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InsideGolf Issue 116 March 2015

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Is golf really broken?

n the story of Chicken Little/Henny Penny, the title character mistakes an acorn falling on its head for the end of the world. On its journey to tell the King the grim news, the chick convinces a growing number of followers that ‘the sky is falling’. Panic-stricken, the group eventually stumbles across a hungry fox, who is more than willing to listen to their plight.

But when we really look at the game, is it really in that bad of shape? Certainly, golf takes a while to play. But it always has. Ever since I was a kid, 18 holes equals about four hours. And while it may take a bit longer these days, that doesn’t bother me much. I cherish those four hours away from technology, the phone and all the distractions of life. It’s four blissful hours to “unplug” and “unwind” (even if my shocking score riles me up again.)

It’s the environment around us that has changed. Maybe the problem is how we are

But again, it doesn’t mean that golf

And yes, golf is hard. Really hard. But like my parents always said: “If it isn’t difficult, then it’s not as satisfying when you succeed.” The challenge of golf is one of its more endearing (and addictive...and frustrating) qualities. We should embrace it. Golf, for the most part, hasn’t changed much over the centuries. Yes, the equipment, course design, turf management, etc., has evolved, and there are far more rules these days (too many, in my opinion), but the basics of golf have stayed the same.

Initiatives like Footgolf (supported by Golf Australia), in my opinion, are the wrong approach. Kicking a soccer ball around a golf course does more to promote soccer than golf. Sure, it gets people on the golf course, and “exposes” them to the facility, but if you apply that logic in another way, will hitting golf balls at the local oval help drive participation in cricket? Doubtful.

Golf retailers and proshops in Australia, for example, must battle the proliferation of online/overseas shopping. Why do so many golfers buy golf equipment online? Because (in some cases) they can get it delivered to their home for less than the Aussie retailer can buy it at wholesale. Do we blame the golfer? No. And while golf retail numbers in Australia may be down as a result, you can bet that the people selling equipment online are doing just fine. And manufacturers are releasing more products than ever, with new models seemingly coming out every six months, so we know there’s plenty of gear to be bought. Private/member clubs are battling the tendency of golfers to choose social golf over club membership. Why is this? Because today’s golfers want more value for money, etc. Do we blame the golfer? No. Instead, look at what’s on offer by many clubs: high joining fees, high subscription rates, low tolerance of juniors/women and very little variety (i.e. one course). And while high fees are needed to maintain a high quality of golf, these days you can find equally high-quality public courses. As I mentioned last month, clubs are still eschewing social golfers. But if you think of Social Golf as a “dating” phase—golfers going on many “dates” before potentially choosing one to “marry”—then you need to consider if your club doing everything to deserve a “ring”? It probably isn’t, as these days, more golfers are choosing to stay “single” (or even worse, filing for a “divorce”) and playing socially.

The only time that slow play really gets into my head is when someone in the group says “it sure is slow today.” Instantly, the power of suggestion kicks in, and suddenly we are “at a standstill”.

Yet, we (media, industry, golfers and the global governing bodies) are panic-stricken. A by-product of panic is that short-term, reactive, rash decisions can be made.

This is not to be confused with, say, Big Hole Golf, which, I believe is a fantastic way to introduce people to the game. I recently played at a corporate day at Sandhurst that featured a Big Hole Cup on one hole. And though I somehow still managed to lip-out my putt (!), the dinner-platesized hole gave me a renewed sense of fun and confidence. I reckon if we all just took a deep breath, stepped back a bit and took a look at “the sky”, we’d discover that golf is doing just fine. And we could all make confident, sensible decisions for the good of the game. The fable of Chicken Little has many endings. In some, the chick and the followers are all eaten by the fox. The moral here is: don’t blow things out of proportion, and don’t always believe what you are told. In the “happier” endings of the fable, the chick escapes. The moral here is not to be a “Chicken”, but to have courage.

TED THE O V

GOLD COAST’S

A similar occurrence is happening in golf. Everyone is talking about the game’s troubles and imminent demise, with more golfers thinking “You know, maybe golf really IS in trouble...”

But that’s not “golf” being hurt. Rather, it’s the businesses within golf that are hurting. And for any business, success or failure depends on how you respond to change (see my online article on “Kodak vs Fuji”.) In addition, the global “rollercoaster” of the economy hasn’t helped things. It has, however, changed the way people make their purchasing decisions.

Where business is not all black and white.

No.1 †

Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

is broken. There are plenty of golfers out there, and participation is strong (i.e. the “dating scene” is flourishing). The recent Golf Participation Report showed that there are 1.18 million Australians who played at least one round of golf in 2013. That doesn’t sound like a suffering sport.

measuring the “temperature” of the game. Club membership numbers are down, retail sales are treading water and many manufacturers are struggling to make a profit. On the surface, it looks bleak.

Richard Fellner

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Where golf is concerned, I reckon both morals are true. See you on the fairways

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IN THIS ISSUE:

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PEOPLE WE TRIED IT INSTRUCTION CHRISTMAS GEAR RULES INSTRUCTION STATE GOLF JUNIORS EVENTS EVENTS SENIOR AMATEURS STATE GOLF EVENTS SENIOR CALENDAR AMATEURS 19TH HOLE YOUR VOICE CALENDAR DEMO DATES 19TH HOLE GOLF DIRECTORY

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Dodt delivers in Thailand

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“There are no thoughts at the moment. I’m speechless,” said the Australian, who started the day four shots back of Hend.

Dodt’s winning total of 16-under-par 272 at the Black Mountain Golf Club left him speechless as his second victory on the region’s premier Tour finally ended a five-year title drought.

After a hat-trick of birdies from his opening holes, the 29-year-old parred his next eight holes before picking up further gains on 12 and 15 which effectively sealed his win.

ustralia’s Andrew Dodt staged a dramatic fight back with a closing five-under-par 67 to capture the inaugural True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain.

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee’s double-bogey on 13 effectively ended all hopes of a local winner at the US$2 million Thai showpiece as he signed off with a 71 to share second place with overnight leader Scott Hend of Australia at the richest golf tournament in Thailand. After five years, Dodt completed his remarkable return to the winner’s circle with a performance that left him searching for words.

But it was Dodt’s ability to stay patient that made all difference.

“Those three birdies really kept the momentum going and I hung on after that. “The winds picked up on the back-nine and it got pretty tricky towards the end and I tried to play as sensibly as I could. I’m glad I did it,” said Dodt. Thongchai delighted the home crowd when he surged into contention following birdies on the 1st and 12th holes. However a costly

double-bogey on 13 pegged him back. The Thai had an eagle putt on the last to win, but he left it 10 feet short and missed the birdie attempt which would have forced a play-off with Dodt. Hend had an encouraging start after he birdied two of his opening four holes. But it went downhill after that as he bogeyed the seventh, 14th and 17th holes which eventually saw him close with a 72. “I pressed for the win on 17 and got a bit aggressive with my bunker shot, and I finished one shot behind. I came here to try to win. “All in all it was a good solid week and there are a lot of positives to take out of it. It’s good to see Dodty winning, fantastic. Obviously I wish it was me standing there winning, but congratulations to him,” said Hend.

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Goggin wins in Panama A ustralian Professional Mathew Goggin has started his 2015 campaign in style, taking top honours in last month’s Panama Claro Championship, contested at the Panama Golf Club in Panama City.

“You get a course you like and these conditions really suit me but you’ve still got to take advantage of those because there are going to be a lot of weeks where guys that carry it 320 off the tee get a massive advantage.

Starting the final round at 8-under par, one shot back from China’s Hao Tong Li, Goggin drained an 18-footer for birdie at the 7th hole en route to a 3-under-par 67. His 11-under 269 total gave Goggin a four-stroke victory over American Harold Varner III in the 2015 Web.com Tour season opener.

“So when you get an opportunity like this you have to take advantage of it.”

This is Goggin’s first victory since 2011, and gives the 40-year-old Tasmania native a renewed self-belief in his abilities. “It just reminds you that you can still play a bit,” said Goggin. “You just get a bit of confidence,”

Townsend nabs Vic PGA

Goggin’s fifth win ties him with Gavin Coles for the most wins in Tour history by an Australian and increases the number of titles won by players from Australia to 52 (18 different players). This is Goggin’s second win at the Panama Claro Championship, his first coming in 2011, and his fifth victory on the Web.com Tour. With the win, Goggin joins Vance Veazey as the only players to win the Panama Claro Championship twice. Goggin will collect a cheque for $112,500 (USD).

Royal and Ancient Golf Club announces honorary women members

Jason Day became Australia’s first PGA TOUR champion for 2015, winning an intense four-person playoff at last month’s Farmers Insurance Open, played at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California.

New South Welshman Aaron Townsend won last month’s Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus Victorian PGA Championship by one shot over Western Australian Scott Strange. Starting the day four shots off the lead, Townsend fired a 6-under 66 to finish regulation play on 13-under 275. Townsend was ecstatic about his win after he holed a bunker shot on the 18th to claim victory. “I played great today, I couldn’t have asked for a better start,” said Townsend. “5-under through 9 holes and I then made a birdie on 10, so I felt that set me up very well.” “It’s nice to get a win so early in the season, hopefully I can build on it and maybe play better in some events coming up.” Townsend’s win gives him a second state PGA Championship title after previously winning the 2009 NSW PGA Championship and prior to this, in 2008, New South Wales Open. Scott Strange finished his championship campaign one shot behind Townsend, with a tournament total of 12-under 276. Kris Mueck and Ryan Haller finished tied for third on 11-under.

Day shines in San Diego

Annika Sorenstam (Getty Images / Scott Halleran).

ollowing more than 260 years of their male-only membership policy, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews last month announced their first honorary female members. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Dame Laura Davies, Renée Powell, Belle Robertson MBE, Lally Segard, Annika Sorenstam and Louise Suggs have all accepted invitations to become honorary members of the Club. George Macgregor OBE, Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said, “It is an honour and a privilege for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club to welcome these remarkable women as honorary members. The Princess Royal enjoys a strong bond with Scotland and has shown great energy and commitment to developing sport through her work in the Olympic movement.

LIFE’S BETTER WITH A PAR 72 BACKYARD

Dame Laura Davies (Getty Images / Andrew Redington). “This is an historic day for the Club and we could not be more proud also to welcome women who have distinguished themselves in golf over many years and have been great players and champions. They are extremely worthy additions to our roll of honorary members and will become ambassadors for the Club as they have been for the sport of golf throughout their careers.” In September, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s members voted by an 85% majority to admit women as members for the first time in its 260-year history. This latest announcement follows that historic ballot and, in addition to the honorary members, a number of women have been admitted as members of the Club with more set to follow in the coming months. For an expanded version of this story, including biographies of each woman, please see our website.

Finishing regulation play on 9-under the card, Day was tied for the lead with Americans J.B Holmes, Harris English and Scott Stallings. English and Stallings soon dropped out with pars on the first playoff hole. Day then sealed victory with a par on the second playoff hole, capturing his third win on the PGA Tour. “It’s an amazing feeling, I just kept visualising myself all week holding the trophy, like I did at the Match Play, and I just told myself I’m not going to stop,” said Day immediately after his win. “I am just really proud of myself for hanging in there and grinding it out.” With this win Day moved to 4th on the Official World Golf Rankings, bypassing fellow Aussie Adam Scott. “My ultimate goal is to get to number 1 at some point but there are a lot of great golfers in front of me,” added Day. “It’s a good start to the year, just like last year; hopefully I can stay healthy and give it a good run.”

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Skarpnord, Green clean up in fairytale Vic win

n what is regularly one of the most exciting golf events on Australia’s summer calendar, this year’s Oates Victorian Open did not disappoint, with a fairytale finish for the combined men’s and women’s event.

Victorian amateurs Ben Eccles, 20, and Ryan Ruffles, 16, tied for third with previous winner Scott Arnold (14-under par) while 2004 Vic Open winner Gareth Paddison (New Zealand) finished tied for sixth. The win was a fitting end to the week for Green, who made international headlines following an incredible hole-in-one albatross on the par-4 15th during the Wednesday Pro-Am that was seen around the world via social media. A three-time winner on the European Tour, 43-year-old Green has been a strong supporter of the Vic Open and was proud to finally place his name on the trophy. “It’s been a long time coming, I have wanted to come back to win and support the tournament and finally after 23 years of trying I have got it finally,” said Green. “The last few years I have thoroughly enjoyed coming here to play, it’s one of those tournaments that I have wanted on my list, more so than some other around the world, it’s been very important to me.” In what may be referred to as a “Hollywood ending”, Green’s fiancée Marianne Skarpnord made headlines of her own on the same day, taking her place in the winner’s circle with her victory in the Ladies Oates Vic Open. Skarpnord carded rounds of 70, 68, 68 and 73 to finish at 13-under-par and three clear of England’s Holly Clyburn (73) and Victorian Su Oh (72). Sharing fourth place was Rachel Hetherington (69) and Rebecca Artis (71).

Oates have extended their naming rights sponsorship of the Oates Victorian Open for a further two years on top of the original three-year deal, taking the partnership through till 2018. Oates CEO, David Birch said that the decision was something his company had been considering given the growth of the tournament and the State Government and City of Greater Geelong’s commitment through till 2018.

In front of huge galleries at the magnificent Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, Victorian Richard Green capped off a week to remember by securing his first Oates Victorian Open title, joining his victorious Norwegian fiancée Marianne Skarpnord, who captured the women’s title. Starting the day three shots off the lead, Green, playing in the second-last group, fired a 5-under-par 67 to finish regulation play on 16-under 272. Green then watched on as fellow left-hander and Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen birdied the 18th hole to force a playoff. It took two playoff holes for Green to claim the victory, draining a birdie putt to take the title from Cullen.

Oates extends to 2018

“The impressive growth and success of this event since our original signing has made the decision to extend our partnership an easy one to make,” said Birch.

The three-time Ladies European Tour winner didn’t have an easy time of it, with pressure coming from Oh all day. “I was struggling a bit today,” Skarpnord said. “I just couldn’t get the ball in the hole. I had some great chances in the front nine and missed them. On 10,11 I had good chances and I just didn’t take them.” “To be honest I got a bit nervous out there because Su was playing really, really well. She is a great player and just fantastic to play with. I’m sure it’s not going to take long before she’s got the trophies. She’s going to be really good.” For Green , Skarpnord’s victory was the culmination of hard work and perseverance. “It’s incredible. I’ve seen what Marianne has been through in the last few months with her game and her wrist injury. I’ve seen an immense amount of work put in by her and I’m very proud of her,” said Green, who was on the range preparing for a playoff when Skarpnord sunk her final putt. “I would have loved to have been there for her [to see the win] but it’s the way it panned out, to be in contention for the men’s tournament, I had to keep warm and fortunately that helped me stay focused to continue in the playoff.” Skarpnord summed it up best when she said it’s been a fairytale finish. “It’s almost a dream come true – a fairytale. We got engaged last week, we moved into the house (at Thirteenth Beach) on Monday, Greeny had an albatross on Wednesday and here we are today both winners,” said Skarpnord. •

“The Oates team remain impressed by the tremendous support, and value, to Oates and our brand by the boards and management of Golf Victoria and Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. “We are sure with this continued partnership and the new state funding, the Oates Vic Open will absolutely grow in stature around the world and our brand along with it.” Oates became the naming rights partner of the Victorian Open for the start of the 2014 tournament and have been instrumental in the event’s success. Simon Brookhouse, Golf Victoria CEO welcomed the extension, stating it was a great reflection of the impact the event has had since adopting the new men’s and women’s combined format. “This is tremendous news for Golf Victoria and the Oates Vic Open. David [Birch] and his team have been a delight to work with in this partnership. To have such a wonderful partner in Oates has helped us achieve the success we have enjoyed with this event,” Brookhouse said. “By extending the agreement through till 2018 to match up with the State Government and City of Greater Geelong’s commitments makes sense and helps us secure a strong future for the event. “Oates are an integral part of what we do with the Victorian Open. David in particular is our event’s biggest advocate and his enthusiasm and humility has helped us attract even more corporate partners .We look forward to working with the team from Oates for another three Oates Vic Opens following this year’s.”

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Oh so good V

Four Aussies in team – for now IT’S too early to tell who will represent the Internationals at October’s Presidents Cup, but if the team was named this month, four Australians would be lining up.

ictorian teenager Su Oh signalled her arrival as a worldclass player when she captured her first professional victory in only her second professional tournament in the RACV Ladies Masters at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

The current Presidents Cup standings for the Internationals have Jason Day and Adam Scott ranked one and two. Marc Leishman and John Senden are ranked eighth and ninth respectively. Three South Africans – Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace – are currently in the team as is Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Canadian Graham DeLaet.

With rounds of 69, 75, 72 and 69 Oh finished atop of the leaderboard at seven-under-par and three clear of 2009 champion Katherine Su Oh Kirk (69) and England’s Florentyna Parker (69) and Charley Hull (73).

18th to finish in fine style.

As Kirk and Parker walked to the clubhouse sharing the lead at four under, Oh made her winning move. The teenager reeled off four straight birdies at the 15th, 16th, 17th and

Outright fifth was Annie Choi, while six players finished at two-under-par including South African Lee-Anne Pace and leading amateur Rebecca Kay.

Senden has been close to making the team a couple of times and is hopeful he can maintain his form over the next seven months. “One of my goals is to make the Presidents Cup team,” he told Inside Golf.

Klatten ‘can’t wait’ to defend NSW Open

PATTERNS | LUAU

Joanna Klatten

he effervescent Joanna Klatten has confirmed she will be back to defend her title at the 2015 Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open, March 6-8 at the “home” of the NSW Open, Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney.

“The course seems to suit my game because there are a lot of tee shots that you need to draw which is my natural shape of shot. The par-5s are almost all reachable in two and there are loads of wedge shots which is my favourite part of the game,” she added.

In 2014 the Frenchwoman fired a dazzling course record nine-under-par 63 closing round to win the NSW Open by three strokes. The 29-year-old, who finished at 16-underpar, made nine birdies in a flawless display around the Oatlands golf course to triumph from Canberra’s Nikki Campbell.

Normally the first major event on the ALPG Tour, this season it will be the last. The timing will mean the players will be nice and relaxed coming into Oatlands. However, they will be still focused as a professional title is at stake and it will be the final event of the 2015 Club Car Series.

The talented player can’t wait to return.

The tournament is renowned for amazing finishes and no doubt in 2015 will be the same.

“I’m definitely looking forward to defend my NSW Open title, as it was such a memorable win,” she said.

Entry is free and it is the last chance to see the ladies play before they head back overseas for the year.

“I love this event because it’s such a beautiful and fun course to play where you can be aggressive. There are also great crowds on the last day.

Follow the ALPG Tour at www.alpg.com.au and on twitter @ALPGtour •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

PATTERNS | LEOPARD *

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2015 Holden Scramble set to tee off T he 2015 Holden Scramble season is set for another jampacked scheduled of events right across the country.

Entering its 24th year, the Holden Scramble continues to cement itself as Australia’s largest and most successful pro-amateur team’s event; making it one of the most recognised brands in Australian sport and Holden’s longestrunning sponsorship outside of motorsport.

Heading into the final round of single matches needing only four points to secure victory, NSW got off to a fast start and had one hand on the trophy after players had made the halfway turn.

Queensland needed a quick response and got it through Quinnton Croker and Joy Mannix, who both won their matches. Croker secured a 1-up victory over Jeff Fan while Mannix hung on to beat the fast-finishing Amber Thornton 2-up. for the R&A and various Golf Unions throughout Europe, with the new system available for events running from May onwards.

A new exciting feature for the Holden Scramble will be the introduction of an online entry and tournament management system. The new system will streamline the entry process and increase interaction with all Holden Scramblers.

The 2015 season also sees two new sponsors join the Holden Scramble - Mojo Wines and Kumho Tyres. Together, these new sponsors will offer increased benefits to Holden Scramble participants through the provision of exclusive offers.

Developed for the PGA of Australia by GolfBox, in conjunction with Golf Link, the new system will simplify the entry process for participants. To enter a Holden Scramble event, participants will simply input their Golf Link number via a computer or mobile device – it is that easy! WGC - Print ad 255x135mm.pdf

The Jack Newton Junior Golf Team representing NSW won its seventh successive State of Origin defeating the Junior Golf Foundation of Queensland by 18.5-11.5 at Newcastle Golf Club.

After going to the 18th hole in her first three matches, Belinda Ji (NSW) made sure she got the job done early in her singles match against Caitlyn Campbell-Nyman, closing it out 6/4.

This year will be a milestone for the Holden Scramble with the 10,000th event set to take place. The PGA and Holden are currently planning for this special occasion.

GolfBox, a Danish company, have developed tournament software

NSW wins State of Origin – again

Holden Scramble teams will once again be vying to qualify through to the Regional Final where they will be joined by a PGA Professional. However, the ultimate opportunity is making the Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club and 10:08 the chance to play with a 8/01/2015 am

leading Australasian Tour Professional. Callaway, a long-time supporter of the Holden Scramble, will provide fantastic prizes for each event, including Odyssey Putters, Tour Umbrellas and Tour Caps. Golfers who enter a Holden Scramble event also receive six Callaway Golf Balls. GM Holden will continue to offer all Holden Scramble players a $550 Cashback offer for use on the purchase of a new Holden vehicle, which is also transferrable to immediate family members. To get involved in the Holden Scramble, please visit www. holdenscramble.com.au and find an event near you. •

That was as close as the Queenslanders got with NSW closing out the series in brilliant fashion. Aidan Powter defeated Bailey Arnott 3/2, Amy Chu defeated Isabelle Simpson 7/6 and when Chris Fan closed out his match 4/3 against Zachary Maxwell, NSW were winners again. For NSW, Amy Chu and Chris Fan, both 14, were the standout players of the tournament winning all four of their matches. That wasn’t the end of the wins for NSW with 15-year-olds Chloe Thornton and Jordie Garner winning their matches against Rhianna Lewis and Chris Jiminez. Thornton and Garner also impressed with three wins and one squared match over the four games. Celina Yuan secured another point for NSW, finishing with back-to-back birdies to edge Karis Davidson 1up. The Queenslanders didn’t give up and added some respectability to the scoreboard with Charlie Pilon defeating Jason Hong 5/3, Kate Law defeating Doey Choi 1-up, and Doug Klein defeating Kevin Yuan 2/1.

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news

Golf Queensland announces teams for Junior Interstate Series

olf Queensland has announced the 2015 Queensland Junior Interstate Boys’ and Girls’ Teams to compete in South Australia in April. Queensland Head Coach, Tony Meyer said the selected players have displayed solid form over the past year and thoroughly deserve their places on the teams. “Being selected in the Queensland teams is recognition for their outstanding performances and I know both teams will be very competitive this year,” Meyer said. “The teams are very fortunate to have fantastic coaches in Virginia Irwin and Grant Field, who have both travelled with national teams in recent months and will provide great support for the players.” “The Interstate Series is an important event in the development of junior players and the team members are looking forward to representing their home State in April.” In 2014, the Queensland Girls’ Team was victorious for the fourth consecutive year, while the Boys’ Team finished in third place. Two male and female development players have also been selected to travel with their respective Junior State Teams to compete in the Australian Junior Amateur Championship. •

Rebecca Kay Boys’ State Team: Steven Cox (Northlakes) Louis Dobbelaar (Royal Queensland) Lawry Flynn (Brisbane) Douglas Klein (Redcliffe) Chris Park (Lakelands) Charles Pilon (Hills)

GIRLs’ State Team: Robyn Choi (RACV Royal Pines) Karis Davidson (Sanctuary Cove) Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe) Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) Kate Law (Maryborough) Stacey White (Pacific)

Boys’ Development Players: Lochlan Coleborn (Mount Coolum) Bailey Knoll (Sanctuary Cove)

GIRLs’ Development Players: Lisa Edgar (Surfers Paradise) Darcy Habgood (Toowoomba)

Boys’ Coach: Grant Field Boys’ Team Manager: Shane Stevenson

GIRLs’ Coach: Virginia Irwin Boys’ Team Manager: Jessica Jenkins

Opportunity knocks for juniors J UNIOR golfers contesting the Australian Junior Age Division Championship have an opportunity to go on and represent Australia at the Veritas World Juniors in the USA.

Open to male and female golfers in seven age divisions (six years and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18 years) – the event will be played at Capricorn Resort Golf at Yeppoon from April 13-16. Winners from each age division, male and female, qualify to represent Australia at the Veritas World Juniors – a Junior Olympic Games Golf Championship held in California, USA in July. “We invite junior golfers of all ages and abilities to be part of this fantastic event,” tournament organiser Don Scott said. “This will be the first time an age division championship of

this magnitude has been held in Australia and it offers a unique opportunity for players to compete against fellow players of the same age.

“International players winning first place in any age division will receive an exemption to participate in the Veritas World Juniors.” The three-day stroke championship will be played on Capricorn Resort golf’s two championship golf courses designed by Australian Peter Thomson and American Karl Litten respectively. There are prizes galore for players finishing from first to fifth place and a hole-in-one prize of a new set of clubs and bag. Tournament ambassador Charlie Earp OAM urged juniors to take part in the tournament.

to world number one, said it took “dedication, determination and a good work ethic” to reach the summit. “Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Karrie Webb, Wayne Grady, Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch all started playing golf when they were young and look where they are now,” Earp said. “This tournament will provide you with an excellent opportunity and I look forward to seeing as many juniors as possible there.” Hosted by Capricorn Resort Golf and Capricorn Resort Junior Golf, the tournament will be played in conjunction with Central Queensland Junior Golf. For further information, contact Don and Shelley Scott at shellcre@ bigpond.net.au or visit www. facebook.com/australianjunior

Earp, who coached Greg Norman www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

news

Good Grieve – Alan does it again B

RISBANE’S Alan Grieve has won his second Australia Hickory Championship after carding a twoover par 74 at Carnarvon Golf Club. The Brisbane Golf Club member, who finished six shots ahead of his closest rival, said it was one of his best games ever. The win follows a successful three years for Grieve, who won the United States Hickory Open at French Lick Resort in 2011. In his first year of competition in 2009, Grieve finished fourth at the Australian Hickory Championships and went on to win in 2012. In an era where most golfers pride themselves on having the latest state-of-theart equipment, Grieve gets his kicks from honouring the tradition of hickory golf. It was a gift from his father – an avid golfer – that got him hooked on the hickory club. “I received a hickory club as a 21st birthday gift from my parents,” Grieve said. “I did some research and stumbled across the Hickory Golfers website. It has a fascinating history. Then I bought myself an introductory set as a Christmas gift and it grew on me from there.” The closest that most Brisbane Golf Club members have been to a set of hickory clubs

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

since the 1940s is the antiques displayed on the clubhouse wall, which belonged to professional and member Mick Stafford.

GOLFERS are good sports and we are indebted to Barnwell Park Golf Club’s Grant Marshall for this little gem. “I have a funny, but true story from Barnwell Park,” he wrote. “It seems we have a talking Corella (small white cockatoo) on the golf course. “My playing partners thought I was mad when I said I could hear a bird speaking English behind the third green. They suggested I was ‘a few clubs short of a set’.

Still, hickory golf has taken on a new life in recent years as a “retro” sport, being reclaimed by purists in the US and Australia.

“Anyway, the very next week in the Ambrose event we were in the bunker halfway up the first hole waiting for the green to clear when we all heard ‘Arrrk, arrrk what are you doing, what are you doing?’ coming from the tree above.

In Queensland, however, Grieve said it remained a small group of approximately 15 competitive players. Hickory enthusiasts say it allows them to play classic golf courses the way they were meant to be played.

“We called back – ‘what are YOU doing?’ only to hear a long wolf whistle and another ‘what are you doing, what are you doing ... arrrk’.”

For many, it’s a niche sport they play interchangeably with their “modern” game. Grieve said the hickory attraction is aligned to his appreciation of authenticity and tradition and admiration of hickory greats such as Joe Kirkwood and Walter Hagan, who played an exhibition match at The Brisbane Golf Club in the 1930s and whose picture graces the walls of the men’s locker rooms.

“By the time we picked ourselves off the ground, the green had cleared and because we were laughing so hard noone came close to hitting the green. “It was not the only birdie we came close to all day, but definitely the most unusual.”

“I am not a big fan of technology,” Grieve said. “Back in the old days there were no complete golf sets – having everything uniform is quite a modern concept. “A traditionalist golfer has five hours of pain on the course. I have five hours of pure fun. There’s no better feeling that hitting a hickory, each club has its own personality.” •

Is that a birdie?

Grant suggested it was someone’s escaped pet. “My bet is that it probably won’t be long before its calling “arrrk, FORE … arrk, FORE,” he said. Alan Grieve

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Ocean Dunes sprints towards opening “It’s been brilliant because we’ve just bought the pub in town and, with the town only five minutes from our golf course, we now have the capacity to bring people to the island, feed them, let them drink our beer, eat our food, stay in our pub five minutes from the golf course and we don’t have to build anything out here on the basis that it ‘might’ work.”

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

he gates at Ocean Dunes on King Island will swing open before the end of the year, according to the man responsible for building the stunning 18-hole golf course.

Grant revealed there isn’t enough money in the venture to build a clubhouse and accommodation but said both would go ahead as originally planned if golfers flock to the course after its opening.

Graeme Grant – former long-time superintendent at Kingston Heath in Melbourne and one of several directors at Ocean Dunes – said the front nine and the 18th hole have already been completed.

He said the decision to purchase the local pub leaves the directors in a far stronger financial position.

He anticipated the course – on King Island’s west coast – would be finished by September at the earliest and open for play before the end of 2015.

“If it doesn’t work out for us, we’ve done our money building the golf course, but we’ve got a pub to sell and we haven’t got a white elephant in a clubhouse and accommodation sitting out here.”

“It’s going to depend on how the turf responds but we really need to be open at the end of the year,” Grant admitted.

Grant has been living full-time on King Island since June 2013. He spent six months on his own before his wife joined him, which he admitted has made the grind of 12-hour work days much easier.

“We just need to be able to trade. We can’t just let all our money sit there until anything is picture perfect. There’s also the credibility thing about it, you want to get it finished. There’s been quite a lot of talk about King Island. In saying all that, we’re not going to rush it but that’s our aim to do it by the end of the year.”

“In the winter, you get up and start work in the dark and then you finish in the dark. I’m looking forward to the finish of it,” Grant said with a chuckle.

