they are still chasing their first ASGCC win. This was their fourth consecutive top-five placing. Two players were honoured at the Welcome Party for participating in each of the 10 years the event has been running. Paul White, from Sunraysia SGC and Noel Tuck, from Nunawading SGC, were awarded unique 10Year Player commemorative tournament shirts and lapel pins and an engraved decanter each in appreciation for their great support of the event. Matthew Pitt from Social Golf Australia felt it was important to honour the pair for their loyalty. “There are a lot of things that go into building a tournament such as this. Over a long period, Paul and Noel have supplied the foundations that this event is built on. Without their loyalty, goodwill and sportsmanship, the ASGCC would certainly not still be growing so strongly today”, Pitt said. Individually, Noel Tuck took out A Grade honours with 132 points on a countback from Neil Carpenter from NSW SGA Tour 2, courtesy of a fantastic final round of 37 points in blustery conditions. In B Grade, it was Neill Smith from Tour Fore Golfers 2 who prevailed with a score of 130, while in C Grade, Vic Manitta from the Baysiders B (NSW) took the chocolates on 127 points.

South African

Golfing Adventure with Robert

Stock

The South African Golfing Adventure has so many highlights – wild game Safaris in exotic locations, world-class hotels and resorts, never-to-be forgotten scenery; but most importantly, golf courses that are as good as any in the world. Experience the best of golf as P.G.A. Golf Professional Robert Stock takes you on a tour through Sun City, Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, George and Kruger National Park. We will play ten of South Africa’s most outstanding courses, all in the top fifty and five of which fill the top five rankings – The Links at Fancourt, Leopard Creek, Pearl Valley, The Gary Player Country Club and Arabella.

22 March to 8 April, 2015

Travelrite 1800 033 436 @travelrite.com.au International E: heathmont www.travelrite.com.au 54

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Golfers from across Australia celebrate the start of the 2014 ASGCC. In the ladies grade it was Lorraine Sharkey from The MissHits who came up trumps in a very close finish on 113 points. The other big winner from the tournament was Kay Meadows from the MissHits who scored a free ticket (including airfares) to the 2015 SGA International in Hua Hin, Thailand. The prize is valued at over $2,600 and thanks to the continuing generous sponsorship from Thailand Golf Tours. Kay will enjoy seven days in Hua Hin playing some of the best golf courses in Asia when the event takes place from March 1 – 8. Although the ASGCC is a championship for social golf clubs, every competitor at the event had an official handicap and the

majority of participants are club members. The event is played according to the rules of golf with an emphasis on enjoying the fun and sportsmanship of competition golf with respect to the rules, traditions and spirit of the game. Tournament host Social Golf Australia extends congratulations to all the golfers who shared in the $15,000 prize pool at the event, made possible through the generous support of event sponsors, Thailand Golf Tours, Golf Clearance Outlet, Urban Golf Gear, ARIA Apartments Broadbeach, Gifte Gift Cards, Srixon Cleveland Golf and Heathcote Winery. Inside Golf is a proud partner of tournament host Social Golf Australia (SGA) and the ASGCC. More: www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au.

The FourStar Golf Cruiser

Small, nimble, light and powerful, the FourStar allows golfers to cruise around the fairways and greens with ease and comfort. Giving individual golfers the opportunity to remain mobile and increase their speed of play is the FourStar’s main game. The FourStar can cover 36 holes of golf on a single battery charge and be recharged overnight, costing less than 50 cents. It creates zero pollution and can climb steep hills, go at walking pace for being sociable, or 15 km/h to speed things up. It can reverse too! Included at no extra cost: single golf bag holder, golf bag straps, battery charger, front basket, Fish-Tail seat, umbrella holder, plastic mud flaps, score card holder, user manual and tool kit!

See our website at www.ElectricVehiclesOceania.com.au for the genuine FourStar Golf Cruiser.

Phone Toby on 0401 500 440 or John on 0417 679 398

Fueled by patented Turbulator Technology and a new face material, the G30 adjustable driver is PING’s longest, most forgiving driver ever. In wind tunnel testing, crown turbulators are proven to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase clubhead speed. The T9S titanium face is thinner for higher ball speeds, and it’s lighter to keep the CG low and back for optimal launch and spin. The low/back CG – a proven PING innovation – also increases MOI for unmatched consistency. With 5 loft settings and high-balance-point shaft technology, the G30 is the fastest way to longer, more accurate drives. Visit a PING Fitting Specialist or ping.com. You’ll be better for it. ®

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social golf

NRMA Social GC unchallenged

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

N 2009, Inside Golf wrote a story asking: Is the NRMA Social Golf Club, which at the time was celebrating its 55th anniversary, Australia’s oldest social golf club attached to a corporate business? Well, no one came forward to suggest otherwise so we’ll stick our neck out and say the NRMA Social Golf Club is the oldest. Well, that is until someone says, and proves, otherwise. This year the NRMA Social Golf Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Club president Ron Wilton said the club’s members would celebrate the milestone with an end-of-year game of golf, lunch and presentation. “The NRMA Motoring and Services will issue the club’s members with logoed shirts and caps, which will be presented at the event,” he said. Currently, the NRMA Social Golf Club, which plays its golf fortnightly on a Tuesday at Liverpool, Cabramatta, Georges River and The Ridge and a few other venues, has 34 registered members.

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Members of the NRMA Social Golf Club gather for a game. “We have between 12 and 18 members and are always looking to boost our membership numbers,” Ron said.

Under the club’s self-regulated handicapping system, all other players gain half a stroke.

That’s less than half the number that used to play regularly in the mid-1970s.

Currently, the members’ handicaps range between 12 and 38.

“Around 40 players would turn up to play every second Tuesday and we’d also have away trips,” Ron said.

Ron, who joined the club in 1975, said he would like to see some of the members become more involved in running the club.

“The Canberra patrolmen would come to Sydney one year and the following year we would go to Canberra.

“It would be good to see others put up their hand for committee positions – people who have a few new ideas,” he said.

“That went on for quite a few years, but that has gone by the board because people leave the organisation and no one took up the reins to continue organising the event.

In years past, the small social club received generous sponsorship support from various organisations, but those days are long gone.

“You don’t have to be employees of the NRMA to join the club. Just rock up, pay the $15 membership fee and tee off.

“We would receive donations of wine, whiskey and even an auto-electrician would give us cash prizes and donate spare parts,” Ron added.

“Over the years we have introduced friends and relatives to keep the club going.” It costs $55 for a game with the winner taking home a $30 cash prize while the runner-up pockets $15 and the third placegetter $10. The fortnightly victor wins the biggest share of the cash prize pool, but loses two shots off his handicap.

“We don’t get a lot of support anymore and have to rely on our own funds to survive.” Club captain Ron White, who joined the club in 1969, is the longest-serving member. For more information about the NRMA Social Golf Club, call Ron on (02) 9543-1527 or 0408-676-045.

New partnerships for PGA Championship The PGA of Australia has announced a number of new partnerships for the 2014 Australian PGA Championship. APN Outdoor, Kumho Tyres and E-Z-GO have all signed on as partners for this year’s event to be held on the Gold Coast from 11-14 December. “Last year’s success has given the Australian PGA Championship a new lease of life on the Gold Coast that is now providing new commercial opportunities,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia. Out-of-home media company APN Outdoor have committed to providing outdoor digital advertising in the lead up and during tournament time with the inclusion of live leader boards during event days. APN Outdoor offers advertising solutions across digital and static billboards, transit formats, as well as opportunities in the rail and airport environments. For Kumho, the Australian PGA Championship is their first foray into golf and their first property within the Queensland market. Rated as one of the top-10 tyre companies in the world, Kumho will utilise the tournament to run aligned promotions linked to dealer and consumer incentives. E-Z-GO has renewed their partnership with the event for another three years as Official Cart Provider. This association extends upon the company’s already strong ties with the PGA and Australian golf as the current naming rights sponsor of the national seniors tournament circuit, the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour. The tournament is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, RACV, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast Tourism, Emirates, Liberty International, Coca-Cola Amatil and Srixon. www.pgachampionship.com.au

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Exciting events, membership offers at Antill Park

Rankin wins bmag Week of Golf Brett Rankin overcame a two shot deficit at the Royal Queensland Cup to win the 2014 bmag Week of Golf, while Sven Puymbroeck, Nick Russell and Ryan Haller added their name’s to a long list of historic champions of the Royal Queensland Cup. Although finishing one behind the trio of winners of the Royal Queensland Cup, Rankin reaped the rewards of a consistent week, finishing the five round bmag Week of Golf at nine under par and finish two shots ahead of Anthony Brown and Marcus Cain to claim the 500,000 frequent flyer points.

ntill Park Country Golf Club at Picton NSW has recently announced a pair of events, and an innovative membership offer which will be sure to draw attention from golfers.

On Tuesday 9 December the club is hosting a Charity Challenge Golf Day between the Honourable Angus Taylor, Federal Member for Hume, and the Honourable Jai Rowell, State Minister for Mental Health and Member for Wollondilly, to raise funds for their favourite charities.

Antill’s Rebecca Blain gives a lesson to one of the club’s juniors

The afternoon will start off with a Barbeque at 1.15 pm followed by an Ambrose 9-Hole Golf Event with a shotgun start at 2.30 pm. Both Jai and Angus will have a PGA Golf Professional in their team to help them get the win and bragging rights. Both golf pros are from Antill Park, Gavin Meredith and Rebecca Blain (who recently has just come back from overseas caddying on the LPGA tour.) There will also be a “Nearest to the Hole” shootout on the 9th hole between Jai and Angus at the completion of the Ambrose Charity Challenge. If you are interested in being one of the other 5 teams to support Jai and Angus then phone the Antill Park Country Golf Club Pro Shop on 02 4677 1240 to register your name. For those of you who like to rub shoulders with the best professional golfers around,

then you’re in luck: the Antill Park Country Golf Club is hosting their annual ALPG sanctioned Pro-Am, featuring international lady golf stars competing against some of Australia’s star golf professionals. This year, the event will be held on 20 January 2015. If you would like to compete in this event and have a hit with some of the best lady professional and amateur golfers from overseas and Australia, then phone 02 4677 1512. Finally, Antill Park has introduced their new Daylight Saving Membership (see advertisement on page 65). It’s a fabulous idea for those that want to capitalise on the daylight hours and it also is a 7-day full playing rights membership so you get to play in all competitions, plus you receive a fantastic FREE bonus golf package – a lesson, a couple

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of guest vouchers, a burger and a drink (valued over $100). There are three professional golf coaches available for your lesson: Head Coach Brett Chappell, Gavin Meredith and Rebecca Blain – all are experienced and passionate about helping you get the best out of your game – irrespective of your age or ability level. If you are interested in getting a lesson from any of the Antill Park Country Golf Club coaches then give them a call on 02 4677 1240. If you are a woman and want to consider a lesson from Rebecca (who has an advanced coaching status with the Australian PGA and whose personal passions are the short game and green reading) then go to her website (www.blaingolf.com.au) to get more information. More information: www.antillpark.com.au •

Rankin was ecstatic with his win of the bmag Week of Golf, with the 500,000 Frequent Flyer points going along way to assist him with gaining his Japan Tour Card over the coming months. “The prize on offer this week is certainly something that everyone wants to win, and the timing could not be better for me at the moment with all the travelling I am doing to Japan in the attempt to secure my playing rights there next year.” In the shadows of Rankin’s win, Nicholas Russell recorded one of the rarest feats in golf on his way to claiming a share of the spoils in the Royal Queensland Cup, with an albatross on the par-five ninth hole. This is Russell’s second win of the Royal Queensland Cup in the past two years, while it was the first for both Haller and Royal Queensland Golf Club member Puymbroeck.

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Moss Vale GC Golf School

in for the perfect swing L

et’s be honest, we all need a little help from time to time. Whether your A-game just needs a few minor tweaks— or your B- C- and D-games require complete overhaul—help is just a phone call away. In Australia, there are golf schools and academies from east to west and from north to south. Golf schools are popular with all levels of golfers because you can hone your skills under the strict supervision of some of the best teaching professionals. A golf school is the perfect environment to learn to drive the ball consistently well, play successful bunker shots, chip and putt. Hey, these expert teaching professionals will even teach you how to think your way around the course. Like any service industry, there are various levels of service to suit all comers. Here is a guide to help you shop for the perfect swing.

Moss Vale Dormie House oss Vale Golf Club’s Robert Kennedy has developed quite a reputation for his teaching skills.

Since arriving at the club, Kennedy, an AAA-rating Australian PGA professional, has enjoyed great success with golfers from club level to professionals. Fortunately, Kennedy runs separate golf schools for visitors and is now taking bookings to the popular two-day camps with accommodation on-site at Dormie House. “My focus at the golf school is to work with each of the students on the fundamentals of their game and cover all aspects including on-course practice each day,” he said.

“I feel the best results are achieved when this information is communicated in a simple and easy-to-understand way. “We want each person to leave with the tools that will help them become more consistent on the golf course and a greater enjoyment of the game.” The golf school sessions are from 9am to 4pm each day with breaks for morning tea and lunch. “I can guarantee students will leave with a better understanding of what they have to work on,” Kennedy said. I keep it simple, work on the fundamentals and really try to get people to understand what they need to do to improve.”

Melbourne’s newest golf technology & club fitting studio

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The Golfshop at Northern Learning Centre 97 Glenroy Rd, Glenroy VIC 3046 For appointments call Scott Barradell (AAA PGA Professional):

(03) 9300 2488

www.northerngolfshop.com.au 60

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Australian Golf Schools

The concept of AGS was conceived in 1978 during a dinner conversation. Mike Kelly, long one of the major teachers in Australian Golf, was becoming increasingly frustrated by the half-hour, once-a-week type teaching that is forced on both pupil and teacher by the time pressures of normal, everyday living. He mused that, “if only you could have them for a week”. Tom Linskey’s response was instant. He had been toying with the idea of golf schools similar to those in the USA for some time. The first schools in March, 1979, were full to overflowing and Australian Golf Schools became part of the language of golf in this part of the world.

Moss Vale golf course is regarded as one of the prettiest and challenging courses in country NSW and while you are only 90 minutes’ drive from the Sydney CBD, you will feel like you’re a world away in the relaxed and peaceful Southern Highlands. The environment is the perfect location to work on all aspects of your golf game at the club’s two-day golf school. For more information regarding the golf school or if you would like to make a booking please contact Robert on (02) 4868-1503 or email proshop@mossvalegolfclub.com.au or visit the website www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au

ave you ever thought, “if only I could remember what the coach taught me last week” or “my golf would improve if I could do this for a whole week”? Well, with Australian Golf Schools that would no longer be an issue. Australian Golf Schools provides intensive, personal golf tuition on the idyllic golf courses located on the Gold Coast. They offer a range of 5- , 3-, 2- and one-day courses to choose from. Australian Golf Schools’ facilities at Emerald Lakes Golf Course are second to none; their coaches are all PGA accredited with International experience and reputations as well as personal experience on the PGA Tours.

