Inside Golf April 2015

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InsideGolf Issue 117 April 2015

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See the forest for the trees Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

A

grandfather and his grandson are playing golf, when the kid’s shot lands behind a giant tree. The boy asks his grandfather: “How would you play this shot?”

The grandfather replies: “When I was your age, I’d play right over the tree.”

The boy hits the ball, but not high enough. It bounces off the tree and lands out of bounds. The boy asks his grandfather how he ever hit a ball over that tree.

The grandfather replied: “Well, when I was your age, that tree was only four feet tall.”

While this old joke (and its many variations) often gets a chuckle at the 19th Hole, it also highlights a severe problem that affects many courses these days: maintaining a course’s integrity.

First, let’s all assume that, by and large, most top-level golf course architects/designers know exactly what they are doing. They lay out a course which is challenging and fun, while also taking the natural topography into account. Their intent is often to develop a layout that will stand the test of time.

Once the course is built, it is generally up to the club to maintain the course according to the way it was designed. Not just mowing and turf maintenance; you also need to ensure that the trees, bushes, bunkers, hazards, rough, etc, are all maintained in the best interests of the original design (barring, of course, some occasional “growingin” adjustments at a brand-new course, if needed.)

Now, many courses spend a lot of time and money on mowing and maintenance, etc. But few courses,

trees have been planted (or have grown naturally, without any culling/clearing) on the righthand side. Their branches have encroached out into the fairway area, thus eliminating the ability to play any decent, safe shot to the right. In essence, most middlehandicap golfers now have really no chance at playing the hole the way it was designed. They either get stuck in the trees on the right, or in the hazard on the left.

it seems, will consult with, say, an Arborist or other specialists to ensure not only the ongoing playability of a course, but the safety to the players as well.

For example, I frequent a course here in Melbourne that, for the most part, is lovely and challenging. The problem is that, over the decades, the members, committees, Boards, etc, have effectively made many parts of the course almost unplayable.

These people were probably well intentioned. 20 years ago, someone may have suggested “Why not plant a pretty tree or two over here?” or “Why not add a bunker or two over there” or “what if we grew the rough really long,” or “how about a forced carry off the tee to add some challenge?”

While many of these changes/ suggestions are doubtless a result of trying to emulate the tricky/ challenging venues seen on the US Tour (i.e. see my online article about “The Augusta Effect”), these changes (if not thought-out for the long-term) can fundamentally alter the playability of a hole. Trees, as we all know, tend to grow. Not just up, but out (with branches that encroach into the “air space” of the fairway). In time, they can effectively “choke” your playable area into a small window, or completely eliminate the preferred line of play that the designer intended.

That hole is but one example of many throughout golf. And trees are only one bit of the equation. Illplaced “added” bunkers are equally hole-destroying, as they can take out the architect’s “bail-out area”. Or creating 150m forced-carries over rough/obstacles (which will affect the short-hitting seniors/women/ juniors more than anyone else).

Over time (as the trees get thicker, the rough gets deeper and the forced carries longer), more golfers will avoid playing this course (and courses like it). Eventually, it may either close, or the current Board may decide it needs a redesign.

And if a redesign is chosen, there is no doubt that the new designer will start the proposal similarly to the countless other proposals we read about almost every month: “The redesign will begin with the clearing of 75 percent of the trees throughout the course,” and include lines like “...which will bring the course back to the way the original architect envisioned.”

One hole that I regularly play has a severe sloping fairway from right to left, with a treeline on the right and a hazard on the left.

The ONLY play off the tee is to hit it as far right as possible (along the treeline), and hope for a good bounce and roll into a generous fairway beyond.

If and when all that happens, maybe our grandchildren could have a chance to experience the “same” wonderful course that we all enjoyed “back in the day”.

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In the past (like the grandfather joke above), the trees on the right were sparse and short, giving golfers a good margin for error.

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Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Michael Green, Karen Lunn, Stephen Pitt, Mat Howe, Brian Thorburn, Henry Peters, Richard Nizielski National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 | E: scott@insidegolf.com.au

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eysborough Golf Club in Melbourne’s southeast is the latest Victorian golf club to ask for member approval to sell land to ensure its long-term financial future.

The club is seeking to have its existing land approved for residential development and use the value created to construct a new course on nearby “green wedge”, less valuable land.

In a letter to members last month, Keysborough Captain Darrell Swindells announced the revolutionary plan, which follows a thorough evaluation of the club’s real estate options conducted by property development group, Intrapac: “Keysborough Golf Club has been working closely with Intrapac to explore and evaluate the strategic real estate opportunities available for the club’s longterm accommodation needs, which included assessment of the current and potential future opportunities for the land occupied by the Keysborough Golf Club, and identification and assessment of strategies to secure the longterm future of the Keysborough Golf Club.

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“It is with great delight that I can report the consultation period has now concluded and after rigorous assessment of potential commercial proposals, the General Committee has unanimously adopted a proposal that will, with all stakeholders’ support, secure long-term viability for our Club.

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“The General Committee’s primary focus was to deliver an outcome that serviced both current and future members’ of the Keysborough Golf Club, as was afforded to us by our forefathers in the late 1940s with the move from Albert Park to our current location.

“The adopted commercial proposal is fundamentally underpinned by a requirement to rezone the golf course land and once this has been achieved, relocating the Club to a different site within close proximity of our current residence.

The proposal –which was adopted unanimously by Keysborough’s General Committee—would need to be approved by a members vote, which is expected to happen in mid-April. •

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Sandbelt clubs put merger on back burner Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

W

oodlands, Patterson River and Rossdale are still open to the possibility of merging despite talks between the three clubs falling through late last year.

The respective boards were in discussions over a plan to turn nine holes at Rossdale into residential land and form a 45-hole ‘superclub’ to ensure each club’s long-term financial viability.

Patterson River

“Something has to happen within the private golfing market to improve. We’re looking at a great range of options to improve Rossdale,” said club general manager Tim Hanton.

“The board here has always had a line that they’ll look at anything that crosses the boardroom desk to see if it works for Rossdale. I think members should keep an open mind about everything.”

Under the proposed merger plan, the boundary holes at Rossdale, many of which border housing, would have been retained while the land on the course’s inside holes would be developed.

The current layouts at Woodlands and Patterson River would have been retained.

The proposal was not put to a vote, but Hanton said the consensus from Rossdale members was one of opposition to the idea.

“It comes down to what members want, not what boards and general managers suggest I suppose,” Hanton argued.

Woodlands Golf Club said it won’t discount any potential merger opportunities, but currently isn’t actively pursuing any sort of agreement with any other clubs.

The attitude of Woodlands is consistent with that of Patterson River, according to its general manager Pam Carpenter, who predicted more mergers were on the short-term horizon for Melbourne’s private golf club industry.

“It could go back on the table but there’s absolutely nothing on the agenda at the moment. We, like all clubs, figure there’s going to be

further merger talks in the coming months and years. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” Carpenter said.

The December merger between The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula and Long Island Country Club in Frankston has paved the way for more clubs, which aren’t necessarily close neighbours, to join forces, according to Carpenter.

Meanwhile, Hanton revealed Rossdale is tracking to turn a profit this financial year.

“We’ve had a very healthy increase to our membership and our external functions.”

Hanton said the club has 38 new golfing members above what it had a year ago--and more in line to join Rossdale in the coming months--taking its number of total members to close to 900.

“The years before I started (in 2013) there was a pretty hefty decrease in the membership. One year they lost around 126 members.”

Hanton said the club must consider positive change to remain profitable.

“I think with any club in this area, with the amount of golf clubs down here and an oversupply of golf, we’re all trying to figure out what our long-term viability is going to be.” •

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news

Clubs blown away by support

New golf course for Brisbane IT’S only taken about 40 years, but Brisbane will finally get a new golf course.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

I

The Brisbane City Council last month gave the green light to the golf course at Cannon Hill, which is 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.

T takes a lot to stir the emotions of Rockhampton Golf Club president Ron Murphy, but he was close to tears when he sighted the damage Tropical Cyclone Marcia had left behind.

“When I saw the mess around the golf course I could have cried,” said Murphy, who is also president of Golf Central Queensland.

Rockhampton golf course resembled a war zone.

“I went out to the golf course after the cyclone had abated and it looked like World War III had broken out.

The council signed off on a deal with developers BMD Group, who will pay for the golf course in exchange for land it will use to create a housing development.

Work will begin within months.

It’s been a long time coming as the council first earmarked a golf course development in the area known as Minnippi Parklands as far back as 1976, but protestors kept getting in the way.

“You couldn’t see from the beginning of the driveway right up to the clubhouse. There was trees and foliage about three or four metres deep all the way up the driveway.

In 2005, protesters collected petition signatures in Brisbane in an attempt to stop a golf course development.

“Out on the golf course there were hundreds of trees down including those big Moreton Bay Ash gums. “‘They were uprooted and laying down flat.

“We have been decimated, but we have the golf course back on track.”

Trees lie across a fairway at Yeppoon Golf Club.

At the time, protest spokesperson Leonie Lea said the golf course should not go ahead as it was an “environmentally significant site”.

“I’m not anti-golf as such although they are not my favourite sporting venues,” she said.

More than 100 volunteers worked around the clock to ensure the golf course was back in play two weeks after the event.

“They (members) were keen to get back on the golf course and we were keen to get them back because of loss of revenue.”

was a real mess, but thanks to a huge band of volunteers and contractors we are back playing 18 holes.

“The course was closed for a couple of weeks,” Murphy said. “We had a tree-lopper here for three weeks and there is still a lot more to do. We will have to get him back.”

Once the cleanup is finished, the golf course will have to be re-rated, according to Murphy.

“Our bunkers are in a state of disrepair and all need to be redone.

“The golf course is totally different,” he said. “The number of trees that have gone removes the golf course’s degree of difficulty.”

“But we have people playing the course so that’s the most important thing.

“Our contention is that the squirrel gliders and koalas and everything else have survived at the site for this long because they’ve virtually been locked away.”

“So far, more than 120 semi-trailer loads of debris have been removed from the golf course.

Councillor Ryan Murphy said land used as a sugar glider habitat would be restored.

Rockhampton Golf Club was without power and water for a number of days as the clean up continued.

“We didn’t have water because the trees uprooted and broke the water pipes,” Murphy said.

“We had water over the fifth, 10th and 17th fairways. The 17th green, which we replaced after the 2013 floods, was surrounded by water.

“Thankfully, our members (volunteers) managed to clean up a lot of the rubbish around the course.

Fortunately, there was no damage to the clubhouse, pro shop and golf cart sheds.

Cyclone Marcia certainly left its mark at Yeppoon Golf Club.

The club’s general manager Wendy McCosker said the clubhouse and golf course copped a hiding.

“The clubhouse sustained damage when eight upper panels blew off and water poured in through the ceiling,” she said.

“We had doors blown off the machinery shed, fencing is down and the golf course

“We have a lot more to go and there are many tree stumps that need grinding down,” she said.

Golf Central Queensland secretary Gurney Clamp said Emu Park, Wowan and Capricorn golf clubs suffered a similar fate.

“Capricorn Golf Club is open again,” he said.

“I understand Emu Park Golf Club had a bit of tree damage, but most of the damage was to Rockhampton and Yeppoon.”

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Much of the golf course will be built on wetlands and at no cost to taxpayers as it will be funded entirely from the proceeds of a residential development.

It will be Brisbane first new public golf course in about 70 years.

Unlike most other capital cities, Brisbane has just two public golf courses – St Lucia Golf Links and Victoria Park Golf Complex.

news

Millar wins NZ PGA Championship C

anberra’s Matthew Millar captured his first PGA Tour of Australia victory last month, taking home the hardware at the 2015 Holden NZ PGA Championship at Remuera Golf Club in Auckland.

Starting the final round with a twoshot lead, Millar fired 1-under the card to claim victory by three shots with a tournament total of 18-under 270.

“I am so relieved. Gee it was tough out there today,” said Millar.

“Remuera certainly showed its teeth. The wind was strong, blowing in different directions.”

“All of the players certainly found it difficult, I know I did, but I am absolutely thrilled.”

It’s a special victory for the 38-year-old; after 16 years playing professionally it’s his first victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“I’m so happy and when I think about it, it ticks a box for me off the goal list,” added Millar.

“Why has it taken me so long? I wish had that answer, but I am over the moon.”

A deserving winner, Millar had been the in-form player with three top-10 finishes in 2015 including a runner-up finish at the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship to New Zealander Ryan Fox.

Matthew Millar (Photo by Simon Watts, BM Media) “Being so close but not winning, that gave me the confidence I needed to go after the win,” added Millar, who enjoyed the support of the New Zealand crowd.

“The crowd have been fabulous, a lot of people out there, it’s great.”

“They were very supportive. You hit a good shot and they were really cheering, even when I hit a couple of poor shots out there, they were encouraging me on.”

With memories of the Queensland PGA in his mind, Millar finished his round on a high, rolling in a birdie to cement the Holden NZ PGA

Championship.

Josh Geary finished the leading New Zealander and claimed the Sir Bob Charles Cup for his efforts.

“It’s a real honour to have my name on a trophy with his [Bob Charles] name on it, being the first is very special,” said Geary.

He was tied runner-up on 15-under with Victorians Kristopher Mueck and Geoff Drakeford.

Rounding out the top-5 on the leaderboard on 12-under 276 was Jared Pender (NZ), Azuma Yano (JPN) and Ryan Fox (NZ).

the 17-year-old would win the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open at Clearwater for the second time in three years, but by how much.

Lydia delivers a KO in NZ

Ko didn’t disappoint and the young golfing superstar thrilled record galleries, setting a course record and personal best round of 11-under 61 on the Saturday before closing on Sunday with a oneunder 71 to ‘knock out’ the field, and claim the crown by four shots from Australian amateur Hannah Green.

Ko became the first person to win the New Zealand title for the second time in its seven-year history and her 14-under total for the 54 holes of 202 was four shots better than the previous record which she shared jointly with Australian Lindsey Wright.

Lydia Ko went to Christchurch last month for the first time as Rolex World No. 1 and with high

expectations weighing on her young shoulders.

The general talk was not whether

Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen finished outright third at nine-under-par, while American Beth Allen shared fourth place with Oates Vic Open winner Marianne Skarpnord. Four players shared sixth place including England’s Charley Hull.

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

9

news

Fox nabs victory at Queensland PGA

N

ew Zealander Ryan Fox took top honours in Toowoomba, capturing the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship at the City Golf Club.

read from Snow, a local guy who caddied for me over the weekend,” added Fox.

With a tournament total of 17-under 263, Fox triumphed in dramatic circumstances by one shot from Matthew Millar (ACT) and Cameron Smith (QLD).

“I guess I went from two back to one in front after two holes, it was a bit surreal.”

“I am pretty ecstatic right now to be honest,” said Fox.

A crowd favourite Fox finished runner-up in Toowoomba last year after Anthony Summers also made eagle at the 16th.

“I was around the lead all day. To do what I did on 16 and 17, just….I really can’t describe it.”

“I love coming here; I have played here four times now, and had some really good results,” added Fox.

A phenomenal final round of 8-under 62 highlighted by consecutive eagles on the par-4 16th and par-5 17th ensured Fox claimed his second PGA Tour of Australasia title.

“I guess I did the same to Matty (Millar) today to what Anth Summers did to me last year.”

“16 is certainly not one, standing on the tee, that you think you are going to hit on the green. But I just figured I needed to do something,” added Fox. “I aimed at the green, and hit driver as hard as I could, I managed to hit it to eight feet and knock that one in.”

“I thought maybe at best I would get it 10 short of the green but a little bit of adrenaline helped.”

Walking to the 17th tee, Fox was one shot behind leader Matthew Millar.

Ryan Fox (photo courtesy of City Golf Club)

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“About 10 foot out the putt never really looked like it was going to miss.”

“On 17 I hit two really good shots into the green and got a good

“He made two on 16 too when I was one behind and then he won by three, I guess it’s nice to get a little bit of my own back.”

“Well done to Rug (Matthew Millar) he played well all week, I have probably stolen it off him a little bit.”

Queensland young gun Cameron Smith also played a superb round of 7-under 63 to ensure his runnerup finish alongside Millar on 16-under the card.

Finishing with a tournament total 13-under 267 were Brad Kennedy (QLD) and Tim Hart (QLD).

Qualifying School winner Ed Stedman (NSW) fired 7-under the card today to finish outright 7th on 11-under 269.

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Aussies continue with Alloy Silverstein Alloy Silverstein, a Southern New Jersey (US) accounting and advisory firm, has announced the continuation of PGA player sponsorships by signing branding agreements with one PGA Tour professional, five Web.Com Tour professionals, and two Symetra Tour professionals.

Australian Web.Com Tour golfers Steve Allan, Ashley Hall, Adam Crawford and Bronson La’Cassie will be represented as part of the Alloy Silverstein Team, alongside Garrett Driver of Texas.

The 2015 season marks the third year of Alloy’s relationship with Allan, Crawford, Hall, and La’Cassie and the first for Driver. The players span a range of career backgrounds and professional golf achievements and will all be in pursuit of earning their PGA Tour card for the 2015-2016 season.

The firm also announced its first year of LPGA Tour player sponsorships by signing branding agreements with two Symetra Tour professionals, Australians Su-Hyun Oh and Jayde Panos.

Alloy Silverstein also has representation on this year’s PGA Tour through renewal of its branding agreement with PGA Pro Cameron Percy. Percy, who finished the 2014 Web.Com Tour’s regular season in 14th place to earn his 2015 PGA Tour Card, is continuing his branding agreement with Alloy Silverstein for the fourth consecutive year.

Under the terms of the agreements, players wear the Alloy Silverstein logo on their apparel and act as brand ambassadors for the firm’s accounting and personal financial services.

news

Clyburn holds her nerve in NSW Open victory

E

ngland’s Holly Clyburn held her nerve and holed a three foot par putt to win the Bing Lee Fujitsu Women’s NSW Open at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney.

par. It was a birdie on the par 4 14th hole which proved crucial. Clyburn hit her 3 wood off the tee, then her wedge into the green. She left herself with a nine-foot birdie putt which she calmly rolled in to break away from the group of players at 10-under-par.

With rounds 69, 66 and 70 she finished on top of the leaderboard at 11-under-par and just one clear of NSW’s Rebecca Artis (68), Austrian Christine Wolf (64), Scotland’s Vikki Laing (67) and Switzerland’s Fabienne In-Albon (69).

Clyburn’s name had been on the leaderboards in a number of the ALPG major tournaments prior to the win. She finished in a tie for second at the Oates Victorian Open early February, before being in contention at the RACV Ladies Masters, were she eventually finished in a share of 16th position.

Clyburn had to withdraw after the first round in New Zealand due to a hip injury and had no expectations.

It was the 24-year-old’s third professional victory after wins on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and LET Access Series.

Holly Clyburn She rested for six days leading into the week and thanked the physio, who worked on her. ”I wouldn’t have gotten through this week without him,” she said after her win.

The NSW Open is renowned for exciting finishes and at one stage mid-way through the back nine, five players shared the lead at 10-under-

“It means a lot, a have been knocking on the door for a few months now, I have been working hard and did not have any expectations this week after last week, so yeah, it has just been great and a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

NSW Nikki Garrett (70) finished outright sixth at 9-under-par, while Victorian Stacey Keating (66), South Australian Tamie Durdin (68) and NSW’s amateur Shelley Shin (69) shared seventh a further shot back.

Garrett wins Club Car Series bonus pool

N

ikki Garrett captured her first Club Car Series Bonus Pool title at the conclusion of the Bing Lee Fujitsu Women’s NSW Open in Sydney.

The 31-year-old started the tournament on top of the points table with 688.75 points. Her outright sixth finish at the NSW Open saw her secure another 200 points and finish on top of the points table with 888.75.

Garrett’s solid season included winning the BWAC Regional Employment and Community Services ALPG Pro-am at Yamba, the first Club Car Series event. She then secured valuable points in the McLeod ALPG Pro-am and Renault Castle Hill Pro-am.

Garrett was delighted to be taking home a trophy and a cheque for $6,500 from CLUB CAR. “I’m so excited to have won the Club Car Series, Kevin Gates and his distributors have been fantastic supporters of the ALPG over the years and we can’t thank Club Car enough.” Garrett said after receiving her cheque.

“It is exciting, I wanted to get my name alongside the other great players to have won, so I am pleased to have done it.”

“It’s great to have the Club Car Series, today for example, you really want to play well for the Club Car, as

Nikki Garrett with Kevin Gates well as the tournament, it’s nice to have something else to go for.”

NSW’s Rachel Hetherington finished second on the points table with 613.75 and takes home $3,500.

Austria’s Christine Wolf fired a final round of eight-under-par in the Women’s NSW Open to finish in a share of second place. Her second place saw her pick up 450 points and finish outright third on the points table. Wolf receives a cheque from Club Car for $2,500.

France’s Marion Ricordeau finished fourth and received a cheque for $1,500, while Victorian Stacey Keating and Queensland’s Bree Arthur tied for fifth place and took home cheque for $500 each.

Kevin Gates, Vice President (Asia/

Pacific) was on hand to congratulate the winners and hand out the cheques.

“The association of the Club Car Series is great for us. We are supporting women’s golf, which is really important to us globally, as well as a company here in Australia,” Gates said.

“We want to continue support the girls, to provide them with something to play for in a compressed timeframe.”

“Next year we will also be working increasingly with host venues, to provide support at a local level and engaging our local distribution partners where the local events are and get more heavily engaged at the actual events.” • www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

11

news

Last Post for a Royal club David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

A

SYDNEY golf club that’s name starts with Royal is about to close its doors for the last time.

Don’t panic, it’s not that one.

Rather, the final curtain will come down on the Royal Australian Engineers Golf Club, a military-run operation, after the final putt drops into the cup on May 2.

Eric Aitkins

Yes, the Last Post will sound for this militaryrun golf club, which opened to military personnel in the early 1970s and the general public in the mid-1980s.

As military-run golf clubs and member clubs around the nation prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli with Anzac Day golf tournaments on Saturday, April 25, RAEGC members will gather to play their penultimate Saturday competition and remember the good times.

The club’s general manager Barry Dodd said it was a sad day for the club’s 250 members – 40 military members and 210 civilians.

“The School of Military Engineering, located at Steele Barracks at Moorebank, is being relocated to Holsworthy Barracks where they have built a new school so the golf course will sadly close,” he said.

“This site (School of Military Engineering and golf course) will be redeveloped into the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal.

“It’s disappointing, but there’s nothing we can do,” he said. “It’s one of those things they call progress.

“We’ll get all the members together and

“It was challenging stuff like that and good fun.

“In the 1980s the defence forces used to act as marshals at the Australian Open,” Eric recalled.

Royal Australian Engineers golf course close next month.

have a day where they can drown their sorrows.”