Grant has spent recent weeks cutting the greens on holes one to six and 18. He revealed golfers could expect the greens to be no faster than 10 on the stimpmeter once they’re open for play. “I’ve got to work out what height I need to have them in order to highlight the contours but not have the ball roll off the green. I don’t want to make them slow but I can’t have

them ridiculous. Ten feet (on the stimpmeter) would probably be the highest speed that you’d get them to. If the wind is blowing and you know you’re going to have a week of wind, then you just don’t cut them. It’s a matter of managing that.”

Grant said his plans to build accommodation and a clubhouse on the site have been put on hold after he acquired a hotel in King Island’s township, which he said has sparked heightened interest in recent months from investors.

Grant predicted temperatures on the Island would make summer golf far more enjoyable than on the mainland. “A lot of the days that we’re down here, it can be absolute magic on the coast. It’s a temperate climate. We don’t get the heat that you get in Melbourne, which is a great thing in summer.” •

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industry news

Just a mo, that’s a nice sum

N COURSE Golf members partnered with Callaway Golf in 2014 to raise funds for Movember – the organisation that raises vital funds, promotes awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and supports mental health through Beyond Blue. The tally was an impressive $35,000 making the two-year combined total $85,000. Members from both companies joined forces to conduct a variety of fundraising activities throughout the month of November. The campaign started with the sale of a limited edition Callaway MoBag together with logoed Callaway golf balls. On Course members conducted a variety of fundraising events such as club competition events and social golf days to raise funds for the cause. “We were very pleased to support the Movember cause again in 2014” On Course Golf CEO Geoff Zarth said.

On Course Golf CEO Geoff Zarth (left) hands over a cheque to Movember’s Julia Worrall as Andy Dennis (Movember), Steve Montgomery (Centenary Park Public Golf, On Course Golf pro) and Matt Sullivan (Callaway) look on. “Movember do a wonderful job in raising funds for men’s health issues. It is a cause that resonates with our golf pro members who put a lot of fundraising effort into it at their own

golf club. “On Course Golf are proud to have raised $85,000 in two years and expect to exceed our three year target of $100,000”. •

Fire razes club’s machinery shed

ULE number one for any golf club under financial pressure: do not cancel your insurance policy.

Just ask the officials at Wallangarra Golf Club located on the Queensland/ New South Wales border near Stanthorpe in the heart of the Granite Belt. Two weeks after cancelling its fire and theft insurance policy, fire destroyed the club’s machinery shed and all its machinery. Club president Allan Pearce said the club and its members were devastated. “We are not sure how the fire started because we haven’t received the report, but detectives believe it may have been caused by an electrical fault,” he said. “We haven’t put a figure on what the shed and machinery was worth because we were uninsured. “Anyway, we are just writing it off and starting again. “We don’t have a lot of money to rebuild and replace the machinery so we are applying for a few grants. “Insurance on everything is the biggest killer for a club like ours, but you just have to try to make ends meet. “We’ll manage by running a few more raffles to try and keep our head above water. “Clifton Golf Club has given us a greens mower and the club’s

The smouldering ruins of Wallangarra Golf Club’s machinery shed. volunteers are taking down their rideon mowers to do the surrounds.” Wallangarra Golf Club leases its land from the Army, who mow the fairways because it’s considered a firebreak. Pearce said clubs within the Darling Downs Golf Association (DDGA) were big supporters of the club. “We often have members from DDGA clubs play here,” he said. “In fact, we are hoping a large group from Toowoomba will join us on our opening day. In March 1931, the Stanthorpe Border Post wrote a story saying Wallangarra was the “prettiest and best nine-hole golf course in Queensland”.

Today, it’s a 12-hole course with alternate tees and has 30 members who pay an annual fee of $130. “It costs visitors $10 to play,” Pearce said. “It’s not Royal Queensland, but it’s a good, tight course with no bunkers and no water hazards. “We have people from City and Toowoomba golf clubs come and play and they say it’s a brilliant course. “We have a bar with the cheapest beer around and the catering is looked after by the women.” FOOTNOTE: Rugby League and State of Origin legend Billy Moore grew up in Wallangarra. • www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

industry news

District shakeup in southwest Vic Henry Peters

Port Fairy Golf Club

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Golf NSW is pleased to announce the expansion of its Club Support Service in the field of agronomy. The service will be provided through NSW Golf Course Superintendents Association Life Member and industry icon, Martyn Black.

olf in the southwest of Victoria has received a major shakeup with 24 clubs in the area settling into their membership as part of the newly formed Western District Golf Association. The association came into being after three former districts – South Western District Golf Association, Women’s Golf Western District and Corangamite District Golf Association – officially amalgamated on January 1. The revamped district now encompasses an area from Camperdown in the east, to Dartmoor in the west and from Peterborough in the south to Balmoral in the north. “I think we’re the only district in Victoria that has amalgamated three districts,” said Western District president Annette Learmonth. The amalgamation takes the number of members in the district to close to 4,500 and followed 18 months of planning, according to secretary John Snowden. “We’ve got a board of nine, four women and five men,” said Snowden, who is also a life member at Mortlake Golf Club. Learmonth said the amalgamation gives golfers in the state’s west direct face-to-face contact with administrators, which it didn’t have previously. “For some of the smaller clubs, Golf Victoria, the only contact they have with them is electronically with emails,” admitted Learmonth, who has also been secretary at Port Fairy Golf Club for the past seven years. “Quite often they don’t have access to Wi-Fi or Internet or it’s a very poor connection, so they do feel isolated. I think by us amalgamating and having a committee within their district, we can actually be a face to them, we’re not just a message on the screen.” The amalgamation is also tipped to benefit the smaller clubs, many of which have sand scrape greens and rely on volunteers to stay afloat. Learmonth said some clubs aren’t open for play year-round because of a shortage of volunteers. “The small clubs have very limited finances.

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Turf Management Icon joins Golf NSW Club Support Team

They pay an affiliation to us, which is only $8 (per player) a year, which allows them to compete in any of our district events.” Juniors also stand to benefit from the amalgamation. Learmonth said the district, in partnership with the South West Institute of Sport in Warrnambool, has earmarked funding to send young golfers to tournaments across the state and also send coaches to teach children in remote communities. “There are some talented young kids out there but, financially, parents find it very hard to run them to Warrnambool or Port Fairy for any coaching. So instead of the kids coming to us, we’ll go to them and run clinics in an area, say for instance, Cobden, and that would incorporate Camperdown, Peterborough and Timboon. They might have to pay so much and then we’ll pay the balance.” District pennant is expected to get a shakeup from 2016. This year, clubs will compete, as they have in the past, against their former district counterparts before coming together to combine under the banner of the Western District Golf Association. Snowden admitted reorganising pennant would be one of the biggest challenges of the amalgamation. “Next year it will be one combined pennant hopefully,” he said. “We’ve given the match committee 12 months to work out what they want to do. We didn’t want to race in and make one big pennant and get it wrong.” •

Champion Sports appointed as Super Stroke distributor Champion Sports has been appointed as the new Australian Distributor for Super Stroke Golf. Super Stroke has many of the world’s leading PGA Tour players using their grips. Among them are Jordan Spieth and Jason Dufner as Super Stroke ambassadors. Launching in 2015 is the NEW Super Stroke Plus Counter Core weighted putter grips and also the NEW Tour Extreme Premium Club Grip (TX1) range. These will be available for all golf clubs. Champion Sports will carry the full range of Super Stroke 2015 products with an extended range and the full range of colour options previously not available in the Australian market. John Harriss CEO of Champion Sports says “Adding Super Stroke to the Champion Sports stable of leading brands further enhances Champion Sports as the leading Independent Golf Wholesaler in Australia.” For more information, contact Champion Sports at sales@championsports.com.au

With over forty-one years’ experience in turf management, including most recently a twenty-six year stint as course superintendent at Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney’s Northwest, Black has excellent credentials to share his vast knowledge, and to provide valuable agronomy advice to Golf Clubs. Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser said he was “thrilled to secure Martyn Black’s services to further assist clubs throughout NSW via its Club Support Service. The golf course is a club’s biggest asset, however, it is also its largest expense. Martyn’s vast experience, knowledge, and respect within the turf management industry will be a real benefit and assistance to our member clubs.” Black’s career started as a fifteen-year-old apprentice at Pennant Hills Golf Club under the tutelage of legendary greenkeeper Vince Church. After eleven years he moved on to hold several positions at Asquith and Gordon Golf Clubs prior to commencing as Course Superintendent at Castle Hill Country Club in 1989. In addition to being a very handy golfer in his own right (3 handicap) Martyn is also a Life and Board member of his local club, Asquith Golf Club. The provision of agronomy advice is part of the broader Club Support Service offered to NSW Golf Clubs. This adds to the existing club operations advisory services which are provided complimentary as an affiliation benefit. Any club seeking the Club Support Service should submit their request in writing to the CEO Stuart Fraser, or via email to: info@golfnsw.org

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from the ceo GolfLink. This new system aims to streamline the entry process for participants and host venues. Accessible via a personal computer or smart phone device, this new and exciting system will enhance the experience and interaction for all Holden Scramble participants. The 2015 season also sees two new sponsors join the Holden Scramble Mojo Wines and Kumho Tyres, and the PGA looks forward to working with both brands to increase the benefits available to Holden Scramble participants. More: www.holdenscramble.com.au.

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

he PGA was saddened to announce the passing of our oldest Major Champion, Kel Nagle. Kel was not only a Champion of our game on the course, but off the course was widely renowned as one of golf’s great gentlemen. Kel was a consistent victor around the globe, winning a tournament every year for 26 years between 1949 and 1975. The Australian PGA Championship was his first big victory in 1949 - an event he went on to win a further five times and still holds an unbroken record of six wins. Kel was one of only four Australians to win the Open Championship and one of only five inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. The outpouring of condolences worldwide highlighted the significant impact Kel had on the sport of golf and those around him. Many leading players acknowledged their sadness to the news of Kel’s passing, along with the PGA of America, PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the PGA of New Zealand. It was a truly sad occasion for Australian golf. The PGA Tour of Australasia 2015 season is well under way with a solid schedule that relaunched the summer of golf, with the Tour continuing to go from strength to strength. The first half of the 2015 season got underway at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links for the Oates Victorian Open. The Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship at Huntingdale Golf Club followed and saw longstanding Tour Professionals Peter O’Malley and Peter Lonard, defending champion, Gareth Paddison, inaugural Fiji International winner, Steven Jeffress, 2012

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

Australian PGA Championship winner, Daniel Popovic and new Pro, Todd Sinnott, hit the sandbelt. Former Australian Test cricketers Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, Allan Border and Rodney Hogg; together with international counterparts, Sir Viv Richards and Sir Ian Botham, also joined our Pros inside the ropes. The future of Australian golf was on show at the Rich River Golf Club last month for the annual Coca-Cola Rich River Trainee Classic. The Coca-Cola Rich River Trainee Classic is a unique event that sees female and male Trainees competing alongside each other for the title. In its 28th year, 2015 saw the largest field in 10 years compete, with 144 Trainees from across Australia descending on the town of Echuca-Moama for the tournament. The tournament offers a prize purse of

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Kel Nagle and Peter Thomson

Everyone will look back and see different highlights.

$34,000, which will increase to $36,000 in 2016. The Rich River course was presented in perfect condition, providing Trainee competitors with smoothly rolling greens and flawless fairways. The success and longevity of the Holden Scramble is something the PGA is extremely proud of and 2015 will see this event enter its 24th year. The Holden Scramble is a proamateur teams event and since its inception in 1992 has become Australia’s largest and most successful club event. Continuing a packed calendar of national events, this year will be a milestone for the Holden Scramble with the 10,000th event set to take place. A new feature of this year’s Holden Scramble will be the introduction of a new Online Entries and Tournament Management System, integrated and implemented with

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from the ceo Or how about how the state championships continuing to build and regaining the importance and appeal they once had? We at Golf Australia were thrilled to see two or our national squad members – Cam Davis and Shelly Shin – salute at a tremendously successful Australian Amateur Championship in Sydney against world-class fields with arguably the greatest depth the of talent the tournament has ever known. Or what about our young women’s team bringing home the Astor Trophy after an unbeaten week at The Grange against the Commonwealth’s best teams?

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

y the time this story goes to print the 2015 ALPG season will be well underway and we will have seen the re-emergence of one of the superstars of the women’s game in Australia, Rachel Hetherington.

And it’s with that in mind that I toss up one more highlight – not one that many would expect, but one that’s so important to golf in Australia: the growth of MyGolf and junior participation.

Rachel stepped away from playing in 2010 and since retiring she has been extremely busy. Not only did she and her husband, former test cricketer Greg Ritchie, add to their family with the arrival of their daughter, Annie, Rachel also owns and operates the Rachel Hetherington Golf Range. More recently, Rachel has joined the coaching staff at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club.

Since we relaunched MyGolf last year alongside the PGA of Australia, we have been delighted with the uptake of the program by kids and clubs around the country.

Rachel is passionate about teaching junior players and dedicates much of her time to coaching and mentoring potential stars of the future.

To see clubs as prominent as Royal Melbourne throwing their full support behind MyGolf says everything you need to know about the importance with which we must treat the lifeblood of the sport in Australia.

MyGolf is the game’s future – and it’s waiting for you to get involved.

Rachel played on the LPGA tour for 14 years, winning 8 tournaments and over US$ 5.7 million in official prizemoney. Three of Rachel’s eight victories were playoff victories over the best women golfer on the planet Annika Sorenstam. It is fair to say that Rachel really didn’t receive the plaudits and recognition she deserved from her achievements in the game. In a way it was unfortunate for her that the two players who dominated the women’s game in the years that Rachel was competing in the US were Annika and our own Karrie Webb.

Who knows? The youngster who creates the next generation of indelible memories could be on your club’s doorstep right now.

Rachel was never one to seek attention or fame, she just worked as hard as anyone out there and let her clubs do the talking.

Their impact, along with a host of other amateurs, continues to remind us where the future of the game lies.

If you’re reading this at your club and you’d like to see more boys and girls get involved to boost not only its future, but also generate a real vibe around the place, I urge you to act.

Rachel Hetherington It is interesting speaking to Rachel about her achievements, she is incredibly humble about her position in the game and is fiercely passionate about giving back to the next generation of Australian stars. Needless to say Rachel has so much to offer the young players and understands how difficult it is be a young woman heading off overseas to chase their dreams.

it gives you an idea of the inequality in the prize money.

The fact is so few women in the game make what you would call a good living from playing. Even on the USLPGA Tour the prizemoney is very top heavy and if you are not in the top 60 or 70 in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings the chance is that you are supplementing your income by doing corporate days or some teaching in the off season. Compare that to the PGA Tour where you can make $1m and lose your card!

This year we will see the emergence of two incredibly talented young Australian teenagers on the world stage. Minjee Lee made her debut as an LPGA member in Florida at the Coates Golf Championship in Florida in January, while her good friend and long-time rival Su Oh, who unfortunately didn’t get her LPGA card, made her professional debut at the Renault Castle Hill ALPG Pro-am. Over the past 3 years these two players have pushed each other to the limit on almost every occasion they have met and with all respect to their fellow competitors have been head and shoulders above the other amateur players in Australia. Su became the world number 1 amateur in 2013, while Minjee took over that honour early in 2014.

If you look at the prizemoney Karrie has made compared with some of the Australian players on the PGA Tour and compare the ratio of career money to tournament victories

Without question they both have the ability to get to the very top in the women’s game, it will be fun watching them and cheering them on from afar!

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

general managers

Joining fee relevant, says club GM David Newbery

club so we have to maintain the presentation of the golf course. Publicising the venue is important – making people aware they can visit for social golf or in tour groups.

david@insidegolf.com.au

What do you make of the current state of golf?

AN Cottle, general manager of Burleigh Golf Club on the Gold Coast, doesn’t believe it takes too long to play a round of golf.

We had a mid-year finance meeting recently and in it we referred to the 2013 National Golf Participation Report. It documented that in 2013 national golfing memberships fell below 400,000. The 2013 figure for the Gold Coast’s 29 clubs was a 7 per cent decline and in that same year Burleigh was down 3.3 per cent. Inherently, golf is a quality product overseen by proactive people so the industry will be strong over the longer term.

“I enjoy the four-or-so hours it takes to play a round,” he said. “Sometimes when playing nine holes you can feel like you are just getting warmed up.” Inside Golf caught up with Ian, who has been at the helm of Burleigh Golf Club for 11 months, to discuss all things golf. What was your path to becoming a golf club manager?

Does a joining fee have any place in the current climate?

I started working in clubs in Sydney when I was 20 while I was studying architectural drafting. My first job as golf club manager was at Katoomba GC.

Yes. The same report stated that 18 per cent of golf clubs had growth in excess of 10 per cent. If your weekend fields are full then you have the luxury of having a joining fee. It discourages people stepping away for a year or two and encourages longevity of membership.

What has been the most unexpected aspect of your career as a golf club GM? Certainly some of the close relationships you develop with members. You can be there for some high and low points in their lives. It is fantastic to share family events such as christenings or people renewing their wedding vows.

What part of your job do members not understand? The job is all encompassing. You can be talking to someone about membership one minute and preparing the profit and loss for the Board the next. The job is so varied and members rightly have high expectations. That’s why we are called a general manager.

Have you had mentors and how have they assisted you? My president at Cumberland Golf Club, Michael Poe, was a very good teacher. He lectured finance at UTS (University of Technology Sydney) so you couldn’t throw up smoke in a financial proposal. He wanted to make sure the I’s were dotted and T’s were crossed and that has stood me in good stead. What are the greatest challenges running Burleigh? The club has had declining revenue year-on-year for the last five years so it’s a matter of arresting that decline to meet the financial and mortgage commitments of the club. Revenue growth is certainly a strong focus. What have been some of the changes since you became manager? Nothing extravagant, just moderate and constant

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Is golf overpriced in terms of subs and green fees? No. It costs a lot of put labour on the golf course and keep it in the condition that people expect. The industry needs to protect the value of golf. Burleigh Golf Club general manager Ian Cottle. improvements are needed. The club has 1000 golfing members so you have to be respectful of their needs and the traditions and history of the club. What plans do you have for Burleigh GC going forward? We have an opportunity to improve our gaming area. Our course quality is the main contributor to people joining the

How healthy is the future of Burleigh GC? Burleigh is in a great part of the country for outdoor activities like golf. The lifestyle on the Gold Coast is fantastic. Our membership is strong and is full of decent people. When I see a prospective member, I say they should play the course to make sure they enjoy it, and have a drink in the members’ lounge to make sure like the people as well. Our members are good people, the course is in excellent condition and the clubhouse facilities are outstanding. •

teer Volun don r Jim Pu

on tour

RACV Ladies Masters attractions Meanwhile, volunteer Jim Purdon was a marshal near the first tee and appeared to have the best “seat” in the house.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ICTORIAN teenager Su Oh, 18, wasn’t the only winner at the RACV Ladies Masters at Royal Pines Resort.

Golf fans – young and not so young – had a ball following the star players, gathering autographs and learning how to play different shots while standing within a few metres of the professionals. There was plenty to do for the very young, who seemed more interested in learning to play golf. Next to the putting green, Golf Australia’s MyGolf Activity Centre was in full swing as Golf Queensland’s Adrian Hewat and Virginia Irwin (despite a broken foot) introduced kids to the game. Youngsters got their fix hitting over-sized balls into over-sized holes built into what resembled a jumping castle while others took part in Soccer Golf – something keen Liverpool supporter Dame Laura Davies tried. I caught up with Dennis Hurley and his granddaughters Traleigh and Kelahni as they sought autographs around the putting green. They were particularly excited when they snared the autographs of Laura Davies and Cheyenne Woods. “Both girls have taken up playing golf so I decided to bring them down to watch the Ladies Masters,” Dennis said. “We are here to enjoy the day and watch as many players as possible.” Both girls said they enjoyed playing and watching golf. “Golf is fun,” they said in unison.

“I volunteer because I’m retired and I love golf,” he said. “But I also love watching the girls play particularly the young people like 16-yearold Rebecca Kay. “She is a sensational player and will be wonderful for golf and a promoter’s dream. “I like to watch the Asian players because they have immaculate swings, but I also love watching Laura Davies.

Joy M a obser nnix, 13, a k ver of the ga een me.

Kids learning to play golf at the MyGolf Activity Centre.

“She breaks me up because she doesn’t use a tee. She hits the ground with a seven-iron and then tees up her ball on the raised grass. “She is a character and great for the sport,” said Jim, who also volunteers for the Surf Lifesavers. “On Saturday I was at the golf, but left at 11.15 and went down to Coolangatta to do surf patrol,” said Jim, who has been on surf patrol for more than 50 years. “I sat on the very first patrol at Coolangatta on Christmas day 1959.” Halfway down the ninth fairway, Joy Mannix, a 13-year-old four marker, was following a fellow student from the Australian and Korea Golf School. “I have come to watch Karis Davidson and some of the other players, who are in the program with me,” she said. “When these girls finish I’m going to watch Eun Woo Choi and some of the other leaders. I want to see how they play because I want to turn pro one day.” Then there was pharmacist Cheryl Nugent and “copper” Christina Esselink, who made the trek down from Toowoomba.

Autogra ph hu grandda nters Dennis Hu ughters Traleigh rley and his and Kela hni. “I play golf at City Golf Club and wanted to come and see how the professionals play the game and hopefully I can learn something,” Cheryl said. “We have been watching Laura Davies and Cheyenne Woods and will go over and watch the lead group later.” Christina said shift work prevented her from playing regularly. “I’m a hacker and play social golf,” she said. “When you watch the professionals up close and see how they play shots, it’s a lovely experience.” Well, it was a lovely experience for

Cheryl Nugent and Christina Esselink follow the action. tournament chairman Bob Tuohy, who pulled the right rein when he promoted the event as being about “the young and the new talent” joined by a few experience campaigners. Many fans wanted to watch defending champion Cheyenne Woods, rising Englishwoman Charley Hull, champion Su Oh, Carly Booth and top young amateur Rebecca Kay while others wanted to “watch and learn” from Laura Davies and South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace. While Tuohy was delighted to present the winner’s trophy to Su Oh, he was equally happy for16-year-old Rebecca Kay, the leading amateur. “She’s a great player who has a big future,” he said. •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

on tour

A typical day’s practice with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

s I write this I am busy preparing for what will be an extremely busy sixweek period. I start in Melbourne where I have two events, the Victorian Open and Victorian PGA Championship. Over the past few years I have played well in the Open, finishing 6th in 2014 and having won the Victorian PGA Championship in 2006, I always look forward to heading south. From Victoria I head up to beautiful Toowoomba for the Coca Cola QLD PGA Championship at City Golf Club. It’s a great little track. Tight, but always in perfect condition. On Monday following the QLD PGA Championship I head to the US for the World Golf Championship event, The Cadillac Championship which is played at the “Blue Monster” course, Doral. Obviously this is going to be a highlight of my career but I’m going there with the mindset of not just enjoying the event and experience, but finishing as high up the leaderboard as I can. It’s obviously a massive jump in events, from a $120,000 tournament to a $9.5 million US dollar event but in the end, it’s still golf. I then fly out on the Sunday night straight after the final round of the Cadillac Championship to get back for the New Zealand Open, played at Milbrook Resort and the Hills Golf Club in Queenstown. Queenstown is such a beautiful place and I have played well there in the past, finishing 4th in 2008. I just hope that it’s not blowing 60km per hour when we fly in like last year! I land on Wednesday afternoon before the Thursday start so I’m hoping I can recover from the long-haul from the US to feel ok for the first round. So what have I been doing to prepare for all this golf?

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

I thought I would share with you a day’s practice for me. My day starts around 5:45am, as I like to be out at the course by 6:30am. I find you get much more done early in the morning and really get a jump on the day. I spend two hours down at Southport Golf Club’s short game area where I pitch, chip and work on my bunker shots. Now, this time is not spent just working on my technique. As I have been working on some small technical changes, around half of this time is technical work and the other half is working on trust and commitment. You can have the best technique in the world but if you don’t trust it, it won’t work. That’s fairly obvious if you are watching Tiger Woods’ game at the moment. His ability hasn’t changed but his trust, I believe, certainly has. After 8:30am I head up to the putting green, where I spend around 1.5 hours. My practice starts off with 100 putts under a string line from between 4 to 15 feet. This normally takes about an hour and then I throw balls around from 4 to 40 feet and just putt, trusting what I have just practiced. At about 10:30am I head down to the locker room where I find a nice piece of carpet and lay down for 15 minutes to work on my mental game. I picture great shots I have hit and also do some NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) on myself. I do this so when I play under pressure, I can draw back on the great shots I’ve hit when I have had to do so. Out of the full day that I practice, these 15 minutes may be the most important. So why only do 15 minutes? To properly work on your mental game, you must be mentally and emotionally fully involved, which is really difficult to do for long periods of time. I then stretch and warm up just as I would for a competition round. I head to the practice fairway around at 11:15am and hit balls until 12:30pm when I go and have some lunch. By this time I am

Steven Jeffress tees off at last month’s Oates Vic Open, where he finished T25. feeling a little tired. Not from the physical side of training but from trying to have 100 percent focus when I’m practicing… not just hitting balls for the sake of it. Around 1:15pm I head back to the putting green for another hour where I mix technique with trust. To finish off my practice I will go out and play a few holes, generally arriving home around 4:30pm. The last part of my day is in the gym. I only spend around 30 minutes at the gym but during this time there’s no talking and relaxing. It’s a full-on 30 minutes, so by the time I arrive home at 5:30pm, I’m spent!

I generally do this five-and-a-half days a week. Sometimes I have to force myself to have a day off because you don’t want to go away to events feeling tired. It’s one of the hardest things to determine in our job. Do you train really hard and risk being tired… or train just a little and stay fresh? I think the answer is different for everyone but I believe nothing beats hard work. So heading to my run of events I am feeling great and believe that there are some good finishes coming my way. I know I have done the hard work now let’s see if it pays off. •

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cover story

King Kel was Aussie golf’s “Mr Modesty” K

EL Nagle can stand proudly in the company ed@insidegolf.com.au of Australia’s most admired and famous sports history-makers, Donald Bradman, Bart Cummings, Walter Lindrum and Heather McKay, because golf in this country never again will see a player win so many 72-hole tournaments.

Bill Colhoun

Just as Bradman, in cricket, Lindrum, billiards and snooker, Cummings, horse racing, and McKay, squash, set records never to be matched, so did Nagle, who died on January 29, aged 94. No golfer has come close to winning as many Australasian PGA Tour tournaments as Nagle. He won 61 and the closest, according to records, is his best mate Peter Thomson with 33 and Greg Norman on 31. And along the way Nagle probably set a world record that will take some catching, winning at least one 72-hole tournament every year from 1949 to 1975 – that’s 26 years straight. Trophies galore: Kel with some of his many trophies, including the Open Centenary Jug, and the Canada Cup.

But it took him until age 39 before he became one of golf’s most famous players when he upstaged America’s super-hero Arnold Palmer, the hot favourite, who was playing in his first British Open in the 1960 Centenary at St Andrews. Palmer already that year had won the US Masters and US Open and when he began one of his trademark charges to shoot a four-under 68 in the final round many thought that the unheralded Nagle would be run over. However Nagle didn’t lose his cool – or much of his 54 hole four-shot lead – as the American burned up the Old Course. Nagle showed his icy nerves when he deliberately took his

time lining up a 3.5m putt for par on the difficult 17th “Road Hole” and so was able to watch Palmer hole a birdie putt on the last green. Nagle then knew he would be tied with Palmer if he made a bogey. Before the Bullseye: Kel in the early days with a hickory putter and a wide open stance before he found and adopted for life his famously successful Acushnet Bullseye centreshaft model on a trip to the US in 1954.

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

He was able to stride onto the last tee with a one-shot buffer, needing just a par to win the Open.

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Nagle stepped up and with a sharp rap with his deadly Acushnet Bulls Eye putter, made what he later described as the “best putt of his career”.

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cover story

Man of the people: Spectators young and old admired Kel and he often readily engaged with them on the fairways. At the short par-four last, after a solid drive, he hit what he said was the “best nine-iron of his career” hitting his second shot to a metre. Amazingly Nagle left his birdie putt short before tapping in with what seemed undue authority. Queried years later by his good mate PGA of Australia Historian Tom Moore as to what he was thinking when his tap-in hit the back of the cup Nagle said: “I can’t remember hitting it, my mind was blank”. It was fitting that Nagle borrowed a jacket (he hadn’t thought he would need one) for the trophy presentation from his best mate Peter Thomson (with whom he had shared wins in the 1954 and 1959 Canada Cups). Thomson weeks earlier had told Nagle that, with a few course management tips from him, the Sydney veteran was a winning chance. And Thomson apparently backed his judgment with the bookies at 35 to 1 and probably did almost as well as his good mate who won just 1250 pounds for taking the Open and the famed Claret Jug. The Centenary Open win proved to be only the mid-point of the quietlyspoken humble Nagle’s amazing career, but it gave it a turbo charge.

Just about everyone who has met or known Nagle would vouch for Player’s assessment. Born in North Sydney in 1920, Nagle’s family moved north to a farm at Dorrigo where he and brother Merv learned to hit a golf ball using rudimentary sapling clubs. On his return to Sydney Nagle’s golf ability must have been evident as he was taken on as a PGA apprentice by the revered Pymble Golf Club pro Tom Popplewell. Nagle was paid a pound ($2) a week and was allowed one day off a fortnight. But he made full use of the generous encouragement and practice facilities the club members offered to rapidly improve his game. However World War II interrupted and Nagle, who served in the Army, had to wait until 1946 before he was admitted as a full Member of the PGA of Australia. He soon made his presence felt with his big hitting which gained him the nickname “The Pymble Crusher” and he won numerous small events. It wasn’t until 1949 that he won his first major title and fittingly it was the PGA Championship of Australia. After a

trip to the US in 1951 he toned down his big hitting for more accuracy and improved his putting with a USacquired Bulls Eye centre-shaft putter. Nagle went on to win the PGA Championship five more times and it was his record-breaking sixth win in 1968 at the Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne that many say was the finest Australian victory of his career and one of the best performances seen in this country against probably the best field ever assembled. Truly “all the cracks had gathered to the fray” from around the world: Jack Nicklaus—at the height of his powers, having already won seven world majors after five years as a pro – Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Australia’s best in Peter Thomson, Bruce Devlin and Billy Dunk were in the field. Not only did Nagle humble Nicklaus, the world’s greatest golfer, by six shots but he set two PGA records in achieving the feat. At age 47 Nagle was giving Nicklaus 19 years, but around the par-74 Metropolitan course he knew so well Nagle gave the Golden Bear little chance.