The Australian Golf School program runs almost every week of the year and with its experienced team of internationallyregarded coaches headed by founder Tom Linskey you are guaranteed a wonderful golfing experience. Along with their Gold Coast location, they also run regular schools in Sydney commencing in November 2014 at the fabulous Riverside Oaks Resort to coincide with the opening of their new 18 holes. They also conduct regular schools and Tours to many of the best golf regions in the world. Their partner business, Australian Golf Tours, now has schedules allowing you to play most of the Top-100 golf courses in the world along with seeing some of the great golf and sporting events available. Australian Golf Schools have a special offer for readers in conjunction with Bushnell and Bolle Golf: Book now and pay your deposit for one of their five-day schools on the Gold

Australian Golf Schools Coast to commence anytime before June 30th 2015 and you will receive a Bushnell Rangefinder and pair of Bolle Glasses to the value of $500 on the commencement of your school. For more information regarding Australian Golf Schools or if you would like to make a booking please contact Tom Linskey on 0412 072 145 or email info@australiangolfschools.com.au or visit: www.australiangolfschools.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

The Golf School

The Golfshop at Northern

Matt Kiernan, Lee and Peter Harrington from The Golf School

week’s coaching far outweighs many hours’ lessons.

That’s the conclusion following intensive research via the The Golf School, based on the Gold Coast. After tracking students’ improvement at ‘The Golf School’ over the last 15 years with their one week intensive Executive Program, The Golf School’s founders—AAA PGA professionals Peter and Lee Harrington— found that students outperformed in their handicap reduction nearly two fold versus the occasional casual one-hour pupils. The Golf Schools’ top five handicap reductions have completed multiple visits to continually reinforce as they stay, play and learn with the School’s intensive on-range and course training. As The Golf School delivers more and more of their coaching this way, they are discovering that creating on-course scenarios and tracking them through on-course play and demonstration is just as important as creating good fundamentals on the range. The other advantage of a week-long course is that students and teachers are able to

eliminate long-term bad habits much more successfully. By the end of the week, they also get an improved snapshot of ball and club data for a proper club fit. The before-and-after data coming off the HMT GC2 launch monitor often sees an increase in ball speed by 25% through better club head speed and angles of attack that only a constant week’s training can achieve. The fact that The Golf School students also play the Gold Coast’s most challenging resort courses also allows them to impart the skills of a professional in course management and strategy, which is often the main cause of poor holes by amateurs. The results-based programs they offer take into consideration physical and equipment screening, error detection, swing and short game fundamentals, industry-leading technology and can include on-course tuition. For further information call (07) 5594-5494 or email admin@thegolfschool.com.au or visit the website www.thegolfschool.com.au

The Golfshop at Northern

he Golfshop at Northern is a complete, one-stop shop for all your golf learning needs. Based at Melbourne’s Northern Golf Club, PGA Professionals Scott Barradell and Heath Bensted have the knowledge and experience to design a program that is best suited to improve your specific game. They also offer a full personalised experience that gives you the opportunity to “try before you buy” to ensure that you make the correct purchase decision. Packed with a complete array of high-tech wizardry to suit golfers of every level—from beginner to Tour professional, their stateof-the-art Learning Centre is on the cutting edge of golf instruction and clubfitting technology; from the live video capture, to the launch monitors to the 3D swing analysis and banks of video screens, the studio feels like something you’d see during a visit to NASA. At Northern, club fitting and teaching has never been easier, more efficient or reliable. With the new Learning Centre, your next purchase will be ensured to be of the highest quality. “The Learning Centre is absolutely first class and a great place to learn the game,” explains

Barradell, who has over 18 years experience as a Head Golf Professional and has presented at National and Trainee coaching conferences. “Our goal is to make people more educated about their games and what influences their equipment can have on their ability to improve. You can only get that sort of commitment and service from a golf professional and this facility just takes it to another level.” They stock all leading brands including TaylorMade, Titleist, Mizuno and Callaway, and they also offer a complete golf club repair service and gift vouchers for someone that wants to try the game. For more information about the Golfshop at Northern, visit www.northerngolfshop.com.au or phone 03 9300 2488. The facility is open to the public (bookings required)

MoSS Vale Golf club iS a Golfer’S paraDiSe

2 Day Golf School at MoSS Vale Golf club

Summer Golf Package

Receive expert tuition from club professional Robert Kennedy in all facets of the game, while staying on course at the beautiful Dormie House.

$225 per night for 2 people

Package Includes: • 3 Nights accommodation • 3 Dinners • Professional Tuition

includes daily: 4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes* *Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only. Valid 1st December to 28th February. Not valid 24th December 2014 to 3rd January 2015.

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

Ph: (02) 4868 1800 62

www.dormiehouse.com.au

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

• 3 Buffet Breakfasts • Morning tea & Lunch on two days

Dates: 3rd-6th December 2014, 11th-14th February 2015, 13th-16th May 2015, 9th-12th September 2015.

Cost: $599 p/p twin share, $699 single Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

PGA IGI scholarships available

NHANCING career possibilities in golf relies on preparation and the golf industry continues to act united to provide greater educational opportunities across golf, administration and management for young Australian golfers.

operating on the Gold Coast for more than 20 years and opened its Sydney Campus in 2014.

Each year, foundations and golf organisations throughout Australia offer scholarship opportunities to study with the PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) to develop the next generation of golf industry leaders.

“PGA IGI graduates have the opportunity to work in golf club management, administration, tournaments and teaching worldwide.”

Delivered through the PGA IGI Sydney Campus, the Golf NSW and JNJG scholarships offer recipients the opportunity to undertake a Diploma of Golf Management. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to progress to University level studies, upon completion of their Diploma, through the PGA IGI’s University partner in NSW, International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS). While exclusive entry into one of the oldest sporting associations in the world, the PGA of Australia, also exist for scholarship graduates. Each scholarship is open to passionate male and female golfers seeking a career in the golf industry. The Golf NSW scholarship is available to 18 to 25-year-old golfers who are members of NSW golf clubs, while the JNJG scholarship is open to high school-leavers who have been members of JNJG during their junior golfing years.

“We are proud to be associated with JNJG and Golf NSW in providing opportunities for young golfers to build a foundation for their future working within the golf industry,” he said.

Golf NSW also recognises the importance of education for golfers of all abilities. “There are many opportunities for golfers and Golf NSW looks forward to assisting young golfers in achieving their goals,” said Golf NSW General Manager of Golf Graeme Phillipson. JNJG Chief Executive Officer, Peter Van Wegen, said JNJG was committed to providing opportunities for young people through the sport of golf. The two new PGA IGI scholarships at the Sydney Campus join the already existing scholarship program at the PGA IGI Gold Coast Campus through the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship. On offer since 2007, the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship offers underprivileged Australians who have faced adversities in life the opportunity to undertake a program that reflects the passion in their life around sport and business.

The JNJG scholarship recipient will undertake a 12-month internship working with the team at JNJG, alongside various sponsors, partners and stakeholders of the organisation to gain valuable hands-on golf industry experience.

Adam Scott Foundation General Manager Geoff Hall said the Adam Scott Foundation Sports Business Scholarship provided the student with an opportunity to complete a bachelor of Business Sports Management at Griffith University.

Dean and Executive Officer of the PGA IGI Dominic O’Brien said the PGA IGI had been

Coupled with the Griffith degree is the opportunity to attend the PGA International

Dean and Executive Officer of the PGA IGI Dominic O’Brien (centre) with Jack Newton Junior Golf CEO Peter Van Wegen (left) and Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser (right). Golf Institute, Sanctuary Cove, to undertake the Diploma of Golf Management allowing students to apply their knowledge of golf and sport into a career through learning more about business. “Adam’s foundation is a little different because it does focus on underprivileged and disadvantaged young people with many of our most recent students coming from country communities such as Warialda, Coffs Harbour, Gatton and Kingaroy,” Hall said. “The costs for students and families travelling to university can be extreme in some cases and the ability for the ASF to provide for kids to attend uni can change not only their educational outcomes but also the opportunities that they may have never the chance to experience. “Our focus is on making sure young people are provided with an opportunity for the future no matter what their career path. “The PGA IGI have been a wonderful partner to the foundation in their support of the Scholarship, their programs not only

focus on Golf and the business of golf but their skills and education opens so many doors to sport and the Business of Sport.” Students applying for scholarships with the PGA IGI Gold Coast or Sydney Campus must be an Australian citizen and meet the entry requirements of the PGA IGI program: Completed Year 12 and be turning 18 years old in first year of study (minimum) or be 21 years of age and over; and have a golf handicap of 18 or less for men and 25 or less for women. All three scholarships are a stepping-stone to an exciting future in the golf industry. PGA IGI scholarship enrolments for 2015 (Sydney and Gold Coast campuses) are now open. The PGA IGI Diploma of Golf Management is a golf industry recognised qualification. For more information about the PGA IGI programs and how they are delivered, visit the www.pgaigi.com or contact Luke Bryden on (07) 5657-6109 or email lbryden@pga.org.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

instruction

A square stance for all shots? Maybe there is a better way… Jason Wood

Thornleigh Golf Centre www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

n my last article, I gave you insights on how a positive Angle of Attack (AoA) would help your driving, but given the fact the AoA varies greatly across the bag I want to help you understand how to make subtle changes with your stance that should help you with your consistency across the bag. As some of you will now be aware, the golf swing has subtle changes throughout the bag mainly due to the changes in shaft length and lie angle of the different clubs we use. Making different swings with each is not the answer; I for one have found it hard enough to play good golf with one swing, let alone a different one for each club. So what is the answer? In my opinion the answer is simple, if you vary your body alignment at address, you will be able to slightly alter your ‘Swing Direction’ as you move through the bag in harmony with the changing of your AoA, thus keeping you ‘Club Path’ in control with all your clubs. The following table highlights the differences. Swing Angle of Direction Attack

Club Path

#6 Iron

-2.0º

-4.0º

0.0º

Driver

+2.0º

0.0º

• • • • • • •

Does the above make sense? In simple terms it means that the more you are hitting down on the ball, say, with a wedge, the more left of your target the swing needs to go to enable you to have a ‘zero’ path and ultimately straight flying shots. With Driver, the swing is a little different and the more upward and right of your target you need to swing to achieve the same straight flight. The Swing Direction is the club’s horizontal motion through impact and is similar to what you would have seen with a video lesson. Motion to the right of target for a righthander is classed as In-to-Out and vice versa for motion to the left of target.

TrackMan however has enabled us to measure the clubs AoA through impact which is something that cannot be measured on video, and given the fact that AoA effectively ‘bends’ our swing direction, “Club Path” is now the measurement that we use to understand why shots ‘bend’ in flight. Picture 1 shows a slight left of target alignment with the 52º wedge to help the swing go more to the left. Picture 2 shows a square stance that works well for most golfers with middle irons. Picture 3 shows the hybrid and fairway wood stance pointing slightly to the right to help control the path, as the club gets longer. Picture 4 shows the stance and alignment well to the right to give the player most help with the driver, which is typically the hardest for the club player. All in all these subtle changes to your

alignment should help keep the feeling that your actual swing is very much the same and

Jason Wood is a TrackMan Certified Professional and can be contacted at Thornleigh Golf Centre. Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Road (Cnr Dartford Road) Thornleigh NSW 2120. Tel 02 9875 5445. Mobile 0407 418 231. www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ultimately that should lead to you playing more consistent golf. •

instruction

Use a wood cover to improve your weight shift 1

Incorrect weight transfer/reverse pivot

Randall Hollands Smith rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com

his month, we would like to take a closer look at an aspect of the golf swing that many people have a hard time improving: weight shift through to the left side as they follow through. We see golfers of many levels trying so hard to get the ball into the air. In doing so they create a poor weight shift into the left side when transferring from the end of the backswing and into the start of the downswing, therefore causing what is referred to as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reverse Pivotâ&#x20AC;?. There really is no better practice drill than this one for improving your weight shift down and

Correct weight transfer backswing through the ball than the one that we are going to demonstrate to you today. In photo 1, you can see that Rachel is trying very hard to lift the ball into the air through impact as a lot of golfers try and do. In trying to do this Rachel cannot shift her weight onto the left side correctly and ends up reverse pivoting into the follow through. It is this problem which will cause many players to slice the golf ball, top the golf ball and most importantly lose a great deal of power to their golf shots. In photo 2 you can see that Rachel has shifted her weight correctly onto the right side on the back swing therefore setting herself up for a good weight shift into the left side. In photo 3 you will notice that Rachel is making a good swing down and into the golf

Correct weight transfer downswing

Correct completion of weight transfer

ball on an angle with the golf club, which will ensure that she swings over the top of the wood cover that we have positioned roughly a meter or so behind the ball and on the intended swing path. Because we have put the wood cover behind the ball, the player must now try and swing the golf club down and over the top in an effort to not hit the wood cover, therefore creating a steeper angle of attack into the ball.

move the entire right side of her body through the ball and in doing so has shifted her weight onto her left side. It is this follow-through position that will allow you to feel what it is like to move your body weight through to the left side when making a good golf swing.

In photo 4 you can really start to see what we are trying to create with this practice drill. You will notice that Rachel has made an effort to

Given time and some practice in doing this drill (firstly without the ball and then with the ball) will certainly go a long way to helping you improve your weight shift and angle of attack into the ball, therefore allowing you to hit longer straighter golf shots. â&#x20AC;˘

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 04 08381 924, or the Golf Range on 07 5590 7686 or email rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com for further information.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

instruction

How to achieve putting success Confidence: David Merriman

Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 44 2205

utting is made up of 30 percent technique, 30 percent feel and 40 percent confidence.

Technique:

Once you have developed a good technique and mastered the feel aspect of putting your confidence will develop. Good technique and speed control will help you develop the ability to hit the ball on the line that your choose. Confidence can start with the belief that you can putt and you can help to foster confidence with correct practice and holing enough putts.

Practice drill:

To develop a good technique make sure your arms are hanging directly down from your shoulders, not reaching forward, your eyes are directly over your ball and you are comfortable in your stance. The ball position should be from your left heel to the middle of your stance and you should try and make sure you retain a precise position every time you take a stance for a putt. Your putting stroke should feel like you are putting with your arms and shoulders, your lower body does not move. Whether you are hitting a short or long putt your timing or beat of your stroke should remain the same.

A good practice drill is to place a coin on the green at a comfortable practice distance from the hole where you will ensure making most of your putts. Place your ball next to your coin. This will ensure you are consistently practising from the same spot. Practice hitting the ball to the hole using the same line each time. Feel the speed with which you hit the ball. Once you have hit the ball follow it visually from your stroking position. In other words, rotate your head without changing its location and let your eyes watch the ball roll. This is a good drill to develop a putt that hits the ball on the correct line using the correct speed.

Feel:

If you are time poor and simply want to fine-tune your putting or just make better putts then focus on your distance control. In other words, worry more about the feel of your putts rather than your technique.

Feel comes from using your eyes. When you stand over your putt use your eyes to look at the line you want your putt to roll on and where you want it to finish. Don’t focus on the ball. The more information you feed to your brain through your eyes about the surface of your putt the better chance you have of hitting the ball the right distance. Once you feel confident, make the putt with a good solid contact.

Set up position, head still

Rotate head to follow ball without changing its position

To become a better putter you need to believe you are a better putter. 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. •

A three-time winner of the Queensland PGA Legends championship held at Redland Bay Golf Club, David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Contact him on 0412 44 22 05.