Designed and built by the Royal Australian Engineers as a training task, the nine greens and 18 tees golf course has challenged golfers of all levels since opening.

“It’s a challenging, tight golf course with water coming into play on six holes,” Dodd said.

“One of the highlights was having a pro-am every year in November.”

According to the website, the club is “more than a golf club”.

“We are the best hidden golfing secret in Australia,” it says.

Former member and ex-serviceman Eric Aitkins was saddened to hear the course will

He took up the game during his military days at Royal Australian Engineers Golf Club.

“I began my love affair with this game at the nine greens/18 tees golf course which would be a challenge for any golfer because of its tiny greens.

“It’s a beautiful course maintained by the members and would surely sharpen anyone’s game.

“Every year they had Anzac Cup golf days to celebrate the Anzac spirit.

“They used to be fun events.

“We would do things like tee off on one hole with a cricket bat, then on another hole we would have to wear a greatcoat and a steel helmet without the liner and tee off.

“I remember being a marshal at the Australian Open at Royal Sydney in 1988 in Greg Norman’s heyday.”

Eric told Inside Golf he also played at military courses Lone Pine and Puckapunyal in Victoria.

“One of my regimental appointments was at Lone Pine where I was the golf club’s secretary,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dodd believes some of the members will quit the game while others will seek membership at nearby golf clubs – albeit at a much higher rate.

Military people paid just $110 for a 12-month membership while civilian males paid $380 and females $250.

So, for the next four weeks (until May 2) members and visitors will continue to enjoy playing the club’s competitions four days a week. •

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from the ceo

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

I

t has been exciting to watch the recent success of our Australian Professionals abroad. Mathew Goggin started the ball rolling at the Panama Claro Championship on the Web.com TOUR and his first victory since 2011. Jason Day followed securing his first win of the US PGA TOUR season at the Farmers Insurance Open. Day emerged victorious from a four-man playoff to secure his third win of his TOUR career. One week later, Andrew Dodt claimed victory in the inaugural True Thailand Classic capping off an excellent week for Australians on the European Tour, which also featured Scott Hend, Wade Ormsby and Richard Green. And Marcus Fraser came within one-shot of claiming his third European Tour title at the Delhi Open.

On the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour, Australia proved victorious against New Zealand to take out the Nagle Charles Challenge after fielding one of its strongest teams, captained

by Rodger Davis. It was a significant year for the Nagle Charles Challenge due to the passing of New Zealand’s Jim Clelland, who had been the driving force behind the event, and Kel Nagle who along with Bob Charles share the Tournament’s name.

Back at home, we saw Richard Green claim the Oates Victorian Open after captivating audiences worldwide during the pro-am with a remarkable hole-in-one. This was followed by Aaron Townsend’s win at the Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus Victorian PGA Championship after he holed a bunker shot on the 18th to claim victory.

The PGA was delighted to announce a new community partnership with the Cancer

Council recently. The partnership aims to educate the Australian golf community on cancer risks and change unhealthy behaviours, with a view to creating a national legacy and an example for all sports. The PGA will encourage its network of PGA Professionals to fundraise on behalf of the Cancer Council throughout the year, building on golf’s already substantial contribution to charity. Whilst the program will aim to educate the golf community on numerous fronts related to the Cancer Council’s core programs, the organisation’s SunSmart message will be a key focus of the partnership. With the average golfer spending approximately four hours in the sun for every round of golf played, golfers are one of the high-risk communities for skin cancers in Australia. It is hoped that over time the partnership will evolve to incorporate other key projects, including golf-specific research and wider-industry engagement.

As we know, the diversity of employment in golf is great and the PGA works hard to provide educational opportunities that support and develop individuals who have a passion for a career in golf. The PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) is Australia’s leading Golf Management education provider and for more than 20 years has been at the forefront of golf education in Australia. The PGA IGI is the only provider in Australia to offer PGA and Golf Management Australia (GMA) endorsed qualifications. Through a specialist and unique blend of academic education and practical training, the PGA IGI ensures a high standard of theoretical knowledge and vocational skills for everyday success in the golf industry. The PGA IGI’s core program, the Diploma of Golf Management, is delivered through face-to-face learning at the Gold Coast or Sydney campus locations. The Diploma of Golf Management combines academic learning in golf management

combined with practical golf training, offering articulation pathways to study a Bachelor Degree and into the PGA Professional Year Program. Study through the PGA IGI is suited to anyone who is seeking to work or advance his or her career in golf management or golf administration.

Applications for mid-year intakes with the PGA IGI are now open for our Gold Coast (July 2015) and Sydney Campuses (May and September 2015). To find out more about the PGA IGI please visit www.pgaigi.com

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

M

any of you have noticed Golf Australia’s new-look website and the enhanced functionality we offer visitors from the latest news and championship info through to club results and handicapping.

Particularly pleasing to us, though, is that one of its less glamorous aspects – the club support portal – is really beginning to make inroads into the heartland of Australian golf, our clubs.

More than 4800 sessions have been recorded since we launched the portal – in association with our partners – in October.

The areas covered include strategic planning, governance, financial and risk management, insurance, marketing, and participation programs to name but a few.

We are delighted that more than 1000 people have spent time at the strategic planning and governance section alone – a clear indicator that the plan has struck a chord in the industry.

Helping secure and maintain our 1600 clubs’ financial health and future is a critical part of Golf Australia’s operations.

It is no secret that many clubs are under financial stress. We know revenue levels have stalled while costs have continued to rise.

And that the membership model is not as robust as in the past.

Naturally the challenge is to try to increase the supply of golfers – both in the membership and green-fee-paying sense – to all clubs.

From a GA perspective – and those of our colleagues – the co-existing mission is to try to help those clubs with business models to help keep them viable now and into the future.

The club support portal is a really good starting point in that area. We’ve had a lot of positive commentary from clubs about it and the information that’s contained within it.

We see it being expanded and that the whole club support area increases in terms of its scope.

We’re really encouraged by the early use of the portal and we’re determined to make sure the information stays current and to take club feedback to ensure that happens.

We will have case studies up when they’re available to share not only pitfalls, but just as importantly success stories, within the industry as soon as possible after they happen.

The concept of helping clubs with their business is a major issue for GA – and the state associations as well.

So whether you’re on a club committee or not, please take the time to check out the portal because with all the information available, it might just take one fresh set of eyes to help your club remain viable into the future.

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from the ceo

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

W

hat a season we’ve had on the 2015 ALPG tour so far!

We’ve seen the emergence of some amazing young stars and also witnessed the resurgence of ALPG legend Rachel Hetherington, turning back the clock showing that four years on the sidelines hasn’t dampened her passion for the game.

The ALPG Club Car Pro-am Series was again a great success this season, and produced some quality winners in Nikki Garrett, Sarah Kemp, Sarah Oh, Frenchwoman Marion Ricordeau, up and coming Kiwi star Liv Cheng, and American Beth Allen. The feedback that we had from all of the events was fantastic and a big thanks to all of the clubs and sponsors for their continued support of the ALPG Tour.

The first of the ALPG major events on the 2015 calendar was the Oates Victorian Open, held at the magnificent 13th Beach Resort on the Bellarine Peninsula. Even the best Hollywood scriptwriters could not have scripted what was to unfold on the Sunday with newly-engaged couple Marianne Skarpnord and Richard Green taking out both the Men’s and Women’s events. It was also a great event for eight-time LPGA tournament winner Rachel Hetherington finishing in 4th place after a break of four years.

A huge thanks and congratulations to Golf Victoria for creating such a special and unique event and also a big thanks to Oates, The City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government for their continued support which has allowed the event to continue to go from strength to strength.

From the beautiful Bellarine the tour headed up to the Gold Coast for 26th running of the RACV Ladies Masters at the Royal Pines Resort. There has

been much hype in recent years about the two emerging young stars of the women’s game, West Australian Minjee Lee and Victorian Su Oh, and while Minjee decided to take the week off to prepare for the upcoming Australian Open it was Su who jumped into the spotlight birdying the last 4 holes of the tournament to seal her first professional victory.

For Su it was an emotional victory with father SG on the bag and the win means she will receive invitations to the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic and two of the five LPGA majors, The Ricoh Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship. Her victory also meant that she was offered the opportunity to take up membership of the Ladies European Tour which will enable her to mix her schedule between the LET and the Symetra tours in 2015. It will be fun to watch Su’s progress over the next few years as I am fairly certain there will be plenty more victories to come!

I would like to offer our sincere thanks to RACV and Tourism and Events Queensland for their fantastic support again in 2015.

From the Gold Coast it was back to Victoria for the premier event on the 2015 ALPG Schedule, the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open on the incomparable Royal Melbourne composite course. The LPGA stars rolled into town in style, including newly crowned world number 1 Lydia Ko, and defending champion Karrie Webb. The course at Royal Melbourne had been lengthened significantly since the ladies last played there in 2012 and this, combined with firm, fast greens took their toll on many of the field. As many had predicted it was the world number 1 Lydia Ko who came out on top, defeating former RACV Ladies Masters champion Amy Yang by 2 shots. For Ko it was an emotional victory, as she had played much of her amateur golf in Australia and considers it “her fourth home” behind New Zealand, America and Korea. Minjee Lee was the best of the Australian players finishing in a tie for 7th place, while Katherine Kirk and

Karrie Webb performed credibly with top 20 finishes.

Across the “ditch” it was next for the ALPG tour for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open at the beautiful Clearwater Golf Club just outside of Christchurch. Lydia Ko was returning to New Zealand and the media hype around the event was enormous. There was little time to practice for Lydia in the lead-up to the event with countless interviews, press conferences and sponsor obligations but the incredibly mature and articulate 17 year-old took it all in her stride and handled all of the attention like a seasoned veteran!

Once the tournament was underway the enormous galleries following the trio of Lydia, Charley Hull and recent RACV Ladies Masters winner Su Oh were treated to some amazing golf, especially on day 2 when the talented youngsters were a total of 25 under par for their rounds, Lydia shooting 61 Charley 64 and Su 66.

While Charley did get to within 2 shots of Lydia at one point during the final round, the final few holes were a procession for the world number 1, much to the delight of the record crowd in attendance. While the other professionals were fighting it out for the minor places, Western Australia’s Hannah Green managed to sneak under the radar shooting a final round of 68 not only to claim the leading amateur trophy but to finish in 2nd place in the tournament. This was a fantastic achievement from the 18 year-old, and surely enough to convince her and those close to her that she has the game to succeed in the professional ranks.

A very special thanks to Dr Haruda Handa and ISPS for their generous sponsorship of both the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open and the iSPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open. Dr Handa is a great supporter of professional golf all over the world and we are delighted to help share his mission and vision through “The Power of Sport” to raise awareness and increase opportunities for blind and disabled golfers.

Janelle departs Golf Qld JANELLE Spencer is departing Golf Queensland after a three-year stint as communications and marketing officer.

The youthful media officer, who worked alongside communications and marketing manager Claire Power, finishes up on April 8.

Janelle, a proud Kiwi, told Inside Golf she was counting down the days to a four-month break exploring the USA and Europe with hubby Alex Jeffcoat.

“After our holiday we’ll be going back home to New Zealand

because Alex has secured a job in Tauranga, which is on the east coast of the North Island,” she said.

“I am really grateful to Golf Queensland for my three years here,” Janelle added.

“I’ve really enjoyed my work at Golf Queensland.

“Claire, Lindsay Ellis (chief executive officer) and all the other staff taught me a lot. I have really enjoyed my time in Australia.”

“I have learnt a lot, but I think the Queensland Open has been a highlight because we did so many different things I hadn’t experienced before.

“For me, it was a big scale tournament and being able to do the media work and marketing was good experience.

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Cassie Burton will take over the role.

“I will train her before I leave and pass on some of my secrets,” she laughed.

p: (02) 9555 5195 e: info@exclusivesports.com.au

“I am sure she will fit in fine and do a good job.”

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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industry news

New greens have best warm weather grass in Australia Tony Durkin

“It has been a long, tedious and expensive exercise, but it had to be done,” Campbell said.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

“Some greens have cost us as little as $10,000 – others $30,000.

N

O golfer, irrespective of his or her handicap, walks off a green after a three putt feeling good about themselves.

“And the reconstruction of the eighth hole will be in the vicinity of $120,000. We believe ours will be the best warm-weather greens in Australia.”

And while The Brisbane Golf Club cannot guarantee a golfer’s most detested deficiency never occurring on their greens, club captain Terry Campbell is adamant the probability has greatly decreased now the course has Ultra Dwarf Bermuda Champion greens.

While the end result will be worth the angst, Campbell said the club had “worn some flak” from members during the redevelopment.

“For three years now our members have not been able to play our best 18-hole layout,” he said.

The new strain of grass comes under the well-known US Champion Turf Farms umbrella, with more than 700 courses in America growing their product, including Pinehurst, the venue for the 2014 US Open.

“It has been frustrating for them and we can understand their anguish. But the greater majority are now saying ‘the club did the right thing’, and that positive feedback is extremely satisfying.”

“What we can guarantee at The Brisbane Golf Club, on our new greens, is a smoother, faster and more consistent ball roll,” Campbell said.

“Golfers able to read the slope of the green and judge the pace of the surface can putt with the confidence that the ball will go exactly where it is aimed.”

Campbell, who has been a member at The Brisbane Golf Club for 28 years and course chairman for five, says that because of the heat and the humidity, growing grass without grain on Queensland golf greens has been almost impossible in the past.

“But Champion is a smaller leaf grass, able to be mown closer, has great colour with terrific speed and consistency,” he said.

“Good maintenance practices are required and with this the grain is reduced and exceptional putting surfaces produced.”

Discussions on growing new greens at the club started in 2011.

Because of their age and severe

OLF HOLE G SE R U CO

Bellarine Lakes C O U N T R Y

C L U B

G E E L O N G

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Brisbane Golf Club captain Terry Campbell and golf course superintendent Mitch Hayes show off the news greens. encroachment from other grass species into the existing Bermuda 328 greens, the need for major work became obvious.

13th – were stolonised with Ultra Dwarf Bermuda Champion in November 2012 and in play by late March 2013.”

“Our course superintendent at the time, Brett Morris, had been exposed to Champion grass and he recommended we investigate installing it here,” Campbell explained.

With 21 holes, the club was mostly able to curtail any major disruptions although three temporary greens have been in play during the past 18 months.

“We made contact with the Department of Primary Industries, obtained stolons from them, established our own test nursery and propagated all the stolons needed for our 21 greens.

In January this year five new greens came in to play and just two remain to complete the transformation.

“That was in February of 2012 and the first two greens to be done – the sixth and the

These holes – two and eight – need major reconstructive work on greens and fairways and they are expected to be back in play by the end of June.

If the greens are so great, and make putting more pleasurable and less of a science, why aren’t other golf clubs in Queensland installing the Ultra Dwarf Bermuda?

Because, says Campbell, the grass is no longer available in Australia.

“We would love to talk to interested clubs about this grass, but how we get it to them is another question,” he said.

Campbell praised the work and enthusiasm of current course superintendent Mitch Hayes and his staff, who have refined the growing and maintenance process over the past two years so the club has fast and consistent putting surfaces.

“Mitch had 18 months in the US and is well versed in this grass,” he said.

“He and his staff have done an absolutely phenomenal job on the course. Their attention to detail is what has made the biggest difference in this project.” •

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industry news

The R&A publishes report on golf facilities around the world

IMG to manage Noosa, Hope Island IMG has been appointed to provide golf course management consulting services to two of Australia’s best known courses: Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort on the Sunshine Coast and Links Hope Island on the Gold Coast.

Recognised as one of Australia’s best resort destinations, Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort offers a variety of world-class facilities including an 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse, spa and fitness centre and luxury apartment style accommodation overlooking the 1st hole.

The championship course at Links Hope Island is consistently ranked as one of the best in Australia and is the centerpiece of the Hope Island resort.

Facilities include a Mediterranean style clubhouse with excellent meeting and function rooms and a unique aquaticstyle driving range.

T

he R&A has published a new report detailing, for the first time, the precise number of golf facilities around the world.

The unprecedented report has been produced by the National Golf Foundation (NGF), a golf market research organisation based in the USA, and sets out the extent of golf’s development worldwide.

The report reveals that, by the end of 2014, there were 34,011 golf facilities in 206 countries around the world. It shows that 79% of these facilities are located in ten countries: the USA, Japan, Canada, England, Australia, Germany, France, Scotland, South Africa and Sweden.

Although the USA is home to 45% of the world’s golf facilities and Europe to 22%, the report also states that there are 50 countries with only one golf facility compared to 30 with more than 100 and eight (outside the USA) with more than 500.

18

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The diverse Oceania region (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the many island countries of the South Pacific) has a total of 2,111 golf facilities in 18 of the region’s 25 countries. The lion’s share of supply in the region (77%) is located in Australia with 1,628 courses.

of the number of facilities for the first time.

It will provide a benchmark for future monitoring and enable us to identify areas of potential growth. The NGF has done an excellent job in conducting this research which we believe will be extremely useful for the golf industry at large.”

The report tracks the development of golf worldwide and finds that 696 golf courses are under construction or in advance planning.

While 80% of these new projects are in Asia, Europe and North America, there are clear signs the sport is spreading with countries such as Belarus, Azerbaijan and Georgia opening their first golf courses in the last two years and initial courses under construction in countries as diverse as Macedonia and Sao Tome and Principe.

The R&A has provided funding for the creation of the definitive worldwide database and report which provides a benchmark for measuring the extent of golf’s global footprint. The NGF team spent four years and 25,000 working hours surveying golf facilities around the world using global information sources, satellite/mapping imagery and onthe-ground contacts.

Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A said, “The new report provides a fascinating insight in to the development of golf around the world and gives us a precise measure

The report will be produced biennially and will allow monitoring of the sport’s development in future years.

The Golf around the world report is available to download at www.randa.org •

Both golf clubs are owned by Chinabased Golden Horse Nine Dragon Lake Holdings. Company Chairman, Feng Di, commented: “I am very pleased to be working with IMG in Australia, as we have a long and successful history of working together at Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou. With IMG’s commitment to excellence, depth of resources and industry expertise, we are confident Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort and Links Hope Island will benefit very positively from this relationship.”

Paul Burley, Vice President IMG Golf, added, “IMG is very excited to extend our relationship with Chairman Feng Di to Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort and Links Hope Island. We look forward to providing a range of high quality services, including offering members access to IMG Prestige, our global reciprocal program. I am certain our extensive international operational experience will build on the reputation of these two excellent clubs.”

Pure bentgrass greens and bunkers lined with USGA-graded sand are just some of what you can expect across all 6403 metres of this par 72 championship course.

Book a tee time at pacificdunes.com.au or phone 02 4916 0500

general managers

From Amsterdam to Queensland for GMA National Conference David Allen

GMA Executive Officer eo@gma.org.au

E

arly Bird registration for the GMA National Conference 2015 is now open via the GMA website www.gma.org.au

The biggest biennial golf conference in Australia will be held from Monday 31st August to Thursday 3rd September at Jupiters Gold Coast, in beautiful Queensland.

An exciting array of subjects and speakers have been assembled to ensure every GMA member, and their nominated club directors and support staff, will receive a wonderful networking and educational experience.

One of the highlights of the 2015 Conference will be the injection of some new speakers from Europe and the UK who will provide some educational input from abroad.

With more news on other confirmed speakers to come, GMA is delighted to announce that Lodewijk Klootwijk, Chief Executive of the European Golf Course Owners Association (EGCOA), will be making his first appearance at a GMA National Conference. This organisation represents 14 national owners associations and more than 900 courses in 21 countries in Europe. The association was founded in 2004 and has three main goals: Grow the game of Golf; Represent the Golf Course owners on a European level and Professionalise the golf business.

Lodewijk is also chief executive of the Dutch Golf Course Owners Association. He is a member of the advisory council of the Golf Environment Organisation, treasurer of the Dutch Turfgrass research Foundation and member of the Education Policy Board of CMAE.

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The educational component of the Conference will take place from Tuesday 1st to Thursday 3rd September. The programme has been constructed following feedback received from GMA members (golf club managers) of the issues which are deemed as top priority for the future of golf and golf clubs in Australia.

Tuesday 1st September will focus around major issues affecting and of interest to Managers, Club Presidents, Captains and Directors and will be themed as “Golf Industry Day”.

Subjects to be covered will include: • Understanding the relationship between Women and Golf Clubs; • The R&A’s role in the Promotion and Administration of Golf; • Golf Australia Update and information on its Club Assistance Programme; • PGA of Australia and Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) update; • Understanding Board Governance and Legislation at your golf club; • Club Director Induction and Education.

GMA’s Club Business Expo will also commence on the Tuesday with many major companies taking the opportunity, over the Tuesday and Wednesday, to meet one on one with golf club managers from around the country, and provide practical advice as to how their companies are working with the golf in Australia.

Wednesday 2nd September will see the conference theme shift to “Operational Day” which will be the perfect opportunity for managers to bring along their operational support staff and spend valuable time on the

following subjects: • Membership Recruitment and Retention (a European perspective) • Membership Trends (a UK and Scottish perspective); • Rules of Marketing in this Technological age; • Maximising your income potential from Food and Beverage; • Public Speaking and Presenting with Confidence; • Creating a WOW factor in your service operation; • GMA Benchmarking – Overview and a Cluster Group case study; • The Power of the Mind.

The closing day, Thursday 3rd September, will see the focus swing to “Outcomes Day” and will be perfectly suited for managers to bring along their senior administration support staff.

Subjects to be covered will include: • Creating and retaining and effective relationship with your Chairman and Board; • Developing your Personal Brand; • 10 Keys to being a successful Golf Club Manager; • Personal Work/Life Balance; • GMA update; • Keynote Closing Speaker.

One of the most important aspects of the conference will be the opportunity for delegates to network and create relationships with others in attendance – a must for the future benefit of managers and their clubs.

GMA is fortunate to be supported by a strong group of corporate partners and sponsors.

Lodewijk Klootwijk – Guest Speaker at GMA National Conference 2015

Since 2009, Schweppes have partnered GMA at these conferences, and have created long term friendships and relationships with managers and clubs during this period.

Other major sponsors to support the conference this year include Club Car, Toro, HostPLUS, Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia.

Qantas, MiClub, The R&A, Golf Queensland and Caddie Challenge have all confirmed their support of the 2015 conference along with a number of other companies also committed to GMA’s Club Business Expo.

A very limited number of corporate support packages are still available and enquiries can be made to the Executive Officer, David Allen via eo@gma.org.au or phone 0410 225 545.