Having played in only two Open championships without challenging in 1951 and 1955, Nagle, after his 1960 win really got a taste for the world major titles. He finished in the top 10 in seven of the next nine British Opens. He also scored his second US Tour win in the 1964 Canadian Open and then was beaten in a playoff by Gary Player for the 1965 US Open. Player, renowned as a world-class straight shooter on and off the golf course, had this to say about Nagle: “I had the privilege of playing in Australia 31 times and got to know Kel Nagle very well indeed. I can honestly say I never met anybody in my life that didn’t really like Kel Nagle.”

Winning trio: Kel Nagle and Norman Von Nida with the champion racehorse Aladdin’s Lamp, which they part-owned. www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

cover story

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

cover story He putted brilliantly on the fast Melbourne sandbelt greens and beat Palmer by 17 shots and Player by 18. His Aussie mates fared little better with Devlin 11 shots back, Dunk, 14 behind and Thomson, suffering hay fever, trailing his friend by 22 shots.

Perth in 1949.

The modest Nagle, in a classic understatement, said after his victory (which he celebrated with a cup of tea): “I haven’t been great shakes as a golfer but I have been a reasonable player and managed to win a few tournaments.’’

Nagle’s outstanding performances in Australia and around the globe were formally recognised in 2007 when he received golf’s highest honour – induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The PGA was his fourth win that year and he went on to win another 11 tournaments in Australia over the next nine years. And overseas he dominated the Senior ranks after turning 50 in 1970 (when he finished 11th in the British Open) winning four British, US and World Seniors titles.

Namesake a winner: Kel Nagle and Bruce Devlin with his son Kel, named in honour of Nagle.

Nagle’s final win fittingly was back where it all began in Western Australia. He won the 1977 WA PGA Championship at age 57 – 28 years after he won the Australian PGA in

In 1980, Nagle was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the sport of golf and following this, in 1986, was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Nagle’s legacy will continue to live on through the Australian PGA Championship, with the Kel Nagle Plate awarded annually to the best performing rookie. Kel and his cherished late wife Jean had four children, David, Colin, Lyn and Bruce. Colin followed Kel into golf and became a leading PGA club professional and grandson Jake Nagle also is a full PGA Member. Nagle had a distinguished career admired by many and will be forever remembered as a champion of Australian golf. •

Kel Nagle – golf’s gentleman David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HE passing of golf’s great gentleman, Kel Nagle, has touched the hearts of golfers, administrators and golf fans, not only in Australia, but around the world. In 2013, I wrote an article detailing Kel’s wonderful career, which caught the attention of Canadian golf columnist and former executive director of the Canadian Open Jim Deeks. Deeks, who pens a regular column for Fairways Magazine eNews, contacted me after learning of Kel’s death. He has fond memories of Kel whom he met in Canada in 1982. “I was executive director of the longdefunct Peter Jackson Championship on the Seniors Tour (now Champions Tour) and recruiting players for the Peter Jackson Championship in Winnipeg (Canada) was tough,” Deeks explained. “So it was with more than usual excitement that we received notification from two players who intended to be there – the fivetime British Open champion Peter Thomson and 1960 British Open and 1964 Canadian Open champion Kel Nagle.” Deeks expected the pair to arrive on the Monday before the tournament, but they arrived a week earlier. This put us all in a bit of a tizzy,” Deeks said. “It’s like guests arriving for a dinner party at 3:30 in the afternoon.

“I remember I was choked up when I said goodbye to Kel, but I do remember that for a couple of years he sent me Christmas cards. “My memory of Kel Nagle is right here, in the front of my brain, and I’m truly sorry that he died.

“I agree with Peter Thomson no one was finer than Kel and I remember him with great fondness.” That’s the impact Kel had on everyone with whom he came into contact. He was a great player and an even better human being. Unassuming and modest, Kel easily masked his significant golfing deeds (more than 75 professional wins worldwide), but it hasn’t stopped other golfing greats speak of his brilliance as a golfer and a person. “I have never met anyone in my life that didn’t like Kel Nagle,” said South Africa’s ninetime major winner Gary Player. “I enjoyed the many matches that Kel and I played together and have fond memories of the times we have spent both on and off the golf course. “Australia can be proud of one of its greatest competitors and best ambassadors ever in Kel Nagle.” Australian Bruce Devlin, too, admired Kel and even named his son after him. Charlie Earp, Greg Norman’s former coach, said Kel had a classic, simple swing – “back and through (the ball), back and through, back and through”. But it was his accuracy and his putting prowess that impressed his peers.

“Nonetheless, it gave me an extra week to get to know these two fine gentlemen.

“Kel hit the ball extremely straight and was a wonderful putter,” Player said.

“If I could’ve adopted Kel Nagle for the grandfather I’d never known, I would have.

Arnold Palmer, too, was impressed with Nagle’s putting prowess.

“He was as charming, nice, undemanding, interesting, funny, down-to-earth and kind as any person I’ve ever met.

“Kel Nagle was one of the great putters of all time,” Palmer said.

“The three of us enjoyed many lunches and dinners and a few practice holes together.

“He was not long off the tee, but he made up for it by being a very accurate player. He hit it straight and was very precise with his game.

Unprecedented prize: Kel Nagle proudly shows off the unique replica of the famed Open Claret Jug trophy, engraved with his name across it, which was a one-off special presentation by the R&A Golf Club for his Centenary Open win. “Kel played wonderful golf in the years I knew him – always very competitive and a great guy.” Coincidentally, Kel defeated Palmer by a shot to claim the 1960 Centenary Open and by two shots to win the Canadian Open in 1964. Norman von Nida, in his book, The Von, recalls seeing Nagle, before he sacrificed distance for accuracy, drive the opening hole (around 350 yards) at Royal Canberra. “His putting was rock solid throughout his best playing years,” von Nida said. “Sam Snead once told me Nagle had the best putting action he had seen.” Rest well Kelvin David George Nagle and thank you for your immeasurable contribution to our great game, the memories and the years you spent with us. •

WIN HISTORY: MAJORS

1960 The Open Championship

PGA TOUR

1964 Canadian Open

PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA

1949 Australian PGA Championship 1950 WA Open 1951 North Coast Open, New South Wales Open, WA Open, ACT Open 1952 North Coast Open, WA Open, NSW PGA Championship 1953 NSW PGA Championship, Adelaide Advertiser, McWilliams Wines 1954 Australian PGA Championship, North Coast Open, Lakes Open, ACT Open 1955 North Coast Open, NSW PGA Championship 1956 NSW PGA Championship 1957 New South Wales Open, New Zealand Open, New Zealand PGA Championship, Lakes Open 1958 New Zealand Open, New Zealand PGA Championship, Australian PGA Championship, Lakes Open, Adelaide Advertiser 1959 Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship, Queensland Open, NSW PGA Championship, Ampol Tournament (T1) 1960 New Zealand PGA Championship 1962 New Zealand Open, Victorian PGA Championship, Adelaide Advertiser 1964 New Zealand Open, Queensland Open 1965 Australian PGA Championship, NSW PGA Championship 1966 Wills Masters, West End Tournament (T1) 1967 Victorian Open, New Zealand Open, West End Tournament 1968 New South Wales Open, New Zealand Open, Australian PGA Championship, West End Tournament 1969 New Zealand Open, Victorian Open 1970 New Zealand PGA Championship 1971 NSW PGA Championship 1972 West End Tournament 1973 New Zealand PGA Championship 1974 New Zealand PGA Championship, West End Tournament 1975 New Zealand PGA Championship, South Coast Open 1977 Western Australia PGA Championship

OTHER WINS

1954 Canada Cup (with Peter Thomson) 1959 Canada Cup (with Peter Thomson) 1961 French Open, Hong Kong Open, Swiss Open, Irish Hospitals Tournament, Dunlop Tournament 1962 Bowmaker Tournament 1963 Esso Golden Tournament 1965 Bowmaker Tournament 1967 Esso Golden Tournament 1971 Pringle of Scotland 1973 Pringle of Scotland

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

cover story

Kel, my mate By Peter Thomson

t is only a very rare person who lives to the age of 94 years, and after his death, have people remark “no one ever said a bad word about him”. Such a person was Kelvin David George Nagle AM. Kel, my mate. The best and the truest friend one could ever have. My mate and I go back a long way. Our real friendship began when we were chosen to play for Australia in the Canada Cup in Montreal in 1954. We emerged victorious from that event, and came together as a team again when the Canada Cup was held at Royal Melbourne in 1959. On that occasion we won by 10 strokes and our friendship was cemented. Kel had started his life as a professional golfer later than most, due to the time he had spent on active service for Australia during the second World War. Despite the late beginning, the best was yet to come, and he holds a glorious record of achievement in golf. When we were competing in the United States in early 1960, I recognized he was playing with a poor set of clubs, so we went to Dallas to find a suitable driver for him. We then found a set of irons which we borrowed from Spalding. These clubs, allied with his favourite putter, gave him the ammunition he needed. The following week he finished second in the tour event. Such was his character, he worried about disloyalty to the Australian manufacturer left

behind, but I finally persuaded him that with this new equipment, he had a real chance at St Andrews in the centenary British Open that year. We practised together on the Old Course, and he followed the routine I suggested to him from my own win five years previously. In the end, his victory hung on a three-metre putt on the 17th green, and the rest is history. When I greeted him on the 18th, it was the happiest moment of my golfing life. Kel was the noblest and most faithful of men. His love for his wife Jean, and his family of three sons and one daughter, was there for all to behold. The high principles and discipline he grew up with, together with great warmth and a sense of humour, stayed with him throughout his life. All these qualities earned him friendships that truly lasted, and are evidenced by the long trail of visitors that came to his home and, later, to the Terrey Hills nursing home. That alone speaks volumes of the high esteem in which Kel was held. Jean’s premature and sudden death in 1980 came as a tremendous blow to Kel. He was truly devastated and went through a very low period. Soon afterwards, my wife Mary and I were due to go to America, and we had to work very hard to persuade him to join us, and to play with me in the Legends at Austin, Texas, which was then a fledgling senior tournament. He did come in the end, and we spent time playing together, and trying to heal the huge wound of Jean’s absence. I don’t think we ever achieved that, but we spent the

Kel Nagle tees off, while playing partner Peter Thomson looks on, at the 1959 Canada Cup. (Photo: National Archives of Australia) next few years constantly in Kel’s company on the senior tour, and when our daughter Pan came over for some months in 1985, Kel joined in the fun of squiring her to the parties we were obliged to attend as part of the tour. A funny thing happened years later, when Kel came to Melbourne for Pan’s marriage. The night before the wedding, a group of us went to a restaurant to celebrate, and Kel, being a lifelong teetotaller, became the designated driver. He managed to hit one of the famous Melbourne trams! No harm done. But he certainly got a bit of ribbing for that. Over the ensuing years there have been many happy times. Designated trips to Sydney just to see him, and prawn lunches with close friends. Then sadly, just before he died, a special trip to say our farewells.

Kel’s friendship has been one of the most cherished things in my life and indeed in the life of our family, so we can imagine the sense of loss that Kel’s large family are feeling since his death. He loved them all very much, and was so proud of them, and I know they in turn counted him as the centre of their lives. Kel’s record is there to be seen, but his overwhelming goodness, and the way he went about his achievements, needs to be spoken of. He was a proud member of the Australian PGA and the association had a great respect for him. I will leave you with a quote from Shakespeare. It is Mark Antony, speaking of Caesar at his funeral. I feel it sums up Kel perfectly. “His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world: This was a man!” •

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> Designing ‘cool stuff that works’ We chat with Tom Olsavsky, Vice President of Research and Development for Cobra Puma Golf. Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

What excites you most about Cobra’s current gear? There’s a bunch of things really. The Fly-Z+ is our flagship driver, and we have something called a Flip-Zone weight where we can move the weight from front to back. The big debate in the industry is....TaylorMade says put the weight in the front, PING says put the weight in the back. We’re actually going to give you the choice. And the great thing about our system is, we saved a lot of weight in other places, like the head, so we can really make this weight system effective, and it’s very low. So if you look at most other movable weight systems, there’s a track which runs all the way across, all around the back. All those systems raise the CG (centre of gravity). Our system doesn’t because it’s low and in the middle. We’re going to have one of the lowest CGs of any adjustable weight driver in the market today. So that’s very exciting. We do some things with carbon fibre on the crown and on the soles, it saves weight. The speed channel gives us more speed on misses and saves weight. Internally, we’ve changed some structures where I think we Introducing AGM with C-Max have the mostReliant efficient hosel structure in the game, so all that weight we save up front and

off the crown can go into the rear weight and make a better performing driver. In the end, that’s what people see. If they see better performance, they’re likely to buy it. And the flexibility of the system is something that no one else is providing right now. When we look at the Fly-Z, we’ve taken a lot of things we’ve learned, we have the speed channel, we save weight on the crown. But in this design it moves all the way to the back. It’s a very forgiving driver. It doesn’t have the flexibility of moving the weight but gives us extremely high inertia. This is about 5000 MOI, so that’s one of the most forgiving drivers on the market today. But the weight is still relatively low, so we get great distance and great forgiveness, and really great performance in the middle of the market. So we’ve got two real killers here. Then the last one we do in the drivers is the XL, which is an offset design with no sleeve, really built well for seniors and women. It’s very forgiving, with a strong draw bias. So that’s just the drivers. But I’m excited about the whole line because we’ve got really good results so far. Tell us about the design process. How long does it take from initial idea to completed product? Typically, the way it works in our industry

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some of your engineers in the research group working on ‘how do we make that thing work’, or ‘how do we save the weight here’ or ‘how do we change this face structure’. You have people working on different components and you’ve got to pull them all together. The concept of when you get to ‘what’s the name’, or ‘what’s the design’, is usually a 12 to 15 month-out process. I started at Cobra about 15 months ago, so it was right on the ground steps of this project. So we had to work through a number of issues, a number of challenges. And then you’ve got to go into production and figure TRJN_AlcoBattery2012_P2.pdf

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out the production issues. You can usually make one part really good...but now you have to make thousands and thousands of parts. So there’s a production process there, and we work with our vendors and agents to really fine-tune that, make sure the product sounds good, feels good, lasts, and looks good. All those things are relevant to the final product. We call it the ‘Tsunami process’, because usually it hits the concept stage first, then the design stage, then the engineering phase, and then the production phase. Each of those is a big loading on those particular phases, so we have to manage that. TRJN_AlcoBattery2012_P3.pdf

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technology Talk us through the challenges of designing a ‘family’ of clubs, with different characteristics When you’re designing all one name and kind of a family look, you have to make sure you have what we call ‘the same, but different’. They may have some similarities so that it looks like a family but I need to make them different so you can tell which is which. So that’s the ‘same but different challenge’ that we throw at our designers all the time. And we have to start it pretty much about the same time. What you try to do, though, is try to balance the work load. What were some of the biggest challenges in this product cycle? All kinds of challenges. You know, one of them is when you put carbon fibre into a head with titanium, you have to make sure that structure is built right so that everything bonds together properly, and is consistent, and your process is good. Because you’re basically making these things by hand one at a time in Asia. So, if you don’t have process consistency, you can’t make one to the next very consistently. That’s more challenging than a design where it would be, say, all cast titanium. Sound is always a challenge on any driver. Usually, the more structure you have in metal, the louder it sounds. The great thing about a composite structure is that you can quiet those vibrations. So, if you look at some drivers that may have had moving weight systems that don’t have composites, they sound loud and sometimes can be objectionable to certain golfers. That’s always a challenge - making sure the sound is right. We make ‘bells’ when you think about it, because there’s a sound, a vibration and a frequency, and all those things have to be designed. The good thing nowadays in the industry is we do a lot of that on the computer. We have packages that analyse the structure, and we can analyse the sound

output before we make a part. Then the go after that is to get the part you’re making be like the one you’re designing, so there’s always a little bit of ‘back and forth’ there. How has design changed since you first started in the industry? It’s hugely different. In the old days, you would give the designer—the ‘model maker’—the specs, and say ‘I want X to be 0.75 inches, the head to be 3.2 inches, X to be 4.7 inches’. You’d draw that on a piece of paper and say, here’s what I want. Then you’d work with that tool maker and say ‘I want a shape like this’, and they would have some idea. Sometimes you would use clay or bondo to shape it up. Then they would have a tracing machine, so they would trace it and cut it onto the master part. Then you’d get the master and then you’d have to make the internal core, because all of these structures are hollow, so your core is the jigsaw pieces that you take out. You make it as light as possible, and then you test it to see where you put the weight, and then you finalise the core. That process took months, because we would get the parts, and then we’d weight them up and see what happens. Nowadays, all you have to do is tell the engineer ‘I want to hit this CG target’, and he would say ‘make this weight here and here’. Boom, he’d give me the CG target, the weight, the lie, all those things. It’s just way faster, and that’s why the industry can move faster than it did. In the old days, when I started, it was a three-plus year gestation period from new product to the next product. Now you see some companies go six months. That’s not always good for the business, but in reality you can do things a lot faster. It still means there are challenges because now that you can go faster, you can uncover more things. And uncover more opportunities. This speed channel feature took us a lot of man hours to analyse and design to make sure it looks right.

But once we get it done on the computer, it works pretty well. In addition to performance, Cobra is known for the snazzy, exciting look of their gear. Where does the “look” fit in the creation process? The group that works under me are researchers, engineers, technicians and the design team. The design team is industrial and graphic designers. So the industrial designers are working on how they want this to look, and what the cosmetics should be. The mechanical guys are working on the structure. The manufacturing guys are working on how we can make something right. So, they’re all kind of working in parallel, and hopefully you’re going to bring it all together at the end, and you end up with a great package. There’s always some trade-offs. The designer may say ‘I want this edge to be sharper’, and the manufacturing guy says ‘it’s really hard to do’, so there’s always these trade-offs. The designer has a certain look that they want to see. Our internal motto is “cool stuff that works.” So we know we want it to work and we know it’s got to be cool but we have a lot of latitude from our leadership as to what “cool” is, and we study a lot of trends in the industry, whether it’s automotive, or bicycles, or football helmets, or whatever to help give us some clues as to how to make it cooler than it was. With paint, decals, shapes, and things like that. We have a lot of fun with that, and it’s definitely at the top of our list, because we

know that a product that you like the look of—both from shape and the coolness aspect—is more likely to be the one you buy. Looking ahead, what sort of advances do you think we’ll see in golf clubs in the next few years? Sometimes we don’t know this far out what three years will hold for us. Three years ago, we had thought about moving weight systems, but we hadn’t figured out the mechanisms or ways that were cost-effective and performed and sounded good...all those things. It’s a constant challenge. We’re always looking ahead. The way I talk about design is...I don’t care who it is, engineers, designers, writers, journalists... you’re trying to always get better. That’s the age-old thing in golf. If we can make better weight properties, and thinner structures, then the club performs better. We’re continually working on those things. So, I would expect in three years, five years, you’re going to see structures that are thinner, weight systems that are better, shafts that are better, everything about it is going to be better. •

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clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Tee it up at the ‘new’ Kew Kew Golf Club, one of Melbourne’s premier Yarra River courses.

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

ne of Melbourne’s premier member courses, The Kew Golf Club is nearing completion of a three-year, multi-million-dollar redevelopment which has seen the layout and condition of the golf course vastly improved. Working with course designer Graham Grant, the club’s ambitious redevelopment included the re-design/building of eight new holes (1, 3, 8, 12, 14,15,16,17) and the switch to Santa Ana Couch grass for the fairways/ surrounds and Bentgrass to the greens. In addition, the plan has also seen the removal of numerous trees throughout the course, and other beautification projects to refresh the 121-year-old club. Comprehensive drainage works have also been included in the design, a by-product of which is to add interesting undulations to the fairways, but more importantly will greatly improve the playing conditions during the winter months. Inside Golf had the pleasure of playing the newly-finished layout last month, and we were extremely impressed with the overall feel and challenge of the “new” course. Too often these days, course developments and redevelopments entail stretching the layout’s yardage to unreasonable lengths, or making the course ridiculously tough via multiple hazards or trees, etc. This was definitely not the case with the new Kew. Instead of prodigious length off the tee, golfers playing Kew GC will need to employ keen course management and the ability to hit the ball relatively straight. 34

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The lovely (and challenging) Par-3 4th hole requires a solid tee shot. This was no more apparent to us than at the first hole, a short-ish 274m par-4 with a slight dogleg right. My well-struck driver immediately found a ball-grabbing bunker on the left-middle side of the fairway. This left me with an extremely daunting long approach to the very well-protected green, which featured more bunkers, swales and trouble right and back. Like a sharp smack in the face, this “easy” hole quickly had me scrambling to avoid a big number. Indeed, we learned early on that you need to think your way around the course— in many cases you need to plan each hole “backwards from the green”, and choose your tee-off club accordingly to ensure you leave yourself with a comfortable distance for your approach shot. This is a welcome and refreshing change from the modern-day “Grip it and Rip it” philosophy.

The large double-green of the 8th hole (with the 1st green in the distance).

It also lends well to the philosophy of the re-design, which, in the words of Grant were to “set up each hole so that all golfers—the average golfers, the better golfers, the ladies, etc—have a certain challenge when they play the hole.” The other thing we noticed early in our round is the sheer serenity of the entire course. Tall gums, bustling wildlife (there are over a hundred species of native birds), the ever-present Yarra River and numerous billabongs throughout give the course a “country” feel, and you will instantly forget that you are so close to the Melbourne CBD. In fact, the entire course is eerily reminiscent of those along the Murray River. The standout hole in our eyes was the 125m par-3 4th. Straight out of a painting, this hole is stunningly gorgeous, and features a tranquil

billabong just beyond the tee, extending to a larger hazard along the right. The tranquillity is short-lived, however, as you realise that you now need to hit a golf shot. And a very precise tee shot, at that, in order to avoid the imposing bunkers guarding the green, or the collection of trees framing the hole. The 355m par-4 8th is one of the many holes requiring decision-making, especially on approach. Featuring a large double-green (shared with Hole 1), it is critical that you nail your approach. As the green slopes up and away from you, you can be tempted to go “long” and use the back of the green as a backstop. Hit it too long, however, and you will be faced with a near-impossible downhill breaking putt. The course presents many risk-reward options, especially at the par-5s. Though they

clubs aren’t long by modern standards, they all require solid, straight tee shots, lest you find yourself among the numerous trees lining the fairways. If that happens, you often need to “take your medicine” from your wooded location, punching out perpendicularly to the line of the hole—effectively losing a shot to par. Another risk-reward hole is the new par4 15th, a dogleg-right guarded by a thick grassy bunker complex in the middle of the bend. While a well-struck 230m drive off the tee can carry the bunkers and leave you a short chip shot to the green, a pulled or lessthan-optimal drive can leave you buried in one of the bunkers, and thus a very difficult approach—especially when you consider that the green is very slick, sloping with a bit of a false front. An iron off the tee is the safe choice for most (with a nice, wide fairway “bail-out” area available), leaving you (hopefully) with a controllable mid-iron approach of around 140m. The closing holes at Kew GC are lovely, especially the 411m par-4 17th. Rated Index Number 1 for the course, it is absolutely critical that you hit the ball straight to avoid the trees. The sloped and slick green also requires respect, lest you find yourself facing a knee-knocker third putt. All up, the renovations and redesign of the course have, in our eyes, been a rousing success. Each new hole has a unique character, and fits right in as if they had all been there from the start. Whilst the renovated fairways and greens are still relatively young (providing another set of challenges in the short term—especially with different green speeds and amount of break needed), they are very impressive and provide an enjoyable round of golf. Moving forward, the club is now embarking on the next step in its transformation, which

Like many holes at Kew GC, the 17th demands accuracy off the tee. entails renovating their clubhouse. Stage 1 commences this year, and will include renovating the Northern Lounges, Northern Terrace and men’s locker room. These are scheduled to be completed in July, and will pave the way for the club to become one of Melbourne’s most appealing facilities for not only golfers and members, but also the highly-lucrative corporate/event and private function market, especially weddings, birthdays, corporate seminars and the like. As the club is a mere 15 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, it is arguably in one of the area’s most ideal and convenient locations for a Corporate Golf Day or private event. Corporate days at Kew Golf Club are a full-service affair, with a complete array of

offerings available. This includes a driving range, group welcome and day’s summary by the club professional, on-course photography, full equipment hire, novelty events (nearest the pins, longest drives and more), refreshment cart, collection of scorecards and processing of results and trophies and prizes from the fully-stocked golf shop. The club’s golf professional and staff can also assist with pre-game coaching clinics, ‘Beat the Pro’, playing one to two holes with each of the groups, novelty games like putting competitions and more. And Kew Golf Club’s management and staff are dedicated to providing creative and professional assistance. They can help with planning of your golf day, arranging top-quality food, fine wine and other premium services.

Overall, we really loved the “new” Kew Golf Club. The picturesque course is suitable and challenging for all levels of player, and is the type of members’ course that you can happily play over and over. We have no hesitation in calling this top class facility one of the most playable members’ courses in Melbourne.

Fact File 120 Belford Road Kew East Victoria 3102 Phone: 03 9859 6848 Pro Shop: 03 9859 2039 Email info@kewgolf.com.au www.kewgolfclub.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

clubs

A PGA ‘full house’ at Bermagui

ermagui Country Club on New South Wales’ south coast may have moved to increase its membership fees to get its financials back on track, but with four PGA professionals at the club, it’s in rarefied air as a regional Australian golf club.

The Qantas Golf Club is proving to be a great success for golfers around Australia. Members can now enjoy playing golf around Australia while earning Qantas Points, along with the opportunity to compete in some amazing events at spectacular golf courses.

Professionals Dave Bennett, Lindsay Sharp, Bob Paine and Chris Hearn aren’t household names but have all made the pilgrimage to Bermagui – a small town about half an hour’s drive south from coastal haven Narooma. “Bennett was Bermagui’s first club professional in the early 1980s, but due to insufficient membership at that time, he moved on, was the club professional at Mittagong for 17 years before returning to the area several years ago,” said Bermagui Country Club director Derek Quinto. Sharp has been a member of the PGA of Australia for almost half a century. He bought a holiday house in Bermagui nearly ten years ago and made a permanent move to the area last year after selling his home in Sydney. ‘Sharpie’ as his mates know him, now operates a low-key golf tour business taking golfers to countries including the USA, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland. “(Sharp) is best known for his golf shop known as Sharpies Golf House, which he operated in the 90s,” Quinto said. “Next to Sydney Central Railway Station, the shop was well known for its now heritage listed Holein-one neon sign.” There’s some symmetry between Sharpie and Paine, who has also been a PGA member for close to 50 years. Paine’s spent much of his career as a golf pro on the NSW central coast, teaching at

Qantas Golf Club Championship Series off to a flying start

Bermagui’s Chris Hearn, Lindsay Sharp, Dave Bennett, Frank Conallin (of Deniliquin, Victoria) and Robert Paine. Wyong and Mangrove Mountain, and while visiting Bermagui in recent years, bumped into Sharp, who he’s known for almost 50 years. “Like ‘Sharpie’, Bob fell in love with the place and particularly the golf course and, last year, moved permanently to live in Bermagui,” Quinto revealed. Bennett, Sharp and Paine all play regularly in club comps along with Hearn, who has been Bermagui’s pro since 1999 and spent his days as a touring pro from 1975 to 1994. “Chris’ forte is his teaching skills,” Quinto admits. “A number of our juniors who were taught by Chris have gone on to become professionals. He is also often sought out by visiting professionals looking for a fix to their swing problems.” Bermagui also has a decorated history as a tournament venue. Four-time women’s major winner Laura Davies won the 2001 ALPG Players Championship at Bermagui and the club has also been a favourite venue for amateur

golf events. In 2011, it hosted the NSW men’s Senior Amateur Championship, which it will again stage next year and last year it held the NSW Women’s Amateur Championship. “According to Golf Australia 50% of golf clubs are in financial distress and Bermagui is no exception. Late last year the club came close to closing its doors due mostly to ever declining gaming revenue. No longer do the poker machines subsidise the golf course maintenance expenditure. The club has announced steep increases to its membership subscriptions from 1 April. So far this seems to have been accepted well by current members. The new fees bring them more in line with like clubs on the NSW Far South Coast.” “Another saviour for the club is a joint venture with Paynter Dixon Golf, which was formed some ten years ago to develop excess land into a residential estate. Up to now, bureaucratic delays compounded by the GFC have meant that not one block has been sold but that is about to turn around with Stage 1 blocks about to go on the market.” •

New Annual Tournament

The first round of the Qantas Golf Club Championship series was played at the Grange Golf Club in Adelaide. Grange Members Minh Le and Dung Tran took out first place with fellow members Mark Nguyen and Sudeera Botejue finishing second. The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney was the host of the second round of the Championship Series. Winners Susan Rogers and John Bennett booked their place in the series final in NZ, as did the runners-up team Dave and Jan Emblem. The Championship Series is one of the many benefits of Qantas Golf Club membership. Members also enjoy the opportunity to book and play on many world-class golf courses across Australia as well as taking part in tournaments in New Zealand, Fiji, and Tasmania with many more coming soon. More: qantasgolfclub.com

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RACV Royal Pines Resort abuzz about ACGC Lauren McGregor, Champion Events ed@insidegolf.com.au

ACV Royal Pines Resort, the home of championship golf in Queensland, is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Auto Club Golf Championship Final in May. After months of regional qualifying events, 85 pairs will descend upon Royal Pines’ gorgeous greens to battle it out. The finalists are the best of Australia, as they already beat out their home clubs to win the all-expenses-paid trip. The result should be a fierce competition between the states and the auto clubs they represent. Many of the finalists have taken advantage of their success by bringing along family and friends to cheer them on and enjoy the elegant surroundings of the RACV Royal Pines Resort. All participants and sponsors will be enjoying the first-class hospitality and championship golf facilities during the ACGC final. We also hear the stage is set for one heck of a party at the gala presentation dinner which will wrap up the three days of the championship. The competition has seen quite a leap in interest from last year to now. In March of 2014, RACV Royal Pines Resort welcomed 70 winning pairs from each of the regional qualifying events across Australia. The 20142015 series has hosted a record 85 ACGC tournaments across the states to bring a total of 170 competitors to Queensland for the Championship Final in May 2015. Major partner Suzuki has remained involved as the qualifying events welcomed back the popular Suzuki hole-in-one competition.