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Did you know that all golfers should put an identification mark on their ball? (Rule 12-2) That’s My Ball stamps and markers allow you to do this quickly and simply. Check out our huge range of golf ball ID stamps, markers, accessories and gifts online today. order now www.thatsmyball.com.au Phone: 1300 445 054

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Visit us on course at the Australian Masters in Melbourne or the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney

instruction VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Key to Golf Full Swing Basics Program

MoMasters at Centenary Park

Step 5: BUILDING THE BACKSWING (continued): Peter Croker

The tradition continues at the Centenary Park Golf Course as the venue gears up to host another MoMasters Charity Golf Day. D&S Golf, operators of the facility in Frankston, are opening up the course on Friday 21st of November for their annual charity golf day with all funds raised on the day being donated to Movember and the Mornington Peninsula Prostate Support Group. D&S Director Steve Montgomerie says “As a prostate cancer survivor myself the MoMasters is a significant and poignant event that raises much needed funds for two great charities. Anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy 18 holes of golf and try their luck at winning from the pool of prizes on offer. And, of cours,e possibly being presented with the perpetual mauve winners’ jacket”. Last year’s inaugural MoMasters raised close to $10,000 thanks to the support of Frankston City Council. D&S Golf are aiming to raise the bar even higher this year. Entry forms are available from the Pro Shop at the Centenary Park Golf Course on McClelland Road in Frankston. For further information please contact Steve Montgomerie or Warren Young at Centenary Park Golf Course on 03 9789 1480.

www.keytofgolf.com

n my journey as a Tour Player from 1971 through 1983, I was always on the lookout for a cure to a flaw in my swing – crossing the line at the top of the backswing. With this hitch at the top of my swing, I relied on balance, rhythm, and tempo to time my shots and hit the target. Consistency was difficult and I do know what others go through to try to hit the target. In my search that had me visit Ben Hogan, play with Bob Toski, Tommy Bolt, Sam Snead, and Lee Trevino and many other great players and teachers of the game, I could never find the answer. Then by accident while having a pitching lesson with Paul Runyan in Denver, Colorado, he introduced me to the concept of “Clubhead last – handle first takeaway” and when extended to the full swing, instantly what had eluded me for over 20 years, became a reality – the top of my backswing came into alignment – not just for a shot or two, but for all shots since. It is how both Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan started their swings and it is a way that we give to you here. Balance, Rhythm, and Tempo are still most important as they provide the “feel” that makes golf the game of a lifetime that we all enjoy to play. Control starts at the start and the Takeaway is where the clubhead starts its back- swinging motion.

The Takeaway determines the quality of the backswing and when under any pressure on the golf course, it is a quality “slow and low” Takeaway that gives you quality shots

VIDEO LESSON: Takeaway (Front View) http://vimeo.com/user14583831/ review/53689835/0b40981875

TRAINING EMPHASIS

Takeaway (Back View) http://vimeo.com/user14583831/ review/53689834/d1f6256e1d

Learn how a pushing back of the handle end of the club first will cause (1) the hips to turn and (2) a swinging club head following a slightly clubhead last takeaway. When training, do the drill 3 – 5 times before the actual shot and then just hit the ball clubhead last/handle first.

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

EXERCISE At address push the handle end of the club away to initiate the takeaway together with the right hip turn. The sensation is a heavy clubhead being dragged back slightly last which gives energy to the swinging club. Allow the swinging club to hinge the wrists to the top of the backswing as shown and in the video links provided.

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE

HAHN GOLF OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 8-9 NOVEMBER 2014 (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.

STEVE CONRAN JUNIOR TOURNAMENT 23 NOVEMBER 2014 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 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.

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fitness

It’s all in the balance Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

alance is often taken for granted. However, as we get older our balance can be affected, increasing the risk of falls and injury.

Balance is the ability to stay upright or stay in control of body movement, which is an important component of many sports, golf included. Exercises aimed at improving your balance should be included in your regular exercise program. A quick and easy way to assess your balance is the single leg balance test. Stand in bare feet, place your hands on your hips and position the non-supporting foot against the inside knee of the supporting leg. Raise the heel and balance on the ball of the foot. Measure the amount of time you can maintain this position. The test is stopped if any of the following occur: • The hand(s) come off the hips • The supporting foot swivels or moves (hops) in any direction • The non-supporting foot loses contact with the knee. • The heel of the supporting foot touches the floor Be strict on yourself to get an accurate idea of your balance ability. Scoring: The total time in seconds is recorded. The score is the best of three attempts. This table lists the general ratings for this test.

Rating

Score (seconds)

Excellent

> 50

Good

40 - 50

Average

25 - 39

Fair

10 - 24

Poor

< 10

(Reference: Johnson BL, Nelson JK. Practical measurements for evaluation in physical education. 4th Edit. Minneapolis: Burgess, 1979.) Incorporating single leg standing exercise challenges lower body strength and the proprioception. A few exercises that can be a good place to start include: Step-Ups Step-Ups improve knee and hip stability and to create a balance challenge for hips and core. Standing next to a box, step up with your left foot and raise the right knee until your thigh is parallel with the ground. Repeat the move for 10-15 repetitions. The challenge can be raised by keeping the hips facing aligned and turning the torso 90 degrees to the left or right on every other leg raise. The Single-Leg Balance drill The Single-Leg Balance drill is just like the single leg balance test. Increase the challenge by performing the exercise on an unstable surface. The Single-Leg Bend and Reach The Single-Leg Bend and Reach strengthens

the glutes, hamstrings and core while enhancing the balance of the stable leg.

throughout the drill. Then switch to the other leg.

To do this exercise, place a cone or tennis ball about 60-100cm in front of you, balance on one leg, bend from the hip and reach toward the cone. Repeat the movement for as many reps as you feel comfortable with, then switch legs. The challenge can be increased by doing this same drill while standing on a pillow.

Increase the challenge by throwing the ball with one hand and catching it with the other. Catching with your less favourable hand will require more concentration, both to stretch for the ball and to maintain your balance as you stretch.

Ball Toss The Ball Toss drill helps to improve rapid control of the muscles inside the foot. You’ll need a ball and a wall. Standing on one foot, throw the ball against the wall, catching it while balancing on one foot. Spend a minute or two alternating the throwing angle and velocity while switching legs occasionally

The Flinders Golf Club “Flinders is one of those unique coastal courses…….not quite links…..neither is it woodland or marsh, that perches high on the cliff top, making it a distant cousin of Pebble Beach and a relative of Murfield.... The Flinders golf course is friendly yet full of surprises and intrigue. Bring all your clubs because you are going to need them and a good understanding of what Golf is all about.” Peter Thomson OBE

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

Green fees: Weekend $49 Midweek $35 Exceptional Corporate Golf and Social Group packages are now available.

Book online and receive a further $5 discount www.flindersgolfclub.com.au Proshop: (03) 5989 0583 www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

mind game

Have a look at yourself Mathew Howe

mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au

famous quote of wisdom says that a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. I would like to think that if the journey to your golfing success were a thousand miles then why would you want to make it more than that? The first step of your journey, I believe, is to find out where you are. If you don’t, you could be on track for some major detours. Some people don’t want to see the strengths and flaws in their mind because they are afraid of what they might find. You may actually find out that your mental game is better than what you think. This article will talk about the main categories involved in assessing your mind game or someone else’s mind game and why these categories are important. Why is it important to regularly assess your mind game for golf? We do it with our teeth, health, car, finances, golf technique and many other areas. It’s nothing new and it’s just a smart thing to do so that you don’t start working on the wrong things or slip into bad habits of thinking. When you slip into bad habits of thinking and feeling for too long things become deeply ingrained and its hard work changing it. What are the main categories to your golfing mind game? Let’s split things up into two categories. Life mental skills and golfing mental skills.

What should you do with this information? This is not the format to go into every category in detail. I have a 6-page assessment tool that covers that if you have a deeper interest. Let’s have a look at the first golfing category (desire) and check in on a few common confusions. I often find that golfers are confused on how to utilize desire. The common mistake is the situation where your weekend player has too much desire to do well in the weekend comp and very little desire to go and practice after work throughout the week. They would be better off reversing that situation. The other common misconception about desire is that players feel like they should have a break after playing a few bad rounds. This is the time where you want strong desire to go and sort out what’s happening and get on top of the situation. And finally, I find that not many golfers have the mental resources to generate desire if their levels are dropping. I see some people thinking that you either have it or you don’t which is not the case at all. My recommendation is that you reassess your mental faculties on a regular basis. If you are playing lots of golf, every month would be a good time frame to reassess and if you are more of a part time casual golfer, every 3 months would work well. •

You may say ‘why do I need to look at my life mental skills?’ There are lots of valid reasons, one of the main ones being that if you are a certain way in life you will tend to also be that way on the golf course. Life mental skills 1. Your health 2. Relationships 3. Personal development 4. Career 5. Finances Golfing mental skills 1. Desire 2. Confidence Mat Howe is a Golf Mind Coach with a degree in Sport Psychology and has 3. Belief mentally coached and caddied for golfers from the international professional 4. Focus playing standard through to beginners. If you have never had a mental 5. Composure coaching lesson before you may find it more practical and helpful than what 6. Mental Preparation 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 7. Persistence 30 minutes. Mat is based in Wollongong on the South Coast of NSW and can 8. Mental Toughness be contacted on 0410 695 605 or email at mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au 9. Imagery www.mathowemindgolf.weebly.com 10. Trusting/Training

Hey, mis-hits happen! Believe it or not, a whopping 76% of iron shots are mis-hits. This surprising statistic—which is based on information gathered from the high-tech TaylorMade Performance Labs—has led to the development of irons with even greater forgiveness and larger sweet spots. Many of the mis-hits occur low on the face, which led to TaylorMade introducing the Speed Pocket in their irons two years ago. Then, last month, TaylorMade announced a new iron family, the RSi 1 and RSi 2 iron sets, which are now addressing the mis-hits which occur on the heel and toe of the clubface. TaylorMade’s new Face Slots technology features two slots located near the heel and toe of the clubface. This increases the size of the sweet spot both vertically and horizontally, allowing the iron to produce more speed on mishits while also protecting ball speed. The RSi 1 iron set features a slightly wider face slot, which will suit players looking for the most forgiveness. The RSi 2 irons feature less offset and a thinner top line, which should appeal to players who appreciate the forgiveness in a more classically styled iron. Inside Golf is currently testing the new RSi irons, and we will have our full review of these in the “We Tried It” section of our December issue. Stay tuned! For more information, see the product website at www.mis-hitshappen.com

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

events

Gold Coast’s tiny tiger tastes golfing success

old Coast golfing circles are proudly toasting the success of emerging local talent, Kota Kagasaki – Links Hope Island Touring Professional. Following the famous footsteps of fellow Gold Coasters Adam Scott and Jason Day, 17 year-old Kota is already making steady inroads on the PGA circuit.

Moore is more at Links Hope Island Members of Links Hope Island completed the final round of the Club’s annual Club Championships last month and it was brother, sister duo Cameron and Frances Moore who rose to the top.

Young Kagasaki tied for second (2nd) place at the South Pacific Open in New Caledonia last month.

Frances was head and shoulders above the competition in the Ladies A Grade leading the pack from the first round. She took a healthy 20 stroke head start into the final day, maintaining her poise and the lead to the final hole. The scorecard told the story with stroke rounds of 76,75,78 and a final round of 85 in Saturday’s windy conditions. Her lead was unassailable.

He was positioned in equal second place after the third round, shooting a superb 65 strokes and claiming the low score of the round.

Frances plays off a tidy handicap of 1 and by the end of the final round was also equal leader in the nett event.

Kota maintained his composure and position as fastfinishing amateur Luke Toomey and Andrew Kelly made a late run for the title. The result sees Kota achieve his first podium finish on the professional tour. Kota returned home for a brief stopover before flying out to Japan to compete in the prestigious $1.46M Asia Pacific Open Diamond Cup at Ohtone Country Club as part of the OneAsia Tour. Kota then travelled to China for the Nanshan China Masters. Locals will be able to watch Kota when he returns for the PGA Championships, 11-14 December on the Gold Coast. Executive General Manager, Mark Holland said that the Club is thrilled to have Kota as the Touring Professional for Links Hope Island. “Links Hope Island is internationally known as a top rated course and our affiliation with Kota will raise the profile of Links Hope Island,” said Mr Holland. Kota played an exhibition match at age 13 against Tiger Woods, turned professional at age 15 and remarkably has already gained his Canadian PGA Tour card. Kota is currently contracted to both Callaway and Under Armour. •

World Class Golf in the Outback

Brother Cameron didn’t have it all his own way in the A Grade Men’s Division. He started the round one shot ahead, however at the turn it was Roger Worms who had out putted Moore, needing only twelve putts in the first nine holes to take a five shot lead as they headed home. Cameron found his second wind, heading home strongly to chase down Worms. It was all to play for coming down the par-five 18th. The pair finished square and a playoff hole was required to decide the Championship. Moore landed his third shot three feet from the hole. Worms missed an all important birdie whilst Cameron made the putt and claimed victory. Executive General Manager, Mark Holland is eager to invite new challengers for next years’ Club Championships, “Links Hope Island membership is now open to the public with a new seven day playing option available without a joining fee.” •

For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play the awardwinning 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.com | www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

WA fAci Region A lit y of t l golf he y eAR 72

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

events

Juniors go for gold in Kalgoorlie

he Goldfields Golf Club of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has successfully present the third annual Smarter than Smoking - Goldfields Junior Desert Open. A field of 74 players representing 19 different golf clubs, many of whom travelled from Perth and from as far as Bunbury for the event, played 36 holes of stroke over the 1st and 2nd of October.

HOLY MOSES: Troy Moses blitzed the field to win the Keperra Bowl.

The competition was played under sunny skies, with the wind being the only challenging element. However this did not affect the play and all players enjoyed the unique Graham Marshdesigned Kalgoorlie Golf Course which was presented in excellent condition. Jessica Whitting (Royal Fremantle GC) took top honours in the Gross Champion--Girl division, with scores of 77+80=157; five strokes better than Allysha Ahnantakrishnan 162 (Mt Lawely GC). The Gross Champion--Boy was Lewis Clay (Mandurah CC) 72+74=146, who was able to withstand the pressure applied by Jakeb Dunkley 148 (Kennedy Bay Links) for his first Junior Open win by 2 strokes. Both winners were worthy recipients of the Kalgoorlie Gold Nuggets on offer.

Gentle giant wins Keperra Bowl

Zac Naake (Goldfieds GC) teeing off the first hole in round 1. Other results: Boys 16 to 18 Gross: Jakeb Dunkley (Kennedy Bay Links) 74+74=148, Robbie Morrison (Royal Perth GC) 76+77=153 Nett: Brayden Blackham (Esperance GC) 79+66=145, Arden Ashworth (Mt Lawely GC) 80+69=149

Jennifer Herbst (Lake Karrinyup CC) 74+67=141 was the Girls Overall Nett Winner and Austin Baroni (Goldfields GC) 63+68=131 was the Boy’s Overall Nett Winner.