The GMA National Conference 2015 is shaping up to be an industry leading forum and a “must attend” for golf club managers who want to continue driving their club business forward and improve their own professional development. GMA members can book their Early Bird packages now by visiting the conference website www.gma.org.au For enquiries regarding attendance by nonGMA members (not involved as officials at GMA member golf clubs), please contact David Allen via the contact details shown above.

industry people

The Wright path to golf industry success Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

S

TARTING out working from home with a single product line 22 years ago, Peter Wright has grown his business into one of Australia’s most successful golf accessories retail suppliers and the pacesetter in specialised customising.

Peter Wright Golf is now based in a large warehouse at Castle Hill in Sydney’s north west and services clients from centres across Australia and overseas.

Peter took time from his busy schedule for a chat with Inside Golf about his interesting and fulfilling journey in the golf industry.

Tell us about your business Peter Wright Golf operates on a high level of customer service and that generates a lot of repeat business.

Because we are small, most of our customers aren’t just a number. We try to keep the personal touch to all aspects of the business. We specialise in “customising” our products for our clients, so I suppose you could say we are a custom shop.

We cover about 12 categories of product and have about 1600 customers. We supply most golf clubs and retail outlets across Australia and also have strong accounts in Fiji and Bali.

What was your background to becoming involved in the golf industry?

I was in the computer industry for 20 years. It was moving too fast for me, so I decided to get off the carousel and try my hand at something different.

What inspired you to consider a golf business as a career?

I played golf a bit when I was younger, but wasn’t good enough to play professionally. I have always had a passion for the game, but alas, my ability hasn’t matched the passion.

You began the business in 1993 from your home, with just one product?

That main product was golf shoes.

It was a tough sell, but I learnt a lot.

When I started I was an independent sales agent, representing a few companies, and that made for an attractive portfolio to offer customers.

I also sold a lot of components – heads, shafts, grips, etc. It was when graphite and larger heads were coming onto the market. I don’t do any of that now. The only club component we sell is grips.

How rapidly did the business progress?

I always had positive growth. Long hours and a lot of miles, but I like meeting people and got quite a buzz from sales I made, whether big or small. I was able to identify market and product niches where I felt I could do it better.

Was there a turning point when you decided you needed to expand?

It was my accountant’s advice to buy the warehouse in 2000 (I still own it), so I had a great landlord. Prior to that I had a serviced warehouse.

Having the office, showroom and warehouse under one roof facilitated easier expansion. On a personal level, it’s too easy to neglect the family if you work from home. Best to keep personal and worklife separate.

How difficult was it to gain acceptance in the golf industry?

The industry has changed quite a bit.

It really was an old boy’s club and still is to some extent, but customers are now more business focussed. I used to be able to leverage my relationship with customers to stock my products, but now I need to present a more professional business case.

After 20 odd years we have a very good reputation with our customers for delivering on time and standing behind our entire product range. There are a lot of golf supply companies now.

If we trip up, there’s someone to take our shelf space. You’re only as good as your last shipment.

What is the most satisfying aspect of the business?

Sometimes a customer picks up the phone and lets you know how pleased they are with their delivery.

That is very satisfying.

Was the worldwide acceptance of Softspikes in the 1990s a major issue for your business?

It was. A lot of hard work went in behind the scenes though from a bunch of guys that gained that worldwide acceptance. We spent a lot of time with golf club committees and course superintendents convincing them of the benefits of plastic cleats over metal spikes.

What other widespread success and trends have you witnessed?

Retail in golf is very challenging now. Online shopping impacts retail profits. That’s why wherever possible we try to provide custom products to our clients. Once a club has their logo on a product, it becomes exclusive and allows a better margin.

What are some of your favourite products and services?

We’ve done some really nice custom golf bags for clubs, companies and Tour players. Our stock golf and travel bags look good when we add a club

or company logo. I really like our sunglasses though. Whenever I talk to someone who has a pair of Tifosi sunglasses, they are glowing in their endorsement.

You must travel a lot?

My wife would love to see me do more business online and not do so many miles, but it’s too impersonal for me. I am very passionate about all the products we carry and would rather look a customer in the eye when I’m asking for the order. I need them to know they’ve made the right decision to stock one of our products and we will always be right beside them.

Do you see any current trends?

We’ve seen a drop in our spike business the last couple of years because of the number of “rubber” soled, non-cleated, shoes on the market. That trend is reversing now, bit by bit. I think with golf shoes, it is easier and cheaper to re-spike at the end of the season and get another year or two out of your shoes. With rubber soled shoes, you don’t have that option.

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We sell a lot of golf tees, which is a consumable. We sold more last year than the year before and it is still an upward spiral.

I think golf has a healthy future.

We do most of our business with “green grass” shops. I can see from the sales figures of the various clubs, which clients really connect with their members or guests. Most businesses would benefit from a guaranteed customer base of 200-500 every weekend.

Do you have any advice to people thinking of becoming involved in the golf industry?

I have met great people through golf. I think I have learnt something from all those folks. Like any industry, the harder you work, the better it gets. Dream high and keep getting up when someone knocks you down.

More information: www.peterwrightgolf.com 02 9634 1876 www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

21

GAME CHANGED

on tour

Australia, Augusta and Doral! with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

he last month has been very busy. I started my tournament year with the Victorian Open at 13th Beach where I played solid and finished tied 25th. I would like to take this chance to say thank you to Rex and Izzy for their hospitality whilst putting me up for the week.

I then headed to Huntingdale Golf Club for the Victorian PGA Championship where I played average, finishing T43rd. It was then back up to sunny QLD for the Queensland PGA Championship at City Golf Club in Toowoomba. I played ok in rounds 1 and 2 but thought I may have missed the cut after finishing at +2. Due to the wet weather some players were still to complete their second rounds and although I was keeping an eye on the scores, I had driven home the day prior and was 2 hours away on the Gold Coast.

When the cut was made at approx 10:30am, I had made the cut on the number and quickly got dressed heading back up the mountain to Toowoomba for my 1:10pm tee time. I found something in the last two rounds shooting 65 and 64 to finish in a tie for 11th which was a real confidence booster.

But my trip to the states for the Cadillac Championship at Doral is much more interesting. Myself as well as good friend Rob Beecher and sponsors Robbie Bennetts flew to the US on Tuesday, flying straight into Las Vegas. It was around lunch time when we

landed so it was an easy afternoon before heading to a course called Shadow Creek Golf Club on Wednesday. This is an extremely private course. If you lose $100,000+ at Wynn Casino, they are nice enough to let you play, for $500 US a head! The course is great with not a blade of grass out of place and you are treated like a king from the moment you get there.

On Thursday afternoon we headed to the airport to fly to Atlanta before driving down Friday morning to golfing heaven - Augusta National Golf Club. We arrived at 11am and met up with a friend, Pat Battle who is a member at Augusta. I will never forget driving down Magnolia lane for the first time. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up and you feel like you’re in golf heaven, even though you haven’t set foot on the course yet. We had lunch in the clubhouse and then headed to the range to loosen up for our round. We all met our caddies there and, yes, they all wear white overalls.

When we finished the round we then headed across to the par-3 course. What an unbelievable little 9 holes! The longest hole is 140 yards but there were some tough little shots with a few of the greens surrounded by water. We finished the day off with a tour of the grounds, then a dinner in the Champions Room. I’m not sure I’ve ever been served food by guys in suits before!

Well, what can I say about playing Augusta for the first time? It felt surreal, the fairways were like our greens and the massive pines just brought back memories of watching the Masters when I was 10. I shot 73 which was a great effort with the highlight being a birdie on the par-3 12th hole, where I hit it to 12 feet and rolled the putt in. I think between the three of us we took around 500 photos.

Walking through the locker rooms and clubhouse and seeing all the memorabilia is something I will never forget. It was without a doubt the best day I have ever had on a golf course. We spent the night in a villa overlooking the 10th tee and had a 9am tee time the next morning. It was a little cold but I still spent the four hours on the course walking around in awe. They change 12 pins

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every day so it was great seeing other parts of the huge greens. We each walked off the 18th hole with huge smiles and headed in for some quick lunch before heading back to Atlanta airport. I didn’t want to leave and still have to pinch myself occasionally thinking did that really happen. I have to mention my two playing partners. Rob shot 89 of the men’s tees which is a great effort and Robbie made a birdie on the 12th hole – not bad for a 20 marker and I’m glad I birdied the same hole or I may have never heard the end of that! In the end it would not have mattered how we played as it’s an experience none of us will ever forget.

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22

At the tricky 18th at Doral, home of the WGC Cadillac Championship.

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on tour times throughout the week and he would always stop and have a chat.

h at the 18t l. n o ff o na Teeing a Natio August

Playing the ic onic Augusta National Golf Course is a m emory I will ne ver forget.

When you arrive at any tournament you must go in and sign your name. You also receive your yardage books, tickets for family and friends and any other information that you need for the week. For this event I also had to pick up my car. They give every player a Cadillac to use for the week. I was driving an Esplanade which had only done 15 miles on the clock and this thing had all the bells and whistles! It was definitely better than squeezing four guys into a Nissan Micra, which we have had to do many times over the years! I also had a free room at the Resort for the week which was probably too classy for me!

Donald Trump bought the resort about 3 years ago and spent 350 million on renovating it so you could imagine how good the rooms were. I was staying in the Tiger Woods villa which was only 50 metres from the practice fairway.

Ben Campbell, the Head Professional from

Southport Golf Club came over to caddy and I had a great mate Kel Tremayne from Port Macquarie come over to support me also.

Monday was my first look at the course and it was easy to see why they called it the Blue Monster. It was tight off the tee with massive bermuda greens which had slopes and runoffs all the way through them. Probably the hardest part of the course was the length.

I’m not a long hitter and had to hit 2-iron into three out of the four par 3’s. Ben and I just played on our own so we could try to work out a plan on the best way to attack the course. I played again on Tuesday with a couple of other Aussies, Greg Chalmers and John Senden. I always love playing with experienced guys and just watching and learning how they go about their business.

Wednesday was spent practicing and then a quick-9 holes just to check the hardness of the greens hadn’t changed. I was paired with

Rubbing shoulders with Donald Geoff Ogilvy and Ryan Palmer the first two days which I really enjoyed. They are both great guys and can play! I played really nice the first day but three-putted the 15th and 18th to finish 3-over. Now, when you three-putt 18 I can tell you that you feel disappointed! 18 is one of the toughest holes that I have played in golf. 450 metres long with a tight fairway.

Water all the way down the left and palm trees down the right. It’s the type of hole that you need to flush a drive to have any chance of making par. But if you do get it on the fairway you still have a 210 metre shot over water, into a 30 km per hour wind from the left to a massive green that angles away from you.

Doesn’t sound that hard does it?

We had a welcome function with free food and drinks so we all thought we should go.

I got to meet and talk to Donald Trump and was really impressed about how down-toearth he was. I ran into him a number of

I was off at 1pm the next day and once again I played really solid. For me as an average-length hitter, it’s really a matter of survival out there. All day you’re staying away from water and then hitting 4, 3, and 2-irons into par 4’s. I signed for a 74 and could hold my head high after two rounds.

My playing partner for the 3rd round was Brendan Grace from South Africa. He is ranked 40th in the world so he has a little game! There were a few bumps in my 3rd round. From holes 2 through to 11 I had 7-over which you can do at the monster. I made a birdie coming in but signed for a 78. Once again I three-putted the 18th hole. I looked back after putting out and thought you have come 450 meters in 2 shots, dodging water and trees then you three-putt from 20 feet! I was back in the pack running into the last day and was paired with Hunter Mahan, who is a top-10 player in the world so I was looking forward to watching him play. I played great, shooting 1-over and would have got Hunter’s cash! I had two three-putts that cost me shooting one of the best rounds of the day.

After reviewing the event I can hold my head high. It’s never easy throwing yourself into the mix with the top 50 players in the world.

I was ranked in the top 20 in ball striking and was the only player in the field not to hit a ball in the water all week! I did notice with the top players how good their short games were. When they were in trouble they seemed to get out of it so I know what I have to get better at. There were so many great experiences during the week that I couldn’t list them all. One thing I do know is that I will be working hard to make sure that this World Golf Championship event won’t be my last.

I write to you as I fly straight to the New Zealand Open with no practice rounds and over 30 hours of travel - it may be interesting!

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

23

on tour

Rickie ready to reign on tour

The major season is upon us once again and one of the golfing world’s favourite young talents Rickie Fowler prepares to take the stage with the world’s top players.

Garrett Johnston

@johnstongarrett

Rickie, what do you make of today’s narrative in golf and where you fit among the younger players fighting for world rankings and wins?

Obviously we all have a long career ahead of us with most of us being in our mid 20s.

It’s possibly a solid 20 years playing against each other, maybe more. So there are a lot of good young players right now and there’s a strong potential of having a good group of guys where there won’t just be one or two guys as a rivalry. Rory (McIlroy) has obviously distanced himself right now as the best young player and obviously the best player in the world. I’m not sure if two guys will stand out, it may be a bigger group.

The 2010 US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year claimed top 5s in all four majors in 2014 proving he possesses a game that travels well. However, the 26-year-old—for all the exposure he gets on television, print, and the web—holds just one PGA Tour title to his name.

So, what does success this year in the majors and at the US Tour’s events look like to him? Garrett Johnston sat down with the cool Californian to talk about his journey ahead.

For your 2015 season what does success look like for you?

Success, I mean, that’s going through the year being in contention like I was last year but I want to win. So obviously getting my first win of the year would be the biggest thing but I’ve got to get myself into the mix, I’ve gotten off to a bit of a slow start and I want to win. That would be my definition of success for the year.

Sporting a new, mature look and attitude, Rickie Fowler is keen to improve on his already impressive record at this year’s Majors.

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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on tour When you say winning, what types of events do you mean?

I really want to be there in the majors like I was last year and have the chances there. But I just want to win wherever it is, and if it happens to be in a major that’s a bonus.

How much confidence have you gained from your top 5s in every major in 2014?

Last year was a big step in the right direction for me to feel as comfortable as I did under the pressure in the majors. It’s a good stepping stone and I’m looking forward to getting things started at Augusta.

How excited are you for the majors this year?

Known for his colourful clothing, Fowler’s current goal is to be known more for golfing success.

I’m really looking forward to the majors this year, especially the first one, The Masters. After seeing what Bubba did there, I want to be in that position. Hopefully not in a playoff (2012) but win it outright. No, it definitely was cool to be there to watch it all happen. That kind of gives me the drive to want to go out there and do the same thing.

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What’s your favourite major and the one you may have the best chance of winning?

I love all the Majors and especially being at Augusta and the US Open.

The PGA Championship plays some great courses. But my favorite style of golf is links golf and I love the challenge that comes along with it. Whether it’s good weather, bad weather, you never know what you’re going to get over there.

It seems you get some mentorship from older guys (Phil Mickelson and Butch Harmon). How helpful is that for success?

Yes, having guys that are helpful and willing to be there with anything that we need is huge. Phil’s been great for me. Having Butch as part of my team, and me being part of his team now is awesome so I definitely have some great guys around me.

How long have you worked with Butch Harmon and what are you guys working on for your game?

Butch has been around the last few years with the different (money) games we have played at tournaments and so our friendship has grown and it’s been nice that he’s actually been able to see me and my tendencies over the last couple years.

The first real time I worked with him was when I spent some time on the range with him after I missed the cut at the 2013 Open Championship.

But yeah, as far as the basics, we’ve been working on cleaning up the takeaway, getting myself started in the right position, and trying to shorten up the back swing. My tendency is to get a little long and the club gets stuck behind me. So we’re working on very minor things.

When was the last time you threw a club in frustration like Rory McIlroy at Doral?

Tour proven.

I threw one for fun/anger at Medalist a couple years back and I forgot to take off my glove and I threw it into a palmetto. That was fun to see how far it would go/after hitting a bad shot. But my mom made it pretty clear early on that if I were to break a club it would be gone and not come back so I try to keep 14 clubs in my bag at all times.

What’s your most common swing thought?

A lot of it is ‘good tempo’, ‘good rhythm.’ I try not to get too mechanical on the course. I try to figure that out early on, on the range or where we’re practicing but pretty much on the course I just go through the motions and make sure we’re staying within ourselves and not getting out of rhythm.

Do you have a favourite meal?

It depends on what time of day it is. But food kind of changes week to week.

Did you have an “aha” moment where you knew you loved the game?

Not exactly an ‘aha’ moment but I loved it from the start when I was three. I started playing tournaments when I was four and a half and it was always a dream of mine and never really a certain moment.

You’ve won once on the US PGA Tour in your five + years out here.

How do you view that?

Well I always knew that it was going to be tough to win on TOUR. Obviously the people over the last, say, 10 years, 15 years, watching guys like Tiger and Phil, it doesn’t exactly

help the normal PGA TOUR player’s cause as far as winning goes. I think guys like them have made it look a lot easier than it really is. I’m definitely happy with having the one win on the PGA TOUR as of now. But moving forward, my goal is to definitely have more than one win in the next four years. It was a great stepping stone, but I think that this year kind of turning the page and looking to do bigger and better things.

How do you deal with the perception that you’re known more for your clothes than your golf game?

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I know that I’m known for what I wear on the golf course, but I want to be known as a great player. I remember when I lost to Hunter Mahan at the Phoenix Open (2010), my first year on TOUR, I remember him saying, one of his quotes was he wanted to be remembered as a great player and great players win.

So I want to go out and win golf tournaments.

How much would you relish the chance to play in the Olympics in 2016?

It would be awesome. It’s a little ways out on the schedule but it would be an honor to be a part of that and it’s something that I’ll always shoot for. • Photos courtesy of Cobra Puma, OneAsia, PGA of Australia

Garrett Johnston is a golf journalist based in California. He covers the game on an international level for IG. His work also extends to PGA Tour Sirius XM Radio where he is an “Insider” in several shows www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

25

GAME CHANGED

on tour

US MASTERS PREVIEW: Rory set to ‘slam’; Aussies aim to ascend surprise many if he didn’t complete 72 holes at Augusta.

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

T

his month’s US Masters could represent a total changing of the guard more than anything else as Rory McIlroy continues his unfettered emergence as the undisputed superpower of world golf.

The world No. 1 has an amazing opportunity to achieve the career slam at the ripe old age of 25 having already collected a US Open, Open Championship and two PGA Championship triumphs and it appears his main opposition at Augusta will come from contemporaries including a pair of Australians.

Once perennial Augusta contenders Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have, in the minds of many, been reduced to also-rans on tour and Woods – who continues to battle Introducing ReliantandAGM with lack C-Max injury, swing changes an extreme of confidence with his chipping – wouldn’t

Mickelson – without a win since his fifth major victory at the 2013 Open Championship – has failed to capture any consistency since then and his veil of superiority at Augusta appears to have abandoned him as well.

In 14 showings from 1999 to 2012, he banked 12 top tens including three green jacket acquisitions. In his last two appearances, he’s driven down Magnolia Lane and out the gates with a missed cut and tie for 54th to dwell on.

It’s full steam ahead, though, for McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman’s form may have waned since crafting a win and runner-up finish in the Middle East from his first two starts in 2015, but like Mickelson was able Technology to do for so many years, McIlroy has shown an ability to snap out of down periods at the TRJN_AlcoBattery2012_P1.pdf

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drop of a hat.

Aussie stars Jason Day and 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott have always seemed to thrive on consistency and, for the first time in recent years, would be difficult to split as Australia’s great hopes.

For Scott, the 2015 Masters should be a welcome return to relative anonymity compared with a 2014 showing packed full of obligations as defending champion.

Excluding Tiger’s successful defense in 2002, it’s been all too common to see the defending Masters champion struggle as their attention is drawn partly away from preparation and onto more mundane matters like how their Champions Dinner menu selections will be received by the green jacket-clad cohort of former winners.

The phrase ‘lease of life’ gets thrown around a lot but it certainly applies to Scott as he settles into his new role of fatherhood.

TRJN_AlcoBattery2012_P2.pdf

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

on tour After an agonising playoff loss to Greg Chalmers at December’s Australian PGA on the Gold Coast, Scott took three months off and, in February, welcomed baby daughter Bo Vera into the world.

It didn’t take Scott long to recapture his edge on tour, finishing tied for fourth in his first event back at last month’s WGC event at Doral.

Eyes were locked on the 34-year-old that week as he put the short putter in play for the first time since early 2011 to again familiarise himself with the style ahead of the January 2016 ban on anchoring.

Outright third after two rounds at the Cadillac Championship, Scott reminded us it’s not a major change.

“I putted ten years of my career and my whole junior life with a shorter club and fortunately I didn’t forget how to do it well,” he remarked.

Scott’s hunger for more Masters success could not be questioned but neither could Day’s quest for a maiden green jacket having already suffered a fair degree of Masters heartbreak.

Day appeared to have slipped one arm into the jacket in 2013 when he led with three holes to play but backto-back bogeys helped paved the way for Scott’s march into Australian golfing folklore.

But Day – who has regularly contended at majors despite a persistent wrist injury – is finally fully fit.

He won February’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in a playoff over Americans J.B Holmes and Harris English to claim his third PGA Tour win – the 27-year-old’s latest victory in a career many feel should have netted many more wins.

If ever there was a place to suit the Queenslander, it has to be Augusta National.

Finding a glitch in Day’s game is difficult but, if anything holds him back, it’s probably occasionally errant play from the tee, but wild driving is hardly punished at Augusta.

Day can hit as high and soft as anyone with his iron play and his

Jason Day

Adam Scott will be looking to repeat his success from 2013. short game is absolutely world-class.

He’s dynamic from inside 10 feet with the putter and his bunker play, chipping and pitching – all pivotal skills around the precarious putting surfaces of Augusta – could not be questioned.

One Australian who’s looking to gain as much exposure to Augusta as possible is our only amateur in the field – 19-year-old Antonio Murdaca.

A member at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Murdaca earned an invite to the Masters with a stunning sevenshot win in last October’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Melbourne.

Murdaca spent a full week at Augusta in the first week of March with his coach Gareth Jones, playing four practice rounds including a hit on the famous par-three course.

Speaking just after returning home to South Australia, Murdaca admitted he hadn’t thought much about the gravity of the scenario to come.

“It was such an amazing experience for me to be there and get a chance to play Augusta,” the Golf Australia national squad member said. “I’m super happy how everything is tracking and I can’t wait to stand on the first tee Thursday morning.”

Murdaca will bring his parents, uncle and an extensive entourage to Augusta.

“I’m so happy to have them there and I will also have my physio with me, coach and Matt Cutler from Golf Australia.”

Murdaca’s coach, Jones, will caddie for his protégé in what will also be his first trip to the Masters.

Jones – the teaching professional at Adelaide’s Glenelg Golf Club – admitted the visit to Augusta in early March was equally a chance to get the ‘sightseeing’ out of the way.

“Conditions and facilities are unbelievable so it was good to also get the tourist stuff done early,” Jones said.