This gives the competitors a chance to win a brand-new Suzuki S-Cross. Each regional event has had a designated hole for the Suzuki challenge, and so far only three lucky golfers have qualified. They will enjoy the allexpenses-paid trip to Queensland, where the winner of the car will be determined by draw.

drives on one designated hole. The reward at each event for the successful male and female is they then go into the draw in each state for an Electric Kingcaddy Golf buggy valued at $1195.00 each. See the website for full details and to view the Power Drive board.

Adding to the regional events throughout the series Simply Energy came on board this series to sponsor a Power Drive hole. The Simply Energy Power Drive offers competitors a chance to show off their long

Feeling green with envy? With at least 10 qualifying events remaining all over Australia, you can still get your chance to compete. Check out acgc.com.au for details.

schedule for the 2015/16 series so make sure your local Club doesn’t miss out on hosting an ACGC event. To find out more, go to www.acgc.com.au or call Hayley Hunt in the Tournament Office, Champion Events on Tel: 08 8239 1122. •

Upcoming ACGC events in March

Don’t forget we are already filling up the

Morwell

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Fueled by patented Turbulator Technology™ and a new face material, G30® adjustable drivers are PING’s longest, most forgiving drivers ever. In wind-tunnel testing, crown turbulators are proven to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase clubhead speed. With three options engineered to match your game, a G30 driver is the fastest way to longer, more accurate drives. Get fit today or visit ping.com. You’ll be better for it.

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Windsor’s WOW offer unlimited golf deal (which includes $170 in drinks vouchers) to just $57 a year (full handicap and unlimited golf ) for cadets aged 8-12 years – all without joining fees.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

ENSATIONAL-VALUE offers from clubs across Australia abound in Inside Golf each month, but one providing a seven-day membership with unlimited play costing just $1.50 a day for the next seven months, on a top-class par 71 layout, will take some beating.

In between there are special full memberships for those aged over 65 ($940, includes drink vouchers $140) pensioners ($750, drinks $80) Associates (women, $740, drinks $80) Limited-comp fee golfers ($660, drinks $170) Post junior (aged 18-25) ($440, drinks $80) and Juniors (13-17 $100).

This super-value deal is the eye-catching bid to turbo-boost a new membership drive by Windsor Country Golf Club – a highly regarded 5888m championship course situated 20 minutes from Sydney’s geographic centre and an hour west of the city’s Central Business District.

The Windsor club and course is located in the beautiful Hawkesbury River Valley, overlooking the historic Governor Macquarie town of Windsor and boasts panoramic views of the internationally famous Blue Mountains.

Windsor is offering seven-day Golf Australia handicap memberships (with no joining fee) for $299 valid until September 30. Mathematically rounded out, that means as a new member you will have access to more than 200 days of unlimited social golf for $299, which equates to $1.50 a day.

Cola Amatil, McLean is delighted with his first six months as a golf club general manager.

Members joining under the $299 scheme are welcome to play in Windsor club events for a competition fee of $25 each time. However if they plan to play in competitions frequently they can pay an upgrade fee of $449 which equates to a $13 competition fee.

“Having gained access to about 100 megalitres of water from the Hawkesbury River each year, we now have about 90 per cent of the course’s fairways and greens automatically irrigated and there are five holes where water is a playing feature.”

Windsor’s new General Manager Rob McLean and the club’s Board of Directors are banking on anyone taking up the enticing introductory membership offer will be attracted to continue to enjoy their quality golf course and renew their membership.

McLean, a single-figure handicap player who played most of his golf in the golf-rich Hills District, believes the key to Windsor’s new membership drive is to attract keen golfers to experience the top-quality, beautifully-groomed Windsor layout.

A former New Business Manager with Coca-

Enjoy 9 holes on arrival and 18 holes the following day. Stay onsite at Fairways Resort and dine at the View Restaurant. We can cater for social groups, enquire today.

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“Although we received a healthy boost with about 60 new members joining in October to December -- lifting our playing membership to almost 800-- we are keen to build on that,” McLean said.

“We are just 20 minutes from the Hills

District and offer a course comparable with any available in the region, but offering much better value. I have played Windsor many times over the years but now, with plenty of water available and after some great Spring weather, it has never looked so good.” The young team of McLean and his club pro Wayne Kesby, who has recently installed one of Sydney’s most modern computerised golf simulator training studios, are determined to make Windsor a centre of golf excellence. And McLean and his Board of Directors are backing up their on-course attractions with many top-value membership options, especially catering for women and older golfers. About 100 men’s veterans and lady golfers play each week at Windsor. There are eight different categories of memberships available at Windsor scaling down from the $1150 a year seven-day

Since its establishment in the mid-1960s the member-owned Windsor has been constantly improved to be rated one of the most scenic and challenging layouts in the north-west region of Sydney. It boasts an impressive Golf Australia Slope Rating of 128 off the back tees, which compares strongly with other north-west courses such as Riverside Oaks, (127), Richmond (122), Penrith (123), Lynwood (125) and Muirfield (120). Only Pennant Hills (133) and Castle Hill (130) have higher slope ratings in the area. The signature hole is probably the 444m dogleg par five eighth, appropriately labelled Alternate Sporty, which is played across and around a lake, enticing players to try to take on the risk-reward water carry off the tee. For more information go to www.windsorgolfclub.com.au or call 02 4577 4390. •

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Ron’s a Wauchope golfing legend David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

IS golfing story is 93 years in the making and it’s definitely one worth telling.

Ron Dixon, or “Dicko” to his mates, has broken his age 104 times which is quite remarkable considering the nonagenarian didn’t reach single figures until he was in his mid-70s. He might be in his 94th year but age, and a few health issues, won’t stop him from teeing it up with his veteran golfing mates at Wauchope Country Club on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Ron’s golfing story started in 1946 when he first picked up a set of clubs after being discharged from the 2nd AIF following fiveand-a-half years’ service in the Middle East and the Islands of Borneo. He enjoyed golf, but soon mothballed the clubs to start a family after marrying his sweetheart Marjorie in 1946. “I had to settle down and raise a family,” Ron said. Ron retired from the workforce in 1981 and moved to Wauchope. “It was the best move of my life,” he said. A neighbour suggested he join the golf club so Ron dusted off the clubs and set about getting a handicap. He received a 27 handicap – the maximum at that time. In 1982, the Wauchope Veterans Golf Club formed and in 1987 Ron was elected

president and remained a committeeman for many years. He never had any formal golf lessons, rather opting to read golf instruction books and working on tips provided by his playing partners. Then he decided practice does make perfect and started working on his short game.

Still, that hasn’t deterred Ron from playing golf and amidst the setbacks there is an enviable record that any golfer would aspire to – breaking one’s age. Ron first equalled his age on his 75th birthday and has equalled or bettered it more than 100 times.

It worked wonders and his handicap dropped to single figures in 1997 when he was in his mid-70s.

“Not all of those were at Wauchope,” Ron said. “I have broken my age at South West Rocks, Forster, Kempsey, Port Macquarie and a few others.

“I was able to play three times a week, sometimes four, and I had an acre of land so I used to practice my chipping at home,” he said.

“I will keep trying to break my age and I think I can because in recent years I keep missing out by one or two shots,” Ron said.

Unfortunately, golf became more difficult for Ron when diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in 2005. He had no central vision in his left eye, but the right eye was “not too bad”. To help overcome the vision problem, Ron put white tape on the club heads and switched to a yellow golf ball. Still, that wasn’t his only adversity. In late 2008, Ron entered hospital to have four stents inserted in his heart. “This had great results,” Ron enthused. “I felt like a new man.” That meant he could return to playing serious golf. Well, at least until a further catastrophe when he accidently stepped into an open engine hatch on a ferry, snapping a tendon in his right shoulder and badly rupturing the tendon in the left shoulder. “I have lost 40 per cent of my strength,” Ron said. “And I also have emphysema and osteoarthritis in my fingers.”

Mind you, Ron’s record doesn’t end there. He has had four holes-in-one. On one occasion, his playing partner aced the same hole in the same round. What are the odds of that? The club’s publicity officer Graham Ferguson told Inside Golf Ron had won many club championships and trophies over the years including the B grade championship in 2012. He won the A grade championship 2006, the RSL Sub Branch Trophy in 1982-’84-’85 and the A grade Medal of Medals in 1993. “I love golf and the companionship you get at the golf club,” Ron told Inside Golf. “That’s important and it’s a day out and it helps keep me fit.” And there’s something else. On January 5 this year, Ron and Marjorie celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. “We had children and now have 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren,” Ron said proudly.

Wauchope legend Ron Dixon. “My wife is my mainstay. She has always fed me the right tucker and looked after me. “I don’t think I would still be here if it wasn’t for her and I’m serious.” Graham said Ron was a club stalwart and treasured around the club. “Ron is admired by all Wauchope Country Club members and especially the members of the Veterans Golf Club,” he said. “We reckon Ron is a living legend.” •

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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new gear

>Our top picks from this year’s PGA Show

The game’s hottest new companies and established market leaders showcased the latest technology in golf at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. Inside Golf was there to check out the newest golf products, trends, industry announcements and newsmakers of the game.

Nike Golf Vapor Hybrids Adjustable hybrids are all the rage at the moment. And why not...by dialling in your hybrid to your specific swing, you can maximise performance while also compensating for any gaps in your game. These new hybrids by Nike fit the bill, and felt great when struck!

The new Vapor Flex hybrids feature FlexLoft 2, a lower centre of gravity, and lower, straighter leading edges. A FlyBeam-reinforced Covert Cavity Back directs impact energy to the reengineered compression channel for increased ball speed across the face. By adjusting the FlexLoft 2 mechanism in the Vapor Flex hybrids, golfers can tune loft and face angle to optimise distance and shot shape during the fitting process. The redistribution of mass creates more stability, better launch conditions and faster swing speeds. Another benefit of FlexLoft 2 is its forward and backward compatibility. Golfers with previous generations of Covert can use shafts with the original adaptor in the new head or vice versa. The Vapor Speed hybrids feature a unique design called “Linear Progression.” The longer hybrids feature a larger body and shallower face and progress to a sleek body and deep face on the short hybrids. This progression allows for more forgiveness and speed on long hybrids, while yielding shot-making accuracy and workability on shorter hybrids. To achieve increased speed and optimal launch conditions across the face, all Vapor hybrids feature Nike’s FlyBeam reinforced cavity back with a reengineered Compression Channel. The combination stiffens the Covert Cavity in the back of the club, while accentuating the spring-like effect across the face to return energy to the golf ball.

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 10: Miles of aisles at the PGA show of the circular Demo Day 42: Acreage driving range walked (per person) by Inside 64: Kilometres Golf over three days 200: New companies introduced 1,000: Companies and brands represented representatives from 29 1,400: Media countries of America Professionals in 6,600: PGA attendance 41,000: Total attendees, from 79 countries Estimated no. of balls used at the 50,000: Demo Day q ft of exhibit and 1,000,000: s demonstration space

Bridgestone e-Series golf balls The line features three different models, with each offering a different benefit to golfers: The e5 is a unique 2-piece urethane construction designed for golfers needing higher ball flight, more distance and greater control. The e6 is the softest multilayer golf ball on the market and is designed to help players eliminate slices and hooks. The multilayer e7 model is designed purely for faster, longer, more penetrating shots, reducing the ballooning in windy conditions often encountered by golfers with a higher ball-flight. Bridgestone’s WEB Dimple Technology covers will be featured across the 2015 e-Series family. Bridgestone’s newest, proprietary design utilises a cutting-edge “spidering” pattern that affords 10% more dimple-surface-coverage than the previous e-Series models. This new pentagonal, WEB pattern combined with the aerodynamics of their Dual Dimple design reduces drag, resulting in a more penetrating ball flight and greater distance. www.bridgestonegolf.com.au Bridgestone Golf’s newly redesigned e-Series golf balls were, in our eyes, the “surprise hit” among many of the products we’ve tested. Truth be told, we absolutely LOVE this ball, and it has quickly taken its permanent place in our bag.

new gear

Tifosi Eyewear

GolfBuddy BB5 This lifestyle inspired band includes a time mode, play mode and pedometer capabilities. The GolfBuddy BB5 boasts incredible visibility outdoors, thanks to its LED display. This dynamic, modern device comes pre-loaded with more than 37,000+ courses worldwide and displays the distance to the front, centre and back of the green. With a 10-hour battery life in golf mode and 20 days in regular watch mode, this device is an ideal course companion that can also be worn all day, every day. Additional colour band options include: 3-pack of red, navy and orange or 3-pack of blue, pink and green.

During our Media Golf Day, we tested out the latest Tifosi eyewear on the course. Light, stylish and very comfortable (we almost forgot we were even wearing them), we really loved these sunnies. Visibility was crystal clear, and we could swear that they improved our reading of the greens. Available in a great range of fashionable colours and designs Tifosi sunglasses offers golfers the ultimate in performance eyewear. 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.

www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

Tifosi backs its products with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect. Tifosi sunglasses are sold at over 5,000 locations in over 60 countries.

GolfBuddy LR4

Call: Peter Wright Golf Agencies on 02 9634 1876 for your nearest stockist.

New Callaway XR Line XR Irons: the first high speed, cavity back, cup-faced iron. Callaway engineers have taken the face cup technology that’s redefined ball speed in fairway woods and brought it to irons. The improved Cup 360 acts like a spring to increase ball speeds on shots hit low on the face (as well as every other impact location). Callaway’s Internal Standing Wave design lowers the center of gravity, increased the moment of inertia (MOI) and gives the face cup the freedom to flex for more ball speed. XR Driver: Speed is the driving force behind the new XR Driver. To reduce drag and maximize speed through the swing, Callaway engineers designed a Speed Step Crown and combined it with an optimized aerodynamic head shape. The weight of the face was reduced by 10% to make it thinner for faster ball speeds. And Callaway’s R-MOTO leads to more energy efficient energy transfer all over the face, allowing for the centre of gravity (CG) to be placed 17% lower. The XR Driver comes stock with the new Project X LZ, which produces maximum shaft load during the downswing for greater energy transfer to

Attendees test the latest gear at the huge PGA SHOW Demo Day

Fitness bands like Fitbit and others are currently taking the world by storm. Now, GolfBuddy is bringing the craze to the golf course, with the world’s first golf GPS band. Launching in Australia later this year, this light and comfortable device—which features super-bright LEDs—is sure to be a hit.

As is always the case with new Callaway launches, their new XR line fits the bill for excitement, performance and looks. These sleek beauties felt, looked and sounded great, and were extremely workable. And true to the marketing, they really promoted speed and power.

GolfBuddy is marking their foray into Laser rangefinders, launching the GolfBuddy LR4. This sturdy and sleek little unit was steady and easy to hold, and boasts all the features of a top laser rangefinder. Awesome!

Providing golfers with ergonomic precision and confidence in their game, the LR4 provides multiple distance readings with three scan modes: normal, scan and pin mode. The LR4 is accurate to the metre and features a totally waterproof, ergonomic body design. The compact and easy-touse GolfBuddy LR4 automatically shuts off

after 10 seconds when left unattended. The portable LR4 comes with an included travel case and also offers an adjustable eyepiece as well as a setting that allows the user to access the “last used” settings. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

Biion Shoes the ball. OptiFit Adjustability allows golfers to choose from eight different loft and lie configurations to find the perfect launch for your ball flight. Also available in hybrids and fairways. www.callawaygolf.com/au

Biion Footwear was born out of a vision to create a lightweight, comfortable, supportive, slip-on spikeless performance golf shoe made out of EVA. Washable, odour free, shock absorbent and spikeless, Biion is fast gaining traction world-wide and can be worn anywhere. You can go straight from home or work to golf, into the clubhouse and then out to dinner wearing the same shoe. It really is an all-rounder! Most importantly they look and feel awesome. Available in Men’s and Women’s.

These shoes were, by far, the most “talked about” product at the show. We wore a pair of these as we traversed the 10 miles of aisles in the convention centre, and regularly received compliments and queries about them. We’ve since played a few rounds with them, and can honestly say they are the lightest shoes we’ve ever worn.

www.biionfootwear.com.au Callaway’s massive (and ultra snazzy) booth easily dwarfed most others at the show

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

new gear

Bushnell NEO Ghost Golf GPS

The Brand-new Bushnell NEO Ghost Golf GPS is a pocket-sized, simple-to-use golf GPS for every level of golf enthusiast. Preloaded with over 33,000 courses, the unit features easy-to-read front/centre/ back distances, with up to four hazard distances per hole. There are no downloads and no membership fees ever, and the unit includes a Multi-Function Clip and USB charging cable. 1 year warranty.

PlaneSwing Here is one ghost you shouldn’t be afraid of. In fact, this unit is so simple to use, you may end up giving this friendly little unit the nickname of “Casper”. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – it is packed with power and features. Great little unit!

Working with a product like our PlaneSWING® at the correct setting, and using the PowerSLIDER, can help you build a powerful and repeatable motion. PlaneSWING® is designed to give you an instant feel for the perfect golf swing and to ingrain a repetitive motion. With regular use you will increase upper body rotation, improve balance and fitness and find improved accuracy and added length that you thought was lost forever. There’s a good golfer in every one of us and PlaneSWING® can help you find it, whether a PGA Tour player or a beginner, left or right handed, male or female, senior or junior.

Email sales enquiries to sales@championsports.com.au

Bushnell Tour X Jolt

If you’re serious about your distances, then look no further than the Bushnell Tour X Jolt. This product had the “wow” factor at the show, due to the ultra-cool, detachable Slope faceplate. Pop on the red faceplate and get the benefits of Slope distances during your practice rounds. Or, pop on the black faceplate for USGA legal tournament play. How cool is that! A Tour X JOLT exclusive, Exchange Technology lets you use Bushnell’s patented Slope Technology when the red faceplate is installed and functions as a USGA conforming device when the black faceplate is installed. Dual Display Technology allows the user to easily toggle between the bright red Vivid Display or sharp black display based on lighting conditions or personal preference. Additional features include Dual Display Technology, PinSeeker with JOLT Technology, Accurate to 1/2 yard, Ranges 5-1,300 yards (450+ yards to a flag), 2nd Generation E.S.P. Vivid Display Technology, 6x magnification. Legal for tournament play (when black faceplate is engaged). Two-year warranty. Sales Enquiries: Sales@championsports.com.au

Your swing plane is one of the most critical parts of your swing. With the help of a PGA Professional, The PlaneSwing not only identifies faults in your swing plane, but it also helps train and engrain the proper technique unlike any other product we’ve seen. If you have never tried one of these, we suggest you hurry to the nearest location that has one, and give it a go!

PING G30 Adjustable Driver How does Bubba Watson hit the ball so darn long? One of the reasons is the boosted clubhead speed he’s gained since adding the G30 to his bag. We’ve tested the G30 before, but loved them so much that we couldn’t resist the urge to hit them again. As before, the G30 launches the ball into the next postcode! And it’s extremely easy to hit...and adjustable. Wow!

“Turbulators” on the crown of the 460cc G30 head reduce aerodynamic drag, leading to faster clubhead speed and ball velocity for long, accurate drives. The higher strength/ weight ratio of the T9S face material allows for a thinner, hotter face and saves 4 grams of weight. The weight savings are allocated to help position the CG lower and farther back, ensuring high launch and optimized spin with a high MOI. To optimize launch angle and spin, golfers can add or subtract up to 1 degree of loft using Trajectory Tuning+ Technology. The G30 line also includes fairway woods, hybrids and irons. www.ping.com

www.planeswing.com or ring 0414 967 345

New gear from Golfknickers.com For the 2015 season, GolfKnickers.com has debuted a wide range of new products that appeal to both the traditional golf apparel enthusiast and anyone else who just wants to have fun on the links. The golf apparel company, long known for their limited edition plaid golf knickers, introduced thirteen unique new patterns this year. Bright orange, pink and purple plaids are soon to be popping up on golf courses everywhere. Another new edition to the traditional golf apparel lineup this year is the Camouflage knicker series. These patterns were made in limited quantities and are available in Woodland, Urban and Desert styles. Not content to just expand their knicker assortment, GolfKnickers.com has also added twelve new argyle patterns to the popular sweater vest and over-the-calf sock collection. The ladies and children’s sock selections have also been expanded so the entire family can now dress in style. Also new in 2015 is GolfKnickers.com Signature Series sets which include never-before-seen argyle patterns and includes both the vest and the sock for one low price. Bubba Watson wows the crowd as he smashes shot after shot at the Demo Day

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For years, we’ve loved the Golfknickers.com gear (our editor wears it regularly...maybe too regularly), so we always pop in to see the latest styles and products. This year was no different, as there were heaps of great new patterns available. (Luckily we took an extra suitcase to Orlando!) www.golfknickers.com

new gear

>ALSO IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS MONTH:

Golf Skate Caddy TaylorMade AeroBurner

Another “wow factor” item which garnered heaps of discussion at the show was the Golf Skate Caddy. While we’ve reviewed this super-fun product previously, we were pleased to see many upgrades to the latest version, including improved beverage cooler, software upgrades, lower height for the fold down, auto parking and controlled hill descent, among others. Plus, it’s as fun as ever to surf around the turf! The GSC adds a new dimension to the game of golf, where the mode of transport becomes part of the joy of the game as you glide to your ball. The GSC is great for people who are time-poor as they can get in a game faster helping to attract a fresher younger set of players with the added benefit of extra revenue for any course. The GSC is finished off with a synthetic grass surface, which is the ideal medium for soft spiked golf shoes and allows maximum grip in wet or dry weather and is easily cleaned with a stiff brush. Every detail has been covered to create a unique and specialised personal transporter that is super fun to ride, reliable, lightweight, compact and poised to change the future of golf. www.golfskatecaddy.com.au

The AeroBurner Driver features a new Speed Pocket which is twice as big as the JetSpeed. The AeroBurner driver also features Inverted Cone milled into the inner side of the clubface which promotes higher ball speed on off-centre hits. The Aero Burner Fairway combines the size of the RocketBallz fairway channel with the technology of the through slot of the JetSpeed fairway to produce an ultimate Speed Pocket. Compared to the original RocketBallz, the AeroBurner has a face size that is 2.5mm shallower for better playability from the turf. The AeroBurner also has a 2X larger sweet spot (COR) compared to JetSpeed. www.taylormadegolf.com.au

Sureshotgps VCMulti

Trojan Golf Car Batteries The Golf industry’s first true deep-cycle AGM battery is now available from Trojan USA, the world’s leading manufacturer of deepcycle batteries. Trojan’s new Maintenance Free Reliant AGM maximizes sustained performance and increases total energy output to meet demanding Golf Car deepcycling requirements. Reliant™ AGM is manufactured in the U.S. at Trojan’s newest production facility in Sandersville Georgia.

their specific requirements for deep-cycle AGM batteries, Trojan’s engineering team set out to develop a true deep-cycle AGM battery to meet user’s demands.”

The golf car industry will benefit from its true deep-cycle design. “Trojan’s Reliant line of true deep-cycle AGM batteries feature elements that offer a new direction in AGM technology,” said Gordon Beckley, senior vice president of engineering and quality assurance at Trojan Battery. “As the only true deep-cycle AGM battery on the market today, Reliant AGM is a completely new AGM design, which our engineering team has been developing for the last several years. After extensive market research and meeting with our customers to determine

Trojan Reliant exclusive C-Max Technology incorporates a wide range of features not found in many of today’s AGM battery offerings. The combination of its proprietary paste formula, unique separator, special polymer case design and maximum flame arrestors delivers increased total energy output, maximised sustained performance, consistent quality, and enhanced durability. 1300 883 643 Email: sales@alcobatt.com.au www.trojanbattery.com

TaylorMade R15 Small in design, but big in power, the new Sureshotgps VCMulti golf GPS device will show and tell you the most accurate distance every time so you can play your best golf game. Clip it to your hat, belt or bag and with the click of a button the Sureshotgps VCMulti’s built-in voice will tell you the distances to the front, centre and back of the green. Alternatively wear it as a watch, and see the distance at the flick of the wrist.

The new R15 is TaylorMade’s most technologically sophisticated, high-performance metalwood franchise ever. With its new Front Track system, adjusting a TaylorMade driver has never been quicker or easier. Inside the track system are two sliding split weights that weigh 12.5 grams each (25g total). The golfer can slide the weights to the heel for a draw, to the toe for a fade or split for maximum stability.

Available in modern black or white and as small as a match box measuring only 40mm x 40mm x 15mm, the Sureshotgps VCMulti will blend in with your favourite golf attire.

R15 incorporates the company’s most adjustable loft-sleeve, giving golfers the ability to alter their face angle, lie angle and loft preference to affect side-to-side trajectory. A simple rotation of the loft-sleeve system allows you to choose from 12 distinct settings that makes incremental changes in the lie and the loft/face angle. The low and forward centre of gravity promotes faster ball speed with less spin.

www.sureshotgps.com | 1300 644 523

www.taylormadegolf.com.au

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

people

‘Cool’ Jimenez the real deal swing is incredibly on plane on the downswing”.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

And golf coach Pete Cowan was quoted as saying: “It’s always been my favourite swing because he moves the club into perfect position. It looks a bit funky, but it’s not. It’s technically brilliant.”

S Miguel Angel Jimenez the coolest golfer on the planet?

Former US PGA champion Bradley Keegan thinks so, recently tweeting that Jimenez is: “Maybe the coolest man alive”.

Henrik Stensen is another Jimenez fan saying the Spaniard has “very good control of technique”.

That’s the thing about Jimenez – he’s universally liked and admired by his peers and golf fans alike.

Jimenez’s strength is his short game – especially his pitching. He’d love to win a major – especially the Masters where he played so many practice round with Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal – both of whom won two Green Jackets.

He’s a colourful character who wears bright coloured clothes and word has it he’s the life of the party. Jimenez might be unorthodox and his image doesn’t quite match the off-theproduction line touring professionals, but that’s his appeal. While fellow professionals dedicate themselves to working on their physique and swear off alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, Jimenez doesn’t hide his love of coffee, fat missile-sized Cuban cigars and rioja wine from Spanish vineyards. I followed him at the DP World Tour Championship at the European Tour-ending Race to Dubai late last year and it was a joy to watch him go about his work. Golf fans turn up just to watch his warm-up routine, which is worth the entry fee alone. He starts with a gentle swing this way, then the other, followed by a few knee bends and shoulder turns. Then he tries to touch the ground while keep his legs straight followed by a few hip shakes with his hands resting on the end of a club. Then he doffs his cap to the gallery and goes about his work with a ready smile. Mind you, before this routine he works out in the gym and on the practice fairway. Then he backs it up with an amazing show of ball-striking and short-game skills. He’s a fabulous player – not long, but steady.

He has played 15 of the past 20 Masters finishing in the top-10 four times and missing the cut just three times.

Miguel Angel Jimenez: the “coolest man alive”. (Photo: USGA/Michael Cohen) Well-known for wearing his hair in a ponytail, Jimenez, 51, recently re-entered the winner’s circle when he won his second US Champions Tour event, however, he also remains competitive on the European Tour and in the majors. Last year, aged 50, he won the European Tour’s Open de Espana and finished in the top-five at the US Masters. Fellow professionals say he is the real deal and one of the most interesting professionals playing the game. And to prove he is “cool” this is what the PGA Tour website had to say about him last year after his fourth place at the Masters and his debut win on the Champions Tour. • On the first tee he (Jimenez) announces the starter’s name; • When he makes a hole-in-one people buy him drinks;

• Caddies pay him 10 per cent; • He actually lives on Magnolia Lane; • Arnold Palmer orders the “Miguel Jimenez” at restaurants; • He once won an event walking backwards just so he could see what second place looks like; • Doves cry when he three-putts; • He may miss fairways but they miss him more; • Trophies long to kiss him; and • Oversize cheques actually fit in his wallet. Jimenez has 26 professional wins around the world – 21 on the European Tour – 13 of those after he turned 40. He has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times. Twice, he’s been on the winning side and twice on the losing side. Paul McGinley, the Europe captain, told John Hopkins from Golf Today “Jimenez’s

“It (Augusta) is very long for me but of course I can win,” he told Hopkins. “I have 14 clubs in my bag, the same as everyone else.” Known as the Mechanic because of his love of cars, Jimenez is one of seven brothers. He dresses immaculately on-and-off the golf course and purchases 12 pairs of golf shoes, some made from crocodile skin, a year. “A lot of people could take a leaf out of his book,” said McGinley. “He enjoys life but he knows when to be serious. He is diligent about his practice, going about it in a very professional way. “He doesn’t just enjoy playing golf – he enjoys the lifestyle, travelling the world, seeing different cultures. “The highlight of his day is not the game of golf – it’s the dinner at night. He doesn’t just put on a pair of jeans and t-shirt. He dresses for dinner, always looks smart.” Sounds like Jimenez is the kind of professional golfer Australian golf fans would embrace and flock to watch play. Come on Down Under, Miguel. •

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

people

Ian Triggs – 68 wins and counting lights out there, no glamour from where I’m looking. Yes, the top few talented ones can make a comfortable living and travel in comfort. As for manicured golf courses, that depends on where the tournaments are played. Certainly, with the American influence at many tournaments, we have courses perfectly presented and, yes, it is against my thoughts of more British links-style where it is what it is and the environment prepares it. But it’s the same for all when they play so as long as it’s a level playing field I suppose it’s okay.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

AST year, teaching professional Ian Triggs juggled 16 players around the world, coaching five of them to nine tournament victories.

One of those wins was a major – the Women’s British Open won by American Mo Martin.

What advice do you have for an elite amateur turning pro?

That’s not bad for a quiet achiever from Brisbane, who, in 2008, was Australian Coach of the Year.

Make sure you are ready to get your card then retain it the first year out. Your game has to be in great order and you must have a high belief system in place – know you can do it. The professional players out there are not keen to give up their spots on tour so you will have to compete strongly. You need to make sure you have a total support system behind you – people who are living your dream.

All up, players Triggs has tutored for more than three decades and his “students” have amassed 68 victories. They come from all corners of the globe including the US, Korea, Malaysia and Australia, which means a hectic travel schedule. In another life, Triggs was a tidy golfer, who represented Queensland alongside the likes of Greg Norman.

When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing? I love my family time. Just getting everybody around to our home, our children and our grandchildren are all very special to my wife and I. We are very fortunate we just have a great deal of fun together no matter what we are doing.