Boys 14 & 15 Gross: Connor Fewkes – (Goldfields GC) 76+74=150, Joshua Fewkes (Goldfields GC) 81+79=160 Nett: Austin Baroni (Goldfields GC) 63+68=131, Brock Morgan (York GC) 68+75=143

Along with Baroni, other locals to perform well were brothers Connor and Joshua Fewkes, Boys 14 & 15 age group Gross winner and runner-up respectively. Jocelyn Green was the Girls 14 & 15 age group Nett runner-up.

Boys 13 & under Gross: Hayden Hopewell (Royal Fremantle GC) 83+78=161, Josh Greer (Joondalup CC) 77+85=162 Nett: Lewis Barrow (Lakelands CC) 72+70=142, A. Brady (The Vines CC) 69+75=144

Girls 16 to 18 Gross: Melanie Foster (Melville Glades GC) 82+86=168, Not Awarded Nett: Aleisha Weidmann (Melville Glades GC) 77+80=157, Aimee Knight (Melville Glades GC) 105+77=182 Girls 14 & 15 Gross: Allysha Ahnantakrishnan (Mt Lawley GC) 81+81=162, Sasha Hofman (Gosnells GC) 84+89=173 Nett: Sophie Williams (Royal Perth GC) 75+69=144, Jocelyn Green (Goldfields GC) 80+77=157 Girls 13 & Under Gross: Jennifer Herbst (Lake Karrinyup CC) 85+78=178, Abbie Teasdale (Melville Glades GC) 93+86=179 Nett: Isabell Utama (Royal Fremantle GC) 81+74=155, Not Awarded

WHEN a player can turn par-5s into par4s, he’s going to make mince-meat of a golf course and that’s when big-hitting, gentle giant Troy Moses did to easily win the Keperra Bowl at Keperra Country Golf Club. Standing 6’7” (2m), Moses, who plays off +2, tore up the golf course with rounds of 69-66-63-69 for a 267 total to finish seven shots clear of last year’s champion Taylor Macdonald. “I was hitting wedges into the par-5s all week,” said Moses, who plays out of Bonnie Doon Golf Club in Sydney. “I also putted the best I have ever in a tournament. This is definitely the highlight of my amateur career. “I finished bridesmaid (runner-up) in the NSW, South Australian and Victorian amateur tournaments so I’m happy to finally win a big event.” The 22-year-old said his goal was to turn professional, but not until the end of 2015 – “maybe”. Macdonald (68-69-69-68 – 274) finished runner-up two shots clear of Sanctuary Cove’s Cory Crawford (69-71-69-66). For a full list of results go to www.golfqueensland.org.au

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golf nsw

World’s leading amateurs to battle in NSW

Women’s Country Meeting wrap

he 2014 Women’s Country Meeting was held at Bardwell Valley, Ryde-Parramatta and Beverley Park. Moss Vale’s Jocelyn Mackay locked in another win for the major prize, the Mabel McKenzie Cup. This year’s win was Jocelyn’s second win in this event, after securing her first win in 2013. Scores of 75 at Bardwell Valley and 89 at Ryde-Parramatta, a total of 164, completed Jocelyn’s win. Runner up in the scratch was Jodie Rockcliff from Coolangatta & Tweed Heads with a total of 166, rounds of 78 at Bardwell Valley and 88 at Ryde-Parramatta. Overall Nett winner was Elizabeth Harding from Young (15) with 146 nett. Leanne Slater, also from Young (14) had a total nett score of 149 to win the 36-hole Nett Runner Up prize. Division Two winner was Barbara Beveridge from Cootamundra. Scores of 92 at Bardwell Valley and 100 at Ryde-Parramatta, a total scratch score of 192 secured her win by 10 shots. Runner Up was Denise Hunter from Deniliquin with a total of 202. The winner for Division 2 was

Cheryl Mineham from Young (23) with a total of 160 nett. Yamba’s Lyn Rowland (21) was Runner Up in the overall nett with a total of 162 nett. The foursomes component of the event was played at Beverley Park which proved to be tough for the 62 players who endured windy conditions and quick greens. Defending Champions came through to win for the 2014 Vera Ranken trophy in the 18-hole Foursomes. Coolangatta’s Jodie Rockliff and Susan Reguson had score of 90 to win the event by six strokes. With a nett score of 83, the 18-hole nett winners were Peg James (Grafton) and Kim Wiblen (Maclean) off handicap of 13. Division 2 Foursomes winners were Brenda Dean (Maitland) and Lynette Robertson (Nelson Bay) with a score of 100 off the stick, also winning their division by six strokes. Warren’s Cathy Beach (18) and Woolgoolga’s Patricia Hill (30) had an 79 1/2 nett to win the 18 hole nett.

Manly win Women’s Coronation Medal 2014 NSW Amateur Winners - Jarryd Felton (WA) and Doey Choi (NSW)

host of the world’s leading amateur golfers will contest the 2015 Men’s and Women’s NSW Amateur Championships. This year will see some of Sydney’s finest courses host the event, with Monash, Killara and Avondale Golf Club’s secured. The event is held over six days from Wednesday 28 January to Tuesday 3 February (no play on Saturday 31 January). The Men’s NSW Amateur Championship is the oldest major event conducted by Golf NSW having first been played in 1898. The list of former winners contains a who’s who of NSW and Australian Golf greats including the likes of Bruce Devlin, Jack Newton, Tony Gresham, Brett Ogle, Peter O’Malley, Michael Campbell and Brendan Jones. It is the first men’s state Championship of the year, one of the major national amateur tournaments, and is a National and World Ranking Event. Like the men, the Women’s NSW Amateur Championship is steeped in tradition, having been first played in 1903 and the trophy bearing the names of Edwina Kennedy, Rachel Hetherington, Karrie Webb and Nikki Campbell. Visitors have taken out both titles in recent years and the locals are determined to stop that trend.

he Women’s 2014 Coronation Medal was decided in September at Concord and Bayview Golf Clubs with 57 teams competing in one of the most prestigious events. The Manly team of Jodie Lord, Suzanne Simaitis, Gemma Amate and Beth Haskins had a score of 316 to win the event by 2 shots over runners up, Lynwood Country Club, represented by Amber Love, Debbie-Ann Court, Vickie Smith and Brenda Williamson were runners

up with a score of 318. At Bayview, Shelly Shin (Concord) shot a 4-under-par 69 to take out the individual scratch. Nett winner was 13-year-old Stephanie Kyriacou (8) from St. Michael’s with a nett 71. At Concord, Alison Gatland from Monash shot 81 to win the individual scratch, whilst Cheryl Fairclough (11) from Ryde-Parramatta won the nett event with a 77 nett on a countback. www.golfnsw.org

Monash claim Women’s Bronze Medallion

onash Country Club secured a win at the Women’s Bronze Medallion for 2014. The event was held at Wakehurst and Monash Golf Clubs, with 48 teams competing for the trophy.

Averil Waters.

Representatives of the Monash team were Rozelle Joffee, Rosita Lee, Adelaide Koo and Noreen Steingold who had a combined score of 323, winning by six shots. Runners Up were St. Michael’s with a score of 329, their team consisting of Lesley Brown, Margaret Wynyard, Alice Purcell-Bern and

The nett winner at Wakehurst was local Wakehurst member Anne Mitchell (28) with a great score of nett 72. Gosford’s Gai Phillips (35) was Nett Runner Up with a score of 75 nett on a countback. At Monash, local Noreen Steingold (29) scored a 72 nett to win the daily nett prize by 4 shots. Asquith’s Bong Bay (27) had a 76 nett on a countback to win the runner up prize. www.golfnsw.org

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Vicki Askew, Michelle Johnston, Peter Kav, Len Marcucciu, Graham Moore, and John Schalit.

More: www.golfnsw.org

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golf qld

Kim claims 2014 Katherine Kirk Classic

Mygolf fun at Miles

Eunice Kim

unice Kim (Lakelands) won the 2014 Katherine Kirk Classic at the Sunshine Coast’s Horton Park Golf Club in September. Kim was just too strong after closing out the field will a final round score of 71 (-2) to join her first round score of 71 (-2) and a second round score 75 (+2) to finish 217 for the championship. Kim finished four shots clear of her nearest rival Karis Davidson (Sanctuary Cove).

Davidson was unable to catch Kim after finishing the championship with 73 (even par). Davidson returned birdies on the 9th, 11th and 12th holes in the final round, but undid her early good work to card bogies on the 13th and 15th hole. Davidson finished with rounds of 74, 74 and 73 two over for the tournament. Coolangatta Tweed member Rebecca Kay was victorious in the 15 Years & Under Division. Kay opened her tournament with a 75(+2) followed by even par 73 in the second

round, she closed her campaign with a 75 to finish 223. Min Kweon (Sanctuary Cove) was the runner up in the 15 Years & Under Division, returning rounds of 78,74 & 74- 226. In the Under 21 Years Division, Anna Stanton (Woodford) managed to edge out Beaudesert member Jaimee Dougan after returning rounds of 73, 70, 75 for 218. Dougan finished the tournament with scores of 79, 78 & 71 for 228. Now in its sixth year The Katherine Kirk Classic will continue to be a prominent feature on the Golf Queensland calendar. The 2015 event will travel to the new Maroochy River Golf Club. Thank you to Katherine for her continued support. A special thank you must also go to the course superintendent Pat Pauli and his team for presenting the Horton Park layout in such magnificent condition over the three days. •

he fifth MyGolf Junior camp was held over the September Holidays at Miles Golf Club, four hours west of Brisbane. Golf Queensland’s Lee Harrington alongside PGA member Matt Victorsen conducted the three-day camp which saw 24 juniors from Miles Golf Club, Condamine Golf Club and Mitchell Golf Club participate. Involving activities around the MyGolf program the juniors aged 5-15 years were put through daily warm up activities, plus games-based learning stations on golf skills and course play. The juniors continue to be engaged through team competitions after the skills training and love the fun and team work required to keep them striving to improve. In all of Golf Queensland’s MyGolf camps, SNAG Man makes an appearance, and not only do the juniors love to target him, so do the parents. The final day finished with an on-course

fun competition of 3, 6 and 9 holes. Major sponsors Palmers Coaches, alongside Starline Motor Inn, Kerwicks Earthworks, Miles Golf Club, Tribes Plant Hire, Joe Swalling Painting, Surat Basin Contract Cleaning and South-West District Golf Association made the camp possible and also for the kids to look the part in great shirts. A big thank you to Sharon Colley, for her tireless work before and during this event, alongside husband Anthony and Brian Bidgood. They also all gave up their three days and assisted in the coaching as Community Coaches. Following the event, Sharon has been awarded Community Coach of the Month by Golf Queensland for her awesome efforts and commitment to growing junior golf. Following the success of this camp Sharon has started after-school junior golf clinics at Miles Golf Club to keep the juniors playing and enjoying the game. •

Queensland Boys and Girls Amateur Championship Monday 8 – Thursday 11 December 2014 Indooroopilly Golf Club Entries close Friday 21 November www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

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www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

senior amateurs

NATIONAL

Claney wins 2014 Australian Seniors Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

eading Victorian Gordon Claney is the new Australian Senior Amateur Champion after a top class display of precision golf at the well-prepared Mandurah Golf Club in Western Australia. Playing in his first national championship the 61 year-old led from start to finish and was a very proud recipient of the Kerry Packer Trophy. After opening with an even par round of 71 on the tight Mandurah course Claney had established a three stroke lead. His second round of 75 saw this lead increase to four with just the final round remaining. As is often the case in major championships the final round was not without a few

NSW

moments of drama. Playing a few groups ahead West Australian Trevor Hughes was in wonderful form and after fifteen holes of beautiful driving and accurate iron play he had moved to two under par for the day and a definite threat to Claney. When Claney made a rare error with a double bogey on fourteen his comfortable lead had been reduced to only two strokes. Claney then responded like a true champion and played flawless golf to record a string of solid pars on the closing holes to maintain his lead and a wire-to-wire victory. Hughes’ final round of 70 was the only score under par during the tournament and he was a deserved winner of the runner-up prize. New South Wales visitor Dale Tapper was also playing in his first Australian Senior Amateur Championship and his 54 hole total of 225 gave him third place ahead of

Port Kembla Seniors:

Dale Takes the lead in Order of Merit

A beautifully presented golf course was perfectly set up for the good sized field of senior golfers who took part in the inaugural playing of the Port Kembla NSW Senior Order of Merit event. For many of the field it was the first time ever on the course while for most others it was so long ago that the memory had faded enough to make it feel like the first time! It certainly will not be their last as all players were very impressed with the Port Kembla layout and the course condition.

Club president Steve Humphreys presents Noel Wood with the 2014 Camden Seniors trophy NSW Senior Order of Merit: After trailing Mona Vale’s Greg Stanford for most of the year Twin Creek’s senior Denis Dale has moved into a narrow lead in the 2014 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition. Dale received top points in two recent events and as the season nears an end he has a total of 1710 points with Stanford on 1650. Penrith’s David Limbach (1618) and Bayview’s Dale Tapper (1580) are others still in with a good chance to claim the title.

The winner with a very good par round of 72 was Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale. He played in the same group as Penrith senior David Limbach and the pair who had represented Australia earlier in the year and will represent NSW in the upcoming Australian Seniors Championship had a great battle. At the end of the day there was only one stroke separating them with Limbach recording an excellent one over par score of 73. The next best score was Mollymook’s Frank Lampe with a round of 76 from a handicap of 8 for a net 68. This net score was equalled by local member Sid Brown who carded an 80 from his 12 handicap

Camden Seniors: A large field of senior golfers turned up for what is becoming one of the most popular

Western Australians Harry Crosby (226) and Ian McPherson (227). Tapper was a member of this year’s NSW Interstate team and had last represented the state when he was a member of the NSW Junior Interstate team in 1973 – quite a break between representative teams. In the Interstate Teams event, the strong Western Australian team of Trevor Hughes, Ian McPherson, Harry Crosby and Robin Dybeck, secured an 11 stroke victory (274) over the second placed New South Wales team. The Victorian team was third with Queensland in fourth place and Tasmania fifth. Age Group Winners: Under 60 years: Michael Barltrop (NZL) 60-64 years: Ian McPherson (WA) 65-69 years: Harry Crosby (WA) Over 70 years: Mal Roberts (WA) events on the senior golfing calendar – the Camden Seniors. With host and sponsor Bob Zelesco (Camden Tyre Service) providing a wonderfully presented course, great prizes, a most enjoyable meal and then outstanding entertainment afterwards all the player has to do is turn up, have fun and hopefully play well! After a shotgun start and a fast moving game there was a three way tie for first place. A trio of leading senior golfers had recorded very good rounds of 72 on the testing par 71 layout. After a countback was applied the winner was Antill Park senior Noel Wood. He played the final nine holes in a one under par 34 to edge out Denis Dale (Twin Creeks 35 on the back nine) and Penrith’s David Limbach (36). Noel Wood has been an outstanding player in the Camden area for many years and it was fitting to see him add the Camden Seniors to an already imposing list of local victories. Wood was full of praise for the tournament organisers. The course setup was senior friendly and this was reflected in many players achieving excellent net scores. The handicap winner was local member Bob Gray with a net score of 67 ahead of club mate James Joshua (68) and Leonay senior Laurie Cupples (70). The Over 65 Net competition went to Antill Park member Noel Beattie with a wonderful round of 66 net. He edged out Camden members Kerry Lowe (67) and Ron Childs (68). www.golfnsw.org .