“The weather conditions were quite variable which allowed us to see the course in different lights. The temperature really had an effect on carry distance. We used local caddie Brian Tam. Brian is known as ‘low am Tam’, as he caddied for Ollie Goss last year and Guan Tianlang two years ago, so his knowledge was great.

We also spent time with club pro J.J. Weaver discussing greens. Our goal will be to get the ball under the hole as much as possible, similar to Royal Melbourne.”

There’ll be a number of other Aussies at Augusta to show Murdaca around the place including Marc Leishman, John Senden and Geoff Ogilvy who round out the Australian contingent. • Photos courtesy of USGA, OneAsia, AsiaPacific Amateur Championship, Australian PGA

Antonio Murdaca www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

27

US Masters flashback

1986 – the Bear versus the Shark Jack Nicklaus claims sixth Green Jacket at Augusta National He parred 18 to finish at nine-under par and a one shot lead.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Kite could have joined the Golden Bear at nineunder, but missed his four-metre birdie putt.

O

N Sunday, April 13 1986, the Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus came out of hibernation at the US Masters to harpoon the Great White Shark and outmanoeuvre the Car Park Champion.

Meanwhile, the Shark was coming home with a wet sail.

He birdied 14, 15, 16 and 17 and was now in a tie for the lead at nine-under.

At the start of the week, few gave Nicklaus a chance of winning.

Norman hit a perfect drive on 18.

Now what? Go for the safe centre of the green, maybe one-putt for victory or, at worse, get down in two putts and take your chances in the playoff.

After all, he was 46 and had not won a major since the 1980 US PGA Championship so all eyes averted to Norman, the swashbuckling Seve Ballesteros and defending champion Bernhard Langer.

No, “Attack Life” is the Shark’s motto so he went for the pin, pushed his approach shot right and chipped back on to within four metres.

It turned out to be one of the most memorable and exciting final rounds in the history of the US Masters as five different players held the lead or a share of the lead in the final round.

With nine holes to play, Greg and Seve took the lead, but the Shark double-bogeyed the par-4 10th and fell out of contention.

Meanwhile, Jack stormed into contention with birdies at 9, 10 and 11, but he bogeyed the 12th to fall three behind Seve and Tom Kite.

Ballesteros eagled the 13th to take a two-shot lead over Kite, who birdied the same hole.

Then something within the Bear stirred and he began his legendary charge at 15 with an eagle to pull within two shots of Seve.

Norman missed the par putt to gift Nicklaus, the oldest Masters champion, his sixth Green Jacket and his 18th major.

Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters (Photo courtesy of Augusta National) While Nicklaus was making birdie on 16, Seve hooked his approach into the water on 15, failed to get up-and-down and walked off with a bogey.

Suddenly, Jack had a share of the lead.

“My goodness, there is life in the old Bear yet,” said CBS Sports commentator Ben Wright.

Wright’s colleague Jim Nantz added: “And there’s no doubt about it, the Bear has come out of hibernation.”

Then Kite made birdie at 15 to join the leaders.

On 17, Jack hit an erratic drive, but still managed to find the green with his approach and drained a five-metre birdie putt to take a one-shot lead.

Norman’s caddie, Pete Bender, said of the Shark’s four-iron approach shot to 18: “Greg wanted five straight birdies. He wanted to make history. He wasn’t going to go for the middle of the 18th green.”

Unfortunately, Norman’s ill-fortune at the US Masters was to continue.

A year later, Larry Mize denied Norman when he chipped in from 65 metres.

For the record, Norman had eight topfive finishes at the Masters including three runner-up places. •

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Bob Stanton: Australian golf’s greatest ‘mystery man’ He’s the Aussie Champion who cut a swathe through the Australian, European and US PGA Tours back in the 60’s and 70’s. He became part of golfing folklore when, as a 20 year-old, he defeated the great Arnold Palmer at the Australian Golf club in Sydney. Yet Bob Stanton remains an enigma and a brilliant star that shone too briefly, as Larry Canning explains.

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

W

hen I was a 12 year-old kid wondering if I was going to open the bowling for Australia in an Ashes Series or win the US Open at Pebble Beach, my two prized possessions were a shiny new Kookaburra six stitcher and a Bob Stanton mallet head putter. I never met Mr Kookaburra but I did get to know Bob Stanton some 14 years later.

Poor Bob really didn’t have much of a choice. It was in the mid-eighties and I was having a serious crack at the Aussie Tour. He had returned to Australia and was making a comeback after something of a tournament hiatus. Whenever I saw him on the practice fairway, I’d drop my bag of balls right next to him, or, if he was having a putt, I might just aim at the same hole. Whatever it took to have a word with my childhood hero.

Eventually Bob relented and we became friends. In fact, he took a real interest in my game and helped me develop a reliable ball flight I could trust when my main concern was throwing up on the first tee or snaphooking a drive and injuring one of the 20,000 innocent fans.

Recently, I caught up with this great “mystery man of Australian golf” to discuss his career and personal life and to shed some light on his sudden disappearance from the game.

You have had a colourful, spectacular career. However, do you think it’s correct to describe you as Australian golf’s greatest mystery man?

I think that’s fairly true. There’ve been so many stories, innuendos and untruths about my career and it’s good we can chat and set a few things straight.

Okay, before the nitty gritty, where did your career get started?

Golf and Game Tour 2015 September 17th – October 3rd 2015

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THE TOUR (excerpt) Australian golfing legend Bob Stanton and wife Lucy specialise in South African golf tours and after sold out 2013 and 2014 tours are pleased to present this 2015 tour for a small group of 12 couples / 24 guests.

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

African Adventures

•

•

• • • •

1 Night D’Oreale Grande at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg and welcome cocktail party.

3 Nights at both &Beyond Phinda and &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp – 12 Game drives.

2 Nights at Fairmont Zimbali Resort.

3 Nights at Fancourt Resort.

4 Nights at the Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town.

5 Games of golf at Zimbali, Fancourt – Links and Montagu, Pezula and Pearl Valley.

16 NIGHTS / 17 DAyS ALL INCLUSIVE

A$ 12,260 per person sharing ex Johannesburg Single Supplement on request.

BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION Lucy: 0411 592 300 | Bob: 0411 706 840 lucy@lucystanton.com.au www.lucystanton.com.au/2015

people I did my time at St Michaels Golf Club with the great Dan Cullen and you would remember one of Australian golf’s greats, Eric Cremin. He got ahold of me one day and took me out to Dan and said “Have a look at this kid”. Dan watched me hit two balls and he said “that’s enough; you’ve got yourself a job”.

Most people think you burst onto the scene with the surprise win over the great Arnold Palmer at the Sydney Dunlop International in 1966. What isn’t well known is you had already won the German Open earlier that year.

That’s right. I went over to Europe and won the German Open by seven shots. The same year I also led the Irish Open right up to the last minute and was beaten by Christy O’Connor at Royal Dublin. I also finished third that year in the Spanish Open (to Roberto De Vicenzo, Open Champion). I played in the British Open in 1966, the only Open I contested. I was in one of the last few groups going into the last round at Muirfield, playing with American Dave Marr, who won a major, the US PGA. I wasn’t entered for the Dunlop and was pretty indifferent about playing as I had just been to Florida to get my tour card to play the US tour, but my mother actually entered me for the tournament. That started the story for me when I beat Palmer in a playoff at The Australian. It blew a gale that week. The last day I shot par, he shot 68, an unbelievable round in the conditions. He made a 25-footer for par and I missed a four-footer for birdie at the first extra hole, so we went to the second hole and Arnie three-putted. It was a great occasion for Australian golf and a lot of people still ask me about that day.

After that win you headed to America?

That’s right, I finished 2nd at tour school and got my card then received an invitation to the US Masters because of the win in the Dunlop. That’s what started it all in America and I stayed there for 17 years. Spalding offered me a three-year contract: $7000 the first year, $9000 the second and $11,000 the third year. I thought I was very rich.

Clearly you were seen as the next superstar. That must have put a lot of pressure on you?

So tell us more about your golf career in the states.

I had a reasonable amount of success in the US. I was beaten by a shot seven times, was beaten in a playoff for another one. I was beaten by a shot at the Western Open in Chicago - Jack Nicklaus won that.

Leading up to those tournaments I remember I was out of money at that time. I didn’t have anything. I borrowed $1000 from a dentist friend and turned it into $33,000 during those few weeks.

You took yourself off the tour and took a club job. A tough decision?

So many things changed for me when I went to the States. I probably had the talent of Greg Norman, but you didn’t have many people around you to help out in those days.

I didn’t know enough about my game, didn’t know enough about myself and the golf swing. It became one of those things where I had some success but I really didn’t live up to my potential, that’s evident. When my game went downhill I did not work hard at it.

Simple as that - instead I just went fishing. It was a silly time and if I had it all over again I would do it differently. I would like to do it all over again, that’s for sure.

I had a year off in ‘73 when Bruce Devlin helped me find a position in the Bahamas. I came back the next year. There was a World Open event at Pinehurst, I played with Bruce Crampton in the last round and shot 68. It was the biggest money tournament on the US tour at the time, about $300,000 - most events were half that in those days. I sat in the clubhouse and it looked like I was going to get the chocolates until four guys come over the top of me (one was Johnny Miller)... beaten by one shot. That gave me enough money to be exempt for the next year so I thought “beauty, I can go fishing again”.

I’ve always been keen on fishing and that was the one thing that took me away from my golf. I started to buy boats and instead of practising golf I went fishing .... and that’s the real story.

Later on in 1978 I played poorly and took over the job at Diamond Head Yacht and Country Club. That was where I really honed my marketing skills, which helped me when I started my businesses when I came back to Australia.

What prompted the rumours of the drugs and the alcohol?

I’ve been told various things over the years.

Why people say those things is that they really don’t know the true story. Things were made up and they just weren’t true - it’s as simple as that.

You had played very little golf in six or seven years before that. Did you really believe you could win the Australian Open?

I have always had that “win” mentality. Even when I played in the US Masters as a 21 yearold I thought I could win. I was putting badly just before the Australian Open in ‘84 and I remembered some advice from that great man who just left us, Kel Nagle. I worked on a routine and everything I looked at went in that week.

Tom Watson beat me by a shot, Greg Norman finished third. If I had won that Australian Open it might have changed my life again, but what it did was put a bit of cash in my pocket and it launched my name again into the Australian public and from there I used it as a platform to start my business.

So what was your introduction to the business world?

I formed Bob Stanton Corporate Golf, which really was a trailblazer because nobody was doing corporate golf in those days and that launched my business career into so many things.

Suddenly you’re mixing with corporate high flyers from companies such as Macquarie Bank, Allianz and Lexus. Now that sounds like real pressure?

Well I’d had a bit of experience dealing with people in America, being in business and of course a little bit of B.S. goes a long way.

But first there was unfinished business on the golf course.

Okay Bob, turn back the clock and make a choice. It can be success in the corporate world - or you have a three-footer to win The Open at St Andrews. What’s it to be?

I came back to Australia in the mid 80’s with $200 in my pocket. All I knew was how to play golf - and fish - so I entered in the 1984 Australian Open.

That’s a very pointed and difficult question.

Being the competitor that I am I would have to have a foot in both camps. Is that okay if I say yes to both?

A wasted talent? I think sometimes we normal people, who have to go off to work each day, expect extraordinarily gifted individuals like Bob Stanton of having a responsibility to us to fulfil their potential.

Maybe Bob was smart enough to get everything out of the game he needed without becoming so obsessed with perfection, it consumed him, as it has so many others.

Bob loves this quote from Sam Snead and seemingly shares the same philosophy – “The only reason I played golf was so that I could afford to go hunting and fishing.”

FOOTNOTE: Bob turned 69 last month and achieved one of his “lifetime ambitions” when he beat his age and shot 66, (five under) at the Palmer Sea Reef course in Port Douglas. www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

31

juniors

Juniors shine in NT

Mt Coolum juniors a cool bunch

M

yGolf, Australia’s national junior golf program, is thriving in the Northern Territory township of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. Gove Country Golf Club has been a registered MyGolf centre since 2011, so it was an obvious decision for the club to re-register after the MyGolf program relaunched in July last year.

Gove’s MyGolf co-ordinator Esther Rika, with the assistance of dedicated club members and parent volunteers, delivers the MyGolf program to children in the remote community.

“We wanted to offer a junior program that was fun, structured and encouraged inclusivity,” said Rika.

COOL KIDS: Mt Coolum Golf Club’s Team Challenge winners (back row) TJ King (junior coordinator), Zac Quirk, Barry Degenhardt (former junior coordinator) and Jared Barr. Front row: Ryan Stephenson, Wilson Foster, Sharon Purnell (general manager) and Lochie Coleborn.

“The new MyGolf program is a great model that offers quality, structure, flexibility and is very user-friendly for those facilitating it.”

THE junior golfers at Mount Coolum Golf Club are punching well above their weight, according to the club’s general manager Sharon Purnell.

Rika and members of Gove Country Golf Club share the same philosophy to that of industry bodies – that golf is a game for life.

“We only have a small group of juniors – probably 15 or 20 – but they are doing very well,” she said.

This has been extended further by encouraging the parents to participate alongside their children during their weekly MyGolf sessions, rain, hail or shine.

“Young Lochie Coleborn is very talented and recently finished third in the Tasmanian Junior Masters. He was the best-placed Queensland junior.”

“This fun and inclusive approach has contributed to the success of MyGolf in Gove,” said Rika.

Another Mt Coolum junior, Ryan Stephenson, has been turning heads at major junior events on the Sunshine Coast.

Another contribution to the success of the club’s MyGolf program is establishing links with local schools, including Nhulunbuy Christian College and Nhulunbuy Primary School.

By doing so, there has been a steady increase in the number of juniors participating in golf at school as well as the Gove MyGolf program.

Rika and the team at Gove Country Golf Club are well and truly doing everything they can to increase junior participation and grow the game of golf up north, efforts which are commended by the golf industry bodies MyGolf is a 10-week introductory program to golf designed for 5 to 12 year-olds and is the major driver of junior golf participation in Australia.

Recently he won the Invincibles Matchplay Championship for B/C grade boys when he defeated San Haines from Peregian Springs 5/4 in the final.

MyGolf promotes skills development with the aim to increase participation and engagement in golf by children, providing a fun and accessible introduction to the sport of golf.

There are many benefits for clubs and facilities across Australia to become an official MyGolf Centre.

To become involved in MyGolf, either as a provider or participant, please visit the MyGolf website www.mygolf.org.au

“We are extremely proud of all our juniors,” Purnell said. “They have all stepped up to the plate at some stage.

“For the number of kids we have, we are doing very well as a club.”

Another junior, TJ King, has been given the added responsibility of running the junior program.

“Barry Degenhardt retired as junior coordinator and TJ is now enjoying the challenge,” Purnell said.

“All the golf club’s members love the juniors and often share a round with them.”

Barry said the Mt Coolum juniors were a talented bunch of kids.

“Our juniors have creamed the local junior competitions for several years now eclipsing other clubs in the area and in south-east Queensland,” he said.

“A lot has been achieved with little assets, but great co-operation between the club, its juniors, its members and their parents.”

Each year, Mt Coolum Golf Club hosts the two-day Summer Classic run by the Junior Golf Foundation of Queensland (formerly the Greg Norman Golf Foundation).

“Graeme Miller, who runs the Invincibles, and Rae Clark from the Golf Foundation have helped this small club achieve massive results with a small batch of wonderful kids,” Barry said.

“They have been instrumental in ensuring that we have strong junior open tournaments and other junior golf events at the club.

“Mt Coolum is a fantastic club with a very friendly membership and a very good but challenging course.

“If you play well at Mt Coolum you will do well elsewhere – as our juniors have shown.”

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32

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

High-flying Castle Hill still pushing onwards and upwards Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

C

astle Hill Country Club in Sydney’s population-booming north-west region in recent years has been surfing a surge of success which has provided it with a winning profile that few golf clubs in Australia currently could boast.

However once you meet Castle Hill’s General Manager Melissa Ellis—enjoying her third year at the club despite coming from a non-golf business background—you soon realise that Castle Hill Country Club is not about to be caught drifting along satisfied it has reached a comfortable niche in the competitive golf club industry.

Castle Hill Country Club already boasts probably the largest playing membership in NSW with 1292 golfing members (1600 total)—including a healthy boost late last year of 119 new chums in the highly-prized 35 years to 45 years demographic.

Add to that a return to “happier times” with an almost full booking sheet on the Corporate Golf Days front – only three days remained available in 2015 as of March – and it’s hard to imagine that things could get much better.

“Running a profitable golf club is a real challenge. It had been a year of consolidation 34

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

for us with a few costly changes. Our golfing numbers this year are down a little bit but we have a lot of different things on the boil, an enthusiastic Ellis says.

‘banked’ their joining fees ‘until the kids grow up’. I think this new scheme will bring across many people who can’t afford to outlay the $7500 in a lump sum.

“Our corporate days are doing really well— bolstered by a sparkling new cart fleet—and the course is looking beautiful, which allows us to maintain our prized reputation in that important area.

“We constantly have to look at ways to do that in regards to membership.

“But, while we are doing well, we can’t afford to slack off and we have to meet new challenges.”

Ellis, who has a background in corporate venue management and training, has approached her initial role in the golf industry at Castle Hill Country Club from a fresh new angle.

“I really feel for a lot of golf clubs because I think it’s a really difficult industry and we have to push and push and push,” she says.

“I think golf clubs have to reinvent themselves and become more appealing to the masses. I’m really into bringing our juniors through and getting families more involved with our club.

“We haven’t dropped our joining fees, like a lot of clubs have, but in March introduced a scheme where the joining fee can be paid over five years.

“We think some potential members have

“Also we have a large clubhouse which is extremely expensive to run on its current footing as it is very labour-intensive and we are looking at ways to improve that.

“One of the great difficulties is to balance the needs of our golfing members—some of whom choose to play and go—with more social members and visitors who enjoy our Bistro dining, which has become a great revenue stream, given the outstanding food and wonderful setting.

“The club has to be commercially minded.

I don’t consider the selling of adjacent land -- which might provide financial comfort to some golf clubs -- as the sole answer; it’s more about what we create.”

In that regard she and the Castle Hill Board are keen to expand on their very successful recent ventures of the hosting of men’s and women’s professional tournaments.

Despite her catering-business background, Ellis is acutely aware that Castle Hill Country Club’s renowned championship golf course is its shining asset and it remains the major focus of the club’s commercial activity.

“The course is looking great. Following the retirement of our quite legendary course superintendent Martyn Black of 25 years standing in December, we have given our younger green staff members the chance to step forward for a trial period” Ellis says.

“They have come out with some fresh new ideas which certainly will involve a lot more detailing of the course and we also

clubs

are looking at a major refurbishment of our bunkers.”

Encouraged by the outstanding success in 2013 of being the venue for the famous NSW Open Championship—which included staging not only one of Australia’s PGA Order of Merit titles but also a very popular food and community cultural festival—Ellis and the Castle Hill board of directors are keen to do more.

This year they have been in discussion with the Australian Ladies Professional Golfers about holding a major women’s tournament at Castle Hill in 2016.

Ellis said that she is amazed that Sydney does not stage a national women’s professional title and is hoping to rectify that in 2016 by Castle Hill hosting a brandnew event: the ALPG Tournament Players Championship, played over 72 holes.

Plans are well-advanced for the tournament with the finalisation of a naming rights sponsor the clinching factor in making it happen.

“Our women’s ALPG Renault pro-am, held in January, which involved a really exciting three-hole playoff won by French golfer Marion Ricordeau, brought rave reviews from the players, members, the public and all of the sponsors involved,” Ellis says.

Another indication of Castle Hill’s innovative outlook will be on show in October when the club will host Australia’s first World Series of Golf event with the exciting $250,000 Turbo Tournament to be played over just one day, involving amateurs and professionals.

A maximum field of 200 golfers will each pay a $3000 entry fee ($5000 if sponsored) and compete in a unique knockout competition, against only four players over

12 holes at a time, with each player using just five clubs.

After two rounds of 12 holes the 200-strong field is reduced to 12 players and then four players will contest the final with the winner earning $100,000.

Initially, when approached, Ellis was worried the event might be staged over several days but on learning the details, she realised that it “virtually was just a larger scale corporate day”.

The financial and media benefits to Castle Hill Country Club (the Turbo Tournament is to be replayed on the Foxtel TV network and is likely to be heavily sponsored) make it look like a commercial and public relations winner for the club.

“I think it will be really good with an interesting fun format, involving hole-in-one

competitions and television and sport celebrities competing, and it will be entertaining for our members,” Ellis said.

“I think some of the traditional business outlooks of golf clubs need a rethink.”

And judging by the on-going success the Castle Hill Country Club has enjoyed under her stewardship many of her wise words and her fresh approach might be considered by many other golf clubs. •

Fact File Castle Hill Country Club Spurway Drive, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 PHONE: (02) 9634 2499 WEB: www.chcc.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

35

pro-ams

Legends Pro-Ams head west Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

H

ead west, middle-aged man!

I used to love packing the car with my clubs, luggage and hopefully enough humility to fit in with the locals, so I could head out west to the NSW Country Pro-Am circuit. The courses are always much better than most people think and the drive is really interesting and different. But it’s the people who make it such a great trip…they are the absolute salt of the Earth.

In fact as you enter towns like Cootamundra you can almost taste the salt in the air! Well, look out folks, here we come again. Thanks to lots of work and commitment from the locals at Tumut, Cootamundra and West Wyalong Golf Clubs, the Australian PGA Legends Tour will be heading there towards the end of May The South West Legends Tour Circuit begins on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May at Tumut Golf Club, then travels to Cootamundra on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th before winding up on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st at West Wyalong Golf Club.

Graeme Cheshire, himself a PGA Legends Tour Player, has run the Pro-Shop at Cootamundra Golf Club for years and is the driver behind the wheel of the NSW West Leg of the Legends Tour.

“It’s been over twenty years since we hosted the pros out here in the west,” Graeme told me. “The improvements we, and the

Cootamundra Country Club other courses have made since then, are unbelievable.”

President and 30-year member at West Wyalong, Phil Kimber told me the members of the club are really excited to host the Legends Tour Players and would like to show off the condition of their course.

“Since we put the new watering system in the course looks magnificent. Last time we had a Pro-Am it was dry but now we’ve been able to improve the condition and the layout significantly.”

Helen Pearce is the Lady President at Tumut Golf Club and one of the Tournament Coordinators of their Pro-Am. “We are very proud of our course and are really looking forward to having the Legends Tour Players back here after such a long time.

We are dedicating our tournament to the late Jerry Stolhand who was our Professional all those years ago and used to arrange for the Senior Pros to play at Tumut Golf Course.”

It’s no secret I love hearing stories, yarns and even folklore from anyone who wants to buy me a beer, and in this part of NSW, that’s exactly what I expect. I also love a good golf course and from what I’m hearing, Cootamundra, Tumut and West Wyalong are even better than they were twenty years ago.