In fact, the Great White Shark once caddied for Triggs and things didn’t exactly go to plan. Inside Golf caught up with Triggs to discuss how he fared with Norman on his bag as well as the challenges of being a teaching professional.

How is your golf game?

How many pro golfers do you have in your stable? Ian Triggs with Women’s British Open champion Mo Martin.

My golf game has slipped a long way. I haven’t spent time keeping it good, just one event I get ready for and that’s the family tournament each year. I’ve got to win that one.

In 2014, I had 16 players – one on the US PGA Tour, five on the US LPGA Tour, one on the Web.com Tour, two on the Korean LPGA Tour, one on the Ladies European Tour, three on the Australian PGA Tour, one on the Symetra Women’s Tour and two on the Asian Tour.

I provide the support and the environment with a holistic balanced approach to allow the student to grow to their full potential not only as a player, but as a person.

You played representative golf with Greg Norman as an amateur – was he something special or did he have to work extra hard to become world number one?

Who are the players you coached in 2014?

What makes a good teacher?

John Senden, Karrie Webb (ended June), Bree Arthur, Adam Crawford, Michael Wright, Blake McGrory, Kota Kagasaki, Emma De Groot (all Australian); So Yeon Ryu, Eun Hee Ji, Kyu Jung Baek, Char Young Kim, Tae Woo Kim (all Korean players); Mo Martin (USA); Kelly Tan and Abel Tam (both Malaysian).

You must have a passion for helping people – and eagerness to learn as much as possible from the many areas of human development and improvement and to further one’s knowledge base. You must have an open mind as everybody is different and many ways work. You must be able to communicate complexity simply and in ideal sequence for that individual customer. I just enjoy every moment of one of the greatest professions.

As a young guy, Greg was determined to make it to the top. He had good physical talent, but he worked extremely hard developing his skill set. He also had this strong self-belief and those piercing eyes of someone going somewhere they wanted to go badly. He had big goals and never allowed himself or anything to get in the road as he took his steps forward – a very driven man. What great success he’s had. His only failure was when he caddied for me in the Australian Interstate Series at Brisbane Golf Club in the 1970s. I shot three-under par and lost my match. It had to be the caddie’s fault. (Laughter).

How many players did you coach to victory last year? Five of my players combined to have nine wins on major tours worldwide. They were John Senden (1 win), Karrie Webb (2 wins), Mo Martin (1 win), So Yeon Ryu (1 win) and Kyu Jung Baek (4 wins). How many wins have you been personally associated with on main tours since you started teaching? 68 wins. How many major winners have you coached? I’ve been involved in four major wins. Who is the next “big thing” in golf? Kyu Jung Baek. How much time do you spend with each student? With the players on major overseas tours, we endeavour to train for a few weeks in their off-season and make major changes that may be required during this training period. This is in January and February and then I travel to at least five tournaments overseas each year. We space it out to six weeks apart so we are able to maintain their swing pattern during the year, making fine detailed changes along the way. I keep an eye on their preparation at each tournament I go to and watch their performance. With the players on smaller tours, we endeavour to train during the off-season and then we do a lot of online work (video and phone) and try to catch up when it is most convenient for both parties – maybe only once or twice a year. With the players on major tours, we also spend many hours online with video and phone consistently. Describe your teaching philosophy. My philosophy is to achieve the best possible outcome for my student – to allow them to learn and develop lifelong skills that are practically and bio-mechanically sound. I allow the student to be able to use those gained skills in all competitive environments to the best of their ability by preparing the student physically, mentally and tactically. 52

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

What drives you? The challenge of helping people improve. The challenge of helping refine an elite player to be the best they can be. How does teaching John Senden and other top pros compare with teaching the less-skilled amateurs? Working with the elite player there is more involvement in technical refinement, preparation and mental process for tournament play. With less developed players, it’s generally working more on development of basic structure of patterns and a small amount of mental process.

What’s your favourite holiday destination? For a restful holiday, can’t beat the Sunshine Coast, best place for a beach holiday in the world. I also love Edinburgh, Scotland and surrounding areas for a golf holiday/adventure, There’s so much to see and do and great courses to play. •

You coached Rachel Hetherington who is making a comeback. How do you think she will perform after four years away from tournament golf? Rachel will do very well. She’s been a great player, one of Australia’s best, is still fit and probably has a better perspective on life and golf. I’m tipping some great golf from Rach. How much time do you spend travelling the world? I travel to the four tournaments in Australia. I go to Asia four times a year and have five trips to the US. I spend about 18 weeks away from home each year. It must grind you down. Do you have plans to slow down soon? Yes, I’m on the back nine on travelling. I won’t stop coaching at this stage, but the travel internationally is drawing to a close. Are today’s professionals spoilt? There’s so much prizemoney and they play on perfectly manicured fairways and greens. I don’t think there is too much prizemoney. Not many players stay on tour long so if you had a couple of great years only, it won’t get you far. It’s tough out there, the grind, the travel and associated expenses. I don’t see many bright

Ian Triggs sandwiched between champions Kyu Jung Baek and So Yeon Ryu at Angeles National Golf Club.

instruction

Putting without anchoring David Merriman

Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 44 2205

rom 1 January 2016, players will no longer be able to anchor long putters against their body to create a hinge. Some of you may be thinking of removing your long putter from your bag. Before you do that, however, remember that it’s the method of “anchoring” that will be banned, and NOT the putter itself. So you can keep the long putter in your bag, and with a few simple changes and a bit of practice you can continue to use the long putter in accordance with the new rule. Here are some simple exercises to help you move away from anchoring your putter.

Method one (For use with a broom-handled putter) Separate the putter and your hand away from your chest. Point your left forearm down the target line towards the hole and grip the putter with your right arm straight. Use your left and right shoulders to rock the putter backwards and forwards making sure that your left elbow goes up and down the target line.

Method 1: The Long Putter without hinging: Putt with shoulders, ensuring the left elbow goes up and down the target line.

Method two (For use with a standard-length putter through to a bellylength putter) Put your hands on the club as normal with your palms facing each other. Take your right hand and slide it down the grip until

David Merriman is the 2014 winner of the Australian PGA Legends Tour Championship held at Byron Bay Golf Club. David is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. Contact David on 0412 44 2205.

Method 2: Putt with your shoulders, using predominantly the right arm. Keep the right arm straight.

Method 3: Both arms hanging straight down from your shoulders, putt by rocking your shoulders up and down the line.

it’s completely straight. Rock the putter backwards and forwards using your right arm and shoulders. In doing this you alleviate the need to anchor the putter to your body.

upper arms against your ribs. Both forearms are in line with the shaft. Simply rock your shoulders up and down the target line.

If you wish to make the change to a short putter, here is a simple drill to assist you.

Method three (For use with a short putter) Grip it with both your arms hanging straight down from your shoulders pressing your

The secret to putting is to feel how hard you need to hit the putt without being aware of your stroke/mechanics. Good putters spend more time looking at the line and the hole during their set up than looking at the ball. For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA member or contact me at Royal Pines Golf Course on the Gold Coast. •

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instruction

Improving your Finding the (real) compression on the ball centre of the hole Glenn Whittle glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

Brent Dale

brent@brentdalegolf.com.au

see a lot of golfers missing short putts way too often because they simply either 1) do not trust the line they have chosen or 2) don’t understand that the centre of the hole is not always where your eyes tell you it is.

often ask my new students where they think a divot should start and finish in relation to where the ball is. Quite often, they tell me it should be approximately five to six-inches long, it should start about two inches before the ball and finish two inches after the ball. Making a nice-sized divot that lifts the ball into the sky.

Let’s take a closer look at the photo. You can see I have put a piece of plastic in the hole, but with the entry point facing upwards on the high side of the putt. This helps your eyes see that the centre of the hole on this particular putt is much more to the right than you first thought...obviously due to the fact it is a right-to-left putt.

I have given many lessons where all I have done is change the thinking of where someone needs to make impact with the ground and their ball flight and consistency improves dramatically.

The other factors influencing this point are the speed of the greens and the speed you choose to hit the putt. The softer you hit the ball or the faster the green the more you will need to aim right; the harder you hit the putt or the slower the green the less you will need to aim right.

I often see people taking divots or bottoming-out their swing arc a few inches behind the ball, which can either result in a big fat shot or the club hits the ground and rises again causing the leading edge of the club to hit the top of the ball and it rolls along the ground (both these shots can go straight but will never go the correct distance.)

If your divot is nowhere near the line (i.e. it starts well before the line) there could be a number of issues with your swing. Start out by hitting some shorter half-swing shots, and then slowly build it up so you are hitting full shots and making a crisp compression on the ball.

The best ball strikers in the world all take a nice divot after the ball. The club comes down and hits the ball first and then takes some ground out after the ball. This will result in the ball elevating into the air by using the loft on the clubface (NO, you don’t have to try and lift it into the sky.) What’s a quick way to help find out your impact point and improve on it?

If you are finding that you cannot even get close to taking a divot after the line then I strongly suggest you call your local PGA professional for a lesson. •

If you do not get much time to practice but you enjoy watching golf on television, watch closely when the pros are putting from close range and pay particular attention to the speed they hit the ball at and what point the ball enters the hole in relation to the break.

Brent Dale is an AAA Member of the Australian PGA, and Head professional at Liverpool golf club. Full Swing, Short Game and On Course Lessons available. Brent is also TPI Certified. www.brentdalegolf.com.au. brent@ brentdalegolf.com.au. 0499 009 770

Sydney Putting Studio will be conducting putting schools starting in April 2015 at golf clubs throughout Sydney in conjunction with the Head Professional of the club. For more info visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com.au or ask your Head Professional for more info.

Grab a spray can (or, alternately, use some chalk or other non-permanent indicator, etc) and draw a straight line about 12 inches long. Place a ball on the line and take a shot. After hitting the shot, take a look at the line and see where your divot starts in relation to the line.

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The 2008 NSW PGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com teaching Panelist. He can be contacted via The Sydney Putting Studio (www.sydneyputtingstudio.com), at The Ridge on (02) 9541 4960 or visit www.whittlegolf.com

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The next time you are practicing your putting before you play a round, find a few short sloping putts (if available). Now, insert two or three spare tees in the green in front of the hole on the low side and hit a few putts trying hole your ball without hitting the tees

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction

Eliminate the dreaded Chicken Wing:

Lesson #9:

VIDEO LESSON >

left hand push exercise Peter Croker www.keytofgolf.com

o build a solid golf swing that has good structure through the Impact Zone and well into follow-through we need to understand the Release Action of the lead hand and arm (left hand and arm for righthanded golfers) down, out and through the ball. I remember when I was first introduced by Jim Ferree to Rocco Mediate at Long Cove Golf Club, Hilton Head Island in 1995. Rocco was recovering from back surgery and wanted to meet me following our cover story in the Golf Digest Masters Issue. The story made the claim that the new Australian move promises: A Cure for your Slice, Instant Results, Increased Power, and Less Strain on Your Back. After videoing his swing with wedge, 6-iron and driver, the replay showed a distinct Chicken Wing (bent left arm) through the Impact Zone and into follow-through. This was primarily caused through Rocco’s belief that he wanted the clubface to remain square to the ball’s target through the Impact Zone and into follow-through. By doing the following drill, Rocco instantly produced a straight left arm through Impact

and well into the follow-through. He also commented how it felt so easy on his body and as a bonus he hit the ball further with his longer clubs and created more backspin on his wedge play. At the age of 45, and approximately 10 years later he narrowly lost in a play-off to Tiger Woods in the US Open. We cannot guarantee that you will be this successful but you are certain to remove the Chicken Wing, lose the slice, and hit more solid shots. LEFT HAND PUSH EXERCISE – (HIT DRILL #2) Video: http://vimeo.com/user14583831/ review/59826898/da245a9b13 Purpose To give an understanding of how “Pushing” causes the clubhead to turn over, delivering a constant rate of closing without any manipulation of the clubface and creating good structure of the left hand and arm through the Impact area. Exercise Hold a club at the end of a one-third backswing position in your left hand only. Another person will push the clubhead forward in the downswing and through to follow through. At the same time they apply a little pressure up the clubshaft toward you. You must keep a light pressure against this “push” going out down the clubshaft to maintain good structure throughout the motion.

les o h EN 9 P w Ne W O NO

To maintain a position of power and structure, you must not allow your hand to pull forward or pull backward. You must push from your centre right out in front of you the entire motion well into follow through. PUSH EXERCISE Video: http://vimeo.com/user14583831/ review/53163888/d39b8d75a4 Purpose To clear up the definition of the word “Push” and give the golfer a clear viewpoint of “pushing” the clubhead through the ball. Exercise Instructor holds on to the clubhead offering light resistance 30 cm before impact. Golfers must “push” the clubhead through impact.

Hands will feel behind the clubhead slightly when done at this low speed. As the thumbs extend fully down, the power of the aligned “push” will be felt and understood. Peter Croker has been a PGA Member since 1971. He has given lessons using the Key to Golf Program to many students from beginners to Major Championship winners including Arnold Palmer, Vijay Singh, Rocco Mediate, Fred Funk, Bob Charles, and Olin Brown. You can sign up for a Free Webinar on “How to make Golf Simple to Learn”, book an internet or individual lesson or test drive a Module from www.keytogolf.com. Phone: 0415 292 549 or email: crokergolfsystem@gmail to book a School or lesson.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

mental game

Three steps to better and more enjoyable golf Liam Warburton liam@completeplayergolf.com

Step 1 - Get coaching

Step 3 - Have fun

Coaching is important for all players who want to shoot lower scores and play better golf. Like many things in life you can either pay for coaching now or you can wait and pay with frustration and lost time. An elite tour professional will often have an entourage of specialised coaches to help them play at their best. A good coach can provide you with the knowledge that is needed to allow you to develop your skills in the shortest period of time. This knowledge should cover the fundamentals of the game including your swing, course strategy and mental approach.

Golf is a challenging game that we play in our leisure, so it should be something we enjoy despite the way we score. The more you enjoy the game, the more you will want to play and the better you will become. To play golf that is fun and enjoyable you need to control the focus of your mind and have realistic expectations. Many players become frustrated with the game after a few bad shots or a few bad rounds. But golf is not an easy game. It will always have an up and down nature, which means all players will hit errant shots and miss their target. The only difference between a professional golfer and an amateur is that a professional’s misses are smaller. With this in mind try to enjoy the other aspects of your round such as the fresh air, time out with friends or the scenery. From this relaxed mindset you may just find that you play better golf too.

Step 2 - Have a complete approach A complete approach to the game is necessary for better golf since your mind, body and equipment must all work together to make a good swing. There are many players who get caught in the trap of treating the symptoms of their problems by changing their swing or making equipment changes. This approach ignores other important aspects of the game that are vital to a good swing and better golf. When you consider all aspects of golf (mental, strategic, technical, physiological and technological) you will discover your true potential.

Liam Warburton is the Director of Instruction and mental game coach at Complete Player Golf. He is the co-author of the mental game training program Think Well Play Great and helps golfers play better and more enjoyable golf by having a ‘complete’ approach to the game. www.completeplayergolf.com liam@completeplayergolf.com

Sign up for T20 golf IT’S called World Series of Golf and it’s going to be golf as you’ve never seen or played it before. The inaugural World Series of Golf tees off at Castle Hill Golf Club in Sydney on Tuesday, June 30. The event is open to amateurs and professionals alike who will have the chance to share in the prize pool of $250,000. The one-day event, labelled as golf’s version of Twenty20 cricket, has already caught the attention of former NRL player and scratch marker Braith Anasta and PGA touring professional Paul Gow. According to organisers, the format and rules are very different to regular tournaments. In World Series of golf, players compete against players in their group – not the field. There will be multiple-cup holes, selected greens will have enlarged cups and a player will be allowed one mulligan to replay a stroke off the tee. And each player can only carry five clubs. The tournament is 30 holes of turbo (stroke play) with the first round over 12 holes, the second round nine holes, the third round six holes and the four and final round three holes. The lowest score in each group in each round advances. The winner will receive $100,000, runner-up $50,000, three placegetter $25,000 and those players who finish in fourth to 12th place will pick up $5000. The entry fee is $3000 per player. To find out more, go to www.worldseriesofgolf.net

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

fitness

Don’t be sore: Eliminating the post-round ‘DOMS’ 2. If it’s been a while since you have properly exercised, then start easy. a. Leave a buffer of 2-3 reps in your sets of exercise. By that I mean if your set requires 12 repetitions, you should use a resistance or weight that allows for 14-15 reps before failure. b. M ove at a slower speed: 2 contraction, one-second hold and two seconds release back to the start position, will prevent over exertion in the early stages. Working at a slower speed will also develop better control aspects of muscle contraction and engage the stabilisation or supporting muscles activity.

Richard Nizielski www.golffitsolutions.com

comment I have heard over the years regarding physical training and golf is, “I’m too sore afterwards and it messes with my swing”. Chances are, barring illness and injury, your muscles are undergoing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS for short. DOMS, is that general stiffness and “pain” experienced 24 to 48 hours after engaging in physical exercise or activity. This occurs when the muscles become damaged from the training. The damage is in the form of micro-tears in the muscle structure and the waste products produced from the training. The pain is the body going through the repair and adaption process in response to the training. Depending on the type of training undertaken and the frequency, DOMS can be subtle or almost debilitating in its severity. If this is happening to you, then here are some tips and strategies, which will be helpful for getting your body in better shape for golf, while not making you feel like you have just gone 10 rounds with a heavyweight boxer.

1. Warm up before exercising: A warm-up has several positive effects. a. Increases blood flow along with oxygen to the muscles b. S timulates the neural-muscular pathways for better muscle activation and performance c. Enhances muscle mobility d. Enhances joint range of movement As a general rule, dynamic movement should make up the majority of the warm up activities. You can watch and example of a dynamic warm-up at this URL: http://golffitsolutions.com/golf-pre-gamewarm-up

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3. A dd stretching and recovery methods into your daily routine. While the research is still divided about the effectiveness of stretching, it can’t be argued if most of your day is spent sitting, your range of movement is affected. Rolling out the muscle with a foam roller, will increase blood flow through the muscles, aiding recovery and help with mobilising the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. You can watch a short video at this URL which gives some tips for these and other recovery methods: http://golffitsolutions.com/betterrecovery-better-golf

4. Eat to recovery. Food, high in nutrient value will aid you in getting over the effects of a training session. The usual culprits are your best options - Fresh vegetables, fruit and lean protein will help with the repair process of the muscles. There is some research that suggests pre- and post-training protein supplements are helpful as well. However, I would say this is more of a requirement if you are training very heavy and multiple times a day, so try improving your daily diet first, before spending extra money on supplements. 5. Plan your training sessions around your golf. Try and avoid doing any heavy training 24-48 hours before you are playing golf. If you want to do some exercise the day before then lighten the load and or reduce the volume, using the session more for activation and stabilisation activities that will complement your golf swing movement. Improving your body through correct training methods will improve your golf. What works for a body builder or professional athlete is probably not an appropriate way to approach fitness for golf. Taking a sensible approach and applying a consistent effort is your best option. •

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

A visit to Narooma is not complete without a hit on Narooma’s FAMOUS golf course. Described as ‘Incredible’ and ‘unique’ is a challenge for serious golfers and a pleasure to play for the not so serious. Consistently rated in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses and home to Hogan’s Hole, Narooma Golf Club is one of Australia’s premier public access courses. Narooma’s most famous six holes are perched high on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean while the back nine heads slightly inland, framed by tall timbers and meanders around a large lake that comes into play on six of the nine holes. Of course, all great clubs provide a bistro for patrons and the Narooma Golf Club is no exception with our “Pauls on the Course Brasserie” open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Whether you Play and Stay or just Play...we have it all. Narooma Golf Club in conjunction with the best local on-course accommodation, now offer a range of packages and options to suit players from social to professional. Just Play Packages are available through the Club or visit our website www.naroomagolf.com.au

PO Box 38, Narooma NSW, 2546. (02) 4476 2522 www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

rules

What’s the Rule?

Distance Measuring Devices and Smart Phones Frank Gal Director of Rules Golf NSW

he Rules prohibit the use of distance-measuring devices (DMDs) during a round under penalty of disqualification. However, a Committee can permit the use of some such devices via a Local Rule. Almost all clubs in Australia have adopted the specimen Local Rule on page 136 of the Rule Book which permits the use of DMDs in competition play with the following provisos: 1. the device must measure distance only and, 2. it must not be designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (e.g., gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.). Note: use of a device with the ability to gauge or measure these conditions is not permitted regardless of whether such an additional function is used or not, and even if that function is disabled. With the proliferation of DMDs in recent years and the expanding number of features available on smart phones the R&A published a news item on its website in 2014 which answers many questions asked by golfers in connection with DMDs. The article, including an explanatory flow chart, can be found on www.randa.org in the news archive for January, 2014. The main points can be summarised as follows: A player may obtain distance information by using a device

that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect their play (e.g. gradient, windspeed, temperature, etc), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used. Dedicated DMDs (Laser Rangefinder or GPS) If the device is capable of measuring conditions or providing information other than distance (e.g. slope, wind, temperature or club recommendation) its use as a DMD would be a breach of the Rules. The penalty is disqualification.

Smart Phone with distance measuring application installed. • If the distance measuring application is capable of measuring conditions or providing information other than distance (e.g. slope, wind, temperature or club recommendation), its use as a DMD would be a breach of the Rules. The penalty is disqualification. • If the device itself contains other applications that, if referenced at any time during a round might assist the player in his/her play (e.g. an anemometer, thermometer or club recommendation) this would render the phone automatically non-conforming even if the additional information is not

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rules

ASK THE EXPERT

used or is disabled. • Where the device contains other features which, if used in a specific way, could assist the player in his/her play (e.g. a camera, video camera or spirit level), the device can be used as a DMD, provided these applications or features are not used during a round in such a way that could assist the player in his/her play (e.g. videoing swing to analyse fault or gauging slope or green contours).

Dear Frank, A couple of weeks ago we had a dilemma which we could not solve. We had had heavy rain and one of the bunkers was half full of water. The 15 yards behind and nearest the green was easily playable but the back end of the bunker was completely full of water. There was nowhere to drop the ball in the bunker where the water was and to drop the ball in the bunker where it was playable would have been nearer the hole. As the ball was in a hazard then it should have been dropped in a playable area no nearer the hole. We were at a loss as to what to do. What is the correct procedure?

• A player can look up a weather forecast through an app or internet browser on a smart phone. This is not considered to be actively measuring or gauging the conditions and is permissible. • A smart phone with a compass feature can be used as a DMD. A compass only provides directional information and does not gauge or measure variable conditions or assist the player in his/her play.

Stuart, via email Frank Gal responds:

In addition to its use as a DMD, a mobile phone may be used for any non-golfing purpose (e.g., as a communication tool to phone, text or email), subject to any club/course regulations and the rules on accessing advice-related matters outlined in Decision 14-3/16 as follows:

Unfortunately, unless the Committee had declared the entire bunker to be Ground Under Repair (GUR), the player is obligated to proceed under rule 25-1b(ii). Under this Rule the player may drop the ball in the bunker, without penalty, within one club-length of the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole. If there is nowhere he or she can get full relief not nearer the hole the player may choose to drop the ball at the nearest point in the bunker, not nearer the hole, that gives maximum available relief (possibly the shallowest point).

The following uses of an electronic device during a stipulated round are not a breach of the Rules: • Using the device for matters unrelated to golf (e.g., to call home); • Using the device to access information on advice-related matters that was produced prior to the start of the player’s round (e.g., an electronic yardage book, swing tips);

As an additional option, even if he or she could get the free relief, the player may choose to drop under penalty of one stroke behind the bunker, keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.

• Using the device to access (but not interpret or process) playing information from previous rounds (e.g., driving distances, individual club yardages, etc.); or • Using the device to obtain information related to the competition being played (e.g., the leader board or projected “cut”). However, examples of uses of an electronic device during a stipulated round that are a breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, include: • Using the device (e.g., a television or radio) to watch or listen to a broadcast of the competition being played; • Using the device to ask for or give advice in breach of Rule 8-1 (e.g., calling a swing coach);

• Using the device to access information on advice-related matters that was not produced prior to the start of his round (e.g., analysis of strokes made during that round); or • Using the device to interpret or process any playing information obtained from current or previous rounds (e.g., driving distances, individual club yardages, etc.) or to assist in calculating the effective distance between two points (i.e., distance after considering gradient, wind speed and/or direction, temperature or other environmental factors). •

The player could also declare the ball unplayable. However, under the unplayable ball Rule (Rule 28) the only option that would allow the player to drop outside the bunker is to go back to where the ball was previously played under penalty of stroke and distance (in a bunker the other two unplayable ball options require a ball to be dropped within the bunker). Do you have a rules question for Frank? Email it to us at ed@insidegolf.com.au

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golf nsw

EVENT RESULTS:

Women’s Summer Foursomes

Women’s Summer Foursomes Div 1 Kirsten Convoy and Antonia Gonzalez (L-R)

Women’s Summer Foursomes Div 3 Susan Serjeantson and Kerry Tracy (L-R)

oung guns Antonia Gonzalez (Concord) and Kirsten Convoy (The Australian) led Division 1 with an 82 off the stick to win the daily scratch prize. Concord’s Rhonda Magner (8) and Margaret Bain-Smith (9) had a nett score of 74 ½ to win the daily nett. Nett Runners Up were Patricia Kenney (Avondale, 14) and Lesley Dickinson (Pymble, 7) with a nett score of 75 ½ and winning on a countback. A great score of 71 nett saw Joanne Adams (21) and Julie Anderson (17) from the Grange win the daily Nett prize for Division 2. Nett Runners Up were sisters, Rhonda Thompson (Belmont, 12) Jennifer Richards (Wyong, 21) with a nett score of 76 ½. Nett Winners for Division 3 were Gwennyth Chance (31) and Karen White (29) from The Coast with a score of 78 nett. Half a shot behind, also from The Coast were Wendy Hamer (26) and Gail Earle (35) with a score of 78 ½ for the Nett Runners Up. It was a wet start for the 136 ladies who competed at the 2015 Women’s Summer Foursomes at Cronulla Golf Club in January. The first day of play was 18-holes scratch foursomes, with the ladies teeing off from 7.00am. The top four pairings in each division (Division 1: plus to 13.5, Division 2: 14.0 to 19.5, Division 3: 20.0 to 37.0) qualified for the Match Play.

Women’s Summer Foursomes Match play Finals Women’s Summer Foursomes Div 2 Jackie Parton and Suzanne Wilson (L-R) Women’s Summer Foursomes Match play Semi Finals In Division 1 Antonia Gonzalez (Concord) and Kirsten Convoy (The Australian) defeated Tracey Wood and Lyn Hall (Lakeside) 4/3. Olivia Wilson (New South Wales) and Leanne Munt (Tura Beach) came back from two down to defeat Rhonda Magner and Margaret BainSmith (Concord) on the 18th. In Division 2 Ann McClintock (Kogarah) and Robyn Winter (Horizons) won 3/1 against Joanne Adams and Julie Anderson (The Grange). Locals Jackie Parton and Suzanne Wilson (Cronulla) defeated Rhonda Thompson (Belmont) and Jennifer Richards (Wyong) 4/3. In Division 3 Jacqueline Parsons (North Ryde) and Lana Debnam (Wakehurst) beat Leonie Zeidler and Carol Bailey (The Grange) on the 21st hole. Winning on the 22nd hole for the second match was Susan Serjeantson (Federal) and Kerry Tracy (Cronulla) defeating Jeanette Walters and Marilyn Williams (Belmont).

Three nail-biting finals completed the 2015 Women’s Summer Foursomes. Concord’s Antonia Gonzalez and The Australian’s Kirsten Convoy pulled through to claim their win on the 18th against defending champions Olivia Wilson (NSW) and Leanne Munt (Tura Beach). It was a tough battle for the young pair when defending champions Wilson and Munt crawled their way back from being four down after twelve holes. In Division 2, locals Jackie Parton and Suzanne Wilson proved to be tough to beat on their home turf, winning their finals 3/2 against Ann McClintock (Kogarah) and Robyn Winter (Horizons). In Division 3, after a long battle, Susan Serjeantson (Federal) and Kerry Tracy (Cronulla) defeated Jacqueline Parsons (North Ryde) and Lana Debnam (Wakehurst) 2/1.

Enter Now: 2015 Men’s and Women’s NSW Foursomes Championships The 2015 Men’s and Women’s NSW Foursomes Championships are being held at Shelly Beach Golf Club on Sunday 12 April 2015. Both of these events will be an 18-hole stroke play format. Also run in conjunction with these events is the NSW Foursomes Champion of Champions. This is open to any foursomes pairing that are the current Foursomes Club Champions at their club. The Men’s NSW Foursomes Championship is open to any male amateur pairing with a combined GA handicap of 10 and under. The Women’s NSW Foursomes Championship is open to any female amateur pairing with a combined GA handicap of 20 and under. The Championship will be hotly contested, with a contingent of the best in the state turning out each year to play. In 2014 there was some great scoring with the pair of James Grierson and Jack McLeod posting a score of 70 to take out the Men’s Championship, while Aliza Huff & Elizabeth Elmassian took out the Women’s Championship with 74. There are a number of prizes awarded for the Championships, including scratch and nett winners. Entries for this event are now open. To enter, or for more information, go to www.golfnsw.org •

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events

Vets head north for National Championships area’s many tourist attractions. “It will be a terrific tournament and the weather will be fantastic,” Baylis says. “It will probably be around 31 degrees with very little humidity during the day and get down to around a 16 degree minimum overnight.” (The tournament was brought forward from its usual November setting to get the best of the peak season weather conditions.)

Brian O’Hare

brian@australianseniorgolfer.com.au

ORE people associate the Northern Territory with crocodiles rather than golf but visitors to the Australian Veteran Golfers Union National Championships in Darwin this year needn’t be alarmed.

“If people are organised they can go to Kakadu, they can go to Litchfield Park which is one of the other highlights of the top end. There’s lots of crocs to see, there’s a number of tourist operations that have crocs. There is one actually right in the city itself which is quite good.”

A run-in with one of the area’s man-eating denizens on course isn’t all that likely. “There’s only a toy one in one of the dams,” admitted tournament director John Baylis from the Northern Territory Veteran Golfers Association.