Gordon Claney – winner of the 2014 Australian Senior Amateur Championship

VICTORIA Frost takes the prize in Northern Seniors Northern Seniors Bendigo’s Ian Frost has taken home the Northern Golf Club Senior Amateur title for 2014. On a well-conditioned course Frost defeated a good field that included many leading Victorian seniors. Frost, who held the round one lead after an excellent opening score of 73, slipped slightly with a second round of 81 in difficult conditions but his 154 total was enough for a one shot victory over a fast finishing Alan Evans (79-76=155). Evans (Royal Melbourne) had the honour of the best second round with his 76. Eastern senior Andrew Evans was third after rounds of 76-81=157. The nett honours for the Northern Senior Amateur went to Rossdale’s Brian Gray by two strokes from round one nett winner Adrian Rossi from Commonwealth. Victory in this championship saw Frost move a little closer to Gordon Claney in the race for the 2014 Victorian Senior Order of Merit title. www.golfvic.org.au .

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senior amateurs

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Nudgee - Tea Tree Gully Challenge The Nudgee club in Queensland and the Tea Tree Gully club in South Australia have established very impressive records in recent senior pennant competitions. In fact, both clubs have been consistent winners of their state competitions for senior pennant golf. In 2012 Nudgee challenged Tea Tree Gully to a match to determine the best club and therefore the best state. Well known senior Grahame MacDonald (Nudgee) and Ken Brown (Tea Tree Gully) are the driving forces behind this event and can be proud of establishing another level of competition for senior golfers. Hosted by Tea Tree Gully in 2012 the visiting Nudgee club was the inaugural winner. They repeated the result when the second match was played at Nudgee in 2013. The third challenge match between Nudgee and Tea Tree Gully took place in September 2014 with the venue this

year being the South Australian club. As in previous years the challenge is played in a shortened Ryder Cup format. The day one morning fourballs were keenly fought with the end result being 2 matches each. Nudgee then opened up a single point lead by winning the afternoon foursomes 2½ to 1½ matches. Tea Tree needed to play well in the eight singles matches and that is exactly what they did. Captain Ken Brown described their win, “In cool and windy conditions the Tea Trees boys hoisted their spinnakers and sailed home six matches to two!” After two days of excellent golf the result was a break-through win for the Tea Tree Gully side 9½ to 6½ matches. As is the case with all senior golf the matches were played in a competitive manner but always in the right spirit. Nudgee captain Grahame MacDonald was smiling as he handed over the trophy on the Wednesday afternoon.

QUEENSLAND Toyne stays on top in Senior Order of Merit Nudgee senior Steve Toyne has maintained his lead in the 2014 Queensland PresCare Senior Order of Merit competition. With 1580 points from his best eight events Toyne now holds a lead of 280 points over the defending 2013 champion Trevor Box (Windaroo Lakes) on 1300 points. Mario La Chiusa holds third place on 1215 points. In the 2014 Women’s Senior Order of Merit North Lakes senior and the defending 2013 Order of Merit Champion Wendy O’Connell

WEST AUSTRALIA

Crosby in great form

Wanneroo golfer Harry Crosby has won the inaugural Wanneroo Senior Amateur Open, played in fine conditions at his home course. This was Crosby’s first win in a Senior Open ranking event. Crosby recorded a good score of 76 for a one stroke victory over a trio who tied for the runner up position with rounds of 77 - Derek Gardner, Ray Pigdon and Martin Minogue. Well known WA senior and Australian representative Ian McPherson was in fifth place after a round of 78. Crosby played solidly but used his local knowledge on the greens to seal his win. He had 24 putts and said this was the key factor in his winning score. With this victory Crosby continued his good form from the previous week where he won the 65-70 years age division and finished in fourth place overall at the Australian Senior Amateur Championship.

Harry Crosby – winner of the inaugural Wanneroo Senior Amateur.

holds a commanding lead with a total of 1485 points from 8 events. Rosie Glasson is in second place on 1295 with the Annie Llewelwyn (Twin Waters) and Josie Ryan (Headland) not too far away on 1040 points and in a tie for third place.

Singh and Redcliffe’s Neil Moss with both returning scores of 80.

Redcliffe visitor Mogens Andersen and Keperra’s Lindsay Brown by a single stroke.

The women’s section saw a trifecta to Keperra members with Laura Jones shooting 87 to defeat Pat Connor (90) and Kate Gadsby (92).

Keperra Seniors: Local member Lindsay Brown showed his class and local knowledge with a score of 76 and a four stroke victory in the 2014 Keperra Seniors. The two marker played solid golf to defeat Carbrook’s Paranjit

Headland Seniors: Headland member Ian Moore played to his handicap in shooting a six over par 78 in the 2014 Headland Seniors and it was enough for him to claim the overall scratch prize. Moore defeated

Josephine Ryan (Headland) was a comfortable winner in the women’s section after a very good round of 82. The win moved her into third place in the Women’s Senior Order of Merit competition. Nudgee senior Susan Painter was the runner up and another local Headland member Kathy Atkins third. www.golfqueensland.org.au .

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

calendar

CALENDAR > NOVEMBER

MOVEMBER 2014

WHEN: 1-30 November Why: Raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health Info: www.movember.com Men around the nation will once again let their upper lips do the talking as they gear up for the annual Movember campaign. With prostate cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men and around one in eight Aussie men experiencing depression at any given time, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the country are helping to change the face of men’s health and join 20 other countries around the world taking part in Movember. While the men in their lives get hairy, Mo Sistas can support them by raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

Men’s NSW Country Championship WHEN: 1-2 November WHERE: Parkes Golf Club

The Championship will be played over 36-holes stroke play, with shotgun starts on both days. The Championship also incorporates the Inter-District Teams Challenge between teams from District Golf Associations throughout NSW. The field is always strong, and features representatives from the NSW Open and Junior State Teams, along with talented youngsters and experienced players from the country areas of NSW. An added incentive for the winner of the Championship is automatic entry into the 2014 Men’s NSW Open. Entry is $100 and includes a two-course meal at Parkes Golf Club on the Saturday evening. Entries close: 5pm Friday 17 October. For further information, www.golfnsw.org or contact Olivia Wilson on 02 9505 9105 or olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org.

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. 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. 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

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

Cobra Puma Celebrity Golf Event WHEN: 10 November WHERE: Sandhurst Golf Club Cobra Puma Golf will be hosting a Celebrity Golf event at Sandhurst Golf Club on Monday 10 November. The day will feature celebrity guests and guest speakers such as Melbourne Cup jockey Damien Oliver, Dual Premiership player and All Australian Corey McKernon, Nick Dal Santo and other Puma athletes. The event is open to the public on the range from 3pm featuring games and challenges versus celebrity guests and Golf Pros. Attendees will have the opportunity to be fitted with Cobra Puma’s new product with 1 of 5 Trackman units on the day. Bolle and Bushnell will also have their products on display. Cobra Puma will also host hardware launches at the following venues: • • • •

Parkwood Driving Range, QLD, 3-7pm Tues, 18th Nov Victoria Park Driving Range, QLD, 3-7pm Wed, 19th Nov Charlestown Golf Club, NSW, 3-7pm Thur, 20th Nov Moore Park Driving Range, NSW, 3-7pm Fri, 21st Nov

Golf Fore A Cause, 54 holes in a day team challenge WHEN: 25th November WHERE: Oatlands Golf Club

Golf Fore A Cause (GFAC) is the Drummond Golf initiative in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Playing from dawn to dusk to support two great charities, you will need to bring your strength, stamina, sense of humour and three likeminded golfing buddies. Format for the day is four-person ambrose with modified rules to ensure 54 holes is achieved by all. For those unsure about walking 54 holes, motorised carts will be provided for the last 36 holes. To keep you energised and hydrated, food and drinks will be in abundance all day. Team registration is $850 (non-refundable). This covers course access, food and drinks, motorised buggy; welcome goody bag and event prizes. Space is limited to 18 teams (72 players). Email: ravi.abeyaratne@drummondgolf.com

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calendar

2015 > CALENDAR January

2015 Men’s NSW Senior Foursomes Medal

WHEN: 7 January 2015 WHERE: Belmont Golf Club The 2015 Men’s NSW Senior Foursomes Medal is open to male amateurs whose individual handicap does not exceed 18 at the date of entry, and are 55 years of age or over (65 years of age or over for the over 65’s section) as at the first day of play. Format is stroke play over one round of 18-holes Foursomes. For the first time, this event will be held as a leading event into the 2015 Belmont Seniors Championships. Online entries are $60 per pair or $70 per pair for all other forms of entry. Prizes are awarded in both scratch and nett. Entries close: Friday 19 December 2014 at 5.00pm. Full event details are available at www.golfnsw.org

2015 Women’s Summer Foursomes

WHEN: Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 January 2015 WHERE: Cronulla Golf Club The 2015 Women’s Summer Foursomes is open to female amateurs whose individual handicap does not exceed 32 at the date of entry. The format of day one is 18-hole Scratch Stroke Foursomes with the top four pairings qualifying for Match Play on Tuesday 13. The Semi Finals will be played on Tuesday morning with the two remaining pairings playing the final on Tuesday afternoon. Traditionally the Summer Foursomes is a strongly contested event with teams being represented from around the state. Last year’s event was held at Kogarah Golf Club. Entries are now open - $90 – Handicap Limit 32 individual. To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org Entries close Friday 19 December at 5pm.

Commonwealth Golf Club Open Day

WHEN: Monday 12th January 2015 An opportunity for golfers with a Golf Australia handicap to experience a championship Sandbelt golf course. Great prizes to be won in this Stableford competition. Shotgun start at 8am & 1pm $110 per player includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, push buggy hire, competition entry, prizes and catering. All proceeds go to the Commonwealth Golf Club Foundation. Entries close: Monday 5th January 2015. Ph: 03 9575 0444. Enquiries to: jane@commonwealthgolf.com.au

APRIL Chase the Sun along the Nullarbor Links WHEN: April 11-17, 2015

The World’s Longest Golf Course, the Nullarbor Links is again hosting their annual Chasing the Sun Golf Festival. Traversing The Nullarbor Plain, this unique 18-hole par-72 golf course spans 1,365 kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway. Each hole includes a synthetic green, tee and rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. Total cost of the tournament and entertainment: $325 including GST for members of Nullarbor Links. $365 including GST for non members. Non golfers pay $205 including GST. Further Information: Alf Caputo: Mob: 0407 990 049, Email: alfiecap@bigpond.net.au , Web: www.nullarborlinks.com

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS November 3 Virginia Seniors (QLD) November 4-5 Sorrento Seniors (VIC) Twin Creeks Senior (NSW) November 6 November 10-11 Melbourne Senior Classic - Woodlands & Spring Valley (VIC) November 11-13 * ACT Senior Amateur Championship (NSW) November 19-21 Asia Pacific Senior Amateur Championship, Hong Kong November 22-23 Central Victorian Senior Amateur (VIC) November 23-24 Mollymook Seniors (NSW) Oxley Seniors (QLD) November 25 November 27-28 Moyne Senior Classic (VIC) December 1 Long Reef Seniors (NSW) December 2 Cromer Seniors (NSW) December 4-5 Sorrento Senior Amateur (VIC) * 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.

GOLF NSW November CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events Start Date

End Date

Event

Men's NSW Country 01-Nov-14 02-Nov-14 Championships & Inter-District Teams Championship 03-Nov-14 03-Nov-14

Women's Medal Play-off - BRONZE

11-Nov-14 11-Nov-14

Women's Medal Play-off - SILVER

Venue

Parkes GC

Bayview GC Wakehurst GC

NSW Open Pre 17-Nov-14 17-Nov-14 Qualifying

Glenmore Heritage, Long Reef, St. Michael's GCs

20-Nov-14 23-Nov-14 Men's NSW Open

Castle Hill CC

NSW Women's 25-Nov-14 28-Nov-14 Fourball Classic STATE FINAL

Bonville Golf Resort

Men’s Vardon Events Start Date

End Date

Event

Venue

01-Nov-14 01-Nov-14 Prince Henry Cup

The Coast GC

02-Nov-14 02-Nov-14 Pennant Hills Cup

Pennant Hills GC

07-Nov-14 09-Nov-14

Men's Federal Open

Federal GC (ACT)

08-Nov-14 08-Nov-14 Carnarvon Cup

Carnarvon GC

08-Nov-14 09-Nov-14 Duntryleague Cup

Duntryleague GC

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS:

15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 Long Reef Medal

Long Reef GC

Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 5th Qualifying Round 12th November 2014 Final 26th November 2014

15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 Cromer Bowl

Cromer GC

Penrith Open Amateur

Penrith GC

Lynwood Country Club 253 Pitt Town Bottoms Road, Pitt Town NSW 2756 5th Qualifying Round 15th November 2014 Final 30th November 2014 Orange Ex-Services Country Club 231-243 Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800 Final 2nd November 2014 Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 3rd Qualifying Round 8th November 2014 4th Qualifying Round 15th November 2014 5th Qualifying Round 22nd November 2014 Final 29th November 2014 Singleton Golf Club 51 Boundary Street, Singleton NSW 2330 3rd Qualifying Round 8th November 2014 4th Qualifying Round 22nd November 2014 5th Qualifying Round 13th December 2014 Final 14th December 2014 Sandhurst Golf Club 75 Sandhurst Blvd, Sandhurst VIC 3977 Final 6th November 2014 Wentworth Golf Club 130 Ploughmans Lane, Orange NSW 2800 3rd Qualifying Round 1st November 2014 4th Qualifying Round 8th November 2014 5th Qualifying Round 15th November 2014 Final 23rd November 2014

22-Nov-14 22-Nov-14

29-Nov-14 29-Nov-14 Oatlands Cup

Oatlands GC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date

End Date

Event

Venue

03-Nov-14 03-Nov-14 Rose Bay Cup

Royal Sydney GC

ACT Seniors Championship 11-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 (National Order of Merit) - WOMEN

Gold Creek, Gungahlin Lakes, Federal GCs

15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 Long Reef Salver

Long Reef GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date

End Date

06-Nov-14 06-Nov-14

Event Twin Creeks Seniors

ACT Seniors Championship 11-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 (National Order of Merit) - MEN 23-Nov-14 24-Nov-14

Mollymook Seniors (36)

Venue Twin Creeks GC Gold Creek, Gungahlin Lakes, Federal GCs Mollymook GC

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

events

Mills, Minciullo and Westwood star in Blind Golf titles Gary McInnes

eigning Victorian Open Champion, Rod Mills from New South Wales, added another major title to his impressive blind golf record by winning the 2014 New South Wales Blind Golf Open Championship played at Barnwell Park Golf Club. Rod, who is a B3 player on a handicap of 28, with Deanna Cartwright as his caddie, played extremely consistent golf over the two rounds. He shot 87 off the stick in the first round on the par 62 course, and followed it up with a blistering 79 in the final round. Rod won the championship with a combined nett score of 110, seven shots clear of David Blyth. David, who is a B1 player on a 52 handicap, sitting in 7th place overnight, put together a very strong round on the second day to overtake a number of B2 and B3 players. David, with his caddie Gary McInnes, won the B1 award with a combined nett score of 117. Overnight leader, Graham Coulton (handicap 39) with Sue Carpenter as his caddie scored a combined nett of 120 to win the B2 award. While, Kerry Vidler (36 handicap) who is an experienced sand scrape player from the Rylstone region, with his wife Sue as caddie, won the B3 award with a nett 122. Young talented player Elsie McCulloch (B3 – 36 handicap) with her father Laurie on the bag won the Ladies Championship award with a nett score of 141.