And they were pretty handy back then.

Former Australian Open Champion, multiple European Tour winner and real Aussie legend, Rodger Davis will be heading up the field for the three events but he won’t have it all his own way with a bunch of other great players aiming to take him down.

Stay & Play Packages SUPER SUNDAY PACKAGE - FROM $133

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It would be a fantastic way to play on some top tracks, have a beer with some true Aussie legends of golf and share a yarn with some local characters. The amateur fields still have spots left and welcome any visitors who would like to have a terrific few days.

Accommodation packages are available through all the clubs so go on the following websites, get your mates together and get yourselves down there! Trust me, it will be a brilliant week!

Cootamundra - www. cootamundracountryclub.com.au.

Tumut - www.tumutgolfclub.com.au.

West Wyalong - bookings@clubinn.com.au or Phil Kimber (President) on 0428 606 613 & Carol Mckenzie on 0427 687 023. •

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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amateurs

Familiar faces in a field of golf champions Lauren McGregor, Champion Events ed@insidegolf.com.au

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ACV Royal Pines Resort, the home of championship golf in Queensland, is gearing up to welcome over 160 golfers from all over Australia in May. The group represents the best of the golf clubs throughout the country, after they beat out their home clubs to qualify for the Championship Final.

The finalists receive travel, accommodation and golf costs for the three days of the Championship Final being held from the 26th29th of May. Many of the finalists will take 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.

Amid the large group of golfers you can expect to see some familiar faces of return finalists who got a taste of victory and are back for more.

John Horsfall and Jason Michelmore qualified for the 2013-2014 Championship Final after a win at Toowoomba City Golf Club.

This year the talented pair qualified at Gailes Golf Club, and will return to represent RACQ for another shot at the win.

NRMA member Raymond Franks qualified for the 2013-2014 Final at Bathurst Golf Club.

For the 2014-2015 series he found a new partner and qualified at Wauchope Golf Club’s event. Sounds like his partners are lucky to have teamed up with him.

Tewantin Noosa Golf Club and RACQ members Michael Norman and Graeme Martin qualified for the Final in the 2012-2013

Chris Bath and Barry Thoms after qualifying for the 2014-2015 Championship Final. series, where they played well but did not place in the top three. In the 2013-2014 series they came in a close second in the qualifying event and missed out on returning to the Final. This year the pair redeemed themselves with another first place win at Tewantin Noosa, and we’ll be seeing them again in Queensland, maybe this time on the winner’s stage.

Allan (Tow) Quek and Ricky Aow will represent Kingston Links Golf Club and RACV at the Final after winning their regional event for the second consecutive year.

Chris Bath and Barry Thoms represented RACQ in the Championship Final for the 20122013 series, coming in third place with 98 points. This year they qualified at RACV Royal

Annette and John Bayford after qualifying for the 2014-2015 Championship Final.

Pines and will return for the Championship Final to defend their title.

John and Annette Bayford are a husband and wife pair and members at RACV Cape Schanck. Last year they qualified for the Championship Final with a combined 63 points and travelled to Queensland to compete. They were disappointed when the Final got rained out on the second day and decided to give it another try this year.

They were surprised and thrilled when they managed their second first place win in a row, while also beating their previous year’s score by 31 points! John’s individual score for the day was 51 points, which according to Annette is the best he’s ever played.

This year John and Annette are looking

forward to the Championship Final with a little more confidence thanks to their high qualifying score. They will be travelling a few days early to get familiar with the course and enjoy the resort, and hope for better weather than last year.

We look forward to welcoming these familiar golfers back to the Final, as well as meeting all the new competitors. Best of luck to all the golfers competing in the 2014-2015 Auto Club Golf Championship. After a year of exciting regional events all over the country, we are all looking forward to the culmination in May. There are still four more qualifying events before the Final. If you would like to register for your chance to qualify, visit www.acgc. com.au for more information. •

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

CONTROL YOUR ROLL. Engineered to fit a golfer’s stroke tempo and feel preference, Cadence™ TR models advance putter fitting with two weight options. Traditionalweight models feature an aluminum insert (blue) for mid-to-faster tempos and improved lag putting. Heavy-version inserts (black) are stainless steel to fit slower tempos and improve results on shorter putts. Get fit today or visit ping.com. You’ll be better for it.

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pga igi

PGA IGI produces winner on international stage

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business and management knowledge by choosing to study a bachelor degree through PGA IGI Higher Education Partners, Griffith University (Gold Coast) or ICMS (Sydney),” O’Brien said.

HE success stories keep coming for PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) students and graduates.

In February, Terrence Ng, a current PGA IGI student in his second year of study, won the Hong Kong Close Amateur Open.

“Students can choose from a variety of Bachelor degrees majoring in areas such as Event Management, Sport Management or Hospitality Management.

The 21-year-old described his victory as an “amazing experience”, but heaped praise on PGA IGI staff (lecturers and teaching professionals) for his success.

“Furthermore, the PGA IGI offers two campus locations - the brand-new Sydney Campus on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, or our Gold Coast Campus.”

“My coaches Chris Lee and Ian Triggs (PGA IGI Gold Coast Campus) have helped me improve a lot,” said Ng, who carded rounds of 71-70-70-69 for a 287 total – seven shots clear of Michael Regan Wong.

Terrence Ng is one of many students benefitting from the PGA IGI programs combination of academic studies with practical golf training, along with the unique pathways aligned with the PGA of Australia enabling selected students to become a PGA Professional, and full vocational member of the PGA of Australia.

“This is my biggest win so far. “To be honest I feel like I was lucky because I’m in the process of making slight changes to my swing.

“In a four-year period, students can earn golf, sport and business-focused qualifications for a career in golf,” O’Brien added.

“I got away with a few loose shots, but it’s a very good feeling.”

Along with the championship trophy, Ng earns a place in the Hong Kong Open, the city’s oldest professional sporting event, in October.

Terrence Ng shows off the PGA IGI Order of Merit winner’s trophy.

“My goal is to make the cut at the Hong Kong Open,” Ng said.

No doubt, the talented young man will also want to win the leading amateur trophy.

Some of Ng’s golfing achievements include: • Winning the 2014 PGA IGI Club Championships (Semester 2 – Gold Coast);

Ng told Inside Golf hitting fairways consistently was the strength of his game while his putting remained “hot and cold”.

“My long-term goal is to turn professional and play on the Asian Tour, but I won’t do that until I finish my degree.

• Winning the 2014 PGA IGI Order of Merit (Scratch – Gold Coast);

“I also want to do the PGA Professional year and become a PGA Member with the PGA of Australia,” Ng added.

“Doing the PGA IGI program is something I will recommend to anyone who is interested in golf and wants a career in the golf industry.”

PGA IGI Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager Luke Bryden said Ng was an ambitious student.

“He started the PGA IGI Diploma of Golf Management in 2014 and is now studying a Bachelor Degree with Griffith University whilst continuing golf practical subjects with PGA IGI,” Bryden said.

• Qualified for 2014 Queensland Open; and • Represented Sanctuary Cove’s the Palms pennant team.

“Terrence certainly has benefitted from the combination of academic studies with his golf training as he heads towards achieving his goals,” Bryden said. “The PGA IGI program and its pathways offer students like Terrence industry recognised qualifications for a career on and off the golf course.”

PGA IGI Dean and Executive Officer Dominic O’Brien said PGA IGI students had clear academic and golfing pathways.

“After completing the one-year PGA IGI Diploma of Golf Management, students have the opportunity to further their

“In those four years, students earn a Diploma of Golf Management, Specialised Bachelor degree and become a PGA Professional, undertaking the one year of study with the PGA Professional Year (students must meet PGA Trainee Program selection criteria).”

The PGA IGI still has mid-year intakes open in 2015 for new students looking to study golf management and receive practical golf training. Students can apply to start in the new intakes: • Sydney – May and September 2015 • Gold Coast – July 2015 You can also enquire now about intakes for February 2016 at both the Gold Coast and Sydney Campus locations of the PGA IGI. For further information regarding the Advanced Diploma of Management, please contact Luke Bryden on (07) 5657-6109, email lbryden@pga.org.au or visit www.pgaigi.com Facebook - facebook.com/pgaigi Twitter - @PGAIGI •

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

COMING SOON

ON

EW

NEW

NEW

www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

gear news

PnP Rake Wedges turn heads in the US recommend that these wedges are definitely worth a try if you have trouble getting out of the bunker, or need help popping the ball up in the rough. www.pnpgolf.com

A GIANT leap for SeeMore Putters

2014 US National Teacher of the Year, Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen [Inset: the unique PnP RAKE Wedge] By and large, the shape and design of the modern sand and lob wedges haven’t changed much over the years. Sure, there have been monumental leaps in materials, groove engineering and manufacturing processes, but the standard head and sole shapes have largely remained untouched in recent decades.

So when PnP Golf introduced their unique RAKE Sand and Lob wedges at the PGA Show in Orlando, many golfers took notice. Featuring distinctive “rails” on the sole of the clubs (which act as mini stabilisers to keep the club on path in the sand and the rough) and a patented Dual Bounce Rail Design (to help pop the ball up with maximum control), the RAKE wedges received rave reviews from attendees.

The 56° RAKE Sand Wedge, has 26° of entry rail bounce and 10° of sole bounce. The club provides amazing feel and allows you to comb

through sand with less effort and more control.

The 60° Lob Wedge features 15° of Rail Entry Bounce and is the perfect wedge for cutting through thick grass with less effort (and yes, both wedges conform to USGA rules.)

2014 US National Teacher of the Year, Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen was so impressed with the wedges that she has come on board as a spokesperson for the brand, and recommends the RAKE Sand Wedge to help improve her students’ game, as well as her own.

“I am amazed at how easy it is to execute what normally would be a difficult shot out of the rough and how effortlessly you can lift the ball out of a bunker,” she says.

These wedges are so good that, following our review of them, they became permanent additions to the bags of the Inside Golf editorial team. So we can wholeheartedly

The SeeMore Putter Company is launching the next giant thing in golf: The GIANT FGP.

of inertia, and extreme heel/toe weighting, with milled stainless steel weights.

The FGP design is SeeMore’s most recognizable product, the flagship shape for the brand and the winning putter of two Major Championships and over 20 PGA Tour events in its 15-year history. The FGP putter is easy to align with its large blade design and its unique RifleScope alignment Technology (RST) system.

And the FGP’s unique straight shaft near centre design means the head is perfectly balanced to the plane of the stroke path, meaning that the putter face will be naturally square or “on plane” at all times during the putting stroke.

But best of all, it still maintains the same dynamic benefit of the original FGP, that of being ‘Face Balanced at Impact’ or ‘Balanced and Square to the stroke Plane’. Meaning the putter always wants to be square at impact, leading to more putts perfectly on line.

The Giant FGP is exclusive to On Course Golf Shops, and is available in Australia starting this month. www.seemoreputters.com.au

The new Giant milled FGP is 28% larger than an FGP on each dimension, with a volume in ccs of 2.5 times a standard milled FGP. The Giant FGP is easier to align the face square to the target line, and is easier to align the putter square to the golfer’s set up, due to the oversize RST alignment markings on the top line of the putter head, and the oversize shaft diameter. It is also more forgiving, with a higher moment

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

>NEW

Sureshotgps VCMulti 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.

GEAR

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.

We highlight the latest products to hit the market

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.

Mizuno JPX The ‘Dimple-Cluster’ design of the new JPX is a result of a three-year study.

www.sureshotgps.com | 1300 644 523

into the descent phase of ball flight. In tandem with the Fukuoka Institute of Technology, Mizuno’s ball engineers found that by focusing on dimple performance in the ‘descent phase’, they could effectively extend airtime and overall distance. The smaller, micro-dimples within the JPX’s cluster pattern take effect at slower speeds– as the ball transitions to descent. With the added dimension of descent performance – the JPX delivers increased RRP yardage in a soft, $34.95 /doz responsive package.

AUD

Mizuno MP-X

The MP-X has been unveiled to help Mizuno expand its use amongst the next generation of tour players and elite amateurs. The 4 piece construction features a dual core design that reduces spin from the driver – suited to more powerful ball strikers. A new, thinner 0.5mm urethane cover enhances initial ball speed, while a 330 dimple RRP configuration creates a highly efficient flight.

Mizuno MP-S

$69.95/doz AUD

The 2015 edition features a larger inner core and thinner urethane cover –adding yards to the long game of mid/high swing speeds. The cover thickness is RRP reduced to just 0.5mm, increasing velocity from $69.95/doz the tee, while a 330 dimple configuration creates AUD a highly efficient flight.

Bandit electric buggies Bandit electric buggies are easy to operate and feature lightweight design, compact folding and a long-lasting battery. They include a oneyear warranty and Australia-wide shipping from $30.

The EZ4 features a 120m remote control range, 20ah Lithium battery, a max speed of 8kph and 10/20/30m pre-set distance buttons. There is also a free seat with storage compartment. The EZ2 features a 120m remote control range, a 10ah lithium battery, a max speed of 10kph and free seat with storage compartment. The PZ3 and PZ5 are lightweight and compact, and feature a strong alloy aluminium frame, quick release wheels and foot brake.

All models come with a free umbrella, drink and card holder. Push buggies are also available.

Nike Lunar Control 3

Nike designers incorporated feedback from Rory McIlroy to create the ultimate lightweight performance golf shoe that is more stable and comfortable while maintaining control.

McIlroy challenged Nike designers to create a solution that provides better traction, prevents slipping and retains the control needed to generate power and speed. Nike designers responded by adding an extra spike on the newer model in the medial forefoot on the outsole and secondary traction elements in the Nike Lunar Control 3.

The Nike Lunar Control 3 also features a wider base for increased stability and to allow the golf athlete to maintain contact with the ground for as long as possible through impact. A carbon fiber midfoot shank also delivers lower, lighter and more stable control.

RRP

$299.99 AUD

Toll free call: 1300 985 008 info@bcibrands.com.au www.bcibrands.com.au

EZ4

Book Review Jack Harris – golfer extraordinaire THE name Jack Harris is not a household name in Australian golfing circles but it should be.

Harris, who passed away late last year, played alongside all the greats including Peter Thomson, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Bruce Devlin, Norman von Nida, Kel Nagle et al and often out-duelled them.

He once beat the great Jack Nicklaus by seven shots, Peter Thomson by 12 shots and Eric Cremin by 23 shots.

Harris, a modest man, won six Victorian PGA titles and should have won four Australian Open titles, but he was more interested in teaching fellow professionals like former US Open champion Payne Stewart and amateurs alike.

Born in 1922, Harris went to Kingston Heath to caddie and pick up golf balls on the range.

When he was 13, he started working in the pro shop and was allowed to teach at 15 because he had done two years of his apprenticeship.

EZ2

It’s an extraordinary story, which has been told by Wattle Park Golf Club’s David Lunt in a 300-plus page book.

Special launch prices for 2015 model:

EZ2 $870 PZ3 & PZ5 $145

EZ4 $970

It was written in association with Jack and covers his phenomenal 75-year teaching career and his lesser known but nevertheless amazing tournament record. http://www.amazon.com/Jack-HarrisAustralian-Golfer-Extraordinaire/ dp/064693273X FOOTNOTE: All book profits will be donated to the Doncaster Rotary Club. For bulk orders, please email jackharrisgolferthebook@gmail.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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instruction

Improving lower body action in the swing Randall Hollands Smith randall@rhgolfrange.com.au

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1

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his month, we would like to give you some good tips on how to improve your lower body action in the golf swing.

Your lower body has two very important roles within the golf swing. Firstly the legs act as important sources of stability within the golf swing. Just think about it: a good player can swing the golf club in excess of 100 mph.

When you are swinging the golf club at these speeds you need a solid base of support to allow your upper body to turn around your lower body while maintaining excellent balance. The other role that the lower half of your body plays in the golf swing is to help to generate power in the golf swing by initiating the downswing. This sometimes is referred to as pivot thrust. When teaching golf, I believe that this is one of the most important areas to learn and master, and is generally the point of difference between a good player and a poor player.

Initiating the downswing is a skill and something that generally must be learnt. Let’s now take a look at a drill that we use at Rachel Hetherington Golf Range to help students improve their left side and lower body action and therefore prevent you from casting the golf club from the top of the golf swing.

Picture 1: Gripping the golf club in only your left hand with your right hand behind

your back, take your address position as if you are going to make a normal golf swing.

Now as you swing the golf club back to a point across your right shoulder try and allow your body to create the same positions that it would if you were swinging the golf club with two hands.

your right knee (for right-handed golfers) traces or moves almost simultaneously to the movement of the leading knee. It is not you pulling the golf club down into impact, rather your lower half pulling the golf club down into impact. If you do this correctly it will assist you in not casting the club from the top.

Picture 2: In this picture you can see that Rachel is trying to move her legs and waist first to help pull her arm and the golf club down and into the impact position. This is where most golfers get confused. During the transition from the backswing into the downswing, most players will attempt to move their left knee (for right-handed golfers) in the direction of the target. This is the correct movement to make but it is vital that

Picture 3: Once your legs and hips (waist) have initiated your downswing and have helped to pull your left arm and the golf club down and through impact, just allow the

momentum of the golf club to move through impact to a full finish position with the golf club now positioned over your left shoulder.

It is very important that when you do this practice drill that you only try and swing the golf club at a speed that you feel you can control as well as getting a good feeling for the lower half of your body initiating the downswing.

After you do this practice swing maybe 30-50 times you can try it with both hands on the golf club and see if the feeling is the same. •

Randall is an Instructor at the Rachel Hetherington Golf Range, 425 Piggabeen Road, Cobaki Lakes, 2486, and is available for lessons specialising in video analysis and launch monitor.

Please contact Randall on 0408 381 924, or the Golf Range on 07 5590 7686 or email randall@rhgolfrange.com.au for further information. www.rhgolfrange.com.au

Too much analysis can create paralysis hold your balance on your front foot at the finish of your swing.

Chipping – the biggest problem a lot of us have with chipping is that we move our head and our body too quick to the finish position and this leads to bad contact with the golf ball. After you have taken your set-up and you have picked your spot where you want your ball to land, focus on one dimple on the back of the golf ball and try and watch the middle of the golf club make contact with that dimple. Your one key thought here is to watch the club hit the ball.

David Merriman

Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 44 2205

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ver the past few months you would have read my articles covering the basic fundamentals of the game of golf. One of the key components of a successful round is to know what to focus on during your golf shot. Many of us tend to focus on too many components of the swing at any given time, leading to a crowded thought pattern which interrupts the freeflowing golf swing. To overcome this, it’s a good idea to have just one key thing to focus on with your golf swing.

For those of us seasoned golfers who have spent many years moulding their golf swing, are time poor and don’t want to make a great deal of change to their swing, here are some key thoughts for various aspects of the game which should help you to achieve a freeflowing swing: Putting – Use your eyes to feel the distance you need to roll the ball. Instead of looking at the golf ball whilst setting up for your putt spend most of your focus looking up and down the line of your putt to the hole so the brain knows how hard you have to roll the ball for correct distance. Your one key thought is to focus on the speed not your mechanics.

44

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For the full swing hold your balance at the finish of your swing on your left side (righthanded player), as demonstrated by Travis.

In the bunker, focus on the spot behind the ball, as demonstrated by Jae Bunker shots – When playing a bunker shot you need to make a reasonably full golf swing and you are trying to hit approximately 5cm—or two inches—behind the ball. Take your stance and place your club behind the ball above the sand. Just before you start your swing move the head of the golf club two inches behind the ball to where you want to enter the sand. Focus with your eyes on that spot then take one more look at your target where you want the ball to land. Refocus your eyes back onto the spot behind the ball then play your shot trying to hit the sand where

your eyes are focussed. Remember to follow through. Your one key thought is to pick a spot behind the ball and focus on that spot.

Full Swing – the biggest problem that we all have with our full swing is that we focus too much on the mechanics of the swing whilst trying to hit the ball and our swing becomes fragmented. Once you have set up correctly and just about to start your swing think of a free-flowing motion and a balanced finish. Your one key thought is to

There is a great golf saying that if you ask a person who played badly what he was thinking about during his round he will tell you many things that he was working on. If you ask a person that played really well what he was thinking about he finds it hard to think of anything. Sometimes it’s a case of the less we think the better we play.

For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA golf professional or contact me at Royal Pines Golf Club on the Gold Coast. • FOOTNOTE: Jae and Travis (pictured) are part of my elite squad. If you wish to join the squad and learn on a regular basis with me, then please contact me, as limited spots will be available soon.

A three-time winner of the Queensland PGA Legends championship held at Redland Bay Golf Club, David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Contact him on 0412 442 205. www.davidmerrimangolf.com.au

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MILDURA TEL: (03) 5021 0802 MITCHAM TEL: (03) 9873 8441 NIDDRIE TEL: (03) 8390 8888 PRESTON TEL: (03) 9416 8844 SANDRINGHAM GOLF CLUB TEL: (03) 9598 3590 SHEPPARTON TEL: (03) 5821 3037 TRARALGON TEL: (03) 5174 9811 WESTERN AUSTRALIA CANNINGTON TEL: (08) 9311 7200 MANDURAH TEL: (08) 9583 3422 OSBORNE PARK TEL: (08) 9204 6900

mental tips

The Ryder Cup and Ian Poulter. A Lesson on life at Chesfield Downs, a modest club where, it seems, he received little encouragement.

Tony Clark Owner/CEO PlaneSWING Golf

I

’ve met Ian Poulter, albeit briefly, as a result of being a member at Woburn in the UK, where he is the playing professional and ambassador.

The aura of confidence and singlemindedness he displays means Ian might not appeal to everyone, but I like him.

That opinion is shaped by my limited knowledge of his background, the work I know he does for junior golf and charities and conversations I’ve had with people that know him far better than me.

By contrast, I’ve also endured a lot of BS about Ian from people who display nothing but envy.

Poulter is 39 years old. He turned professional in 1996 when his handicap was four and he was a good club golfer but, arguably, nothing special.

But Poulter had a dream: to make a success of his life and prove his teachers wrong.

“All my life I’ve been told I’d never amount to anything,” he said. “That was always the message from my teachers at school.

I wanted to be a footballer but that didn’t work out either. But, yeah, I just love proving people wrong. It gives me the motivation to succeed.”

I’m sure Poulter’s self-belief wasn’t unshakable — we all have bad days. But it was undoubtedly stronger than most – as he has proved so spectacularly.

Now, when kids and adults alike look at Poulter, what do they see?

That’s for them to answer. What I see is a selfmade man in the truest sense of the word.

Not only has Poulter worked his bum off to get his game to a level where he competes with the best in one of the most competitive sports in the world, he’s done so with a metaphorical foot on his head trying to keep him down.