Baylis says many participants arrange the vets tournament as the central part of a longer holiday or road trip. “They usually try and coincide with a road trip, with a group from their home club or whatever. They visit all the spots and play in the vets on the way up and things like that,” he says

While visitors to the annual national championship for over 55’s amateur golfers can expect a great week of golf, crocodile encounters and other unique tourism opportunities are purely optional. The AVGU National Championships are an annual event that rotates around Australia’s states and territories and among other benefits offer entrants inspiration to visit locations they might not otherwise get to. The Darwin event in 2015, to be held toward the end of the peak tourist season from August 16 to 21, is a case in point. The championship is open to male veteran golfers and their partners and apart from a much sought after scratch national trophy there are also lots of other trophies and prizes in four handicapped grades. Arrangements for the tournament are progressing nicely and the event has had good local support from people like major sponsor Fuel Express and the NT Government. “[The] 2015 Championships will be spread across three of our most picturesque golf courses in the stunning Dry season,” enthuses NT Minister for Sport Matthew Conlan. “Darwin is home to world-class sporting

John Baylis, Tournament director with the Northern Territory Veteran Golfers Association. facilities and with the great weather, lifestyle and unique tourist attractions this is one championship not to be missed. Learn more about Darwin’s rich war history, visit the bustling Mitchell St for cafes, restaurants and bars, cool off with a swim at the Waterfront Lagoon, get a photo with some of Australia largest crocodiles or venture to Litchfield to see amazing waterfalls and wildlife. It’s all here waiting for you to enjoy. So come along, enjoy some fantastic golf in the tropics and see firsthand why we believe the Northern Territory is Australia’s number one holiday destination.” The courses scheduled for the men’s championship will be the Peter Thomson and Michael Wolveridge-designed Darwin Golf Course and Palmerston Golf Course. The Darwin course is only minutes from the city and is an acclaimed par 72 layout. It is also home to the “toy’ crocodile.

“It’s anchored to the bottom of a dam, Baylis said. “It’s just a head and its sticking out of the water so that might scare a few to start with.” The field is restricted to a maximum 288 men and 72 ladies and with an entry fee of just $320 that includes a Welcome Day on the Sunday, four rounds of golf and gala Presentation Dinner on Friday evening, is great value. Men play a 54 hole stroke championship (Men’s D Grade will be stableford only) while the women play a 54 hole stableford event. The ladies will play at the very picturesque nine-hole Gardens Park Golf Links, which is also very handy to the city. (Baylis explains there are space restrictions with the tournament with the next available 18-hole venue 1500 kms away in Alice Springs.) The Wednesday of the event is a rest day with the opportunity to further explore the

“And even some of them I hear are coming up with their caravans or camper trailers or whatever and playing in the vets then parking them and going across to Bali and similar places.” For many, the AVGU championships have become an annual ritual that eventually takes a long, slow lap around Australia and provides the chance to meet and maintain some great new friendships, to see new places … and play a bit of golf on some great courses. The championship moves to Adelaide in 2016, the Gold Coast in 2017 and Port Stephens in NSW in 2018. Entries are currently scheduled to close at the end of May but it is advisable to get in early and book accommodation and other details. • Brian O’Hare is the founder and editor of Australian Senior Golfer, an online magazine providing news, information, entertainment and resources for golfers aged 45 plus. www.australianseniorgolfer.com.au

Queensland Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championships Sunday 29th March 2015 Wynnum Golf Club Entries close Wednesday 18th March www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

events

Youth the winners at Sanctuary Lakes Foundation Golf Day A warm northerly breeze greeted the 132 players at the recent 2014 Point Cook Community Bank® Branch Bendigo Bank Sanctuary Lakes Foundation Golf Day held at the Greg Norman-designed Sanctuary Lakes Golf Course. With the club championships just weeks away the course was presented very well with lush couch fairways and hard, fast greens.

nearest the pin. The volunteers cooking the sausages were kept busy feeding the 132 players prior to the 12.30 shotgun start.

For many of the players supporting the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation Golf Day has been an annual event since it was first run over 10 years ago. The golf day has been the major fundraiser for the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation since the foundation was established by the then Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club President Graeme Glasson and Captain Allan Smith. The foundation provides support for local youth wishing to excel in sport, music, writing or the arts.

The competition for the event was a team’s stableford. Although the day was challenging from a golf point of view as the northerly becoming stronger as the day went on, having two Foundation recipients Jordan Cooper and Charles Wright hit drives on two holes helped tame the course. The scores posted showed that many players adapted well to the conditions, with winning team score of 147 points achieved.

Stacey Keating was on hand to sign a Callaway golf bag for the winning bidder at the pre-game auction. Prior to playing on the Ladies European Tour Stacey was a regular at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club and many members took the opportunity to catch up with her.

With all players back in the club house by 5.30, it was time for Des Byrne (emcee and Auctioneer) to start the official proceedings with the major sponsor Point Cook Community Bank® Manager, Satish Vishwanath presenting the prizes to the winning teams.

Since 2000, dozens of local youth have benefited from over $250,000 of cadetships being granted based on the applications submitted and assessed by the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation Board. The range of sports represented in the cadetships is impressive and includes golf, soccer, netball, baseball and basketball. Many recipients have reached a high level and have gone to become State and National representatives. On the golfing stage Stacey Keating has won both national and international amateur tournaments whilst being a Sanctuary Lakes Foundation cadet and since turning professional has won six times including two wins on the Ladies European Tour. Stacey recently made the comment that … “seriously if it wasn’t for the foundation I wouldn’t have had the kick-start I needed...” Jimmy Jeggo, now playing for Adelaide United, previously played for Melbourne Victory and has represented Victoria and Australia in soccer is another who has excelled. The golf day began with the traditional 85 metre pitching

In memory of Allan Smith the recipient of the “Allan Smith Cadet of the year” was awarded to Charles Wright. Charles received a cheque for $500 from the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation to help with his endeavour of playing professional golf. Since receiving the award Charles has won the Southern Amateur and qualified to play as an amateur in the NSW Open. Charles qualified equal 17th at the recent Australian PGA Q-School and is now pursuing a career as a professional golfer. Stacey Keating helps drive up bids at the pre-game auction competition where golfers were vying for a driver donated by Sanctuary Lakes Pro Shop – Stubbs Golf. Before long a “hole in one” was scored, securing the driver. Not to spoil the fun, Nathan (owner of Stubbs Golf) put up another driver for

World Class Golf in the Outback

Prior to the evening wrapping up at 8pm it was announced that the funds raised on the day for future allocation to successful applicants was close to $24,000. With the ongoing support of sponsors, volunteers and players the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation Board is looking forward to supporting many more local youth in achieving their aspirations to reach high levels in their chosen field. •

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March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

events

Celebrations at Worrigee Links

Emerging New South Wales stars win Australian Amateur Championships A dramatic extra-hole victory for Cameron Davis wrapped up an extraordinary week of golf last month at the Australian Amateur Championship. Sydneysider Davis, 19, who recently equalled a 59-year-old course record on Royal Melbourne’s West Course, won his first national title in spectacular style with a birdie on the 37th hole against New Zealand’s Tyler Hodge. It capped a spectacular day for Golf New South Wales who earlier had both finalists in the women’s final, won convincingly by Australia’s top amateur, Shelly Shin 8&7 over Lizzie Elmassian in their 36-hole clash at The Australian Golf Club.

Club President, Kev Duffey, course designer Ken McKay and Greenkeepers Tony Webster and Chris Regan pictured during the 10th Anniversary celebrations of Worrigee Links in January. Photo Courtesy of South Coast Register Nowra.

he Worrigee Links Golf Course celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its official opening in January when a field of 136 members competed in a four-person Ambrose to commemorate the event. Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens Club President Kevin Duffey hit the first tee shot to start the day, replicating the opening tee shot of the late Jack Elliott, who officially opened the golf course back in 2005. Many of the inaugural committee members were in attendance, as well as some who travelled from far afield to help celebrate a great day at the Club. The winners on the day were the Brown family, Kirk, Alona, Jason and Col Cattell, with a score of 53.25 nett. Runners-up were

Steve and Andrew Kohler, Vince Morris and Rick Marshall with 53.5 nett. Well done to all the minor place winners and novelty events. One of the big prizes up for grabs was a brand-new Ford Fiesta car for an ace, sponsored by Geoff O’Connell and his team at Kinghorn Motors. Players and the club expressed their thanks to the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens Club Board of Directors for their sponsorship and continued support of the golf club. The day was a huge success and all players enjoyed a great day’s golf. Looking back on the first ten years of Worrigee Links there have been many significant events, including Pro-Ams, IDGA Regional finals, Club representative

matches, major club tournaments, Interclub competitions, many hole-in-ones and some great individual scores recorded. The club’s doors are always open for new members and social golfers to come along and enjoy the golf course and superb club facilities. The club look forward to the next ten years, and beyond, as they continue to prosper. They thank their valued members and visitors for the ongoing support. Full playing Gold Golf Membership at Worrigee Links is only $375.00 for 12 months and Play and Stay packages start from $107.50. For all golf enquiries please contact the Pro-Shop on 02 4421 7430. •

Golf Australia high performance director Brad James said both players, members of the Golf Australia national squad, were testament to just how far they’d progressed in the past year and to both players’ ability to stay focused on a tough course under the pressure of great fields. “It’s a great tribute to both Cam and Shelly, (but) it’s a huge achievement by Golf New South Wales to have both winners,” James said. “Golf NSW national coach Dean Kinney has been absolutely brilliant with these guys and it’s a great tribute to them.” Davis said he was exhausted after his overtime triumph, but it mattered little with a ticket to the Emirates Australian Open now safely in his pocket . “I wanted to play less (matchplay holes) than what I’ve done, but it doesn’t matter what hole you finish on if you win. It feels good,” Davis beamed.

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seniors

Senior golfers play on the best courses by Denis Dale ed@insidegolf.com.au

he February issue of Inside Golf highlighted the 2015 calendar of events that make up the Australian Senior Ranking system. This year there are 16 national level events that will include all

the states and territories of Australia. The top level seniors are striving for selection in representative teams that will compete at home and overseas during the year. All these national level players will enjoy competing on many of Australia’s great golf courses.

NSW SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

While the national calendar is definitely a busy one there is also a lot happening in senior golf at the state level.

VICTORIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

2015 Royal Melbourne Seniors attracted a capacity field In 2006 Golf Victoria introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition for the Doug Bachli Trophy. This competition has been very successful and now also includes a yearlong handicap competition named in honour of the late Paul Lulofs who did so much for senior golf in Victoria. The defending champion for the 2015 Doug Bachli Trophy is Kingston Heath golfer Gordon Claney. Ignatius Duivenvoorden (Yarram) made it four years in a row in winning the handicap trophy – quite an amazing achievement. The 2015 Victorian calendar includes thirteen 18-hole events, seventeen 36-hole events and four 54-hole events played on many of Victoria’s best regional and metropolitan courses. This year the competition will see golfers count points gained from their best twelve events during the year. The courses for 2015 include Royal Melbourne, Kooringal, Keysborough, Latrobe, The Sands, Lonsdale, Box Hill, Cranbourne, Bendigo, Sandhurst, Bright, Myrtleford, Flinders, Portsea, The National, Warrnambool, Cobram-Barooga, Leongatha, Warragul, Hepburn Springs, Heathcote, Shepparton, Tocumwal, Coomealla, Yarra Yarra, Kingston Heath, Victoria, Metropolitan, Commonwealth, Gardiner’s Run, Lang Lang,

Melton Valley, Northern, Spring Valley, Woodlands, Port Fairy and Sorrento. In 2015 there are thirteen senior events that will also include a section for senior women. The opening event of the calendar year was the 54-hole Royal Melbourne Senior Classic and the winner was New Zealand visitor Michael Barltrop (73-78-76). In a commanding display Barltrop was the only senior golfer to record three rounds under 80 and he was a seven stroke winner over Victorian Greg Rhodes (81-78-75=234). Third place was shared by two Victorians Gordon Claney (79-81-77=237) and Bernard Bickerton (76-76-85=237). The second event for 2015 is the Yarra Courses Senior Amateur which was played at Latrobe Golf Club. In a tight finish Heidelberg’s Gavin Duncan and Eastern’s Andrew Hansen both carded 72’s to force a count-back. Duncan was awarded first place over Hansen who was the defending champion. In the nett section, it was Latrobe’s own Tony Markuzov lighting up the course with a nett 65. The 19 marker made the most of the home club advantage, finishing one shot ahead of Green Acre’s Jerry O’Gorman. More information: www.golfvic.org.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT The South Australian Senior Order of Merit competition began in 2012 with a six tournament competition. The competition has continued to develop and in 2015 there will be 18 hole events scheduled for Blackwood, Thaxted Park, Tea Tree Gully, Mt Osmond, Flagstaff Hill and Glenelg. For the first time Kooyonga and Grange Golf Clubs are combining for the 36-hole Australian Senior Ranking event previously known as the 66

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Grange Senior Classic. The 54-hole South Australian Senior Amateur Championship will be played at Links Lady Bay, the venue of the 2004 Australian Senior Amateur Championship. The 2014 South Australian Senior Order of Merit champion was Norm Cordina from Tea Tree Gully Golf Club with Tony Timmins from Kooyonga the winner of the Over 65 competition. More information: www.golfsa.com.au

Vince Clark and Roy Vandersluis – winners of the 2015 NSW Senior Foursomes Championship at Belmont GC

Dale Tapper – early leader in the 2015 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition

In 2006 the NSW Golf Association introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition and was an immediate success with each event attracting large fields of senior golfers. Every year the competition has grown and in 2015 there will be 47 events with the Order of Merit competition calculated by using the golfer’s best 14 events.

Stephen Pryor with a score of 73.5 nett. The Over 65’s scratch winners were Penrith’s Clark Gibbons and Shoalhaven’s Cameron Fraser with a score of 78.

Apart from the honour of winning the medals at the end of the year the NSW Senior Order of Merit is also used as a basis for selecting players to represent NSW in the Interstate Teams section of the Australian Senior Amateur Championship and the annual “Walking Stick” competition held between NSW, Queensland and Victoria. The Senior Order of Merit Champion in 2014 was Denis Dale from the Twin Creeks Golf Club. Dale has now won this title for the past six years and a total of eight times since its inception in 2006. Stefan Albinski defeated Dale to claim the championship in 2008. Dale was also the winner of the 2015 Over 65 section. The 2015 calendar has events on many of NSW’s best metropolitan courses including The Coast, St Michael’s, Concord, Castle Hill, Pennant Hills, Monash, Glenmore, Royal Sydney, Bonnie Doon, The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale, Penrith, Strathfield, Mona Vale, Manly, Oatlands, Pymble, Cabramatta, Carnarvon, Liverpool, Twin Creeks, Long Reef and Cromer. The number of regional and country courses has continued to grow and in 2015 will include Belmont, Forster-Tuncurry, Gungahlin Lakes, Bowral, Duntry League, Orange Ex-Services, Richmond, Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Bonville, Ocean Shores, Port Macquarie, Mollymook, Kooindah Waters, Wyong, Newcastle, Shelly Beach, Magenta Shores, Port Kembla, Camden, Windsor, Charlestown, Toronto, Gold Creek and Federal. The opening event of the year was the NSW Senior Foursomes Championship with The Lakes’ pair of Vince Clark and Roy Vandersluis winning with an excellent round of 74. The Manly Golf Club pairing of Darryl Hearch and Peter Thomas finished runners up with a score of 77. Nett Winners were local Belmont members Phillip Betts and

A strong field of over 80 competitors returned to Belmont following the Senior Foursomes to contest the 36-hole Belmont Seniors. The round one leader was Terry Blomfield (Waratah GC) with a one over par 73 closely followed by Bayview’s Dale Tapper on 74. In round two Tapper’s 75 saw him finish on a total of 149 and draw level with Blomfield (73-76) with the first prize going to Tapper on a countback. Darryl Hearsch (Manly GC) and Russell Bunn (Newcastle GC) finished in a tie for third, with both competitors on a score of 154. The inaugural playing of the ForsterTuncurry Seniors saw Horizons golfer Geoff Shute defeat a strong field with a great round of 73 on one of the best tests of golf north of Sydney. Anthony Reed (ForsterTuncurry), Greg Ellis (Forster-Tuncurry) and Paul Maslen (Moss Vale) finished in a three-way tie for second on a score of 76. The Coast Seniors event was another newcomer to the NSW Order of Merit Calendar and a very good field teed off in ominous conditions using a shotgun start. Unfortunately the weather did not improve and with the greens becoming unplayable play was eventually abandoned. We look forward to playing this enjoyable test of golf in 2016. The following day Greg Stanford from Mona Vale was victorious in the St Michael’s Seniors defeating Paul Day (Kooindah Waters) on a countback after both seniors had finished with excellent scores of 76. Again the weather made scoring on this historic links golf course a real challenge but all players did complete their rounds. The Wollongong Seniors saw Bayview’s Dale Tapper record his second win of the year and take the early lead in the 2015 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition. Tapper finished with a score of 74 to defeat Ross Bockman (Long Reef ) and Dominic Cirillo (Liverpool) by a single stroke. More information: www.golfnsw.org

seniors

QUEENSLAND ROYAL MELBOURNE SENIOR SENIOR ORDER CLASSIC After three years of trying New OF MERIT In 2013 Golf Queensland introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition for the state’s men and women senior golfers. In an ambitious program 45 events were scheduled with tournaments ranging from Cairns in the north to Toowoomba and Warwick in the west and all along the Queensland coast to the southeast corner. This year there is an amended competition although much of the state is again covered. As for 2014 the Queensland Senior Order of Merit will receive generous sponsorship from PresCare. At the end of the year the proud winners of the 2014 Queensland Senior Orders of Merit Trophies were Steve Toyne (Nudgee) and Wendy O’Connell (North Lakes). Toyne was playing his first year in the senior ranks and from 14 events recorded 6 victories including the 54-hole Gold Coast Senior Classic. O’Connell repeated her 2014 title and during the season won 6 events from her 10 starts. For 2015 events are scheduled for the following courses: Palmer Colonial, Wynnum, Bribie Island, Brisbane, North Lakes, Redcliffe, Carbrook, Redland Bay, McLeod, Sanctuary Cove Palms, Paradise Palms, Southport, Laidley, Hills International, Indooroopilly, Mt Coolum, Pelican Waters, Caloundra, Burleigh, Half Moon Bay, Peregian Springs, Noosa, Pacific Harbour, Headland, Coolangatta Tweed Heads, Horton Park, Nudgee, Gailes, Royal Pines, Mossman, Rockhampton, Cairns, Mareeba, Ocean Shores, Bargara, Coral Cove, Hervey Bay, Gordonvale, Yeppoon, Palmer Gold Coast, Pacific Harbour, Maroochy River, Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Mercure Capricorn Resort, Capricorn Country, Townsville, Rowes Bay, Keperra, Brookwater, Surfers Paradise, Warwick, Dalby, Toowoomba City, Toowoomba, Virginia and Oxley. A review of the courses included in 2015 will reveal a list that covers the state and provides some wonderful courses in even better locations. It is again anticipated that the local players will be joined by holidaying golfers enjoying both the sunshine of the north and top class golf facilities. The opening event of the 2014 year was the Palmer Colonial Seniors with the men’s scratch section won by Coolangatta Tweed Heads senior Phil Towle with a good round of 73. He defeated Nudgee’s Mario La Chiusa and Carbrook’s Paranjit Singh by three strokes. The women’s scratch winner at Palmer Colonial was Trish Hall from Oxley with a round of 91. She defeated Annie Llewelyn (Twin Waters) and Judith Logan (Laidley). More information: www.golfqueensland.org.au

Zealand senior Michael Barltrop emerged as an easy winner in the 2015 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic played on the East, West and famous Composite course at the host club. From a field of 108 participants, 59 came from interstate and four from overseas and overall represented 74 different golf clubs. The handicap used for the entry ballot was a record low of 4.9.

Barltrop had led early in 2013 and held a nice lead with 9 holes to go in 2014 but made a few mistakes and Royal Melbourne is often penal in those situations. This year Barltrop played great golf in all rounds and gave no-one else a chance as he cruised to a 7 stroke victory following rounds of 73-78-76. Barltrop paid tribute to the famed Royal Melbourne layout stating “it was an honour to have taken the title on one of the world’s finest and most difficult courses”’. Barltrop now joins Royal Canberra’s Bill Banks and Young’s Rick Oliver as winners of the Royal Melbourne Senior Classic. In recent years Barltrop has been a regular traveller to Australia to compete in senior events. He is a top quality senior golfer and although he always figures in the finish of these events this is his first victory and one he will certainly be proud of. Barltrop has indicated he has plans to compete in Australia for a few more years as he enjoys the challenge offered by our leading players and our wonderful courses. Second place went to Victorian Greg Rhodes (81-78-75=234). Rhodes closed with an excellent round of 75 and the relative newcomer to senior golf is not far from a major win. Third place was shared by two Victorians Gordon Claney (79-81-77=237) and Bernard Bickerton (76-76-85=237). Claney is the current Australian Senior Amateur champion and continued his impressive golf that has been a feature of Australian senior ranking events over the last twelve

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Michael Barltrop – winner 2015 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic months. Newcomer Bickerton slipped back in the third round but his pair of 76’s to begin the tournament show that he is a senior player to watch. Once again it was the hardness of the greens and the surrounds that presented the biggest challenge and the winner was the only player in a very strong field managed to score under 80 in all three rounds. In 2014 not one player managed this feat proving without doubt that under tournament conditions Royal Melbourne is a very demanding test of golf for the senior golfer. As in previous years the organisation and hospitality offered was at the highest level and the Royal Melbourne Senior Classic now stands among the top when discussing the most anticipated events on the national senior golfing calendar. Leading Scores: 227 BARLTROP Michael 73-78-76 NZL 234 RHODES Gregory 81-78-75 VIC

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237 CLANEY Gordon 79-81-77 VIC, BICKERTON Bernard 76-76-85 VIC 238 MCDONALD David 78-81-79 VIC, CORDINA Norm 83-74-81 SA 239 LIMBACH David 85-77-77 NSW, EVANS Alan 87-74-78 VIC, HOWLAND Graeme 77-84-78 NSW 240 MARR Glenn 78-81-81 VIC, TOYNE Steve 77-82-81 QLD, FROST Ian 83-76-81 VIC

Currently 18 hole events are scheduled for The Vines, Araluen, Wanneroo, Melville Glades, Lake Karrinyup, Royal Perth, Lakelands and Mandurah Golf Clubs. The 36 hole Lake Karrinyup Senior Classic and the 54-hole West Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Mt Lawley will be held during March. These are the major events for the WA senior golfing year and also count towards the Australian Senior Ranking System.

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More information: www.golfwa.org.au www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

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WEST AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT The Senior Order of Merit competition in Western Australia runs from June 2014 to May 2015. At the conclusion of the season (the Mandurah Senior Open in May, 2015) the 3 players with the highest number of ranking points along with the leading WA player from the 2014 State Seniors Championship will be invited to form a representative WA team to compete in the 2014 Australian Seniors Championship. The WA team will be the defending champions having won the Interstate Teams Championship in 2014.

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clubs

Luxury living for over 55s

ictorian golfers looking for a topof-the-range, over 55s independent living community take note: a brand-new luxury village near Geelong may tick all the boxes.

Tee off with top deal in Toowoomba

Bellarine Lakes Country Club, operated by the longestablished Country Club Villages, aims to provide a quality living environment in which security, social companionship and a sense of belonging underpin the active and vibrant lifestyle. At Bellarine Lakes Country Club, the focus is on making Bellarine Lakes village living great value, by Country Club not only providing qualitybuilt homes and community facilities with all the modern conveniences, but also reassuring and convenient support services such as onsite managers, 24-hour emergency contact system and village bus.

City Golf Club

The village includes a recently refurbished private 9-hole golf course, walking trails and recreation areas. Shopping, banks and a medical centre are close by, and within 8km is the heart of the Geelong CBD and the comprehensive shopping it has to offer. The surf coast is also not far away. With more time on your hands, you’ll get to enjoy the modern, resort style facilities that have been ideally planned for mature Australians to appreciate, including the community centre, bowling green and swimming pool and exercise area that are scheduled for completion soon. The golf course is already in use and is free for all residents to enjoy.

of living styles and price ranges. Villas come complete with all the extras often not included in a new home; light fittings, window furnishings, security doors and fly screens, ducted vacuum, reverse-cycle air conditioner and gas ducted heating are all included.

The design team at Country Club Villages have developed a practical selection of five villas, aimed at providing a variety

Prices at the village start from $399,000. For enquiries please call 1800 255 578. •

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The award-winning City Golf Club in Toowoomba is providing a great opportunity for travelling couples and groups to experience the best in Play and Stay accommodation available on the Darling Downs. Staying in their 4.5 star City Golf Motel, guests will enjoy a luxurious night’s stay in the club’s boutique rooms, a round of golf on the championship course (host of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA) and plenty of time to relax in the clubhouse to enjoy complimentary club credits. With the flexibility of playing either 18 holes in one day, or enjoying 9 holes each day, you will be sure to enjoy their challenging course. Prices start at $140.00 pp twin share, and the offer is subject to Sunday night stays only. Stop by Toowoomba and enjoy this exclusive offer. For more information, (07) 46 369 020, www.citygolf. com.au, or email: golf@citygolf.com.au

clubs

Make your next game a country practice So, here’s the challenge – round up your mates and go off the beaten track once a month or every six weeks to play unfamiliar layouts.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

’D like a dollar for every time I’ve heard “golf is in decline” and “another country golf club is on the verge of closing its doors”. Unfortunately, the threat of closure does hang over many country golf clubs due to rising costs. Signing new members would help, but they are thin on the ground in smaller communities. In Queensland, Darling Downs Golf Association president Neil Gilshenan said many smaller clubs in the district were “doing it tough”. “In fact, Wallangarra Golf Club, a small club with about 25 members, recently had their machinery shed burnt to the ground,” he said. “They lost all their machinery and unfortunately it wasn’t insured. “Clifton Golf Club, another small club in the district, has donated a greens mower and they are looking for some other support with regard to a surrounds mower. “They are one of the many smaller clubs that are doing it tough.” What these clubs need is more spikes on the fairways and that’s where members from other clubs can assist. If metropolitan club members and those members from clubs in bigger regional towns ventured out and played golf at these smaller clubs it would release the financial pressures somewhat.

Sure, it might take you out of your comfort zone, but that’s half the fun. Who knows, what you discover might be a pleasant surprise. There is a sense of adventure travelling to, and playing, an unfamiliar golf course. Too often club golfers are content playing their familiar home track with the same group – week in, week out. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s what I call automatic golf – tee off at the same time with the same people every week, hit the same club off the tee, have a drink at the 19th and it’s “see you at the same time next week”. But if you go beyond the gates of your “paradise” you’ll discover courses that fit the budget. It might be the Year of the Goat in Chinese astrology, but that doesn’t mean all country courses are a goat tracks. The truth is, most club golfers are missing out playing layouts for people who simply love golf. The best way to improve your game is to tee it up on a course you’ve never played before. There are some seriously good and challenging courses on roads less travelled where the staff and members savour the opportunity to welcome visitors. Most, like Clifton Golf Club, will go the extra mile to make you smile.

Put yourself in the picture and take your game to a place it has never been before. According to Clifton’s website, the club’s members welcome visitors. “Someone is always available to explain the challenging layout and its local rules,” it says. “Whether you live in the region or are just wandering through, call in, enjoy the casual atmosphere, play the course and join us for a drink afterward.” Who knows, you just might make new friends and your small contribution could go towards helping a struggling country club purchase a new greens mower or some other much-needed equipment. If your mates don’t fancy the idea, take your family and teach them to play golf on a lesscrowded golf course. If your mates like the idea, challenge yourselves by playing in the local competition. Occasionally, make a weekend of it and play two or three courses in the area.

If there are enough of you, play a Ryder Cupstyle event among yourselves or challenge the locals and play for bragging rights. That’ll be fun, right? It’s also great fun being out-and-about seeing what country courses have to offer. Does it matter if you don’t always have a perfect lie on the fairway or in the bunker or putt on a billiard table-like greens? Don’t whinge, view it as another challenge. So take a chance … you have nothing to lose and much to gain. Hit the highways and byways and find out what makes our “country cousins” tick over a game of golf, a pie and cold drink. If enough golfers did this, perhaps country golfers will reciprocate. Hang on, they already do. Each year, large numbers of country golfers head for the “Big Smoke” to play Country Week at four or five metropolitan courses. •

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

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*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $112.50). Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

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The home of Sarah Kemp www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

calendar

CALENDAR > MARCH

2015 Women’s NSW Senior Championship WHEN: 23-25 March WHERE: Duntryleague Golf Club, Orange, NSW The state’s best women senior amateur golfers will battle it out at the premier event on the NSW Seniors Amateur Golf Calendar. The 2015 NSW Women’s Senior Championship will be played over 36 holes qualifying rounds, with the four best scratch scores to qualify for the Senior Amateur Championship Match play.

Challenge yourself at McLeod

For players who do not qualify in the Senior Championship Match Play, there is also match play broken down by age category: Age 55 to 59 - four to qualify for match play Age 60 to 64 - four to qualify for match play Age 65 to 69 - four to qualify for match play Age 70 plus - four to qualify for match play

The event will see a host of recognized golfers competing. However for every serious competitor, there will be a handful of participants out to enjoy the few days of golf. All women senior golfers from around the State are encouraged to get a group together, travel to Orange, and participate. The Championship is open to female amateurs who are 55 years of age or over as at the first day of play, whose handicap does not exceed 28 strokes at the date of entry. The event is also part of the Women’s NSW Senior Order of Merit. Entries are now open - $80 via hard copy, or $70 online. To enter log onto www.golfnsw.org. Entries close Friday 6 March 2015.

Blackheath Gala Weekend

WHERE: Blackheath Golf Club WHEN: March 27-29th CONTACT: Lynne Pressley, 0418225278 Many clubs in the beautiful Blue Mountains are struggling to stay afloat, so there is no better time than now to show your support. This month’s “Gala weekend” at Blackheath involves an 18-hole House Challenge on Saturday, a dinner Saturday night and nine holes on Sunday. There is also a trainee Pro-Am on the Monday for those interested and brave! The club are keen to have any interested golfers accept their hospitality and enjoy the weekend, or even just take part in the Pro-Am. One of Australia’s best young amateurs, Becky Kay, will also tee it up.