Western Australia Masters The 2014 WA Blind Golf Masters was held at Collier Park GC on 30 September. Deanna Minciullo (B2 – handicap 39), with her husband Clarrie as caddie, blitzed the field with 38 stableford points. Runnerup was Darryl Evans on 35 points. The B1 title went to Doug Sloan from Victoria with Jo Delaney as his caddie. Locals Ron Anderson and Doug Goulding won the B2 and B3 titles respectively. 2014 Western Australia Masters Champion Deanna Minciullo with caddie Clarrie Minciullo

Western Australia Open Championship

2014 New South Wales Open Champion Rod Mills with caddie Deanna Cartwright [Photograph courtesy of Lorraine MacLarty] Gary Sargent (handicap 29) with his wife Eileen as caddie was awarded the gross trophy for the event, and he also won the putting award over the two days. Although there were only 14 entrants, all players and their caddies, plus other volunteers, enjoyed the perfect playing conditions, and the warm hospitality from the staff of the Barnwell Park Golf Club. It is worthy of note that David Blyth and Gary Sargent returned from overseas recently after competing in the ISPS HANDA Irish Blind Golf Open played at the Roganstown Golf Club in Dublin, and the ISPS HANDA British Blind Golf Open played at the Templepatrick Golf Club in Belfast. A few weeks after returning home, David celebrated his 80th birthday.

Following the WA Masters eleven blind golfers competed in the 2014 WA Blind Golf Open Championship at Collier Park. Talented Perth lass Suzie Westwood (B2 – handicap 54), with proud dad Rob as caddie, won the two-day Stableford event after a brilliant 47 points on the final day for a combined score of 83 points. There was much elation when Suzie was announced as the winner of her State title. Runner-up on a count-back over Deanna Minciullo was Doug Burrows on 62. David Blyth on 61 points won the B1 title while Deanna Minciullo won the B2 title and Doug Goulding the B3.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to anyone wishing to offer charitable support to the blind golf community. Also, blind golf is open to people of all ages and is a perfect avenue for those club golfers who are experiencing some sight loss to stay involved in our great game.

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Anyone wishing to learn more about these sponsorship opportunities, or either playing blind golf or caddying for a blind golfer may contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731. They may also go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com .

The Western Australian Blind and Vision Impaired Golf Association would like to extend its sincere thanks to Mr Clive Langley of XLT Industrial Training for his generous donation toward the running of these events and the development of blind golf.

Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 which relate to how much sight a player has. B1 players are totally blind.

N.T.P 3rd - D. Dunnett N.T.P 6th - B. Wickstein N.T.P 12th - I. Towney Approach 11th - M. Hall Approach 17th - P. Faulks

2014 Western Australia Open Champion Suzie Westwood with caddie Rob Westwood

19th hole

Tiger to win 15th Read Inside Golf on iPads FREE major: ex-coach

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ON’T bet against former world number one Tiger Woods winning another major, says his former teacher Hank Haney. In an exclusive interview with Inside Golf, Haney tipped Woods to win a 15th major. Whether Tiger catches Jack Nicklaus or edge past the 18 majors he has in his locker is another story.

“In my mind, there is no doubt Tiger will win another major but the big question is will he catch Jack Nicklaus,” Haney said. “The clock is ticking fast and he’s had four knee operations and a back operation. “He has been hurt a lot and the odds are not in his favour at this point, but he is Tiger Woods.” Haney said Woods needed to start practising again. “Tiger knows what he’s doing, but the most important thing is he needs to practice,” he said. “I think what you see is a cumulative effect of not practising. “If you add up all the practice time he’s missed in the last six years it’s over three years. “I don’t care how good you are, you take three years off out of six and you are going to see some deterioration in your game and I think that’s what you are seeing. “Ben Hogan once said it took 500 balls today to get back to where you were yesterday. “Let’s just say that 500 is an exaggeration. Let’s say it’s 100 balls to get back to yesterday. “If it takes 100 balls to get back to where you where yesterday – how far is Tiger Woods behind? “How many days in the last six years has he been able to hit 100 balls? “He’s been limited in his amount of practice. “You come back from back surgery they don’t say, ‘go and play now or hit 500 balls today’. It just means you can go out there

Call for pennant review Is it time for the golfing authorities to limit or restrict the “importation” of pennant players? In some sports, players have to play a certain number of games at a club before they can represent that club. Perhaps the same could apply to pennant golf. Why not make it a level playing field by implementing a rule that says a player needs to play 25 competition rounds at his “adopted” club before he is eligible for selection in the pennant team? Currently many “imported” pennant players are conspicuous by their absence following the pennant season. Of course, most clubs have fallen victim to player recruitment. Many top-tier clubs recruit players to strengthen their squad so they have the edge, and bragging rights, over their rivals. “Some clubs see it as prestigious to be in Division 1 and most clubs aspire to be in Division 1,” said Brisbane District Golf Association (BDGA) president Davie Seeley. “For other clubs it’s not the be-all and end-all to be in Division 1.” Seeley said the association had no

control over what clubs did when it came to pennant player recruitment. “If someone wants to join another club and play pennant for them what can we do about it?” he said. “But we do have a rule that says a player must be a full member of a club to play pennant, but that is as far as we can go.” Seeley said the BDGA would look into the matter if there were a formal complaint. “We would do something if clubs came to us with a solid complaint, but nobody wants to do that,” he said. In 2014, Brisbane’s Pacific Golf Club acted by picking only locally produced players in their pennant teams. “In the past we would take players if they approached us,” said teaching professional Mark Victorsen. “Now the club asks players if they are going to be a Pacific person – pay a membership, play golf at Pacific and be part of our club. “If they decide to do this we will welcome them with open arms. They will join a club with great spirit and a real sense of being part of a team.”

and swing a few times. “Tiger is so far behind in terms of his practice and hat is what is hurting him in my opinion. “But he is just too good not to play well and it’s not easy to bet against him. “There are a lot of good players around and they are a lot better than when he left.” I ask Haney what are the key ingredients a modern player needs to win major championship. “Firstly, you must have power to be a dominant player,” he said. “Power allows you to get the ball up in the air, hit the ball higher and it allows you to reduce the par of the golf course – turn par-5s into par-4s. “That is the formula everyone uses to play golf on a dominant level – whether it’s Rory, Tiger, Jack or Greg Norman. They all use the same formula. “They are long hitters, hit the ball high and can stop the ball on the greens. “To have power you need to be big or have speed. “Rory has tremendous speed.” Putting, too, is a key ingredient if a player is to succeed. “You have to be a good putter to make the putts or you are not going to win,” Haney said. Then there is the mental side. Do they have drive (mentally) to be the best? “Nowadays, there are 100 players that if they have their best week they can win. “There are so many more good players now.” •

Express golf now here Centenary Park Golf Course in Frankston, Victoria has developed express golf for golfers who are time-poor. “If golfers don’t have time to play 18 holes on a weekend they can now tee off for nine holes from first light for the first 90 minutes on Saturday and Sunday mornings for only $15,” said head pro Steve Montgomerie. “Golfers also have the option to join Centenary Park Golf Club as a social member for $130 a year and have a registered handicap.” Montgomerie said nine-hole competitions would be played every weekend with a competition fee of $4. “Many keen golfers are time-poor due to work or family commitments and that limits their ability to get out on the golf course on the weekends,” he said. “We are now providing an option for golfers to play a quick nine holes, acquire and maintain a registered Australia-wide handicap while still being home in time to spend the weekend with their families.” More: (03) 9789-1480.

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Tougher too strong Yeppoon’s champion Trevor Tougher has won his umpteenth Central Queensland Open Championship. Tougher returned a 36-hole score of 141 to finish five shots clear of former Yeppoon junior champion and CQ men’s champion Jake McLeod. Yeppoon’s Brian Mc Caffery (157) won the B grade and Byron Malone (Yeppoon) won the C grade with a score of 190. Golfer of the Year: Moura’s Dillon West finished the season with 88 points to win the CQ Men’s Golfer of the Year. Capricorn Country Club’s Barry Stapleton won B grade with 62 points and Mt Morgan’s Doug Woofindin (58 points) captured C grade. Dillon West will captain the CQ team to travel to Hervey Bay Golf Club to compete against all other Queensland districts in November. Dylan Parish (Biloela), Chaise Pearce (Wowan) and Peter Farley (Rockhampton) make up the team. www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

19th hole

In defence of the goat track @AussieGolfer

’ve just rediscovered a love for the golf courses that no one ever talks about. A love for the small, suburban, countrystyle, dare I say, unkempt golf course that you wouldn’t see on anyone’s list top-100 golf courses let alone a top-100 list some magazine may publish. Some golfers disparagingly refer to them as goat tracks. You know the ones. The ones where it’s often a challenge to find a flat spot to tee off, where a good lie is rare from the middle of the fairway, and where your putts spend more time in the air than they do on the ground. It’s most likely the type of golf course you played your first game of golf on. I’ve been lucky enough to play on some of Australia’s best golf courses where there are few excuses to be made after a poor round. No bad lies; slick, smooth greens and bunkers where each grain of sand looks to have been hand-picked before arriving at the golf course. But it’s through playing with beginner golfers (as well as parenting Australia’s next Masters champion) I’ve begun to grow a huge appreciation for the lesser-known, but no less loved golf courses. While often disregarded or unmentioned by most experienced golfers, these golf courses not only play an integral role in breeding new golfers, they are the site of plenty of enjoyment.

THERE are 22 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine. How many can you get?

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

I’ve seen some good friends take to the game like a fish to water at these golf courses when the thrills of hitting a straight drive or draining a long putt are celebrated with as much vigour as you will see anywhere else. Playing outside of club competition times on these courses, some of the formalities of golf are thrown out the window in favour of new golfers getting to know the game, its associated etiquette while getting a crash course in anger management. It’s a place where no one cares about course design, the state of the bunkers or the bare lie from the middle of the fairway. In fact these issues are often met with raised eyebrows as if you’re talking about a foreign country. Shorter courses, shorter rounds and lower green fees combine to make for a fun day out. It’s entertainment. Interactive entertainment that rarely fails to bring a smile to the faces of the contestants. In stark contrast, there are several Australian golf courses that appear to have been designed and constructed to specifically dishearten the average golfer. Of course, it’s more likely that the average golfer was the furthest thing from the course designer (and property developers) mind but undulating, expansive greens, surrounded by gigantic quarry-like bunkers that complete holes that are too long and arduous for the beginner golfer.

The quick nine quiz

You may get a perfect lie on every fairway but I’ve seen many golfers lose their desire to play the game anywhere on some of the country’s most difficult tracks. Golf is a fun, cerebral challenge that can get serious and disheartening very quickly. By recently playing on these golf courses the purists may dismiss, I’ve been reminded that despite playing the same game, golf can be played with many different formats, in many different ways and in many different mindsets. The lesser-known Australian golf courses should be praised and not forgotten. It’s where nearly all of us first found our love for the game and unlike nearly every other country in the world; these courses keep golf accessible for everyone. I’ve had some wonderfully fun days on some of Australia’s best golf courses, but my recent days with friends and family on those lesser-known golf courses have given me no less of a thrill. Long live the goat track. •

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1. In the 1999 Ryder Cup, George W. Bush addressed the American team. When Bush finished his recital, David Duval ran out of the room screaming: (a) He doesn’t know what he’s talking about; (b) Let’s go out and kill them; or (c) This man’s a future president. (2pts) 2. Who won the 1999 Australian Open at Kingston Heath playing as an amateur? (2 pts) 3. After the 2014 Web.com Tour Championship, how many players graduated to play on the US PGA Tour? (2pts) 4. Only one Australian graduated from the secondary Web.com Tour to the US PGA Tour. Who is he? (3 pts) 5. A player who started the round with 13 clubs broke his putter in anger on the ninth green. He obtained another putter from the pro shop and continued his round without delay. Is the player penalised? (1 pts) 6. Can you solve the anagram – Harm hags arm. Clue: He’s Australian. (3 pts) 7. Which former player and commentator said this about Jim Furyk’s swing? “It looks like a one-armed man trying to wrestle a snake in a phone booth.” (3 pts). 8. How many major championships has Laura Davies won? (3 pts) 9. Which annual event is associated with Sun City, South Africa? Robert Allenby won the event in 2009. (3 pts) ANSWERS: (1). (b); (2). Aaron Baddeley; (3). 50; (4). Cameron Percy; (5). No. Since the player started with 13 clubs, he was allowed to add another club to take him to the maximum of 14; (6). Graham Marsh; (7). David Feherty; (8). Four (two LPGA Championship, US Women’s Open and the du Maurier Classic); (9). Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Michael Green

Geoff Ogilvy remarked last year that it was a game of golf with his buddies on the par3 course at Turnberry where he rediscovered his love for the game. No one in their right mind would call the Turnberry course he is referring to as a goat track, but his point has stuck with me as I’ve embraced these lesserknown golf courses.

Anthony Murphy

Director - Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management +61 3 8688 9166 anthony.murphy@canaccord.com.au

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November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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19th hole

Volunteer for Australian PGA

Shooting your age - Gee, that’s great!

hooting a score lower than your age is one of the finest achievements in golf. (For many of us tragics who are aiming for this goal, it seems we either need to get much BETTER or wait until we get much OLDER!) In August, 87-year-old Tura Beach Country Club member Max Gee chalked up this very impressive milestone, shooting a solid 86 at the tough Bermagui Par-73 course.

NOT too many people get to walk inside the ropes at the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resorts, but you can if you put your name forward as a volunteer. Volunteer boss Marie McGuinness is urging club golfers (men, women and juniors) to join the army of volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the tournament. McGuinness said more than 300 volunteers were needed. “We have a variety of roles like marshals, ball spotters, walker-scorers and a variety of other jobs,” she said. Normally, I don’t have any trouble getting enough volunteers, but because of the dates (December 11-14) a lot of people are unavailable.

A former champion athlete, Max is no stranger to breaking records and achieving greatness. In 1944, at the age of 17, Gee won both the junior and senior Victorian longjump championships. In 1956 he broke the Australian Pole-vault record, while in 1958 he competed in the British E&C Games in Cardiff.

Marcus all smiles after record Last month, touring pro Marcus Cain smashed the Howeston Golf Course record when he fired an 11-under-par 60 in the popular Howeston pro-am. Matthew Keegan and Euan Walters jointly held the previous record of 65. Cain posted two eagles and seven birdies in the extraordinary round. The 41-year-old Queenslander finished six shots ahead of Peter Shaw (NSW) and Rika Batibasaga (Qld).

“Volunteers are rewarded with a tournament shirt and hat, food and beverage on days they work, free pass for family and friends, a barbeque at the end of play on the final day and a complimentary game of golf.”

In the long drive contest, Tim Hart flexed his muscles and smashed his drive 338 metres to win the event.