His persona is not an accident, in my view. He’s made some excellent strategic marketing decisions that ensure he remains at the forefront of golfing news.

People ridiculed the remark he made about his ability (there’s that collective metaphorical foot again) when he told Golf World (UK) in March 2008: “Don’t get me wrong, I really respect every professional golfer, but I know I haven’t played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger.”

Was it hype or did he mean it? I hope it was both!

Teachers take note — you make or break our leaders of tomorrow.

Over the years we’ve seen Poulter the golfer, marketer and, through his junior golf and charitable works, the philanthropist.

With no amateur career to speak of, Poulter pursued his dream of being a successful tour pro. He was an assistant professional

Always a snappy and trendy dresser, Poulter created IJP Design several years ago and launched a clothing range every bit as

Despite being told as a kid that he’d ‘never amount to anything’, Ian Poulter found the motivation to prove the doubters wrong (Photo: 2010 Ryder Cup, Montana Pritchard) controversial, and to a great extent retro, as he is. Enter Poulter the entrepreneur.

All of which makes him appear a magical blend of Doug Sanders, Richard Branson, Donald Trump and Paul Getty.

Add to this the fact that Poulter actually has a wonderful family, spending as much time as he can with his wife and their four children. Enter Ian Poulter the family man.

Undoubtedly, Poulter has a great team around him. No one person could manage everything that goes on his life. So we can now add ‘time management’ and ‘delegation’ to his skill set. Stand up Ian Poulter the CEO!

Furthermore, while Poulter was one of Europe’s 12 sporting heroes in the Ryder Cup at Medinah, he was acknowledged by his teammates as the Leader — someone who thrives on pressure; the aggressive home supporters unwittingly his driving force.

Someone should have warned them not to put a metaphorical foot on his head!

The lesson: When you think you can’t, think of Ian Poulter.

Tony Clark is the owner and CEO of PlaneSWING® - the world’s #1 kinaesthetic golf fitness and training system. www.planeswing.com

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

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

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Australia’s top

public access courses

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

While much has been written about the top-tier, private courses and clubs in Australia, there are many spectacular, highly-underrated public courses which have remained in the shadows of their more famous neighbours. These “unsung heroes” represent fantastic golf and great value for money. This month, we showcase some of our favourite public access courses across Australia.

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IPS

Designed by world renowned architect Tom Doak (designer of Barnbougle Dunes, Cape Kidnappers and others) with assistance from Mike Clayton, Doak has always been very fond of his work at St Andrews Beach.

He recently said St Andrews Beach is one of his very best courses. Doak’s design philosophies ensure all 18 holes are of the highest quality rather than one or two feature holes. St Andrews Beach certainly reflects this and always provides an enjoyable challenge regardless of how many times

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

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Currently rated Victoria’s best public access course by Golf Australia Magazine (number 4 in Australia), St Andrews Beach is a fine example of combining superb natural golf course terrain with minimalist course design principles to produce an intriguing 18 holes of golf.

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OF MEMBE R SH

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St Andrews Beach Golf Course continues to go from strength to strength as it cements its position as one of Australia’s premier courses.

The Links

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Proudly managed by:

Email info@kennedybay.com.au • www.kennedybay.com.au • Tel 08 9524 5991 50

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Dunes Golf Links you play it. Generous fairways and landing areas ensure the course plays fairly regardless of the conditions, and the cascading sand dunes provide ample protection from the elements on many parts of the course.

It’s easy to understand why golfers continue to fall in love with St Andrews Beach, particularly being easily accessible via Peninsula Link just over 1 hour from Melbourne.

Impeccably presented all year round and a large fleet of motorised carts available.

Regular competition rounds for golfers with a handicap (every Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays and other peak days).

Innovative memberships available by joining Gunnamatta Club for just $295 per year.

For more information: (03) 5988 6000, www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au, bookings@standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

The Dunes Golf Links The Dunes Golf Links has consistently been rated one of Australia’s best public access courses since its inception in 1995 and is celebrating 20 years this June. The Tony

Cashmore-designed Championship course achieves the difficult objective of being a challenge to the low marker without being an impossibility to the high handicapper.

The tournament course measures 6459m although the social tees can play just 5677m, making it as easy or as tough as required.

The first Tuesday of each month The Dunes runs its Tombstone “black tee” Challenge, allowing all golfers to play the course at its longest and most fearsome.

The Dunes caters for all standards of golfer and all group sizes, whether your group is a four-ball or a group of 120 you can be sure of a great experience. A golfing getaway to the Mornington Peninsula is not complete without a round at The Dunes.

Home to The Dunes Medal (a worldranking open amateur event) at the end of November, the pure couch fairways have recently been graced by the likes of Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Minjee Lee. For more information: (03) 5985 1721, www.thedunes.com.au

The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay Since its inception, The Sands Torquay has been considered a private members only golf course which has been accessible through corporate golf, annual tournaments, or to play as a member’s guest. Situated on Victoria’s Surf Coast and offering a five-star championship layout and practice facilities, the course was designed by Stuart Appleby in 2004 and offers a challenge to all levels of golfer from weekend warrior to touring professional.

Heavily bunkered and requiring a tactical approach to the game the course has been rated highly by PGA Tour official Andrew Langford Jones and one of Australia’s top players Peter Senior following the 2009 Surf Coast Knockout event held at The Sands and won by Scott Laycock. Recently the course has made structural changes to allow for public access outside of the main members competition times which means that you and your golfing group can now take on the Black Tee challenge on a Sunday afternoon or work your way through the 14th and 15th holes “Point Impossible” on a Friday evening after work in summer.

Local members Ben Eccles and Jarrod Lyle frequent the course and spend much of their “off season” training on the superb practice facilities and working their way around the challenging and strategic layout that is complemented by the luxurious 100 room Peppers The Sands Resort.

For more information: (03) 5264 3316, golfops@thesandstorquay.com

Amstel Park Golf Course Amstel Park Golf Course is one of the few public courses offering 6000+ metres of heavily tree lined and gently undulating fairways with playing conditions normally reserved for private club members. With the majority of competition play occurring at Ranfurlie Golf course (Amstel’s member’s only course), the Park Course is fully accessible to the public seven days a week including Saturday for social and competition play.

Amstel Park Golf Course provides golfers with a unique opportunity with the Par 73 layout consisting of five par-5s and four par-3s, the fifth and 12th holes featuring a picturesque water carry. All par-5s offer

thesands torquay has introduced two new golf membership options offering the ultimate in flexibility and value so you can enjoy a round of golf at a time that suits your busy lifestyle*.

FLEXI-PASS MEMBERSHIP Enjoy 15 rounds of golf at thesands torquay – perfect for the social golfer!

What’s included:* > 15 rounds of golf on the ‘links style’ Stuart Appleby designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course (12-month period) > Access to the golf course (Sunday - Friday) > Access to the driving range > Option to transfer to our Premier Membership category and receive a $500 discount

SHORT-TERM MEMBERSHIP

Contact: Membership at thesands torquay to take up this great offer today. Ph: 03 5264 3303 or email: membership@thesandstorquay.com

Only a fair weather player? thesands torquay is now offering a Short-Term Membership.

What’s included: > 3-month membership > 7-day access to the ‘links style’ Stuart Appleby designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course > Access to the driving range > Discount rates on membership at completion of term

*conditions apply

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Amstel Park Golf Course

Barwon Heads Golf Club

excellent risk and reward options with small greens ready to test even the most experienced short games for those not positioning their ball for the best lines to attack the hole.

An extensive fleet of motorised carts and hire equipment is available from the Pro Shop with excellent value green fees including afternoon, senior and twilight rates for under $30.

Following the round, the clubhouse invites golfers to enjoy a cold drink and meal in the sports bar with TAB and live sports events, plus a verandah area always popular for a casual cold one.

For more information: (03) 9788 8200, www.amstel.org.au, proshop@amstel.org.au

Barwon Heads Golf Club Established in 1907, The Barwon Heads Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula is considered to be Australia’s first true links course. It is renowned as one of the country’s more prestigious clubs and widely rated one

of Australia’s top 10 public-access courses.

B&B accommodation package.

The Barwon Heads Golf Club is open to green fee players several days per week (outside competition times) and guests who make use of the accommodation facilities in the clubhouse are guaranteed tee times almost every day of the year.

For more information: (03) 5255 6255, www.bhgc.com.au

There is something very unique about the village of Barwon Heads. All the charm of life relaxing by the sea coupled with the enviable choice of three nationally rated and much lauded golf courses. Golfers should make any and every excuse to experience the challenge of true links golf. At just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne it’s easy to get there, but be warned, it’s harder to leave.

Barwon Heads is indeed the ‘Golf Village by the Sea’ and a must-visit destination for any serious golfer.

Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links is situated in South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, only 50 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and 15 minutes from Berwick.

A picturesque 27-hole course offering one of the best value for money green fees and membership. You can tee off on weekends from $30 on a quality golf course and enjoy the 19th hole in a newly renovated clubhouse.

A stay in the clubhouse, which has been welcoming guests since 1924 is a memorable experience, especially when staying as part of a group.

The club offers special deals throughout the year and they are the only golf club that is currently offering a special membership for both golf and footgolf. At $575 per year, you can enjoy free 20 rounds of golf and 20 free rounds of footgolf with a valid Golf Australia handicap.

Special promotion: Free green fees SunThurs during winter for guests staying on a

FootGolf is a combination of soccer and golf. The game is played on a golf course

REDLAND BAY GOLF CLUB

(with enlarged target holes) and the objective is to kick a soccer ball into the hole with the least amount of kicks, similar to golf.

Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links is the first golf course in Victoria offering footgolf and it is a fun sport for the whole family. Ideal for those who are time poor, a round of footgolf usually takes an hour and anyone can play with no age requirement.

At $10 per game, it is also one of the most affordable sports to play. All you need is a soccer ball and if you don’t have one, you can hire from the pro shop at $5 per ball.

The length of each hole is a lot shorter than normal golf holes. An average par-3 course is 75m, part-4 is 100m and par-5 is 150m and more. The best part of footgolf is that it doesn’t require big strength to kick the ball far to enjoy the sport.

Fiza Errington, club manager for Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links welcomes anyone to come up to the golf club to give footgolf a go. “It is a good walk, enjoying the best elements of the golf course while kicking a soccer ball and it is available 7 days a

Par 72, 18 hole championship course only 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD Overlooking Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island Social Games available 7 days a week Visitors (with GA handicap) welcome to play in all competitions 18 holes of Social Golf – Midweek $33, Weekend $38 Book through club website and look out for our mobile app – now available Practice facilities Electric carts and equipment available for hire Air-conditioned clubhouse with bistro, bar, gaming machines & keno

Redland Bay Golf Club North Street, Redland Bay QLD 4165 Clubhouse (07) 3206 7011 Proshop (07) 3206 8143 www.redlandbaygolf.com.au

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53

Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links

week”. (The only restriction is after 3 pm on weekends).

She also added that if you come up on Sundays, there is a Sunday Session with live music and great drink and food deals. You can come up for a game of golf/footgolf and enjoy a cold drink on the verandah deck with your family and friends.

City Golf Club

your thing, then take a refreshing dip in the lap pool or feel the energy levels return in the outdoor spa.

City Golf Club

There’s a guest BBQ under the pool gazebo to make the most of the great outdoors, or even better why not tantalise your taste buds at the City Golf Club bistro and café 19. Heading to the club for drinks? Let the motel courtesy bus take you to the club to enjoy a cold beer at the Reitano’s sports bar overlooking the championship 18th Green, or try your luck on one or more of the 200+ jackpot gaming machines.

Take a trip up the mountain and enjoy what the award-winning City Golf Club has to offer.

Located in the Garden City of Toowomba only five minutes from the CBD and claiming the Best Golf Club in Queensland award for 2011 and 2012, this facility has more to offer than just a great golf course. Visitors can enjoy first class 4.5 star City Golf Club Motel accommodation overlooking the course, with your choice of room service breakfast, available seven days a week, or a splendid breakfast at the nearby City Golf Club overlooking the fairways. If golf is not

The 18-hole golf course boasts lush kikuyu fairways and carpet-like bent grass greens all year round, ensuring City Golf Club will test your skills. Hosting the prestigious QLD PGA Championship since 2009 and various state and national amateur championships, the City Golf Club is sure to surprise newcomers.

Challenge yourself on this championship golf course and enjoy the panoramic views from atop the 18th hole overlooking the clubhouse. Do yourself a favour, grab a group of friends and be prepared for a great golfing and social atmosphere. The reward at the

For more information: www.beaconhillsgolf.com.au

5 MEMBERSHIPS, 1 LIFESTYLE.

end will be an experience like no other.

For more information (07) 4639 0000, www.citygolf.com.au, golf@citygolf.com.au

Headland Golf Club Current club champion Adam Richards has been a member of Headland Golf Club for 28 years and says the course has never looked or played better.

Richards, 40, has won the A grade club championship over three decades – in 1994, 2002 and 2014 – and believes the ‘little things’ carried out in recent years have added to the overall appeal and playing condition of the Buderim course.

“In the past two years new cart paths have been constructed and three of our five dams have been enlarged, which has added to the aesthetic appeal of the course,” he said.

“And from a golfer’s perspective, the vastly improved condition of the fairways, the tees and the brilliant greens make it an extremely pleasurable course to play.”

But that doesn’t mean Headland, a gently

undulating layout with greenside-only bunkers, five water hazards and tree-lined fairways, is easy.

“Off the black tees (6086 metres) I rate Headland as tough as any course I have played and certainly one of the most challenging on the Sunshine Coast.”

Richards conceded that recent good rain had been a huge bonus in enabling green staff to have the Headland course in its current condition, but said that with the five dams now full to capacity water should no longer be an issue.

In fact, so proud is the club of the massive dam – or lake – between the 11th and 12th fairways, that two impressive water fountains have recently been installed.

The other major plus for Headland is its picture postcard views over the course to the Pacific Ocean, with holiday havens Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore in between. Headland is also a flora and fauna reserve.

Membership is almost at its 950 capacity, with more than 100 joining in the past 18

Offering five levels of Membership, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club has a Membership to suit every lifestyle.

With two championship golf courses and two exceptional clubhouses, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers a unique selection of Membership options, with or without golf, including: -

Golf Clubhouse Access Membership Gym and Golf Clubhouse Access Membership Corporate Golf Membership Golf Access Membership Equity Membership

Selected Memberships also include access to the The Country Club with a range of first class gym equipment, fitness classes and expert instructors, plus access to the 25m heated outdoor pool and 5 flood lit tennis courts.

Conditions apply for each Membership category.

Contact our Sales Team for further information on 5699 9000 Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove Email info@scgcc.com.au www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/sanctuarycovegolf

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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55

Headland Golf Club

Ipswich Country Club

months. And many of these new members have been women following a successful “Starting Women in Golf” (SWING) program which was instigated by former Ladies Golf Director, Laurel Opray. A large group of beginner women golfers meet every Tuesday for 9 holes and coffee, assisted by current members and with regular coaching sessions, this is a pathway for these golfers into membership.

Open competitions for golf club members with a GA handicap on Tuesday (mixed) and Thursday (ladies morning, men afternoon) $40.00 including competition fee.

Another recent addition to the club is professional Adam Norlander and his team.

The 40 year-old, who joined Headland from Oxley Golf Club, undertook his PGA training at Gailes and St Lucia golf clubs in Brisbane. Two members of his Oxley team, Matt Douglas and trainee Josh Butler, have joined him at Headland and former Headland club champion Ben Wedmaier, who recently completed his traineeship, has remained as an assistant pro.

Ipswich Golf is back on the map, where recently appointed venue manager Darren Richards (PGA member, former tour player and current chairman of the QLD division of the PGA) has been tasked with this exciting venture. Drawing on his extensive knowledge in the business of golf (former Director of Golf - Indooroopilly Golf Club) the impact has been immediate and noticeable.

Green Fees are $50.00pp for 18 holes.

Group discounts for 12 or more players apply.

For more information: www.headlandgolfclub.com.au, proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au

Ipswich Country Club

Established in 1897, Ipswich Golf is a modern 18-hole championship golf course that has hosted the Queensland Open Golf Championship twice. The club enjoys

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spacious practice facilities to match its challenging layout and is located just five minutes from the Ipswich CBD. Spectacular views for the nearby mountain ranges and incredibly close proximity of the RAAF Base operations ensure you witness sights not seen at any other golf course in Queensland.

Under Darren’s supervision and guidance the new grounds team have improved the course through a renovation and fertilising program with particular attention given to the greens and tees. After playing many of the top Australian courses whilst on the PGA Tour, Darren mentioned “Holes 2, 3, 4 and 5, are as good a stretch of holes as anywhere in Australia!”

The clubhouse has also received an uplift with new poker machines, history wall, guaranteed trading hours and the appointment of a qualified chef to introduce a brand-new menu. New Chef Ryan Hemington has been receiving excellent reviews of the food in quality, freshness and

value for money. The most popular dishes are the classic fish and chips and the 350 gram Black Angus and wagyu rissole Country Club Burger, which requires a huge effort to finish.

The improvements to the course and club house has seen membership jump by 22% as a direct result of these improvements.

Darren states “Any club in Australia, let alone QLD, would love to have a membership spike like the one Ipswich City Golf is having at the moment”. On the membership growth Darren states “I would encourage the Ipswich golfing community to come along for a game and consider joining for social or competition play”.

Ipswich Country Club, home of Ipswich City Golf, is open 7 days a week for golf, lunch, dinner and entertainment. Membership special is $495* for a limited time.

For more information: (07) 3812 0488, www.ipswichcountryclub.com.au, manager@ipswichgolf.com.au, www.facebook.com/ipswichcitygolf

Special rates for social clubs

*Terms & conditions apply

• Two Rounds of 18 holes • Motorised cart for each round • $15 meal voucher • Club welcome pack including complimentary drink voucher

HOgan’s cHallenge Package $160 Per PersOn* • Two Rounds of 18 holes • Motorised cart for each round • 1 x NGC Logo Shirt • $15 meal voucher • 1 x Hogan’s stubby holder • Club welcome pack including complimentary drink voucher accommodation providers: AmoorAn oceAnside ApArtments, surf BeAch holidAy pArk, nAroomA Golfers lodGe, top of the town motel And luxury whArf ApArtments

Membership now available

Visitors welcome everyday

book super discount green fees on line

www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au 151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters Qld 4564 Ph: (07) 5457 2444 www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au 56

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Lakelands Golf Club

Lakelands Golf Club Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course designed in Australia.

Lakelands Golf Club combines the traditions of Golf and Hospitality by providing its members, guests and visitors with the environment, facilities and services that satisfy their golf, social and business needs and interests. Opened on 17th February 1997, Lakelands Golf Club had gained a reputation for “The Best Serving the Best” providing standards and facilities second to none on the Gold Coast.

Multiple tee positions make the course user friendly yet challenging, whatever the standard of golf you play. Nicklaus has used bunkering extensively in his strategic design and water features on many of the course’s 18 holes.

With tee times available to the public every day, it is a must to play this golf course which has all of the telltale signs you would expect

of Jack Nicklaus-designed Golf Course which is situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, less than 10 minutes from Broadbeach and 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise.

Lakelands also has full locker room facilities, Golf Shop, Signature Restaurant and Bar, a full length driving range, PGA certified coaches available each day, along with all the other facilities you would expect a facility of this reputation to have.

Whether you are there for a trip away with good friends, or on a holiday, Lakelands Golf Club is a course you must visit for a game on their beautifully presented course, making sure to enjoy a drink on the deck while overlooking those behind finishing out on the 18th green, or commencing their back nine on the challenging 10th tee with water all up the left hand side of the fairway.

Neat dress code is required at all times with strictly no denim or cargo pants permitted, collared shirt and enclosed footwear is a must while on course.

Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range For more information: (07) 5510 6507, www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

Morack a favourite destination to play or practice for more than 30 years.

Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range Tucked away in the suburban streets of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs is Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range – one of Melbourne’s most popular public courses.

Set amongst a tranquil setting of native flora and fauna in Vermont South, Morack offers all the facilities social and competition golfers could ask for including 18 gently undulating and picturesque holes, an interesting course layout and a good mix of holes that provides a tempting challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Coupled with a high-quality, full length driving range that features 20 indoor / outdoor bays and an extensive pro shop fully stocked with all the latest equipment, it’s easy to see why golfers have considered

Visiting groups are well catered for with a complimentary electric barbeque for postgolf catering and a relaxed atmosphere to relive highlights of their round and visiting players are welcome to enter regular Saturday competition events for those with an official handicap.

Public are welcome 7 days a week with the driving range open until 8pm midweek and 7pm weekends and public holidays.

For more information: (03) 9801 4479, www.morackgolf.com.au, morack@ golfservicesmanagement.com.au

Pacific Golf Club Pacific Golf Club offers Social players a memorable golfing experience via a challenging golf course and picturesque surroundings.

Players are presented with lush fairways,

Melbourne’s best new course For more information visit:

www.gardinersrun.com.au

Public Welcome Call now (03) 9739 7522 132 Victoria Road lilydale 3140 For more information contact Gardiners Run Golf course P (03) 9739 7522 e shop@gardinersrun.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Pacific Golf Club rolling greens and a championship golf course which is beautifully landscaped and wrapped around the foothills of Carindale.

Pacific is just 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, but provides a natural and relaxed setting away from the bustle of city life.

Whether it is a regular golfing game with friends or a structured fixture with the Social Club, Pacific Golf Club offers a challenging course and a friendly clubhouse atmosphere for all players.

Sitting on the hillside above the course, the Clubhouse presents the perfect setting for players to enjoy a cold beer or scrumptious meal while reminiscing about their golfing prowess from the day’s play.

Pacific Golf Club offers all the experience of its 78 years as the staff provide you with a fantastic golfing experience. The staff are experts at delivering every amenity needed for your group to have a golfing experience second to none.

There are many ways to experience the Pacific tradition. To sample this magnificent course at its finest, take part in the monthly Black Snake Challenge, or simply make

Portarlington Golf Club contact with their friendly golf and Pro Shop staff to book a social round.

Social Play, Adult and Junior golfing memberships are now available for all levels and offer great opportunities to get your children involved in a socially fun outdoor sport.

For more information: (07) 3343 0888, www.pacificgolf.com.au

Portarlington Golf Club Voted by the players of the PGA as the best regional Pro-Am Course of the year for two years running, the Portarlington Golf Club features a 5949 metre par-72 treelined Cashmore design, with a variety of holes, putting surfaces and excellent all year condition.