2015 Nsw Veterans Strokeplay Championships

WHERE: Richmond, Glenmore Heritage Valley and Stonecutters Ridge WHEN: 30-31 March and 1 April 2015 INFO: Chris Evans, Secretary, WSRVGA on 0413912888 After a highly successful move to Western Sydney in 2014, the 2015 State Championships, now a SOOM-Golf NSW approved event, is expected to attract a strong field of seasoned performers as well as top local talent.

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

MAY Canteen Australia Charity Golf Day WHERE: Nudgee Golf Club WHEN: May 1 CONTACT: Troy Scott - 0420 370 211 canteengolf@hotmail.com

For all those who do not qualify for any of the match play components, an 18-hole stableford event will be held in the morning on the final day. The format is as follows: Monday 23 March: 18-holes stroke Tuesday 24 March: 18-holes stroke Wednesday 25 March: AM - Semi Finals Match Play (Championship, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+) 18-holes stableford (for those not participating in Match Play) PM - Finals Match Play (Championship, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+)

APRIL

ompetition at McLeod Country Golf Club is all about having fun. This year’s Easter two-day event, 5th and 6th April, is an excellent example. Open to all with a handicap, the game is an Open Medley 4BBB Stableford. The event is very well supported and has some great prizes. Last year, organisers sent a couple to Sydney for the weekend with a show and accommodation included. This year, they promise the prizes will be even better. There are not many opportunities for couples to play together over two days in the golf calendar, so the team at McLeod invite you to join them for some fun. If a team event is not for you, they also have the McLeod Stag Back Marker challenge for men (March 6th, May 1st and June 6th) or the McLeod Ladies Black Marker challenge Series (April 10th, July 10th and Sept 25th.) There is now also the added challenge of breaking the course record and receiving $500. The ladies record of 70 was recently broken during the ALPG Pro-Am in January while the men’s record of 67 is a few years old now and needs to be challenged. More information: 07 3373 3666, www.mcleodgolf.com.au or email enquiries@mcleodgolf.com.au Richmond Golf Club, the oldest golf club in NSW still on its current site, has just hosted a second Australian Seniors PGA with veteran Kiwi Simon Owen the 2014 winner from Mike Harwood. The course has tight fairways, pure greens and is in fantastic condition. The Veterans will be the big beneficiaries in 2015. Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club, nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains in the magnificent Mulgoa Valley, boasts a demanding championship layout. Its 136 slope rating (white tees) will test the hardiest of amateur golfers. The final 18 holes will be played at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Links, a new Greg Norman resort course. Stonecutters successfully hosted the recent 2014 NSW Open won by Victorian Anthony Brown. A classic links layout with wide open fairways, big bunkers and bigger sloping greens, plus a modern clubhouse with great cuisine, Stonecutters is the ideal venue to decide a major championship event. With significant sponsorship from the property developer, Australand Pty Ltd and Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers, the entry fee remains at just $99 for the three days of golf competition and this includes a luncheon on the final day at Stonecutters prior to the presentation of trophies. Entries close Monday, 16 March 2015.

Tee it up in this Ambrose event, with all proceeds donated to Canteen Australia for assistance in continuing their support of kids affected by cancer. Proudly sponsored by Perrier Ryan Accountants and Landsdale property Group. Ryan Harris will be a guest for the day. Major prizes include accommodation at Sheraton Noosa, 2 nights at Couran Cove as well as a stack of exceptional prizes. No handicap required. Corporate ($750) and individual ($90) sponsorship available. Huge sporting auction including a signed Broncos jersey signed by Bennett, Lewis and Lockyer as well as great raffle prizes following the round.

2015 Women’s Autumn Meeting

WHEN: Monday 4 to Thursday 7 May WHERE: Belconnen, Federal, Gungahlin Lakes, Murrumbidgee, Gold Creek, Queanbeyan, and Yowani Golf Clubs. The Women’s Autumn Meeting is the second of three Golf NSW Women’s Meetings held each year with entries from all around the state. These events present an opportunity for competitors to enjoy some excellent golf courses and experience the hospitality the ACT has to offer. The Summer Meeting is held in the Southern Highlands and the Mountain Meeting is held in the Blue Mountains. What makes these events unique is that they are open to all handicap levels and the array of prizes facilitates all handicap ranges. The Autumn Meeting is a four-day event which begins with a 36-hole event scratch event. Day three is an 18-hole foursomes event, followed by a four person team event on day four. The draw is semi seeded for days one and two, with players nominating their playing partners on days three and four. Players compete for the ACT Championship Cup and The Seat of Government Cup. For the second year in a row, Paige Stubbs from Pennant Hills Golf Club won the ACT Championship Cup for the best scratch score over 36 holes in Division 1. The winner of the Seat of Government Cup was Wakehurst’s Britta Lamborn. Entries close on Friday 10 April. For further information about the 2015 Women’s Autumn Meeting contact Nicole Bessant at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email nicole.bessant@golfnsw.org

2015 Men’s and Women’s NSW Mid Amateur Championships

WHEN: Sunday 17 May to Tuesday 19 May 2015 WHERE: Mollymook Golf Club Mollymook will be a great venue for this event with a fantastic course on offer and the local coastal setting will have the perfect feel for the Mid Amateur contestants. The Men’s event is a 54-hole event with 18 holes being played each day for the three days. The Women’s event is a 36-hole

calendar event with 18 holes per day being played on Sunday and Monday. This is open to any male or female amateur, between the ages of 30 and 54 who has a GA handicap below 9.4 for men and below 18.4 for women. The Championship will be hotly contested, with a contingent of the best in the state turning out this year to play. In 2014 there was some great scoring by QLD’s Damien Jordan taking out the Men’s Championship by a mere shot from Liverpool’s John McMiles, while Gemma Dooley took out her fourth Mid Amateur Championship by a massive ten shots from Karen Lasky. There are a number of prizes awarded for the Championships, including scratch and nett winners. Entries for this event will be open shortly. To enter, or for more information, go to www.golfnsw.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Men’s Vardon Events Start Date

End Date

Event

07-Mar-15 07-Mar-15 Charlestown Cup Penrith Open Amateur 14-Mar-15 14-Mar-15 Monash Masters 21-Mar-15 21-Mar-15 Fox Hills Cup 07-Mar-15 07-Mar-15

Venue Charlestown GC Penrith GC Monash CC Fox Hills GC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events Start End Event Date Date 09-Mar-15 09-Mar-15 Endeavour Salver 15-Mar-15 17-Mar-15 Illowra Tournament Monash Silver and Bronze Salver Day 23-Mar-15 23-Mar-15 Wyong Classic 24-Mar-15 24-Mar-15 Asquith Cup 16-Mar-15 16-Mar-15

Venue Cronulla GC Port Kembla GC Monash CC Wyong GC Asquith GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date

2015 Women’s Goodwill Plate The Women’s Goodwill Plate is a special annual competition to raise funds for donation to a Charity recommended by the Board of Golf NSW. The Competition is an 18-hole stroke handicap event for mid-week and weekend, open to female amateurs who hold a current Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is to be played between 1 January 2015 and 30 September 2015. Entry fees and results must be submitted to Golf NSW no later than 7 October 2015. The State Winner will be determined by the number of strokes (if any). The nett result is under the AWCR of the course on the day of play.

End Date

Men's NSW 03-Mar-15 05-Mar-15 Senior Amateur Championship 09-Mar-15 09-Mar-15 Castle Hill Seniors Pennant Hills 10-Mar-15 10-Mar-15 Seniors Gungahlin Lakes 13-Mar-15 13-Mar-15 Seniors Royal Sydney Senior 16-Mar-15 16-Mar-15 Invitational (top 40 2013 NSW SOOM) 19-Mar-15 19-Mar-15 Monash Seniors NSWVGA 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 Strokeplay Championships Start Date

End Date

2015 Women’s NSW Bowl The Women’s NSW Bowl is a special annual competition, to support the Women’s NSW Open. The Competition is a 4BBB Stableford event for mid-week and weekend, open to female amateurs who hold a current Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is played at Club level between 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2015. Entry fees and results must be submitted to Golf NSW no later than 7 October 2015. The Overall Winners will be rewarded with a trip to the Women’s NSW Open in January 2016, including a place in the Pro-Am.

01-Mar-15 01-Mar-15

Start Date

End Date

02-Mar-15 05-Mar-15

06-Mar-15 06-Mar-15 08-Mar-15 08-Mar-15 08-Mar-15 08-Mar-15 13-Mar-15 13-Mar-15 15-Mar-15 15-Mar-15 15-Mar-15 15-Mar-15 20-Mar-15 20-Mar-15

Golf NSW Events Event

Women's Summer Meeting

Men's NSW 03-Mar-15 05-Mar-15 Senior Amateur Championship Men's NSW Sand 14-Mar-15 15-Mar-15 Greens Fourball Championship Women's NSW 23-Mar-15 25-Mar-15 Senior Amateur Championship

Venue Mt Broughton, Highlands, Moss Vale & Bowral Golf Club’s. Duntryleague GC / Orange Ex-Services

22-Mar-15 22-Mar-15 22-Mar-15 22-Mar-15 27-Mar-15 27-Mar-15 29-Mar-15 29-Mar-15

Narromine GC 29-Mar-15 29-Mar-15 Duntryleague GC

Venue Duntryleague GC / Orange Ex-Services Castle Hill CC Pennant Hills GC Gungahlin Lakes GC Royal Sydney GC Monash CC Richmond GC, Glenmore GC, Stonecutters GC

March 2-3 Cranbourne Seniors (VIC) March 3-5 * NSW Senior Amateur Championship – Duntry League GC March 5-6 Bendigo Senior (VIC) March 9 Castle Hill Seniors (NSW) March 10 Pennant Hills Seniors (NSW) March 13 Gungahlin Lakes Seniors (ACT) March 15-16 * Lake Karrinyup Seniors (WA) March 16 Royal Sydney Invitational (NSW) March 16 Thaxted Park Seniors (SA) March 18-20 * West Australian Seniors at Mt Lawley GC (WA) March 19-20 Alpine Seniors at Bright GC (VIC) March 19 Monash Senior Masters (NSW) March 19 Redcliffe Seniors (QLD) March 23-24 Golf Australia Seniors vs ADFGA at The National GC March 23-24 Mornington Peninsula Seniors at Flinders and Portsea GCs (VIC) March 23 Tea Tree Gully Seniors (SA) March 24 Lakelands Senior Open (WA) March 30–April 1 NSW Veterans Championship – Richmond, Glenmore GCs April 6 Bonnie Doon Seniors (NSW) April 10 Box Hill Seniors (VIC) April 12 Jubilee Seniors at Bowral GC (NSW) April 13 Mt Osmond Seniors (SA) April 14-16 * The National Senior Masters (VIC) April 17 Carbrook Seniors (QLD) April 20 The Lakes Seniors (NSW) April 21 The Australian GC Seniors (NSW) April 22 Avondale Senior Medal (NSW) April 20-22 * NSW Senior Classic (The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale) April 24-26 Laidley Seniors (QLD) April 27 Flagstaff Hill seniors (SA) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events

01-Mar-15 01-Mar-15

GOLF NSW MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Event

SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS

Event Srixon Men's Major Metropolitan Pennant Rd 4 Srixon Women's Major Metropolitan Pennant Rd 4 Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade Competition Round 3 Srixon Men's Major Metropolitan Pennant Rd 5 Srixon Women's Major Metropolitan Pennant Rd 5 Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade Competition Round 4 Srixon Men's Major Metropolitan Pennant Rd 6 Srixon Women's Major Metropolitan Pennant Rd 6 Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade Competition Round 5 Srixon Men's Major Metropolitan Pennant Semi Finals and Relegation Srixon Women's Major Metropolitan Pennant Semi Finals Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade Competition Round 6 Srixon Men's Major Metropolitan Pennant FINALS Srixon Women's Major Metropolitan Pennant FINALS

Venue Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Terry Hills GC Terry Hills GC

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org

Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough. The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Shelly Beach Golf Club Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261 Final 1st March 2015 Maitland Golf Club 2 Tenambit Street, East Maitland NSW 2323 5th Qualifying Round 14th March 2015 Final 21st March 2015 Pacific Dunes Golf Club Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318 4th Qualifying Round 1st March 2015 5th Qualifying Round 8th March 2015 Final 29th March 2015 Massey Park Golf Club Ian Parade, Concord NSW 2137 5th Qualifying Round 7th March 2015 Final 14th March 2015 Balgowlah Golf Club Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW 2093 3rd Qualifying Round 21st March 2015 4th Qualifying Round 28th March 2015 5th Qualifying Round 11th April 2015 Final 3rd May 2015 www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

blind golf

An insight into Blind Golf Bob Davies (aka Scottish Bob - Inside Golf Reader at large)

The next time you’re lining up a putt, gauging the distance to the green, or simply just trying to make contact with the ball, imagine what it would be like to accomplish the feat without being able to see.

n September last year, while trying to obtain a golf club scorecard for my collection, I got in contact via email with an English gentleman by the name of Mr Paul Appleyard. During our correspondence, he revealed that in May 2014 in Nelson Bay NSW he became a Triple World Champion in Blind Golf. Inspired by the thought of the challenges and obstacles for blind people to play this already challenging game of ours, I decided to try and find out a little bit more about the men and women who are playing blind golf and just how it started. The first record of anyone playing golf who was blind was a gentleman by the name of Clint Russell in Duluth, Minnesota USA who lost his sight in an accident when a tyre exploded in his face. Russell started to play blind golf in 1925 and in 1930 it is recorded that he shot a fantastic 84 for 18 holes. In 1932 Robert Ripley of the “Believe It Or Not” fame carried an article about Mr Russell being the world’s only blind golfer. However only 6 years later Ripley did a similar story that a blind golfer Dr Beech Oxenham from London U.K. was the world’s only blind golfer, a few of Mr Russell’s close friends who saw the story challenged Ripley to sponsor the world’s first blind golf championship between Russell and Oxenham. Ripley agreed to do this and on August 20th, 1938 the very first Blind Golf tournament was held at the Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth, Minnesota with Mr Russell defeating Mr Oxenham 5 & 4. Mr Russell later played Mr Marvin Shannon of Fort Worth, Texas; the match was to be over three rounds with Russell winning the first and Shannon winning the second. They had to abandon the third because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In 2007, Russel was inducted into the Inaugural Blind Golf Association Hall Of Fame. There have been blind golf tournaments played since the early 1950s, however, the International Blind Golf Association was officially founded in 1998. This came about through the great efforts and kindness of businessman Dr Haruhisa Handa (who is now the Honorary President of the IBGA.) It was Dr Handa who arranged meetings in Australia and the USA which resulted in bringing together six countries that were each following their own blind golf programmes. Since then the number of blind golf members has grown; today there are 14 member national associations and four Associate Members and over 500 registered IBGA golfers. Also many more blind golfers are not registered, including associate members from three other countries, and the number of blind golfers playing golf is growing all the time. Dr Handa had been inspired when playing golf with a blind golfer in Perth, Western Australia and he still continues to give financial support 72

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

to the IBGA and through this kindness it flows through to other competitions around the world, including the Blind Golf World Championships that are held every two years. The International Blind Golf Association was formed to govern, sanction and provide funding for international open blind golf events. In 1997 representatives from the six member countries had met and drawn up a constitution and handicap system for just such an event. These were agreed to by all in 1998 at the World Blind Golf Championship held in Florida, USA and so the IBGA was born. It is now involved in a bid to introduce Disabled or Para Golf to the 2020 Paralympics. In Australia there are around 45 or more regular participants plus their caddies (or guides). Blind Golf is played under the same

Blind golfer John White attempts a long putt as his wife (and caddy) Gaye directs his line

April each year at Rosebud Country Club. Many of Australia’s Vision Impaired golfers enter International Blind Golf Tournaments and they have had great success both in women’s and men’s, both 2014 ISPS Handa International Blind Golf World Champion, in the highest order of the Western Australia’s Malcolm Elliott (L) with caddie Neville Walker world and other prestigious international blind country championships. For the small amount of blind rules as sighted golfers, with the exceptions golfers in the world compared to sighted that blind golfers are allowed to ground their golfers, I am amazed at the number of Hole clubs in a hazard and that their caddies or in Ones that are achieved. All Australian guides can position themselves in the line of players are rated by an Order of Merit which play. Blind golf has three sight classifications, is updated after each tournament and B1 is totally blind. In simple terms, B2 can see is then used for players to be chosen to a little bit and B3 can see a little bit more than compete and represent Australia at the World B2, but all are legally blind. Blind Golf has its Championships every two years. Last May at own handicapping system. Blind Golf Australia Nelson Bay New South Wales, the 2014 ISPS was founded in 1993 with just four members Handa World Blind Championship were held Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia & and it was great to see blind golfers from all New South Wales and they are still operating parts of the globe playing including Israel, today. Blind Golf Australia is responsible Korea, Canada, South Africa, Italy, Scotland, for The Australian Blind Golf Championship The Netherlands, The USA, England, Ireland which until 2014 had been held at Collier and of course Australia. Park/Nedlands, Western Australia since its inception. However since 2014 it will be held The Men’s World Championship which in each state, rotated annually. is decided on a net basis was won by Malcolm Elliott of Western Australia and IBGA has organised the Blind/Vision his caddy Neville Walker. The Ladies World Impaired Australian Stableford Championship Championship was won by Jenny McCullum in Adelaide for the past eight years with an and her caddy Ian McCullum. event most recently held at Adelaide Shores GC. New South Wales hold their Blind Golf The B1 Net World Champion was Sohar Tournament in September each year which is Sharon of Israel and his caddy Shimshon 36 holes over two days at Barnwell Park GC. Levi, The B2 Net World Champion was Garret Victoria hold their Blind Golf Tournament, Slattery of SAF and his caddy Cinthia Slattery, also over 36 holes over two days, in March/ and the B3 Net World Champion was Paul

Appleyard of England and his caddy Neil Oxborough. Apologies to all the other winners not named -- as far as I am concerned you are all winners in every sense of the word. In addition to these amazing blind golfers are their caddies who act as their eyes. They are an essential and important part, and create in every sense a team; for without them I don’t think blind golf would be the same. Being blind or vision impaired does not stop you from playing golf and enjoying yourselves whether it is either social or the enjoyment of competitions and pitting yourself against other blind golfers either in Club, State or even International tournaments. So if anyone reading this has a relative or friend who may be visually impaired and would like to participate in playing blind golf, they should contact their state Blind Golf Australia Association. It also would be remiss of me not to mention all the families behind our vision impaired golfers, as well as all the unsung heroes from the Blind Golf Associations in Australia and around the world. For without their dedication and tireless work Blind Golf could and would not be where it is today. If there are any golfers or anyone interested in participating as a volunteer for the Blind Golf Associations I am sure you would be made more than welcome. I would like personally to thank Geoff Walsh and Doug Sloan, for without their help and kindness, I could not have written this article. To learn more about blind golf go to www.internationalblindgolf.org or www.blindgolf.com.au •

19th hole

Avoiding the nasty PCD For the uninitiated the onset of PCD usually begins around the 10th or 11th tee on Friday. The first thing you feel is the need to take far less time checking your yardages and a lot more time checking how much cash you have left in your wallet.

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

Around the 14th your caddy begins to look around the galleries trying to spot a good sort to exchange glances with and generally loses interest in your game. I had a looper who I once asked what he thought I should hit and he answered “Try the middle of the face”.

he effects of missing the cut have been in the headlines of late and I feel I can speak with some credibility on “Post Cut Depression” or PCD. I thought I’d share my experiences on the subject and try and help some of my less experienced Aussie colleagues.

By the 16th hole, you start going into denial and blame anything and everyone for you being in this position. I remember verbally abusing my Adidas Ultra-Comfort size 12’s when I failed to extract my ball from a Royal Adelaide green side bunker only to watch as it trickled back into my own footprint.

This nasty affliction can turn a perfectly normal golfer into an untidy, alcohol-fuelled self-absorbed man in the space of only a few hours if left untreated. Common effects of PCD are the sudden urge to ask anyone in the street “Do you know who I am?” Sometimes this can just be the result of forgetting yourself after 19 beers but usually it comes from the loss of self-confidence which comes when at least 60 blokes (plus ties) just smacked your arse. Another symptom is multiple hallucinations. I remember missing the cut in the Australian Open one year and as I walked out of the locker room, I swore I saw three French People Smugglers come at me with the intent of piling me into a golf cart and selling me into sexual slavery.

On the 18th you may even turn into a self-centred opportunist in front of thousands of gallery members. You know those excited little kiddies who spend the whole day waiting behind the last green in the hope of receiving a nearnew TaylorMadeTour Golf Ball they can show their Mum and Dad? “Hey look Dad… Larry Canning gave me this ball and he even signed it for me as well…. I want to be just like him when I grow up.”

I even rang my mum then handed the phone to one of my assailants. Mum told him she had a very specific set of skills and she would find them…. then remove their genitals. Turned out it was only a small bump on my head I received with a sand-wedge after I told my caddy he wasn’t going to be paid that week either.

Well, I’d just walk straight past the little tackers and head towards the loudest Sponsors Marquee with two sleeves of nuts my sponsor had given me for nothing and give them to the most inebriated guest I could find. Some people would call this ‘networking’… I just called it ‘not having to pay for your first five beers for the night’.

I again finished just one short of a weekend jersey in the Thailand Open in the 1980’s and fell afoul of an evil pickpocket. This mongrel waited until I was at my most vulnerable then pounced. I was standing at the trough in a Bangkok Restaurant taking a well-earned leak when this evil human took advantage of my susceptibility and ripped off my travellers cheques from my back pocket! Well what could I do?

By the time I had turned off the hose and wound it back, he was halfway to Singapore! I was that upset and confused, I thought I had gone to the Cop Station and reported the crime to a Police Officer. Turned out I had mistakenly gone to a strip club and given my statement to a pole dancer.

Aus trA liA ’s

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(Editor’s note: Unfortunately, we have run out of PCD detection packs. We believe Larry has recently pinched them from the cabinet, and traded them all for a slab of Toohey’s Red.) •

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19th Hole

Do golfers dream of dimpled sheep? stressful and claustrophobic that I’d never play a golf shot at all - never mind win a major. It reminds me of Jimeoin’s piece on trying to fall asleep into a sexy dream. Himself a keen golfer, Jimeoin quipped that he would try and imagine a sexy woman sitting on a chair as his final thoughts before sleep - only to end up admiring and eventually buying the chair.

Michael Green

@AussieGolfer

n 2006 Geoff Ogilvy became the first Australian to win the US Open in 25 years. And the remarkable victory at Winged Foot was the first major victory by an Australian in 11 years. Golf was back on the front page of the newspapers for the first time in a long time.

In my small, but thorough research among a handful of golfers, it turns out that this claustrophobic golf dream is not uncommon. Playing partners have shared similar stories about being confined while trying to play a shot, often not being capable of making a swing at all.

Soon after his victory, Ogilvy chatted to the media about the details of the victory where he also commented on the importance of winning a major golf tournament. “Obviously, you dream about winning a major championship,” Ogilvy said. “To have it actually happen, once it sinks in, it’s pretty special.” There is no question Ogilvy has a greater drive to succeed at golf than I do, but I wondered, did he really dream about winning a major championship? Did he truly wake up one morning and think, ‘Wow, great dream, I just won the US Open’? To be fair (and far less jocular) Ogilvy along with many other successful athletes who use the phrase are probably just referring to daydreams, or as a way of expressing their joy at achieving one major career goal. But let’s just go with this for a minute.

I’d love to have a dream where I win a major championship. Because despite differing skill levels on the golf course, surely your average golfer and the professional one are equally capable of dreaming of winning a major? But actually sleeping and dreaming of winning the Masters or The Open Championship is hard, if not next to impossible. It’s probably more difficult to do than winning the Masters or Open Championship in reality. Moreso in my youth than these days, I used

to try nodding off while imagining playing in The Open at St. Andrews. I just assumed sleep would overcome me and a dream would emerge of a tense final round where I win the Claret Jug by beating Greg Norman in a playoff. It never did. If I did manage to execute a dream about golf, it would usually end up with me in some far more isolated place than at a major golf championship. I’d dream I was trying to play a golf shot from some bizarre, awkward, confined space. Or trying to hit a ball from inside a room (where the tees were placed) through a narrow window. The whole experience would be so

With this awkward, claustrophobic dream being so ubiquitous among golfers, I’ve wondered whether the professionals have them too? Has Tiger ever had a golf dream where the first tee at St. Andrews is so far back that he’s forced to play his drive from inside the Links Clubhouse? Or has Rory ever dreamed of trying to play a shot from alongside the cabins at Augusta National… oh wait, never mind, that was real. Nevertheless, perhaps the next winning speech from a major champion should be a little more precise. The less truthful phrase “I’ve always dreamed of this moment”, should be replaced with “I’ve tried to dream of winning this trophy many times, but was never successful. It’s much easier to do in reality”. •

Social club dates back to 1920s David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T’S always unwise to claim to be the first or have the biggest or, in the case of the 55-year-old NRMA Social Golf Club, be the oldest because someone will challenge the claim. Social golf clubs have been around a lot longer than people think. In Brisbane, the Australian Post-Tel Institute Social Golf Club (API SGC) has silverware dating back to 1938 and it’s possible the club operated well before purchasing the perpetual trophies. The API SGC’s Queensland branch was established in 1923 and was known as the Queensland Postal Institute.

API Social Golf Club members gather for a round of golf. Saturday competitions.

It’s members are predominantly current or past employees of Telstra and Australia Post.

“While most games are in the Brisbane area we have annual games at Stanthorpe and Toowoomba golf clubs,” Darryl said.

“The club’s two oldest trophies date back to 1938 and 1940 and have been awarded every year except during World War II.

“Each October members also enjoy an annual week of golf in conjunction with NSW API members.

API member Darryl Woods said prior to 1975 the members were employed by the Postmaster General, also known as the PMG.

“The venue rotates between the states each year.

Members pay an annual fee of $15 and nonmembers are welcome to join the golf club for a higher annual fee. The club plays approximately 18 games a year – predominantly on Sundays to cater for members still active in the work force and for club members competing in their local 74

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“This year the Queensland Carnival was held in Toowoomba while Port Macquarie will host the 2015 event.” The club has just 20 registered members with an average of 12 playing each game. “We have three members who have played with the club continuously for more than 40 years,” Darryl said.

The Postal Institute Golf Cup is the club’s oldest perpetual trophy.

“While the majority of our members are also members of affiliated golf clubs, we use our own handicapping system for social play.

trophies presented at the annual club dinner.

“Winners lose one shot for each win irrespective of whether they break the daily course rating (DCR) and players receive 0.2 strokes back for attending and not breaking the DCR.”

“In the 1970s, we regularly fielded more than 50 players each game,” Darryl said. “But we are also looking to boost our numbers.

Players pay the daily green fee charged by the host club plus a $5 competition fee that covers the $30 winner’s voucher, ball rundown and two NTPs. The club championship is over two stroke events at leading courses in Brisbane with trophies presented for A, B and C grade. The players compete for a further seven major trophies throughout the year with all

Like many social clubs, API member numbers have decreased significantly since the 1970s.

“Our club appeals to both male and female golfers with current handicaps ranging from 5 to 40. “Over the years, we have seen players use our social club to learn the basics of competitive golf prior to joining an affiliated golf club and becoming involved in the club golf scene.” Anyone interested in more information should call Darryl on 0418-709-198 or Jim Woods on 0438-196-951. •

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19th hole

Oscar in the Spotlight at Faldo Series New Zealand Championship

scar Cadenhead etched his name into golf’s record books when he triumphed in the inaugural Faldo Series New Zealand Championship.

Playing off a handicap of +2.4, the big-hitting Cadenhead proved too powerful for his rivals, saunterng to a six-stroke success at the Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch. Following rounds of 72 and 71, Cadenhead underlined his class with a closing bogey-free 69. With a three-round aggregate of four-under-par 212 the current Clearwater Golf Club champion had the distinction of being the only player in the 60-strong field to finish in red figures. In so doing he ensured himself a ticket to the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills Shenzhen in March.

Meanwhile, Brettkelly and Kobori emerged victorious after tense sudden-death play-offs. Brettkelly tied for top spot in the Boys’ Under-16 Division with Jake Meenhorst and finally prevailed on the third extra hole. In the Girls’ Division, Kobori and South Island Stroke Play champion Brooke Hamilton were locked together at the top of the leaderboard on 220. At the first extra hole, Kobori produced one of the shots of the tournament, a six-iron approach from 140 metres that nestled close to the flagstick to set up a winning birdie. Andrew Bell, General Manager at Clearwater Golf Club, said: “The event ran perfectly. There was great weather and great enthusiasm from the players and their supporters. The first appearance by New Zealanders at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final is now eagerly awaited.”

Also flying the New Zealand flag in China will be Tadhg Campbell, Dominic Brettkelly and Momoko Kobori.

Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “We’re delighted to have added the Faldo Series New Zealand Championship to our schedule.

Left-hander Campbell finished second overall to Cadenhead but topped the standings in the Boys’ Under-18 Division thanks to a brilliant closing five-under-par 67.

“Based on reports I’ve heard from the event at Clearwater Golf Club I think we can expect a strong New Zealand challenge at Mission Hills.”

Campbell’s low round for the tournament contained five birdies and an eagle at the second hole.

Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the

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

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. Which Australian golfer withdrew from the US PGA Tour’s Humana Challenge due to unusual injuries? (2 pts) 2. Only one venue on the Open Championship rota ends on a par-5. Is it Royal Liverpool, St Andrews, Turnberry or Royal St George’s? (3 pts) 3. Can you solve the anagram – Mel his car man. Clue: He’s Australian. (2 pts) 4. Which trio became known as The Big Three after sharing all four majors in 1962? (2 pts) 5. How many times did Greg Norman finish runner-up in majors – six, seven, eight or nine? (3 pts) 6. What does it mean when a playing partner says you’ve just had a “Mick Jagger”? (2 pts) 7. Two players playing in the same competition at different times on the same day caddie for each other. Is this permissible? (2 pts) 8. Who is taller Ernie Els or Nick Faldo or are they the same height? (2 pts) 9. Name two dishes Tiger Woods put on the Champions dinner menu in 1999 after winning the 1998 US Masters. (4 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Robert Allenby; (2). Royal Liverpool; (3). Marc Leishman; (4). Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer; (5). Eight; (6). A big lip out; (7). Yes; (8). Both are 6’3” (190.5cm); (9). Cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, apple pie and ice-cream washed down with strawberry and vanilla milkshakes. 76

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Ace hands Vic a new Mazda

[from left to right]: Faldo Series New Zealand Championship age group winners Dominic Brettkelly, Momoko Kobori, Oscar Cadenhead and Tadhg Campbell. 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months and is made up of 19 championships. More: www.nickfaldo.com/about-faldo-series

John, juniors shine in Tassie

oodlands Golf Club was a lucky stage last month for Vic Garbacz with a hole-in-one, earning the Eastern Golf Club member an all new Mazda2 during a qualifying event of the Mazda Victorian Four-Ball Championship. A beautifully struck 6 iron on the 139m 11th hole resulted in Garbacz being the second participant of the event driving away with a new car in the space of four weeks. The first was awarded to Paul Muir from Cranbourne on the 10th hole at Spring Valley Golf Club on 16 January. Chief Operating Officer at Golf Victoria, David Greenhill congratulated Garbacz and stated the event has raised the bar in 2015 with the hole-in-one initiative and Mazda sponsorship. “It’s seemingly raining holes-in-one at the moment. We had a Mazda2 go off less than a month ago at Spring Valley, then the freakish Richard Green albatross last Wednesday at the Oates Vic Open Pro-Am and now today with another Mazda2 being driven away,” said Greenhill. “Given Mazda’s support when this event first commenced in 1997, Golf Victoria was confident that the company’s sponsorship would elevate the Mazda Victorian Four-Ball Championship to another level but I don’t think we ever thought two cars would have already gone off this early in the event. It’s very encouraging for all the players and should hopefully generate further interest in this State Championship for all club golfers.” Thanks to the support of Mazda Victoria, the 2015 Mazda Victorian Four-Ball Championship has been able to bring to life the initiative of having a Mazda2 on offer for any competitor that records a hole-in-one on the designated par 3, at any of the qualifying and finals venues. Entries are still open for Bendigo, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Mildura. The finals will be played at Sorrento and The National Golf Clubs on 16 & 17 March.

Waverley junior Cameron John took top honours at this year’s Tamar Valley Junior Cup with rounds of 75, 71, 74 and 66 at Greens Beach Golf Club in Northern Tasmania. John, who earlier in January won the Victorian Junior Masters, finished the 72-hole Golf Australia national ranking event with a two-under-par total of 286 and nine strokes in front of his nearest rival Konrad Ciupek from the Victoria Golf Club, who played consistently for rounds of 75, 75,73 and 72. Josh Armstrong from Gold Creek in the ACT took third place. Queensland Kirsty Hodgkins won the girls’ championship with a four-over-par total of 292 after rounds of 77, 70, 72 and 73 and six shots ahead of Taiwan’s Yu-Chiang Hou who was one of five young girls visiting Australia to compete in a series of events. Hou finised in second place on ten-over-par after rounds of 77, 73, 71 and 77, a total of 298. Proving that his Tamar Valley victory was no fluke, John saluted again with another victory at the St. Lukes Health Tasmanian Junior Masters with rounds of 68, 74, 72 and 71 for a one-over-par total of 285; winning by six strokes at Mowbray Golf Club in Launceston. Runner up was Jones Comerford from Dubbo at sevenover-par ahead of Lochie Coleborn from Mt Coolum. Taiwan’s Yu-Sang Hou from the Miramar Golf Club comfortably won the girls’ championship with the 15 year old carding rounds of 71, 71, 72 and 68 winning by a massive twelve strokes over compatriot Han-Hsuan Yu, on 70, 75, 72 and 77. Queensland’s Kate Law was third.

19th hole

Four aces in one day!

SMH SGC turns 83 EVER since suggesting the NRMA Social Golf Club, established in 1954, might be the oldest social golf club in the country, Inside Golf has received letters from social clubs disputing the claim. First, it was Sydney’s Matraville Social Golf Club, who first teed it up in 1934. Then the API Social Golf Club’s Queensland branch told us it established in 1923 as the Queensland Postal Institute.

(L-R: Chris Michael, Jack Ireland, Russell Lumb and Craig Plimmer).

our Cromer Golf Club members have proven that four aces indeed beats a full house (of golfers). On Wednesday 4th February 2015, the quartet were lucky enough to all have holes-in-one in the same competition, all on separate Par-3’s.

the source and the calculation method. According to various sources, for an amateur to score an ace on a standard 150-yard hole, the probability is anywhere from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 45,000 (this number is significantly lower for professional golfers).

Cromer Member Jack Ireland holed out on the 155m uphill 2nd, Russell Lumb equalled the feat on the 102m water-carry 4th, Craig Plimmer nabbed his Ace on the 142m uphill well-guarded 9th hole and, finally, Chris Michael scored the elusive “1” on the 142m 15th hole.

Two players from the same foursome acing the same hole is something along the magnitude of 17 million to 1, according to www.nationalholeinoneregistry.com . Despite our research, we cannot find an estimate of the odds of four aces on the same course on the same day.

Obviously, all players and the Club were ecstatic about the feat.

Cromer golf club is a private championship course with first class facilities, located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, adjacent to the Narrabeen Lake and the surrounding Garigal National Park. The course is known for its classic bushland setting, native flora, an abundance of birdlife and a cool breeze from the calming water of the lake. Strategically-placed bunkers, creeks and ponds all contribute to making Cromer a wonderful golfing experience.

Cromer golf operations manager Scott Cain says the club is scouring the record books worldwide to see if such a feat had ever previously occurred. As far as we can tell, the odds of this particular feat have never been calculated, but as previously reported (in our recent story about three aces in one day at Eastwood Golf Club) the odds of making a hole-in-one vary greatly, depending on

www.cromergolfclub.com.au

Now the Sydney Morning Herald Social Golf Club says it has been around longer than the NRMA SGC and the Matraville SGC. The club’s treasurer Gary Pilling told Inside Golf the SMH SGC “has been going since 1932”. “It started when a group of golfers from the Sydney Morning Herald newsroom got together and formed a social golf club with an elected committee,” he said.

“In the first year, 22 players hit off from around 7am each Monday morning. “The numbers built to over 30 during the halcyon years of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, but with redundancies and the closing of our printing plant, the numbers have dwindled to approximately nine to 12 each and every Monday except for a few throughout the year. “I have in my possession a book, which recounts the formation of the club with anecdotal stories and events over the first 25 years,” said Pilling, who joined the club in 1971.

A first for The Brisbane Golf Club and for women golfers The Brisbane Golf Club at Tennyson, established in 1896, has appointed a female member to their general Committee. Catherine Hammond has been a member of the Brisbane Golf Club since moving from Melbourne in 2000 where she had previously been the ladies club champion at Beacon Hills Golf Club. Catherine became a full member at the Brisbane Golf Club in 2012 after the club changed their constitution to allow ladies to become members, the first in its history.

Since moving to Brisbane to take up a position as Technical Manager at Amcor Flexibles at Acacia Ridge, Catherine has been the ladies weekend champion twice and has served on the ladies committee as the ladies weekend representative. Catherine is also the current ladies weekend Pennant Captain and has represented the Brisbane Golf Club in weekend Pennant for the last 15 years. Congratulations Catherine.

Crossword > 1

ACROSS

4 British winner of the South African Open, ____ Sullivan (4)

1 Winner of the 2015 Sony Open, Jimmy ______ (6)

9 Australian who won the 2011 Northern Trust Open, _____ Baddeley (5)

10 Winner of The Open Championship in 1996 (3,6)

11 1982 Australian Open winner, now a golf course architect, Bob _______ (7)

12 Recommend (a product) for money (7) 13 Discerning (4)

16 17

14 Publicity events aimed at increasing sales (10)

17 Doing the job of a caddie (10)

21 22

19 American winner of The Open Championship in 1995, ____ Daly (4)

22 A place of potential trouble (3,4) 23 English winner of the Portugal Masters in 2007, Steve _______ (7)

25 Weather event that might cause a delay in play (9) 26 Colourless gas that forms a protective layer in the atmosphere (5)

DOWN

1 Staff members (7) 2 Winner of the 2007 Australian PGA Championship, Peter ______ (6) 3 Register as a competitor (5) 4 Story (8) 5 US golfer, Chris, who won the 2006 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (7) 6 Winner of the 2015 Humana Challenge, Bill ____ (4) 7 South African winner of the 2008 Masters Tournament, Trevor ________ (8) 8 Face to face (2,6) 13 Winner of the 2014 Quebec Championship on the Champions Tour (3,5) 15 Body movement during a swing (8) 16 Level-headed (8) 18 & 24-down Winner of the 2015 Tournament of Champions (7,4) 20 Result (of a tournament) (7) 21 Where Australian golfers tend to go to make a living (6) 23 Lady golfers (5) 24 See 18-down

27 Lose traction (4) 28 Nervous; very close to the hole? (2,4)

Answers: page 81 www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

your say

Social spot-on

Letter of the Month

agree wholeheartedly with your article about your suggestion that Australia needs to develop more great short golf courses (A short solution to a big problem, January). I have played Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula quite a few times, and in the layout, Robert Trent Jones Jr included a short par-3 “betting hole” from an elevated tee. It is not always in play, but it makes a 19th hole on the course and it is enjoyable to play. It was after playing this course for the first time some 20 years ago, that I thought how great it would be to have an entire 9-hole course with holes like that. As you said, it would be fun, simple and quick to have a round.

As an avid cover-to-cover reader of Inside Golf (from the get-go), I just wanted to say that I couldn’t agree more with the stereotype “myths” out there in relation to social golfers (Social golfers: stereotype versus reality, February issue). I think you did a great job in curbing those myths back to the reality.

The gorgeous setting of Crescent Head GC Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Crescent Head. Crescent Head is only a 6-hole course and although short (three short par-4s and three par-3s), it is fun and challenging, and is set in a fantastic position on the coast. The 2nd, for example, is a 97m par-3 across a cutting, from an elevated position and club selection varies immensely depending on prevailing winds. With a traditional 18-hole course taking a big chunk of your day to play, a welldesigned short course would get more people playing, and be fun and quick... and that has got to be a good thing for golf. Scott Donaldson

I have just come back from holidays on The NSW North Coast and played golf at

YOUR SAY

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!

Price check, please Much has been written that many Golf Clubs seem to be experiencing financial troubles. I would suggest that a lot of these problems are of their own making. I wonder if they have ever considered the word “AFFORDABILITY.” I am totally dependent on the age pension and through medical problems am unable to walk a golf course. This means that I have to hire a buggy. The cost of which varies from $30 to $50. Then there is the cost of playing at the course. On a recent three-month tour through Qld, NSW, Vic and SA, I managed one game of golf. That was with a Veterans group where another Veteran shared the $35 cost of a buggy and the green fees were $26 plus $5 Comp fee. Even at this lower rate how many games would you expect a pensioner could afford to play in any pension period? In a great many clubs the green fees and buggy hire are much higher than the above example. There are thousands of elderly people travelling the highways of Australia and some of them are very well off, but I would think that the majority of them are just like myself, living on a pension. 78

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

I would suggest that thousands of dollars of income are just driving by the golf courses every day because they are just unaffordable to so many of these elderly people. If a player can show that they are a pensioner, clubs should consider charging half the normal rate. During my trip I had to be content with going to practice fairways to hit a few balls. Some clubs took a dim view of my doing that on their course, while others were most helpful. While I understand that there are costs involved in maintaining a golf course I would suggest that a lot of small amounts add up to big amounts. But if the clubs are not getting the larger amounts they want, is it time to try something different? (Name withheld by request) Great editorial in the Jan edition. Short courses are underrated and under-utilised. Peterborough is an annual trip for us, usually with the course to ourselves and a friendly beer in the clubhouse with the locals always follows. Keep up the great work!

Nick M.

16 years ago and new to the game, I joined the “member” ranks from a brief run on the “social circuit” after getting bitten by the bug. Shortly thereafter, our young 6-year-old daughter was introduced to the junior golf clinics and off she went! A little later, my wife joined the club as well. She played for many years as well as assisting the juniors with fundraising and serving on the Junior subcommittee. Initially I volunteered with Dad’s Army for a couple of months and later went on to represent our Port Kembla Golf Club at C Pennant and Whitehorse Cup (handicap event - I’m still only a hacker). During this period and again later, I was voted to the Board and served two separate terms as Director & Treasurer during some financially difficult times in our Club’s history. Needless to say my brief story above is a little like “tales from a suitcase” and in many ways I think it emulates those of many club members who started out as social golfers and then got engrained in the fabric of their golf club. John Ravnjak

More short solutions As always, a thought-provoking, visionary editorial. And, yes, par-3 courses are a thing of the future if clubs are to survive. However, I do not believe golf clubs need to spend big bucks to achieve this scheme. Every course in Australia can be played as a par-3, nine-hole course. Simply arrange a new set of tee markers down the existing fairways, making all the par-fours into threes. The fives can become either three or four. Okay, a little bit of walking at times between green and tee, but what’s wrong with that? You actually get some time to chat with playing partners – and isn’t that part of the joy of being a golfer? Clubs could schedule nine-hole morning and afternoon competitions. In the morning, send the nine-hole players from the tenth, while the members wishing to play the 18-hole competition start on the first. Then in the afternoon reverse the system, with the par-3 players starting on the first after the 18-hole players have all started their rounds. This would also provide the added bonus of accommodating golfers who do not have the time to play five hour rounds, something desperately needed if we are to keep people playing this great game. Bob Dylan sang it many years ago and golf clubs need to realise that to survive, then certainly “the times, they are a-changin’”. Owen Dally

I think there is already one solution to the golf “problem” in Australia which is still reasonably “undiscovered”: Pitch & Putt (P&P) golf. With P&P, people who are “time poor” can still play 18 holes in around 90 minutes. It is ideal for people starting out in golf as it has all the trappings of traditional golf (rough, bunkers, water hazards, trees, etc.) but is shorter and teaches the novice how to deal with these. It is also ideal for the very young golfers who haven’t got the strength to hit a ball 200 meters. If they get hooked on golf, they can then “graduate” to traditional golf when they get strong or competent enough. P&P is also a game that can be the next logical step in a golfer’s “career” when they find the longer courses too hard or uncomfortable to play on a regular basis. P&P can be played without giving the game away entirely. It is also great for corporate days and team-building exercises. P&P is a viable alternative which does not get the recognition nor support is deserves. Warren (Wazza) Gray

Guests (not) welcome? Recently my son and I played an early morning round of golf at a private golf course. The group in front of us were also visitors (and a little less experienced). We played our round in 3 hours 40 minutes, which included several minor holdups due to course maintenance. We are not good golfers but tried to keep moving as quickly as possible, while still trying to enjoy our yearly game together. As we got into our golf cart, following teeing off on the 3rd hole, a par3, we heard a very strident voice saying “Did you wait for the group in front of you?”. I was somewhat taken aback by the way that this remark was made and replied in a similar way “Yes”, as we had we had waited for the group in front and also for a maintenance vehicle to pass by. At the same time I wondered what the next remark would have been if I had replied “No”. I am a member of another nearby golf club and realised that the group were club members, who if we were holding up through our slow play we would have called them through. Following the round my son and I, as well as the group who had been in front of us, had food and drinks in the clubhouse. All up my total expenditure for the morning probably amounted to around 10 per cent of the yearly fees for membership of the club. When I later reflected on this incident I realised that this situation probably occurred in varying degrees on all golf courses quite regularly. My conclusion is that while the management and owners off golf clubs encourage visitors for the financial benefits to their clubs, many members are not so welcoming. Daryl

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Location

Day Date Time

New South Wales Killara Golf Club ◊ * Monday March 02 Pennant Hills Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 03 The Australian Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 04 The Ridge Driving Range ° Wednesday March 04 Cumberland Country Club ◊ * Thursday March 05 Mona Vale Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 06 Paradise Golf Driving Range ◊ * Monday March 09 Illawarra Golf Complex ◊ * Tuesday March 10 Monash Country Club ◊ * Wednesday March 11 Avondale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 12 The Coast Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 13 Tamworth Golf Club ◊ * Monday March 16 Narabri Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 17 Moree Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 18 Armidale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 19 Muswellbrook Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 20 Oatlands Golf Club ◊ * Monday March 23 Concord Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 24 Terrey Hills Country Club ◊ * Wednesday March 25 Moore Park Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday March 25 St Michael’s Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 26 Thornleigh Golf Centre ◊ * Thursday March 26 Shelly Beach Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 27 Georges River Golf Club ° Monday March 30 Bayview Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 31 Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range ◊ * Tuesday March 03 Sanctuary Cove ◊ ** Thursday March 05 Mcleod Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 05 Peregian Springs Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 06 Brisbane Golf Club ° Friday March 06 Noosa Tewantin Golf Club ° Tuesday March 10 Caloundra Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 10 Mt Warren Park ° Friday March 13 Hervey Bay House Of Golf ° Friday March 13 Indooroopilly ° Wednesday March 18 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 19 March 20 Byron Bay ° Friday March 26 Golf Gurus @ The Big Easy ° Thursday Noosa Springs ◊ * Thursday March 26 Palm Meadows ° Friday March 27 Victoria Gisborne Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 03 Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday March 04 Yarra Yarra Golf Club ◊ ** Wednesday March 04 Rossdale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 05 National Golf Club ◊ ** Friday March 06 Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ ** Saturday March 07 Kingston Heath Golf Club ◊ ** Wednesday March 11 Yarra Bend Driving Range ° ◊ * Thursday March 12 Friday March 13 Sorrento Golf Club ◊ * Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday March 14 Tuesday March 17 Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * House of Golf Mildura ◊ * Thursday March 19 Settlers Run Golf & Country Club ◊ * Thursday March 19 Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 20 Western Australia Lakelands Golf Club ° Friday March 06 Wanneroo Golf Club ° Wednesday March 11 Royal Fremantle Golf Club ° Friday March 27 South Australia Barossa Valley Golf Club ° Saturday March 06 The Vines of Reynella ◊ * Wednesday March 11 Gawler Golf Club ◊ * Saturday March 14 Renmark Golf Club ° Saturday March 21

2 - 6pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 8am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 8am - 1pm 8am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 11am - 4pm 12 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 3 - 6pm 9am - 2pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 1.30 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 12.30pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 5 - 7pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 8pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1.30pm 3.30 - 6pm 10am - 12.30pm 9am - 11.30am

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. » TaylorMade Demo day. † TaylorMade Fitting. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. √ Callaway Fitting Day ≠ Callaway Demo Day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending. www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

golf directory

Wine and Golf Weekend

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays

Stay for 3 nightS, pay for 2

Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day

Stay at picturesque Greentrees Guest House located on the Doorstep of Wentworth Golf Club and Duntryleague Golf Club, close to our premier wineries and restaurants.

Stay for 6 nightS and pay for 4 Conditions apply

From $145 /person twin share accomodation only

9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

Ph: Jasmin (02) 63 614 546 www.greentreeshouse.com.au

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

3 Great Courses and a Great Place to Stay in Orange The Original Golf Package Specialist in Orange 2 Night Accommodation and 2 Rounds of Golf (Duntryleague and Wentworth)

210

pp twin share

There is nothing like golfing in the high country of Orange only 3 hours drive from Sydney. Orange has three wonderful courses where visitors are most welcome. All courses are minutes from Melview Greens which is a chip away from Wentworth Golf Course and owned by a keen golfing family. All apartments are fully appointed with undercover parking at the door.

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

Benalla Golf Club

pp $215 From share n i tw week mid

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) • Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf@bigpond.net.au

MELVIEW GREENS

golf tour packages

bespoke holidays

self-drive packages

transport & tee bookings

ays! d li o H lf o G n w o st Ultimate Queen o.nz c . s r u o t lf o g le b www.remarka

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory

GOLFING GETAWAYS

Beautiful Accommodation Fantastic Courses

Mornington Peninsula

3BR Home in Blairgowrie perfectly accommodates 4 singles or 3 couples in style. We will customize a golf package for your group and arrange everything. You just stay, play and relax.

7 nights - 5 rounds from $550p/p 4 nights - 3 rounds from $350p/p

Every course on the Peninsula available, including the private courses and some hidden gems! As a special bonus, we can offer you Metropolitan Golf Club and/or Kew Golf Club on your way through Melbourne – extra cost.

Call Robyn 0409 504 858 or email robyn_of_locksley@hotmail.com www.mornpengolfinggetaways.com.au

Your chance to own a piece of golfing history

4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

$475

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

FROM

3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$545

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

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Authentic hickory ShAfted PutterS Left and Right Hand

$25 each plus p. and p

From Tom Moore 52 Becky Ave, North Rocks, NSW 2151 | (02) 9871 2798

STAY WITH A VIEW

PLAY WITH A VIEW

• clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

• $120 per person per night for 2 in Twin or Queen room • Full buffet breakfast • Only 5 mins from the course • Includes 18 holes plus cart • Rated in Sydney’s top 10 courses with water views • Valid Friday-Saturday-Sunday • We can also tailor packages to suit

Patented Softgrip Technology

Conditions apply until December 2015

17 Blue Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Contact John Spencer (02) 9955 0499 johns@viewhotels.com.au www.northbridgegolfclub.com.au

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

Crossword Answers W H O A A R A K S H E R W I S E S U P S A H O T O R R A I T C S K

A L O O N A A R D E C P O M S P O N S E I D

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

D I M A R C O

Y A S N

I N P E R S O N

O H U T E R C E O N E M D E

US Masters 2016 with the 3 Nights US$3,490 6 Nights US$6,990 From 5,180 Golfers Tour* US$ • Masters tix • Hotel • Merchandise • Tour host *Play Torrey Pines Prices twin share and valid at the time of publication

www.thefanatics.com | 1300 326 284

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

golf directory

Aquarius R

MAGIC MERIMBULA

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

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:

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

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

$489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share

*AUTUMN SPECIAL*

Other packages alsO available

• 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)

www.lemontreemotel.com.au

*Conditions apply

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

InsideGolf

Packages

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

www.insidegolf.com.au

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 • Dinner at Meraki Bistro 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

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

Need new batteries? Don’t replace them, restore them with the Battery Reviver > Cleans the damaging sulphure build up on the lead plates. > Restores the voltage of the batteries. > Restores the sulphuric acid strength. > Restores the performance of the batteries.

Want to triple the life of your good batteries? Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must 30 DAY increase the life of SATISFACTION your batteries.

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website Patent # 7374839

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.batteryreviver.com.au

golf directory

Play anytime - No waiting

TRUEMANS COTTAGES

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

100A Creek Road, Birkdale, Qld | Phone (07) 3207-2452

Mornington Peninsula *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

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

$599p/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

Nudgee Golf Club

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE

At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $15 Visitors $25

• 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

(Wed, Sat & Sun)

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

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611

Clearwater Noosa Genuine All Inclusive:

• On Course accommodation all on ground level. Central to all Murray Courses • Self-serve, eat as much as you like, Buffet Continental Breakfast • Club evening dinner vouchers • Group organisers free of charge (groups of 12 or more) • Unlimited golf each day (conditions apply at some clubs) • Non golfers deduct $30 per day • Single Supplement $20 extra per day • Upgrade to Spa Room or cooked breakfast only $7.50 per person per day! • FREE Golf Prizes - min. group of 12 • WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS $10 extra per person per day • FREE Wifi

Your choice of resort and club courses. • Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2015

golf directory

Only

375 pp

leave the rest to us

PACKAGE INCLUDES • 2 nights accommodation • Daily breakfast • 3 rounds of golf + cart hire

Relax and unwind with Ramada Resort Shoal Bay’s range of accommodation options, onsite restaurants, bars and country club complete with gaming facilities, overlooking the white sandy shores of Shoal Bay. Whether you prefer to travel over the weekend or take a mid-week break, it’s hard to look past this picture-perfect resort for your next golfing adventure. Escape the daily grind and enjoy a few rounds with this fantastic golf package which includes: • 2 nights accommodation in a studio room based on two people sharing • Breakfast served daily • 3 rounds of golf at an 18-hole course of your choice – Horizons Golf Resort, Nelson Bay Golf Club and Pacific Dunes Golf Club, including motorised cart hire

To book call 1800 18 18 10 and for more information about the resort visit wyndhamAP.com Ramada Resort Shoal Bay 35-45 Shoal Bay Road Shoal Bay, New South Wales, 2315, Australia events@ramadashoalbay.com.au | www.ramadashoalbay.com.au | www.ramada.com *Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid from 23 December 2014 until 30th April 2015. Minimum 2-night stay. Blackout and exclusion dates apply. Rate is based on twin-share accommodation. To book call 1800 18 18 10. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Pty Ltd ACN 090 083 613. Resort Management by Wyndham Pty Ltd ACN 099 634 830.

We Invite You to Walk in the Footsteps of Champions. Play on the same manicured fairways and greens that have been walked by Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker, Bill Haas, Camilo Villegas, Peter O’Malley, Lydia Ko and Laura Davies—just to mention a few!

www.clearwatergolf.co.nz | play@clearwatergolf.co.nz | facebook.com/clearwatergolfclub Phone : + 64 3 3602146 | 40 Clearwater Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand 84

March 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

‘MARCH 2015 SPECIAL OFFER’

Call us right now at 1300 13 51 38

The future of golf is here F E AT U R E S

• • • • • •

Dual 1000w brushless motors 10 inch all-terrain tyres 30ah lithium battery (2+ rounds of 18 holes) Five volt weather-proof USB charger Ergonomic mono handle Storage compartment for four balls, a selection of tees and a sand divot pourer • Rear chill box capable of carrying three cans or two bottles of water • Quick release spring seat (cannot be used while moving)

• • • • • •

Score card holder Front drink holder High wind resistant umbrella Customised bespoke synthetic grass surface Smooth ABS braking system Two LED driving lights

Pete Wilson PGA Japan Golf Tour

Rod Browning Newcastle NSW

Liz Sullivan Kalgoorlie WA

Peter Flemming Tugan QLD

"I can play more practice rounds faster on my GSC™- love it”

It's the most fun I've had on a golf course in ages

I can't imagine playing golf without one now!

Even bad golf is fun on a Golf Skate Caddy™

www.golfskatecaddy.com.au

| 1300 55 69 79

Attention Golf Clubs and Pro Shop Owners Commercial & Fleet Enquiries Learn how the GSC™ can add a point of difference to your club and increase revenue. Turnkey lease solutions available. Call us today for a personal in house demonstration of the GSC™ at your club with one of our experienced state representatives. For commercial and fleet enquiries please contact our sales team: sales@golfskatecaddy.com.au

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 7 Days penrith_golf@iprimus.com.au

Chippers (Approach Putters) Tour Special Right Hand Mens or Ladies Lengths Infiniti Left Hand Stainless Steel Head

$49

$29

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

TaylorMade RBZ Graphite Irons 4-SW, 8 irons Long Distance irons Regular flex Graphite Shafts Right Hand

Callaway X Hot Pro

$79 ea $109 ea $169 ea

18º Hybrid 15º or 13.5º 3 Fairway

$799

$490

9.5º Adjustable Driver Project X Stiff Shafts Including Covers

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

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

Solar Umbrella Srixon Z-Star or Maxfli Dual Canopy Srixon Z-Star XV

Blade Irons 588 MB Nike Covert 2.0 Driver Callaway Irons Right Hand Regular Cleveland Forged (8) Regular, stiff and

Dual Canopy & Cover Silver Sun Reflective Large Size

3 to wedge stiff only

$29

$26

Doz

Not individually boxed URETHANE COVER TOUR BALL

Callaway Hex Chrome TaylorMade RBZ Moderate Swing left hand driver Speed Urethane Cover 10.5° Loft Regular flex Tour Quality Ball Graphite shaft

$24

LEFT HAND ONLY Includes cover

$129 $239

Doz

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale White or Yellow Balls

Individually boxed balls

$18

144 Balls for $216

Per Dozen

Number 2 Iron 588 CB Cleveland Forged Stiff only

$99

Fairway Hybrid

3 Covers

Optima TS+

Srixon Lady Soft feel

Srixon Q Star

Pinnacle Dimension

TaylorMade Superdeep Callaway HEX Diablo Optima Lady

Eagles & Birdies Lightweight Dominator 3kg Bag 14 full length dividers Cooler Pocket Putter Holder 2 Colours Yellow/Black/White or Orange/Grey/White

$199

$109

$369

19º Loft Number 3 Seniors Flex Graphite Shaft Includes cover

$179

$129

Jumbo Putter Grip Double Normal Thickness Golf Pride Crown Relax your putter grip pressure

$11

15º Loft Regular Flex Includes cover

Callaway Sand Wedge X Hot, Right Hand

$49

$239

TaylorMade Jetspeed Stiff Driver Right or left With cover and wrench

$185

$129 Ladies 3 Hybrid Cleveland Classic 20.5º Loft Includes cover

$79

Callaway Chrome +

$25 doz

Callaway Black Tour

$29 doz

TaylorMade Lethal

$30 doz

Srixon Z-Star

$39 doz

Left Hand Only Odyssey XG 2.0 Putter Model

$59

Callaway X Hot Caps

flex Steel Shafts Easy use model X Hot, 5-SW

Black or White

$699 $119 Individually Boxed

extra stiff Adjustable driver Right hand only Includes cover & wrench

TaylorMade RBZ Stage Callaway Cart Bag 2 Rescue Hybrid Chev Organiser

Callaway Graphite Set Callaway X Hot 3 Wood Driver 8 Irons

$20 Dozen Balls Callaway HX Diablo

$680

$156

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

(Classic Anser shape)

HALF PRICE!

Includes cover

Ping G25 Mens 5 Wood 19º Loft Includes cover

$149

$399

(Tour Authentic)

$15

Adjustable Navy or Black

Cleveland Deluxe 14 Way Bag Horizontal and vertical full length dividers Putter holder Cooler pocket Black, Red, Green & Charcoal

$139 SAVE $50

Cleveland Hybrid TopFlite Gamer V2 piece ball Iron 588 Altitude 3Long and soft HALF

Regular or Seniors Graphite Shafts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 pitching & sand wedges

3 piece quality PRICE! $144 for 144 Individually boxed balls

$69

$12

Each

Cleveland Classic XL Rescue Hybrid $79 Fairway Metalwood $89 Titanium Head Driver $139 Including covers

Eagles & Birdies Muirfield Bag 3.2kg 14 full length dividers Cooler pockets Putter holder Blue/Red

$249

$149

PING G25 SALE

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

$1199 SAVE $300

$899 Includes covers (4)