Playing in a Thursday fourball competition, Judy aced the second hole using her trusty rescue club and selected her three-metal on the longer seventh hole. “On the second hole I teed the ball up high to take a bit of distance off it,” she said. “It was a good shot, not like the hole-inone on the seventh which went through or skipped over the bunker. “Two of us thought it went through the bunker and the others thought it bounced in front of the bunker and jumped over it. It wasn’t the best hit. “The first one was a good hit and we knew it would be close, but we didn’t see it go in the hole. “I was in a state of disbelief because I have never had a hole-in-one in 22 years.” The feat landed her on the nightly television news. 84

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

It appears that his wife, Colma, also enjoys a good laugh. When asked about her husband’s achievements, she states simply: “You know the story: behind every successful man …”

Max Gee (right) with Anthony Murphy at a Canaccord Genuity Sponsored golf event

Crossword > 1

Brad Burns (329.5m) edged out James Gibellini by half a metre. Next year’s pro-am contestants will find a slightly different Howeston Golf Course as owners and operators Bill and Lynn Weston and staff go about upgrading the golf course.

“They sent out a camera crew and they followed me for the last five holes,” Judy said. “When I got back to the clubhouse it was a riot. You can imagine a clubhouse full of women. “People were coming from everywhere to congratulate me. For her effort, Judy received a bottle of champagne, two trophies and two nearest the pin prizes.” Judy, who used the same ball for the aces, and playing partner Morva Gellie carded 48 points to win the day’s event. “I thought it was such a grotty ball I kept playing with it,” the 17 marker said. “I got down to 9.9 earlier in the year, but I have had a lot of horrible rounds in between,” said Judy, whose sons Dean and Rowan Beste are top golfers.

9 10

More than 150 players took part in the pro-am.

Judy’s two aces in a day SURFERS Paradise Golf Club’s Judy Beste received her 15 minutes of fame recently after she fired two holes-in-one on the same day.

Max was 61 when he took up golf at Bacchus Marsh in 1988, and quickly made his way down to single figures. He experienced a double-bypass-heart operation in December, 2012, but quickly resumed his exercise routine and is now back to health. Regular exercise and stretching have always been important to Max, who always enjoyed a few beers and a good laugh.

THAT must have put a smile on his face.

“It is also the same time as the Greg Norman Junior Masters, which eliminates a lot of my carry-board operators as they play in the Junior Masters.

If you want to get involved, call Marie McGuinness on (07) 5524-3470 or 0414-534-230 or email marie.kielly70@gmail.com

Interestingly enough, his “wins” stretch even further, as his horse, Vina Rock, won the Tasmanian Oaks in 1981.

22 23

ACROSS

1 Runner-up at the 2014 Evian Championship (6,4) 6 Shot on a green (4) 10 Use a rubber to correct a mistake on a scorecard (5) 11 Difficult assignment (4,5) 12 All at once (2,5) 13 To be entitled to by merit (7) 14 Golfers’ results (6) 16 Captivates (8) 19 Frozen treat popular on hot days (3,5) 20 Not open (6) 23 Took relief or a penalty (7) 25 Not available to play for physical reasons (7) 27 Two or more people, on the same score, in front of the rest of the field (2-7) 28 Work out (5) 29 Australian winner of the 2014 Queensland Open, Andrew ____ (4) 30 A continuous description of a golf tournament, for example (10) Answers: page 89

DOWN

1 There are green ones and wicket ones (7) 2 American winner of the 2013 CIMB Classic (4,5) 3 Objects (5) 4 Fade (6) 5 Aussie winner of five Australian PGA Championships in the 1960s and 1970s (4,4) 7 Below par (5) 8 Objects aimed at, like pins on a golf course (7) 9 Winner of the 2014 FedEx Cup, Billy ________ (8) 15 One of the big golf tours (8) 17 Cameron Percy’s country of birth (9) 18 US city hosting the 2015 Farmers Insurance Open (3,5) 19 Brought on (7) 21 Unsteady with age (7) 22 Lithe, nimble, flexible (6) 24 Looked like Brett? (5) 26 Highest-finishing Aussie in the FedEx Cup standings, _____ Day (5)

19th hole

Bring back Tiger! smile on his face. For those young readers, Mike Cahill was a very talented Aussie tour player from the 70’s and 80’s. Mike first came to prominence when he lost a play-off for the 1975 Westlake Classic to Bob Shearer in Adelaide then went on to win the Aussie PGA a couple of years later.

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

ove him, hate him (or just sleep with him) there is no denying, I miss Tiger Woods.

Mike had played with the very best in the world but he and I agreed, Woods’ practice session was nothing short of pure genius. This was made even more remarkable when in Tiger’s post-round press conference, he remarked on how badly he had warmed up, resulting in his quite hideous round of 72 in blustery winds at The Heath.

I know my critics will jump up and say “I reckon Rory is doing OK at the head of the class at the moment, and it’s brilliant to have had another Aussie alongside Greg Norman and Karrie Webb to have risen to Numero Uno in the world as Scotty did earlier in the year.” And I agree. Rory is exactly what the game needed to carry on from a Tigerless Tour with his spectacular array of power golf, brilliant short game and down-to-earth “I’m just a normal young bloke who happens to have more natural talent than just about any other human to have laced up a pair of spikes”. Tiger at his peak was superb, relentless and something to behold. When he played in Australia in 2009, the country stopped for a week and took in the “Tiger Show” and he didn’t let us down. Right from the start, it was clear Woods was here for one reason only (well, two if you count Rachel Uchitel...and I suppose three when you consider how much he was paid to be here.) Ok, so it was clear ‘Tige’ was here for only three reasons. One of them was to win the Australian Masters! And win he did. I covered that tournament for radio and quite frankly, I’d

Sunday’s round of 68, again in windy conditions, put paid to any challenge from his pursuers and he wound up getting it done by two from the world’s best bloke, Greg Chalmers. never seen anything quite like it. If there were 40,000 people at the course each day, 39,000 were with one group. It was never difficult to find that three-ball either, all you had to do was track the 300 metre cloud of grey dust moving above the tree line and he’d be at the bottom of it. Although the fairways and greens at Kingston Heath had been significantly watered to soften it up for the American, the rough was as dry as a Tony Abbott joke, which meant every fairway was surrounded by that famous Sandbelt grey coloured dirt. Put 39,000 golf fans literally running up

through it to gain a rare peak at the champ up close and it was nothing short of stifling. I fully expected Tige to front up on the first tee on the weekend dressed like Neil Armstrong. I remember standing inside the ropes behind Woods on the practice fairway before Saturday’s round, watching him go through his warm up. I got a nudge in the back from an obviously irate spectator suggesting I should move my fat head out of the way as he had been waiting there for an hour. I spun around, hoping this bloke couldn’t fight (and that I suddenly could), only to see one Mike Cahill standing there with a big cheesy

Despite his disregard for some of the golf’s unwritten moral principles like spitting on a green, tossing a driver into the gallery and celebrating a holed putt like a cage fighter right after he has left some poor bloke lying on the canvas with a nose now pointing inwards, Tiger Woods opened the game of golf up to a whole new demographic. I also believe his 14 majors in an era where technology has narrowed the gap between the extraordinarily talented and the grinder having a good week is equal to that of Nicklaus’ 18. Bring back the Tiger, I say. Even if it’s only for Rory and Adam to beat.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

your voice

Letter o f the Comparing Month apples to apples

t’s with interest that I’ve followed the recent debates on declining club membership and thought to give my perspective in an attempt to add to the conversation. Having just received my subs, I’m now reducing my full membership to social. There has been a rise in my subs of approx $300 with 100% increase in bar levy and although these are not on par with a city course, they are certainly relatively high within the area in which I live which is crowded with great quality courses for not much more in terms of subs. The main issue confronting any committee is the fee structure vs expenditure and what the membership will tolerate. Recently the members were given a survey to provide the committee with some feedback and one of the questions was “which other local course (listed) do you think is comparative to this course.” In my opinion, this was the wrong question. It isn’t about justifying your fee

structure to the next similar local course, because members always choose a course further up the scale as similar and then the committee must then play catch-up with another “better” course. This pushes increased course conditions with increased costs (which the membership has to bear); all of which is irrelevant because, in fact, this gap between your course and the other similar one can rarely be filled. Why not? Because golf is an experience and each course offers a different experience. And you need to charge accordingly, despite what xyz club charges and what it offers compared to yours because very likely, they are not in competition. The harsh reality is that each course has a similar core business but very dissimilar core membership and/or player expectations. Not every course needs to be championship quality; the majority cannot anyway due to location, architecture, layout, design etc, and those that are can charge top rates and attract that membership. As a result many larger courses are squeezing out the smaller

ones. This is the future. For the smaller ones to survive, they need to accurately identify their niche and question how they can speak to that player/member more eloquently because that player’s spending dollar is usually driven towards the best perceived quality at that cost, social engagement and value available, and once that equation is tipped, the player/ member leaves and the smaller club is one step closer to dying. I, like many, will be utilising other clubs’ facilities of cheaper pay-for-play offers despite my previous reluctance because that balance has been tipped in an attempt to attract more members by “improving” the course to compete against others with greater financial resources a gap I cannot ever see being closed but one which I see being actively pursued nevertheless, without the desired result of increased membership despite the increased costs. Name supplied, withheld by request.

YOUR VOICE

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

A Royal thank you Twenty five years ago, I walked into the Northcote Golf Club and was embraced by a group of three older members John, Ron & George, commencing a life-long friendship. This is the beauty of golf in that it develops people and friendships that are far greater than the game itself. Together we’ve served on the Committee and seen the club grow with one now a life member. In the last 10 years, retirements, relocations and lifestyle changes has seen the four of us scattered across Victoria however the bond of golf and the club keeps us in touch and playing together twice a year. Time and health have not always been kind to my golfing buddies with one now 87 and another successfully fighting cancer. As a way of thanking them for their friendship and free golf advice (some of it not too complimentary, accurate or helpful) over the years, I organised a round on the East Course of Royal Melbourne recently and would like to say a big thank you to the staff for making this happen. A bright sunny 20-degree spring day greeted us as we stood in the carpark, cameras clicking and credit cards doing brisk business as we pounced on souvenir caps, polos and ball markers to remind us of this great day. The first tee banter was as always lively, however always mindful of our surroundings with a hint of nervousness not to top the first drive (which two did, to much laughter). During the round our generally cheeky nature and practical joke playing gave way to a feeling of surrealism as it dawned on us that here were four old friends having a hit at Royal Melbourne. The banter relaxed as we slipped into the round with pars few and far between, laughter aplenty and lots of discussion as to great looking holes, blind tee shots and the volume and depth of the bunkers. One weary traveller didn’t quite make the 18th, however hobbled across from the 15th to greet us as we came up the last to the roar of the fictitious crowds in the stands. The sun was setting and shimmering behind the big clubhouse as we putted out with the final realisation we’d just completed what is most golfers’ dream, and we’d never forget it. Thank you to those at Royal Melbourne for making four golfers’ dreams come true and a big thank you to my three aging golfing accomplices who have taught me about life, laughter and friendship whilst whacking around a little white ball. This was the type of day where you know the friendships developed are greater than the game itself. Brett Smart 86

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The ‘forgotten’ sport? Regarding Geoff McDonald’s comments about Golf and “Free to Air Television” (Your Voice, September). I could not agree more. In Wollongong we have access to 16 FTA television channels and yet not one seems to want to televise golf. No wonder golf in Australia is on the wane as there appears to be very little media interest at all, so therefore no public interest, especially from a junior point of view—if you can’t see it, you cannot take an interest. We have tennis, lawn bowls, car racing, horse racing, American football, fishing and many other sports. Has golf become the forgotten sport as far as Australia is concerned or is it true that people just aren’t interested anymore? As Mr McDonald states, there is always Pay TV. But why should this be when we have so many free to air channels that are doing nothing but showing reruns of movies and television shows that were made before the biggest percentage of golfers were born? And as he also states, under the present economy not everyone can afford cable television. I for one, being an age pensioner and an avid golf fan, would find it hard to justify the expense. Chris Dawe

Same, but different Thanks for your interesting article in Sept. issue “Playing by the (relaxed) rules.” I suppose anything that can get people of all ages and limitations playing our game is for the good, as it may lead to the traditional form in some cases, as long as they respect the course and acknowledge all the hard work the ground staff and members put in daily. I would however, question the statement “One set of rules allows a social golfer to compete under the same conditions and restrictions as, say, Rory Mcllroy, whether at a local course or at an Open Championship venue.” I believe that this has been distorted because of the use nowadays of carefullyplaced fore-markers to track those errant drives etc. Having watched tournament golf for over 30 years, and seen some of the locations those balls finished up in, there would be no way anybody could have found them without the aid of upwards of 50/100 spectators plus television replays. Speaking personally, on many occasions in my playing career, even my paltry 200m drive has managed to find a spot, where no doubt to this day, it remains hidden, resulting in ‘back to the tee’ and playing 3. Maybe this could be the very solution to the dilemma the officials struggle with today limiting the length balls are now travelling in excess of 300+ yds. If you hit it there, you go find it—the same as the social golfer. From an 80-year-old and still loving it. Bryan T. Sackett

Give Palmer a chance My wife and I recently played 18 holes of golf at the Palmer Coolum Resort and have done so annually for the past few years, as we used to go and watch the PGA championships there. The course was still in great shape and at the moment a round of golf during the week is $69.95 with a cart for two to share. Despite what was written in the October issue (Your Voice) there were other players on the course and although the accommodation area was quiet, we went on the day to play golf only. If you want to play a great course, forget who owns it and give Palmer Coolum Resort a go and you will have a great day like we did. Keith McDonald

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New South Wales/ACT Wednesday The Orange Golf Club ≠ Thursday Liverpool Golf Club ∞ Friday Pennant Hills Golf Club ∞ Friday Dave’s Golf Shop Morisset √ ∞ Tuesday Wagga Wagga Country Club ≠ Thursday Camden Golf Club ∞ Thursday Toronto Golf Club √ * Drummond Golf Casula Thursday Friday Queanbeyan Pro Shop ∞ Waratah Golf Club Friday Saturday Gungahlin Lakes ≠ Tuesday Golf Paradise Terrey Hills √ ∞ Wednesday Golfing Over Links & Fairways √ ∞ ** Wednesday Royal Canberra Golf Club ≠ Thursday Moses Golf ∞ Moore Park Driving Range Thursday Friday Lake Macquarie √ ≠ * Friday Drummond Golf Camperdown ≠ Wednesday The Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range ≠ Thursday Hohnen Golf P/L ∞ Drummond Golf Northmead Thursday Friday The Lakes Golf Club ∞ Queensland Warwick Golf Club Monday Wednesday Jindalee Golf Club √ Surfers Paradise Golf Club Thursday Burleigh Golf Club Friday Thursday Southport Golf Club Thursday Parkwood International ≠ Friday Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ≠ Friday Palm Meadows Driving Range ≠ Victoria/Tasmania Saturday Tocumwal Golf Pro Shop √ * Wednesday Melbourne Golf Academy ≠ Thursday House Of Golf Frankston ≠ Barwon Heads Golf Club * ** Thursday Lonsdale Golf Club * ** Thursday Friday Queeens Park Golf Centre * ** Clifton Springs Golf Club * ** Saturday Saturday House Of Golf Geelong √ * Tuesday Phillip Island Management Svs ≠ Wednesday Kingston Heath Golf Club ≠ ** Yarra Bend Golf Course Thursday Gisborne Golf Club Thursday Wednesday Albert Park Driving Range Anglesea Golf Club * ** Friday Saturday Growling Frog Golf Course Saturday The National Golf Club ≠ ** Wednesday Murray Downs Golf Club * ** Wednesday The Heritage Golf Club ≠ ** Wednesday Sandringham Driving Range ≠ Thursday Kingston Links Golf Course ≠ Saturday Woodlands Golf Club √ ** House of Golf Sunraysia Driving Range (Vic) Mildura Thursday Horsham Golf Club * ** Friday Ballarat Golf City DR * ** Saturday Thursday Rossdale Golf Club * ** South Australia Drummond Driving Range West Beach Monday Kooyonga Golf Club * Thursday Western Australia Lakelands Golf Shop Friday