Situated on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula just minutes from the town centre and the waterfront, no trip to the area would be complete without a round or two. Carts are available on hand for hire with excellent practice facilities. Green fee players are always welcome with great corporate and social golf packages on offer. The club’s

annual events such as the signature Carnival of Golf, running from August til September, which this year celebrated its 16th year as well as the Award-winning Pro-Am held in March, attract golfers of all ages and experiences to this wonderful club. Inside Golf played in the 2015 Pro Am and was most impressed by both the course and the hospitality. The course far exceeded expectations and with new bunkering and hole layouts on holes 12 and 13 as well as pristine fairway conditions, the course presents as one of the premier golf courses of the Bellarine.

The newly renovated clubhouse offers something for everyone with ample entertainment, including TAB, Keno and Foxtel, as well as function areas and their award-winning bistro, which is open 7 days for both lunch and dinner.

Green Fee Players Welcome. $40, Great Value Golfing Memberships.

For more information: (03) 5259 3361, www.portarlingtongolf.com.au, info@portarlingtongolf.com.au

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.

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Redland Bay Golf Club Located only 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD, Redland Bay Golf Club feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The course backs directly onto the foreshores of Moreton Bay with a spectacular view of the ocean and Stradbroke Island. The tide laps at the edge of the greens hence the club slogan, ‘where the bunkers meet the bay’.

The course measures 5970m and offers a genuine challenge to players of all skill levels.

Par for the course is 72 and the USGA rating system is in place. The gently undulating fairways and manicured greens combine with beautiful native bushland which is also home to koalas and an abundance of birdlife.

In previous years, Redland Bay Golf Club has won ‘Qld Metropolitan Golf Club of the Year’ and has recently been awarded with the ‘Qld Golf Industry Junior Golf Program of the Year’. The club and ground staff of the Club are proud of their club and you will always feel welcomed and relaxed from arrival to departure.

The 14th hole at Redland Bay Golf Club is the club’s signature hole. A par-5 measuring

Rosebud Public Golf Course

Redland Bay Golf Club 508m, players need to avoid Moreton Bay’s mudflats to the right, dense trees to the left and seven pot bunkers strategically placed on the fairway and around the green. To make matters more challenging, when playing this hole during king tides, the mudflats turn into one enormous water hazard, running down the right-hand side of this entire hole.

Course facilities include practice fairway, driving range nets, practice sand bunkers, chipping green and putting green. The clubhouse facilities include a fully serviced bar, bistro/restaurant, large function room, large outdoor deck, shower & change facility, access for disabled, 35 gaming machines, Keno, Fox Sports and an ATM. Redland Bay Golf Club offers many levels of memberships to suit all family members, and currently offers membership with no joining fee. They also have a ‘Gold Card’ membership which is an annual social golf playing pass for only $450. With this pass you have full use of practice facilities 7 days a week and use of all clubhouse amenities.

Members of clubs with official Australian handicaps are invited to play in Redland

Bay’s open competitions on Sundays through to Fridays. To book your tee time, contact the office on 07 3206 7011 or email golf@ redlandbaygolf.com.au.

The course is also available to the public for social play which must be booked with the pro-shop. To book phone 07 3206 8143.

For more information: (07) 3206 7011, www.redlandbaygolf.com.au, golf@redlandbaygolf.com.au

Rosebud Public Golf Course One of Victoria’s hidden gems is getting more and more golfers talking with new operators giving the facility a fresh lease on life. Since Golf Services Management (GSM) began operating Rosebud Public in August 2014, there has been a noticeable commitment towards providing a complete visitor experience with investment in course conditions and presentation, clubhouse renovations and provision of food and beverage facilities high on the priority list.

But it’s not just the panoramic views of Bass Straight and the Mornington Peninsula that make Rosebud Public memorable; it’s a truly

World Class Golf in the Outback

entertaining course layout for golfers of all abilities, and consistently excellent course conditions that is easy to overlook with such jaw-droppingly, amazing surrounds. The lush couch fairways and smooth, firm greens and aprons are rarely below impeccable standard, whilst extensive bunkering presents plenty of protection around the greens.

It’s impossible not to be amazed at the panoramic vistas offered at many points on the course, in particular from the very start of your round as you prepare for your opening tee shot on the elevated first tee. Similarly mesmerising views are captured from the green of short par four 12th hole, 13th tee and fairway, and 18th green amongst others.

It’s incredible to think this is all possible for just $36 for 18 holes.

Whilst GSM has completed the initial stage of clubhouse renovations to now provide seating for approximately 35 players in the licensed pro shop, the popular picnic and barbeque area remains, ensuring groups have the best of both worlds should they wish to self cater and BYO for consumption in the area after their round.

A fleet of motorised carts ensures those who want to cruise around in comfort are catered for, whilst a range of excellent value fees are available including 5 round multivisit, 5 and 7 season passes and Pay As You Go passes offering heavily discounted fees on each visit.

For more information: (03) 5981 2833, www.rosebudpublic.com.au, golf@rosebudpublic.com.au

Sanctuary Cove The Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove has undergone an $8.8 million reconstruction and was redesigned by renowned golf course architect Ross Watson. The Palms is considered a championship course rivalling some of the best golf courses in Australia.

It has a total length of 5904 metres off the championship tees, and has numerous water features and hazards. Tee placements have been designed to suit a variety of playing conditions and a diverse range of players.

Nestled within century-old Cabbage Palms, The Palms Golf Course is a return to the traditions of the game, with distinctive

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

AffiliAteD coURSe of the nUllARBoR linKS

Phone: (08) 9026 2626 email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com | www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

WA fAci Region A lit y of t l golf he y eAR www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Sanctuary Cove

Waverley Golf Club

holes, deep greenside bunkers and boldly contoured greens requiring creative shot making.

The Palms is designed to challenge players of all abilities.

The Palms Golf Course holds an Open Mixed (Men’s & Ladies’) Competition every Saturday for just $99pp. The competition is available every Saturday with tee times available from 7am. There are a number of great prizes on offer each week.

Sanctuary Cove Golf Club also offers an impressive leisure complex with many other facilities aside from just golf, including two driving ranges, practice chipping and putting green, five tennis courts, a state-ofthe-art gymnasium with yoga room and a wide range of fitness classes, a 25m heated lap pool, sauna, spa, complete locker room facilities, dining and function rooms and much more.

Sanctuary Cove is also home to the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, a 5 star hotel resort located only minutes from the golf courses. The Village at Sanctuary

Cove is also abundant with entertainment, dining and shops to suit all visitors.

For more information: (07) 5699 9000, www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au, info@scgcc.com.au, facebook.com/ sanctuarycovegolf

Waverley Golf Club Waverley Golf Club is a semi-private member’s golf club located in the south east of Melbourne. The club is conveniently located in Rowville with easy access to the Monash and Eastlink Freeways. Waverley is home to The Victorian Junior Masters, Australia’s leading junior golf tournament.

Held annually at Waverley, the tournament is now in its 21st year with former Champions including Aaron Baddeley (1998 – defeated Adam Scott in a playoff ), Marc Leishman (2001), Michael Sim (2002), Jason Day (2005) and Jin Jeong (2008) – 2013 Perth International Champion (European Tour) and Former world # 1 Amateur and British Amateur Champion.

The course, with a par of 72 and over

5915m, is highly ranked as one of the best non-sandbelt courses in Melbourne. The course has an abundance of trees with rolling watered fairways carved into the surroundings, it is well bunkered, and offers the golfer some exciting challenges.

Straight and dogleg fairways with fast greens make for a real contest between golfer and course. Built in the 60’s it is a traditional course set on 125 acres at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. The modern clubhouse overlooks the course. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, two bowls greens and a modern Clubhouse that can cater to any number of private and corporate functions.

Sunday morning social clubs and green fee players (in addition to mid week opportunities) are now welcome. Bookings are limited so enquire quickly to secure your preferred date $35 (Sunday) or $30 (Midweek) Green Fees.

For more information: (03) 9764 5144 (Administration) or (03) 9764 4559 (Golf Bookings), www.waverleygolfclub.com.au, manager@waverleygolfclub.com.au

Yering Golf Club One of Victoria’s best kept secrets, Yering Meadows Golf Club is nestled at the foot of the Yarra Ranges. The Ross Watson designed 27-hole Championship course is ranked within Australia’s Top 100 courses. Every hole has vistas of the ranges and not only offers some of Victoria’s best golf but also some of the best views.

Social golfers are most welcome. After a round you can enjoy the great facilities in the home style club house, stay for a meal or simply relax and enjoy the views which are visible from any vantage point.

Challenging, picturesque, and only 45 minutes from Melbourne, Yering Meadows is a course that, once played, is added to the social golfer’s regular play list.

NEW limited access memberships now available. Call the club for details.

For more information: (03) 9738 9000. www.yeringmeadows.com.au

Caboolture Golf Club “Enjoy the Experience” • Caboolture Golf Club prides itself on its championship course and friendly country service which makes your experience at Caboolture Golf memorable no matter what your score.

• Conveniently located midway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

• This well established 18 hole championship golf course offers a picturesque scenery with the Warraba Creek flowing alongside many of its undulating fairways.

• At 6059 metres in length and jam-packed with water hazards, manicured bunkers, excellent fairways and large greens, Caboolture Golf Club’s challenging course layout will test golfers of all skill levels.

• As a golfer, you will be pleasingly surprised with the degree of difficulty provided by this deceptive course.

• Elevated greens, strategic hazards, dog legs and even double dog legs ensure that you are kept at the top of your game for all of your 18 holes and that no two visits to this course are ever the same.

• So book your next golfing getaway at Caboolture Golf Club and experience one of the better golf outings available in Queensland.

SPECIAL DEALS • 2 persons and a cart, Monday to Friday $60 • Last Sunday every month, 2 person Ambrose plus a burger $25 per player Bring this ad with you and obtain an extra free beer after your game

Caboolture Golf Club lesley avenue, Caboolture, QlD 4510 Clubhouse ph (07) 5495 1033 | Pro Shop ph (07) 5495 1911

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Caboolture Golf Club

Yering Golf Club

Caboolture Golf Club Caboolture Golf Club prides itself on its championship course and friendly country service which makes your experience at Caboolture memorable no matter what you score. Their steadily increasing number of members attests to the enjoyment of members and non-members are usually able to compete in the normal competitions Conveniently located midway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the established 18 hole championship golf course is extremely picturesque with the Wararba Creek flowing alongside many of the undulating fairways.

It is a course that members find challenging every week and has visitors wanting to return. A par 71, the course measures 6059m with a good blend of holes. While every hole is different and challenging, members rate the par-5 17th as the signature hole. While only 470m in length, it winds its way around water hazards on both sides of the fairway and provides the alternatives of safety laying up or the accepting the risk and reward challenge of going for the green.

Other holes are varied and challenging, influenced by the meanderings of Waraba Creek, a number of waterholes scattered around the course and an undulating landscape that requires golfers to think before every shot.

Caboolture offers a range of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the course and facilities.

Green fees are very reasonable. From Monday to Friday, visitors pay just $20 per person for 18 holes, or $60 for 2 players and a motorized cart. Social Play is available every weekday and after 3pm on Saturdays and all day Sundays. They welcome all Social Clubs.

Visitors are also welcome to participate on their 2-person Ambrose competition held on the last Sunday of every month, commencing with a 12.30pm shotgun start. No handicap is required and for a cost of $25, players receive a mouth-watering steakburger as part of their post-game refreshments.

Visitors cannot help but enjoy a quiet drink on the balcony overlooking the 18th green and the panoramic view of 6 other fairways.

They may even go home with more cash in their pockets thanks to payouts from the 28

poker machines in the Club.

The bistro is open every Friday night, catering for theme nights which are very popular with members and guests.

Take the extra few minutes to visit Caboolture and experience for yourself what the Club has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information: (07) 5495 1033, www.caboolturegolf.com.au

Black Bull Golf Club Since the recent launch of Black Bull’s new 18-hole composite golf course in the stunning golf and lifestyle resort of Silverwoods, thousands of golfers have given Yarrawonga’s newest golf course the tick of approval.

Wrapped around the magical waters of Lake Mulwala, the Peter Thomson and Ross Perrettdesigned golf course has been expertly crafted to excite and challenge golfers of all levels Their goal has always been to make it the best course on the Murray and capitalise on its Lake Mulwala location.

With multiple tees and generous fairways, the golf course offers challenging and enjoyable golf for players of all levels.

“The use of Grand Prix couch grass on the fairways and the use of G2 bent grass on the greens have been very successful in providing excellent playing surfaces,” Ross Perrett of Thomson-Perrett said.

“To reduce the visual impact of the surrounding residential development, the golf course has been heavily landscaped with indigenous vegetation.

“The feedback we are getting about the course from patrons is most satisfying especially given that the site was originally a featureless flat site. “The abundant wildlife that the newly created environment has attracted clearly demonstrates the community benefits of environmentally sustainable design.”

Located in the heart of Silverwoods, the region’s most coveted residential address, Black Bull Golf Course is proud to announce The Sebel luxury international four-star boutique hotel and serviced apartments will be calling Silverwoods home.

ble ships r e availa b s n o m i s me LAbLe 5 and 7 day opt s e c d Ac ow AvAiar period with e t i Lim Are n er a one ye olf ov fg

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Yering Meadows Golf Club offers a world class 27 championship hole layout which is currently ranked within Australia’s Top 100 courses.

Full range of facilities that you would expect to see at a leading course, fantastic relaxing home style clubhouse with commanding and uninterrupted views of the Yarra Ranges.

Social golfers welcome so come and experience golf in the heart of the Yarra Ranges on one of Australia’s top courses, bookings essential.

YERING MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 178-180 Victoria Road, Yering VIC ph 9738 9000 Golfshop 9738 9001 www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Welcoming...

ALL SOCIAL GOLFING GROUPS

The South West Rocks Country Club boasts a picturesque 18-hole golf course worthy of any player, no matter the skill level. Nestled amongst the National Forests and beautiful beaches of the idyllic seaside getaway, it’s a truly beautiful course to play.

A well designed and interesting layout, the course winds its way around tree lined fairways with the occasional kangaroo to be seen. Most holes are straight forward, however accuracy of the tee is required as the tree lines are very dense, making an escape to the green very difficult.

The course is of moderate length; however there will be some wedges into greens if you are accurate off the tee. There is also a good variety of holes on offer for example our 15th (Fred’s Hole) a 383m par 4 with a water carry for your second or third depending on your drive.

The greens are in fantastic shape all year round and the fairways are immaculate. With the club house located on the course, it’s the perfect venue to relax after your round for a bite to eat and a cool drink.

See you on the course!

SOUTH WEST ROCKS COUNTRY CLUB For more information or to make a booking for your golfing group today, please contact: David Cunningham – CEO Phone: (02) 6566 6252 Email: david@rockscountryclub.com.au Address: 2 Sportmans Way, South West Rocks, NSW 2431 Web: www.rockscountryclub.com.au

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SOUTH WEST

SYDNEY

Black Bull Golf Club Construction of the facility – which will feature fine-dining restaurant, bar bistro, day spa and function areas – will start later this year.

A marina with a resort-style precinct is also on the drawing board.

“We are sure everyone’s needs will be catered for,” a spokesperson for the facility said.

With construction of the final five holes completed and the eagerly anticipated Bull Ring set to challenge all golfers mid-year, the Black Bull Golf Course is a must-play layout when next travelling along the mighty Murray River.

Windsor Country Golf Club A former New Business Manager with CocaCola Amatil, McLean is delighted with his first six months as a golf club general manager.

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.

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.

“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.

“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 Country Golf Club

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.

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.

Sensational-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.

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.

“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

For more information: (03) 5744 0044, www.blackbullgc.com.au

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 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.

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).

BRISBANE’S

Premier Corporate Golf Venue

Premier Social Golf venue on the Southside Situated just 15 mins south of the Brisbane CBD, Pacific Golf Club provides a challenging golfing experience for your next social golf outing.

There is no better way to get together with friends, entertain clients, build new and strengthen old relationships or provide incentives for staff, than a social golf outing at Pacific Golf Club.

The quality of facilities from the golf course to the clubhouse will truly make your day memorable, no matter what standard Situated just 15mins southyou of the of golfer are. Brisbane CBD, Pacific Golf Club provides a challenging golfing experience for your next corporate event.

The course is prepared to its finest everyday by our qualified There is no better way to entertain your clients, build new and strengthen old relationships or greenkeepers and the bistro is open 7 days for lunch and dinner. provide incentives for your staff than a corporate golf day at Pacific Golf Club. To make certain that your corporateFor daydetails is a success our highly professional team will take care of every aspect of and information, see the club’s website or email the day while golfmanager@pacificgolf.com.au also ensuring your tailored corporate package suits your business needs.

For details and information, see the club’s website or email golfmanager@pacificgolf.com.au 430 Pine Mountain Road, 430 Pine Mountain Road, CARINDALE QLD4152 4152 CARINDALE QLD Ph: (07) 3343 0888 Ph: (07) 3343 0888 www.pacificgolf.com.au www.pacificgolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Twin Waters Golf Club

Warrnambool Golf Club

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.

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: (02) 4577 4390, www.windsorgolfclub.com.au

Twin Waters Golf Club Twin Waters Golf Club is widely considered the Sunshine Coast’s premier destination for golf.

Designed by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge in early 1990, the course is situated perfectly in the central part of the Sunshine Coast. All holes have an isolated feel from the rest of the course whist capturing the links-style beauty. The course condition is renowned for being one the best in Australia, with beautiful manicured fairways and greens.

Along with its relaxed environment and manicured fairways the design is friendly but not without challenges. The opening hole is the longest on the course with bunkers guarding errant shots on both sides of the fairway. The course also has a number of short par-4’s all with distinct characteristics that whilst look simple have many complex details to be considered.

Twin Waters Golf Club is an ideal venue for corporate golf days with professional staff to cater for any requirement. The golf course has many established corporate events

including hosting the Holden Scramble Championship Final, some 16 times. Other corporate clients include Audi, Lexus, BMW APN signs, Aon Insurance and many local charity days.

For more information: (07) 5457 2444, www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au, golf@twgolf.com.au

Warrnambool Golf Club Warrnambool is a classically-designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes.

Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it makes for an ideal destination for the dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers.

The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. It is perhaps this aspect which shaped the game of Warrnambool’s most famous golfing export,

Marc Leishman, to the level of success he now enjoys.

The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed the staff to present the course in immaculate condition.

The trio of holes from the short par-4, 4th to the slight uphill dogleg 6th, are a highlight as are the 13th and 14th on the inward nine.

A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs.

For more information: Pro shop (03) 5562 8528, Club House (03) 5562 2108, www.wgcinc.com.au, golf@wgcinc.com.au

Port Fairy Golf Club Winding its way through unspoilt sand dunes, with spectacular views to be had at every turn, Port Fairy Golf Club is a classic links-style course that is reminiscent of the great layouts found in Ireland. So if you’ve ever fancied playing a great Irish links

Tuncurr y Course rate Australi d in a’s Top 100 Pu blic Acc Course ess s

Where else can you get the choice of 2 beautiful courses?

Nowhere else but the Forster Tuncurry golf courses on the majestic mid north coast – less than 3 hours drive from Hornsby.

• Social golfers most welcome • Stay and play packages are available Ring the Club on 02 6554 6799 for your booking.

• All weather courses that test the abilities of all levels of golfers • Enjoy a drink at the club after the game overlooking the picturesque Pacific Ocean.

Forster Course Tuncurry Golf Course Strand Street, Forster Northern Parkway, Tuncurry (02) 6554 6167 (02) 6554 7622

www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au

The home of Sarah Kemp 64

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Port Fairy Golf Club

course, but don’t have the money or time to get there, then Port Fairy is the perfect alternative.

Located 5km east of the historic Port Fairy township, the course is consistently ranked in the “50 Best Public Access Courses in Australia” and in the “25 Best in Victoria.”

Course designer Mike Clayton once rated it as “the best value golf in Australia.”

There are numerous highlights on this outstanding course. The 5th hole, a 448-metre par-5, is one of the most beautiful holes on the course with a lovely wide and undulating fairway that sweeps uphill and curves from left to right. Strategically-placed bunkers demand accuracy on the second shot before the approach to a fast back-tofront sloping green. The 8th is a stunning 122-metre downhill par-3 to a large rolling green that requires anything from a wedge to a 3-iron depending on the wind and skill of the golfer.

Holes 12 to 16 are agreed by many to be among the best stretch of golf holes in the country, with spectacular ocean views (providing frequent sightings of southern right whales during the winter and early

spring) and some very challenging hole designs.

The twelfth is a 470-metre par-5 along the ocean with fabulous views. The right hand side is all OOB, and treacherous swathes of marram grass await the wayward shot to the left. The 409-metre 14th plays straight at the ocean and is nearly impossible to reach in two into the wind, and extremely difficult to hold when played downwind.

The course features a mixture of grasses and is immaculately conditioned. At 5887 metres it is not long by today’s standards but with the amount of wind it still tests the game of the most proficient golfers. Picturesque and testing with spot-on playing conditions it is a game of golf not to be missed.

Anglesea Golf Club elevated greens that require plenty of thought when selecting your club. Adding to the mix are 42 “sandbelt style” bunkers sprinkled throughout the course, eucalypt tree-lined fairways, and the ever-present resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos. These features all combine to produce a stimulating round of golf.

With the completion of the Geelong Ring Road, Anglesea Golf Club is only a little over an hour’s drive away from the top of the Westgate Bridge. Why not take the opportunity to visit the Anglesea Golf Club for a round of golf and experience the fantastic scenery along the Great Ocean Road?

Anglesea Golf Club

The Clubhouse bar and bistro are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Memberships are available for 7-Day, Junior and the 18-25yo categories, and social golfers/green-fee players are welcome every day. Green fees range from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes). Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available.

The Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of

For more information: (03) 5263 1582, Golf Bookings (03) 5263 1951, www.angleseagolfclub.com.au, info@angleseagolfclub.com.au

For more information: (03) 5568 1654, www.portfairygolf.com.au, info@portfairygolf.com.au

Thirteenth Beach Golf links Located on the Bellarine Peninsula – just 15 minutes from Torquay or Geelong-Thirteenth Beach Golf Links features two spectacular 18-hole golf courses: the Beach Course (designed by Tony Cashmore) and the Creek Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore). The Beach Course, much of which winds through spectacular foreshore sand dunes, is true links style while the Creek Course is in a parkland setting, not unlike the courses on Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt. Both courses are built on sandbased sandstone structure, and the facility’s southern boundary abuts 2.1 km of the famous 13th Beach surf beach.

Thirteenth Beach is the home of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Men’s and Women’s Victorian Open, joining a long list of famous clubs on the Melbourne Sandbelt to have hosted this event.

The Beach Course is widely acclaimed as one of Australia’s Best 20 courses. The key feature of the Beach Course is its wonderful set of par-3s. Starting at the brutal 180m 3rd hole to the dainty yet sinister 113m 16th, the par-3s of the Beach Course offer golfers of

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85-87 Stoney Creek Rd, Upper Beaconsfield Phone 5945 9210 www.beaconhillsgolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

Mona Vale Golf Club

all levels a true test of their iron play. The 7th and 12th are spectacular holes, nestled in natural sand dunes.