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Date

Time

November 05 November 06 November 07 November 07 November 11 November 13 November 13 November 13 November 14 November 14 November 15 November 18 November 19 November 19 November 20 November 20 November 21 November 21 November 26 November 27 November 27 November 28

3 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 2pm 1 - 4pm 9am - 12pm 7am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 4 - 7.30pm 12 - 5pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 5pm 2 - 6pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 4pm 4 - 7.30pm 8am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 5 - 7pm 7am - 11am 4 - 7.30pm 9am - 2pm

November 03 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 20 November 20 November 21 November 28

9.30am - 12pm 2.30 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 2.30 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 3.30 - 6pm 4 - 6pm 2 - 5pm

November 01 November 05 November 06 November 06 November 6 November 07 November 08 November 8 November 11 November 12 November 13 November 13 November 12 November 14 November 15 November 15 November 19 November 19 November 19 November 20 November 22 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 27

10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 3pm 11am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 8am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 12.30 - 2pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 8pm 10.30am - 1.30pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 12.30pm 5 - 7.30pm 5 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 8pm 11am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 3pm

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November 28

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Location New South Wales / ACT Mona Vale G.C. * Cromer G.C. * ** The Australian G.C. * Thornleigh Golf Centre * The Ridge Driving Range * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Royal Canberra G.C. * ** Drummond Golf - Casula * Moore Park G.C. * Royal Sydney G.C. * ** Pittwater Golf Centre * Queensland Mt Coolum G.C. * Ballina G.C. * Victoria Park G.C. * Tewantin Noosa G.C. * Caloundra G.C. * Wantima Country Club Bargara G.C. * Burleigh G.C. * Pacific G.C. * Headland G.C. * Surfers Paradise G.C. * Toowoomba G.C. * Parkwood G.C. * Noosa Springs G.C. * ** Tweed Heads G.C. * Golf Central * Palm Meadows G.C. Royal Queensland G.C. * South Australia Mt. Osmond G.C. Drummond Golf - West Beach The Vines G.C. North Adelaide Golf Links Kooyonga G.C. (Ladies Only)

Day

Date

Time

Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

November 05 November 06 November 07 November 11 November 12 November 13 November 19 November 20 November 25 November 26 November 27

8am - 11am 1 - 4pm 2 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm

Thursday Wednesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Thursday Friday Friday

November 06 November 12 November 11 November 11 November 11 November 12 November 13 November 13 November 14 November 14 November 16 November 19 November 20 November 20 November 21 November 27 November 28 November 28

2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 4pm 10am - 3pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 12pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm 9am - 12pm 4.30 - 6pm 3 - 5pm 3 - 5pm 4 - 6pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm

Thursday Monday Thursday Wednesday Thursday

November 06 November 10 November 13 November 26 November 27

2 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 1.30 - 3pm

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Location Western Australia Mt Lawley G.C. ** Marangaroo G.C. Secret Harbour G.C. Albany G.C. Fremantle Public G.C. Carramar G.C. Albany G.C. Victoria MGA Driving Range Neanger Park G.C. * Yarra Yarra G.C. * ** Ballarat G.C. * ** Peninsula G.C. * ** Sandringham Driving Range Bulleen Driving Range * Woodlands G.C. * ** Warragul G.C. *

Day

Date

Time

Wednesday Friday Saturdday Friday Friday Saturdday Friday

November 05 November 07 November 08 November 14 November 21 November 22 November 28

10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 2pm

Wednesday Friday Wednesday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Friday

November 05 November 07 November 12 November 14 November 19 November 19 November 20 November 22 November 28

4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 2 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 2 - 6pm

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location

Day

Date

Time

New South Wales November 05 The Ridge Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday November 06 Cumberland Country Club ◊ * Thursday November 07 Gosford Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 07 Toukley Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 10 Illawarra Golf Complex ◊ * Monday November 11 Pymble Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 11 Paridise Golf Driving Range ° Tuesday November 12 Elanora Country Club ◊ * Wednesday November 13 Merewether Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Port MacQuarie Driving Range ◊ * Friday November 14 November 17 Georges River Golf Club ° Monday November 18 Queanbeyan Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 19 Royal Canberra Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 19 Canberra Int Driving Range ° Wednesday November 20 Yowani Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 21 Gold Creek Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 24 Maitland Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 25 Nelson Bay Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 26 Shortland Waters Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 27 Toronto Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 28 Tamworth Golf Club ◊ * Friday Queensland November 04 Victoria Park Driving Range ° Tuesday November 05 Cairns Golf Club ° Wednesday November 05 House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Wednesday November 06 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 06 Proserpine Golf Club Thursday November 07 Golf Central ◊ * Friday November 11 Dalby Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 12 Bribie Island Golf Club ° Wednesday November 13 Sanctuary Cove ◊ * Thursday November 14 Parkwood Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 14 Redcliffe Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 18 Bargara Golf Club ° Tuesday November 19 Burleigh Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 19 Emerald Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Drummond Golf Rockhampton ◊ * Thursday November 20 November 21 House of Golf Hervey Bay ° Friday November 21 Royal Queensland ◊ * Friday November 22 Horton Park ° Saturday November 26 Wantima Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 28 Peregian Springs ◊ * Friday November 28 Noosa Springs ° Friday Palm Meadows Driving Range ° Friday November 28 Victoria November 01 National Golf Club ◊ ** Saturday November 05 Yarra Yarra Golf Club ◊ ** Wednesday November 05 Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday November 07 Green Acres Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 08 Saturday Metropolitan Golf Club ◊ ** November 11 Warragul Country Club ◊ * Tuesday Spring Valley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 12 Morack Golf Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday November 12 Rossdale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 13 Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ° * Thursday November 13 November 14 Kew Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 15 Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ * Saturday November 18 Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 19 Peninsula Country Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Sandringham Driving Range ° * Wednesday November 19 House of Golf Mildura ◊ * Thursday November 20 Riversdale Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 21 November 22 Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday November 26 Kingston Heath Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 27 Victoria Golf Club ◊ ** Thursday November 29 Settlers Run Golf & Country Club ◊ * Saturday Sunday Mildura Golf Club ° November 30 Western Australia Collier Park Golf Club ° Friday November 07 November 11 Maylands Golf Club ° Tuesday November 14 Marangaroo Golf Club ° Friday November 19 Wembley Golf Club ° Wednesday Northern Territory November 08 Saturday Alice Springs Golf Club ° November 09 Darwin Golf Club ° Sunday November 09 Flight Path Driving Range ◊ * Sunday

4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 2 - 6pm 11am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 1pm - 5pm 9am - 2pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 1 - 6pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 3pm 5 - 7.30pm 10.30am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 6pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2.30pm 9.30am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 10.30am - 1.30pm 8.30am - 12.30pm 8.30am - 12.30pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 12.30 - 4.30pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 3.30 - 8pm 9.30am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 11am - 3pm 4 - 8pm 10am - 2pm 10.30am - 1pm 2.30 - 5.30pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. √ Callaway Fitting Day ≠ Callaway Demo Day ∞ Callaway Mobile Fitting Day (Demo) Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending. www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

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$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Pambula Merimbula GC • Eden Gardens GC • Bega Country Club • Tura Beach Country Club

100% Premium Leather

$24

• All weather glove • Exceptional grip and feel • All sizes, left and right hand • Unique Australian gift

Phone 02 6362 0955 Studio & Family Apartments, Ploughmans Lane Orange NSW 2800 www.melviewgreens.com.au

The perfect golfing getaway suitable for overnight or longer stays - Groups Welcome

Gift Packs available Phone (07) 5450 7578

Crossword Answers A R Y R A N N M O C O R I C E N D R O U G C O L E E D O D

MELVIEW GREENS

+P&H

Order online www.kakadugolfglove.com

K E E P E R S

“Once you have stayed you’ll come back again”

LET US QUOTE YOUR OWN PACKAGE 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM. FROM

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

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.

FROM

Spectacular

R I E W E B B T I I S E T A L L M H L A S S E D E R U R E S E N T U S K C R E A M C O N L P P E D I N E I S E A D E R S N G O T C O M M E

H O R S C H E L J A S O N

P U T T N A R D E R E G E R V E T R A L S U O S E D T O U R E D A D O L V E I R T A R Y

Aquarius R

MAGIC MERIMBULA This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort. • 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied). • 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

Packages starting from: $489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share

• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool.

*Conditions apply

• Large Groups Welcome

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 Ring toll free for free brochure

For advertising call 1300 465 300

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2014

golf directory

TRUEMANS COTTAGES Mornington Peninsula In the heart of Mornington Peninsula golf country, 3 spacious self contained houses accommodating groups of 2 – 12 people with Foxtel and BBQ area. Golf Packages tailored to suit.

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

from

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage

$575p/p

Choose from: The Dunes, Moonah Links, St Andrews, Portsea, Cape Schanck, Flinders, Sorrento or Rosebud CC.

P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au

*Spring 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

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

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN?

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag”

OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

• clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

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.

From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

1300 738 557 www.kahmagolf.com

Other packages alsO available

Patented Softgrip Technology

Patent # 7374839

www.batteryreviver.com.au

3 Days of championship golf in one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations.

Mens and Ladies Queensland

B & C GRADE

CHAMPIONSHIPS Noosa Springs ~ 28 - 30 November 2014

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For more information phone 07 5440 3333 or visit www.noosasprings.com.au Only 3km from Hastings St ~ Links Drive, Noosa Heads, Qld ~ golf@noosasprings.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory Nudgee Golf Club

InsideGolf

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE 3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

If your golf club needs more copIes of AustrAlIA’s most reAd golf mAgAzIne then pleAse cAll InsIde golf on

1300 465 300

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $15 Visitors $25

Includes competition fee and after golf platter for 4 Phone: (07) 3267 7744

www.insidegolf.com.au Packages

To suit your individual needs HOLES $ * 18 On our championship course.

49 $ 131* p/person

Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.

PLAY & STAY

• Twin Share Accomm • Continental Breakfast p/person • 18 holes golf To book accomm • Two Course Dinner call 02 6680 2222 • Twin Share electric cart hire

BLUE MARKER CHALLENGE Played last Friday of each month. Play to your handicap or better & receive a dozen Pro V’s.

30*

Only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay

Visitors

*Conditions apply. Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | P (02)6680 1008 info@oceanshorescc.com.au www.oceanshorescc.com.au FOLLOW US

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

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Ph (03) 5873 4477 Fax (03) 5873 4511

Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW

(Wed, Sat & Sun)

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 | November 2014

golf directory

Cooling Products Xtreme will keep you cool all day! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simply wet and they stay cold for up to 6 hours!â&#x20AC;?

www.realxgear.com.au 92

November 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For trade enquiries, contact jon@realxgear.com.au For advertising call 1300 465 300

Wanna swing like a boss?

$49.95 Online only *Enter ‘swinglikeaboss’ at checkout for 20% off SEE EXACTLY WHERE YOU’RE HITTING THE BALL AT IMPACT You can strike the golf ball with clean contact time and time again when practicing with the Swing Boss trainer. The Swing Boss trainer captures ball position and clubface angle at impact providing the player awareness of swing flaws. The velcro pads applies to any club and can be reused without leaving residue.

www.theswingboss.com info@theswingboss.com * Offer valid to the 31 January

SWING

BOSS

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 7 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

Smoothy Micro Suspension Folding Buggy

Nike Covert 2.0 Driver Regular, stiff and extra stiff

$369

Adjustable driver

$239

Right hand only Includes cover & wrench

$26

Dozen

Not individually boxed

TaylorMade Spider S Putter Face balanced Right & Left Hand 35” Standard length Includes cover

$299

$149

CURRENT MODEL

URETHANE COVER TOUR BALL

ADIDAS SHOE SALE

End of model run out New models coming!

$20 Dozen Balls

Cleveland Deluxe 14 Way Bag

SAVE $50

Optima TS+

TaylorMade Tour Preferred Carry Bag $239

Durable Stand Bag

$990 Ping Grips

$129 $239

Srixon Distance Balls Distance ball with great feel Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

$156

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

HALF PRICE Each

iD8 model fitted

Maxfli Ball Scoop (Creek Stick) 12 foot long 4x3 foot extendable Lightweight

$59

HALF PRICE

Lob, Sand, Gap and Pitching Black Pearl or Satin

SAVE $30

$14

Chrome (3 piece) $26/doz Chrome + (4 piece) $29/doz Black Tour (5 piece) $32/doz

TaylorMade Jetspeed Rescue Hybrid Fairway Metalwood Adjustable Driver Including covers

Eagles & Birdies Muirfield Bag 3.2kg 14 full length dividers Mens Black Cooler pockets Putter holder Srixon or Cleveland Blue/Red $249 Ladies Tour Special Minimum qty 10

$149

each

Plus postage

TopFlite Gamer V2 Left Hand Only& Birdies TaylorMade Burner Balls Eagles 3 piece ball Odyssey XG 2.0Point Distance Long and soft HALF Cypress bagball with 3 piece quality great feel Putter Model PRICE! $144 for 144 14 Full length dividers Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket (Classic Anser shape) HALF Lots of colours

Individually boxed balls

$12 $59 DZ

Doz

Urethane cover tour quality ball

Rubber grips

Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges

$30

Callaway Hex Balls

Not fitted

$49

Including covers

Includes covers (4)

10.5° Loft Regular flex Graphite shaft LEFT HAND ONLY Includes cover

Doz

Rescue Hybrid $79 Fairway Metalwood $89 Titanium Head Driver $139

SAVE $210

TaylorMade RBZ left hand driver

$199 $79

SLDR Model

TaylorMade Lethal Balls

Cleveland Classic XL

$1200

Holds approx 10-12 clubs Black/Blue only Callaway HX Diablo

Callaway Super Soft Balls

$139 $22

Callaway Set & Bag Package Callaway X-Hot 7 Irons 2 Hybrids Rescues 1 Fairway Metalwood 1 Titanium Driver 1 14-way Bag Various Bag Colours

Black Only

38 compression for moderate swing speeds Individually boxed

Callaway Sunday Bag

Individually boxed

$299

Includes Seat Umbrella holder Sand Dispenser 3 Wheel Push

Horizontal and vertical full length dividers Putter holder Cooler pocket Black, Blue, Red, Green & Charcoal

White, Yellow or Pink

Srixon Z-Star or Srixon Z-Star XV

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

PRICE!

Includes cover

$156 $199 SAVE$60

Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

$129 $149 $199