The Creek Course has continued to grow in stature since its opening in 2004. The course is characterised by gently undulating couch fairways, huge, deep bunkers filled with yellow sand, and firm true greens surrounded by interesting bumps, swales and hollows, all closely mown. There is also plenty of greenside bunkering that helps form the slopes of the putting surfaces in the best traditions of Melbourne’s Sandbelt much admired by Faldo. In addition, there is plenty of water on the course, with hazards on the 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes.

Both courses are irrigated with recycled water supplied by Barwon Water from its nearby Black Rock treatment plant. This allows them to be green and lush all year round.

Former Melbourne AFL champion and SEN footy commentator David Schwarz says: “Membership at Thirteenth Beach is the best golfing investment I’ve ever made. It’s simply awesome. I can’t stop raving about the

place!” About 1000 members agree with him!

For more information: (03) 5254 2922, www.13thbeach.net, info@13thbeach.net

Mona Vale Golf Club Rated as one of the top-50 public access courses in Australia there is a lot to like about this unique layout. Located in the heart of the Northern Beaches, in the middle of a crescent between Mona Vale Head to the north and Turimetta Head to the south, the spectacular coastal vista dominates the view.

This Par-72 (Rating 73 with a Slope of 136) championship golf course is both beautiful and challenging. Whether it be the deceptive par-3’s, hard to reach par-4’s or the picturesque par-5’s, you can be sure that you are in for a tough test, and that’s before the wind starts to blow. With true rolling greens and beautifully striped fairways, it’s no wonder Mona Vale is among the most highly frequented courses in Sydney and host of numerous prestigious championships.

Set high on a hill overlooking the Pacific ocean, you begin your round by teeing off down towards flatter ground where you

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will remain until your climb up to the tenth brings you back to the clubhouse.

at Mona Vale online via the club’s website.

The first ten holes have a parkland setting, winding away from the sea with the lush fairways lined heavily by trees of many varieties. Holes 11-18 take on a distinctly ‘links’ feel: more open, fewer trees, closer to the ocean, far more susceptible to the noreasterly ocean breeze that blows most often.

On calm days holes can play easier but when the wind comes...good luck!

There is a wide variety of playing options for the social golfer, with some of the best value for money greens fees available in metropolitan Sydney.

Public access is available seven days a week with an open medley competition held each Tuesday. The Clubhouse views are simply outstanding and the perfect place to reminisce on your round with a hot or cold beverage whilst overlooking the course and ocean.

Lunch is available daily with the popular function room having won multiple awards.

Membership has just recently reopened and is one of the most sought after in Sydney’s north. You can now book for your next game

For more information: www.mvgc.com.au

Nelson Bay Golf Club Nelson Bay Golf Club is one of the Hunter Valley’s most popular courses. The 27-hole championship course is set among native trees with an abundance of wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and native birds.

Originally an 18-hole course, the facility proved so popular with tourists and locals alike that a further 9 holes were added in the adjoining bushland in 1998, resulting in a spectacular facility that features some truly magnificent holes.

One of the standout holes would surely be the 490-metre par-5 12th , a tight, bushland-bordered bender that makes its way up a long hill. Accuracy is key here, as the elevated green is hidden until your third shot, so pick your landing zones carefully.

The clubhouse at Nelson Bay is relatively new, and boasts spectacular views and an al fresco dining area – perfect for a relaxing end to a fun day on the course. No matter what the occasion, Nelson Bay Golf Club can

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Nelson Bay Golf Club customise a package to suit, from Ultimate packages to the budget-conscious. And the friendly and professional staff will ensure that you and your guests have a memorable time during your stay.

More information: (02) 4981 1132, www.nelsonbaygolf.com

The Links Kennedy Bay Nestled near the seaside town of Rockingham, The Links Kennedy Bay is a superb facility set amongst rolling sand dunes.

1991 British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch collaborated with architects Michael Coate and Roger Mackay to create an exciting and difficult links-style course among the area’s natural bushland.

The terrain at Kennedy Bay makes for some magnificent scenery, with the occasional glimpses of the ocean in the distance. The area is very reminiscent of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, while the gentle (or sometimes notso-gentle) sea breezes add to the allure.

What really grabs most golfers about the course are the extremely deep and narrow fairway pot bunkers. There is only one word to describe these nightmarish creatures: penal.

These are the way bunkers were MEANT to be. In most cases, if you find a fairway bunker at Kennedy Bay, your only option is to ‘take your medicine’ with a 9-iron or wedge.

Automatically add 1 stroke to your score if you hit into one of these little buggers (oh, and they are strategically placed everywhere that golf balls tend to congregate.)

Each hole on the course is given a name suited to the specifics of the hole itself, like “Thread the needle”, “Sunrise”, “Temptation” and the bluntly named “Hell”, which is an apt name for the 520-metre, par-5 fourth that features a replica of the infamous Hell’s Bunker at the 14th hole of the Old Course, St Andrews. There’s even one named “The Doctor”, which pays tribute to “The Fremantle Doctor”, the locals’ term for the cooling afternoon sea breeze which occurs during summer months.

The greens are all very challenging, with multiple slopes and swales. They are magnificent surfaces, and they are extremely slick and true. Overall, it’s a great course to add to your must-play list.

For more information: (08) 9524 5991, www.kennedybay.com.au, admin@kennedybay.com.au

The Links Kennedy Bay

Kalgoorlie Golf Course Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an absolute gem, and may very well be one of the most “Australian” courses you will ever play.

Designed by Graham Marsh, and owned by the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this 18-hole par-72 championship course features an extremely playable layout, set in one of the most magnificent settings in the country.

With six different tee boxes, Kalgoorlie is playable for any–and I mean ANY–skill level. Played from the black tees, the course measures a staggering 6768m, making it one of the longest courses in Australia. The “public” tees are a more manageable 5933m, while other tees are available for members, ladies and even juniors.

Most of the holes are quite straight and wide, meaning that you’ll be relatively safe to hit driver throughout the day. But that doesn’t mean the holes are easy; on the contrary, they are anything but. A few of the doglegs – notably the par-4 12th – will require careful club selection and course management if you want any hope of par.

The same can be said for holes like the par5 9th, which features a massive (yet narrow), three-tiered green that slopes from front to

back (i.e. AWAY from you), and is guarded by a deep pot bunker on the front-right. If the pin is cut on the first/front tier, prepare for an automatic 3-putt.

The par-3s at Kalgoorlie are glorious, especially the 218m 8th. With a slightly raised green, strategic bunkers and plenty of danger on each side, it’s the type of hole that can destroy a scorecard. Especially if the wind is in your face. Same with the 202m 17th, which features its own selection of nightmarish bunkers.

The par-5s are equally strong. All four of them are solid three-shotters, including the monstrous 15th. Nicknamed the “Golden Mile”, this 569m beauty features a blind second shot, a massive ravine along the right, bunkers at every turn and a very treacherous green. A par here feels like a birdie.

Of course, the main feature of Kalgoorlie GC is the red earth surrounding the course. It not only “frames” the course in a stunning visual display, but it also provides a notorious hazard for wayward shots. Playing off the red earth is akin to a soft clay, and requires plenty of practice to master. The same can be said for the various orange-coloured “waste bunkers” throughout the course: pretty, but deadly.

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort p (02) 4560 3200 info@riversideoaks.com.au www.riversideoaks.com.au

1 V en u e – 2 ch amP i o nS h i P G o lf c o u rS e S Located just over an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, Riverside Oaks Golf Resort is set on natural bush land bordering the beautiful Hawkesbury River.

S tay a nd Pl ay S P eci al • 1 nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room - Full breakfast • 1 round of golf with a GPS cart on Gangurru Golf Course • 1 round of golf with a GPS cart on Bungool Golf Course

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Available Monday-Thursday

*Conditions apply. New bookings only. Subject to availability

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Links Hope Island

Kalgoorlie Golf Course The sparse surrounds beyond the rough means you’ll likely find your wayward shots. But it’s a hollow victory, as the numerous prickly desert shrubs and bushes provide their own layer of peril; it is nigh impossible to play out of many of them.

Also, much of the course is slightly “raised” off the ground – so if your ball rolls just off the fairway onto the red earth, you can find yourself wedged against a raised grass “lip”, which requires a tricky wedge shot to get back onto the fairway.

With a course of this calibre on offer, Kalgoorlie is a fantastic destination for a quick golfing holiday, corporate event or even an annual Social Golf Weekend, as it offers world-class golf, comfortable accommodation, and a unique “frontier town” nightlife scene. After dinner, grab a few beers and mingle with the locals at one of the historic pubs, or kick back in your room at one of the 25 local hotels and dream about the next day’s round at Kalgoorlie GC.

All in all, Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an amazing course with a setting that is second to none. We are confident that this course will one day find itself listed among Australia’s top rated courses.

For more information: (08) 9026 2626, www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com, golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

Links Hope Island Located just 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports, Links Hope Island is the centrepiece of Hope Island Resort. With its 5-Star facilities and consistent rankings as one of Australia’s top ten resort courses, Links Hope Island is the ultimate destination for corporate and social golf, functions and events.

Beyond the magnificent club design, it is the course that shines. After 21 years, the Thomson Wolveridge design still holds its own as one of the finest Links style designs

in the country. The design duo had a tight vision for the way Links golf should be played and this layout is a testament to those values. It is ranked by Australian golfing legend, Peter Senior, as “one of the best championship courses you’ll play.”

Your day begins with a friendly welcome from the concierge, and may include a practice session on the aquatic driving range, or a meal on the Legends Terrace. It will then involve some careful strategic thinking while you make your way around the Par 72 course, avoiding the natural and man-made hazards and the 128 challenging pot style bunkers.

Recently voted #1 Gold Coast Golf Course in Golf Australia’s Top 100 Public Courses, Links consistently rates above its peers. Not only is the layout carefully mastered, the daily conditioning and playability lends ample homage to links design philosophies.

Links Hope Island provides an unparalleled golfing experience for guests such is the reputation for reliability and attention to detail that the Links Hope Island enjoys.

The carts feature the sophisticated Golf Pilot GPS system providing accurate distances from the tee to fairway bunkers, hazards and Out of Bounds including the layup distance to any hazard at a glance. There are Pro Tips assisting golfers wanting to know the best way to play each hole.

The club welcomes Visitors and there are plenty of opportunities for both corporate and social golfers to enjoy one of Australia’s favourite clubs.

Green fees start from $140.00 (Mon –Thurs), $150.00 (Fri-Sun). SPECIAL OFFER: “Northern Migration”- Play Links twice and enjoy your second round at half price! Valid until 31st July 2015. Conditions apply.

For more information: (07) 5530 9000, www.linkshopeisland.com.au

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Located just over an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, Riverside Oaks Golf Resort is set on natural bushland bordering the

Home of the 2015

Victorian Open

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort beautiful Hawkesbury River. It is home to two championship 18-hole golf courses, both featured in the Top 100 Public Access Courses in Australia.

The original course, Gangurru, is set in tranquil bushland. It is designed to provide a challenging and rewarding game to golfers of all skill levels, and did so when it hosted the 2014 NSW PGA Championship and PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School.

The new Bungool Course was designed by internationally renowned architect Bob Harrison and is a true risk and reward course.

It promises an exceptional challenge to even the most skilled and seasoned golfers as it ebbs and flows following the magnificent Hawkesbury River.

The talented greens staff are continuously altering the course set up to offer new layouts to ensure that golfers will enjoy a new experience with every visit.

Riverside Oaks provides flexibility to golfers by running competitions throughout

the week as well as on weekends on both championship courses. The complete golfing experience offered starts with the great green fees, which include the hiring of a motorised cart, and prizes to be won.

Additional facilities include the weatherproof driving range that stretches 250 meters and is equipped with 20 bays. There are also two putting greens and a chipping green to allow you to test your skills before heading out. Riverside Oaks also hosts a variety of specialty events including The Masters Breakfast and The Riverside Oaks Challenge.

These events include fantastic Food and Beverage options so be sure to visit their website to stay up to date with the latest events you can partake in.

An amazing golfing experience is just the start of what Riverside Oaks has to offer. The Brasserie restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. There are also private dining options available in the fine dining restaurant, Bungool. These facilities alongside with the 36 rooms of

Gardiners Run Golf Course brand new resort accommodation are ideal for social groups. Riverside Oaks is also a conference and events destination, offering room options catering for groups of 10 up to 200 people.

For more information: (02) 4560 3200, www.riversideoaks.com.au.

Gardiners Run Golf Course Located just 35-minutes east of the Melbourne CBD, Gardiners Run Golf Course provides golfers of all abilities with an aesthetically stimulating yet highly playable layout, sure to impress golfers of all ages and abilities.

On the doorstep to the Yarra Valley, Gardiners Run Golf Course has been architecturally crafted by Pacific Coast Design, taking full advantage of the gentle sloping contours of the countryside site terrain, to create a golf course that features golfing holes of individuality and character. Playing from manicured Santa Ana couch tees and fairways

to their sublime and generously proportioned bent grass greens, it’s a golfing experience to savour.

Warm up prior to your round with their state-of-the-art, world-class practice facilities or take a lesson from their AAA rated PGA golf professional. Featuring a 90m wide mixed use (couch and synthetic) tee on their 250m long driving range, a short game pitching green and challenging yet sizeable putting green, Gardiners Run Golf Course’s facilities will ensure the needs of every golfer, of any ability, are provided for.

A central hub to all your needs, return after your round to enjoy refreshments or dining on the alfresco deck, overlooking the signature 18th hole green. Surrounded by over 180 degrees of water, a calming vista in great viewing proximity to round out your Gardiners Run Golf Course experience.

More information: (03) 9739 7522, www.gardinersrun.com.au.

ALL SOCIAL PLAYERS ARE WELCOME AT

MONA VALE GOLF CLUB

WITH A FORMAT TO FIT ALL

Waverley Golf Club Sunday Social Clubs and Green Fee Players now welcome at the Home of the Victorian Junior Masters!

Green Fees: $35 (sunday) or $30 (Midweek) ● Book social play online at www.mvgc.com.au ● Play 18 holes for as little as $28 seven days a week ● Free weekly junior clinics from age 4-18 years ● Par 72 championship golf course ● Open competition all day Tuesday ● Special playing packages Mondays and Tuesdays ● Modern clubhouse with commanding ocean views

Mona Vale Golf Club Golf Avenue, Mona Vale NSW 2103 Ph: (02) 9999 4266 • www.mvgc.com.au

82 Bergins road, rowville ViC 3178 | (03) 9764 4559 www.waverleygolfclub.com.au | manager@waverleygolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Narooma Golf Club

Rosebud Country Club

Narooma Golf Club Have you played Australia’s best coastal course between Sydney and Melbourne?

Consistently rated in Australia’s Top 100 golf courses, Narooma Golf Club should be on your must-play list. With its unique and stunning coastal setting the course is both a challenge for serious golfers and a pleasure to play for the not-so-serious. Not only are the views spectacular, their 3rd Hole, “Hogan’s Hole”, is officially recognised as one of the country’s best with induction into the Australian Golf Digest Golf Holes Hall of Fame.

The front-nine is a links-style layout featuring wide, undulating fairways built along cliffs with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Some holes rival the famous holes at Pebble Beach, notably Hogan’s Hole, a par3 with an ocean carry from cliff-top to green.

The back-nine is played through tall timbers

in a fairy dell environment, complete with a lake winding between holes and highly-rated fast, true and sloping greens.

Whether it’s a “Play and Stay”, or just “play”, Narooma has it all. Narooma Golf Club, in conjunction with the best local accommodation, now offers a range of packages and options to suit players from the social to the professional.

So while visiting the area, don’t miss the opportunity of playing this unique and challenging course. Its reputation is growing daily and, with the clubhouse renowned for its majestic views, it’s fast becoming one of the most popular golfing and tourist destinations on the NSW Coast.

For more information: (02) 4476 0500, www.naroomagolf.com.au

Rosebud Country Club An ideal venue for your next social/greenfee round, group golf event or corporate golf day, Rosebud Country Club is open to visitors every day of the year.

Centrally located on the Mornington Peninsula, Rosebud Country Club has been part of the Peninsula since 1962, and boasts 36 holes of quality golf. The North Course is lined with large pines that frame fairways, while the South Course offers wide landing areas and beautifully sculptured gardens.

Over the years, the club has played host to a number of tournaments, more recently the World Blind Golf Championship which attracted international publicity.

Social golf groups are welcome to play all days subject to availability. A range of well priced catering options can also be arranged for after golf.

Fairways Resort is 4-star accommodation located next to the clubhouse, restaurant, bar

and bistro. Fairways Resort Accommodation offers 39 beautifully-appointed rooms which range from two-bedroom suites, spa suites, king, twin and executive suites. Golfers should never be late for the first tee with an easy 100m walk to the golf shop, practice putting green and first tee.

The combination of golf, accommodation and dining positions the club as a one-stop shop. And being right next to the clubhouse, you can freshen up in your room after golf before sitting down for dinner.

The Rosebud Country Club is also a great option for Corporate golf days, offering firstclass facilities and professionally-trained staff, as well as flexible facilities with a large modern clubhouse that can cater for up to 220 people, yet can be divided into sections to cater for varying numbers.

For more information: (03) 5950 0800, www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au, rcc.marketing@rosebudcountryclub.com.au

Portarlington golf club www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

• Green fee players welcome • Golf memberships available • Clubhouse facilities - Bistro Open 7 Days - TAB - KENO Join from 1st December and receive 15 months for the price of 12

7 DAY MEMBERSHIP $999 Price includes affiliation fees, insurance and gst – no joining fee applies

Green fees $50 for 18 holes $30 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October Hardings Hardware $10,000 Pro Am held on March Labour Day long weekend

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

• Winner of the PGA Regional Pro-Am of the Year 2012-2013 • Winner of the PGA Regional Pro-Am Course of the Year 2011-2012 & 2012-2013

130 Hood road, portarlington, Victoria clubhouse: (03) 5259 3361 info@portarlingtongolf.com.au

Peregian Springs Golf Club

Peregian Springs Golf Club The Peregian Springs Golf Club, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, was opened in 2003 as a Private Members only golf club. Designed by Phil Scott the 18-Hole Championship layout winds its way through a natural Australian bushland setting.

The course has multiple tee options to suit every level of golfer with generous fairways and subtle greens and fair bunkering.

Water comes into play on seven holes with the 11th, 12th and 13th holes being the most prominent holes on this pristine layout. Peregian Springs Golf Club works in conjunction with Troon Golf, the world leaders in upscale golf courses.

In 2013 Peregian Springs opened its doors to the public and has been a popular course for visitors to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa area. Located just ten minutes from Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Airport, the Peregian Springs Golf Club is ideally situated for easy access to visiting golfers and locals.

The modern clubhouse welcomes visitors and guests with two bars and a restaurant open to the public from 10am each day, serving lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner on Friday evenings. The locker rooms are set up to accommodate visitors with shower and locker facilities available to all guests.

The golf shop is fully stocked with the latest apparel and equipment from brands such as PING, FootJoy, Titleist, Srixon and Greg Norman.

Peregian Springs has a full length driving range with a grass tee and mat option

available. The club also boosts a new Club Car golf cart fleet with the latest in cart GPS system from Visage.

The club also offers stay and play packages with the Outrigger Noosa Resort and the Ramada Marcoola Beach.

Peregian Springs Golf Club, a must play destination for visiting golfers to the Sunshine Coast.

For more information: (07) 5471 5471, www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au or for green fee specials check in with www.iseekgolf.com.au

“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”

www.portfairygolf.com.au This natural links style course with spectacular ocean views, winds its way through undulating sand dunes.

The course is less than five minutes from the centre of charming, historic Port Fairy, along the Princes Highway in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road Tourism regions.

Fully Licensed Club House

Green Fees: $40 - Nine Holes $25 - Juniors $15

WARRNAMBOOL GOLF CLUB Pro Shop (03) 5562 8528 Admin (03) 5562 2108 golf@wgcinc.com.au

www.wgcinc.com.au

Phone: (03) 5568 1654 Email: info@portfairygolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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Social Golfers Brookwater is on the bucket list of every keen golfer – and most would love to come back to test themselves again and again on this magnificent layout.

The Brookwater Pass offers three levels of access for the serious or social golfer who can only find time to play between 10 to 30 rounds of golf a year – but also want to play on a quality golf course. The pre-paid voucher packages offer flexibility to play Sunday to Friday and vouchers can be used to bring a friend and preferred rates for two more players to make up a group of four.

Brookwater Golf & Country Club

Brookwater Golf & Country Club Since opening in March 2002, Brookwater Golf & Country Club has consistently been ranked Queensland’s official Number 1 public access golf course. Heralded as the “Augusta of Australia” when the course first opened 13 years ago – this unique Greg Norman design has stood the test of time to maintain its coveted reputation as one of Australia’s premier golf courses.

The work that goes on behind the scenes is what really sets Brookwater apart from many other courses in Australia. The 74 perfectly manicured bunkers at Brookwater are handraked every day, each hole has multiple tee locations which are all hand-mown twice a week and greens are hand-mown three times during the week to maintain the carpet-like surfaces Brookwater is renowned for.

Host of the Isuzu Queensland Golf Open, Brookwater is a drawcard venue for many topranked professional players, including recent winners Nick Cullen (2013) and Andrew Dodt (2014) who both went on to achieve success in both national and international championships following their wins at Brookwater.

Brookwater is also home to a number of

high-profile personalities including cricketer Ryan Harris and ex-AFL footballer Richard Champion. Master golf coach Ian Triggs is also based at Brookwater, and while Ian keeps busy with his stable of high profile PGA and LPGA tour players including John Senden, So Yeon Ryu, Baek Kyu-Jung and 2014 British Open champion Mo Martin, he always looks forward to coming back to Brookwater.

Dusit Thani 5-Star Resort In late 2014, luxury Thai resort brand Dusit Thani announced the largest foreign investment resort in Australia’s and Queensland’s History will be located at Brookwater, with construction of the $550m project set to commence in mid-2015. On completion, the Brookwater Golf & Spa Resort will offer an unprecedented level of accommodation and leisure facilities including a Recreation Club with beach-style lagoon pools, lap pools, children’s water slides and gymnasium with café and bridal centre, wedding chapel and event function area and man-made beach lagoon.

Facelift for Brookwater Following the announcement the new resort and a scheduled opening date of late 2016,

the owners of Brookwater have decided the time was right to refresh some aspects of the layout and make some changes which will ultimately make Brookwater an even more enjoyable golfing experience. Members of the Greg Norman design team recently paid a visit the iconic site, and major works are due to commence in September 2015, so now is the ideal time for any golfer to come and play the original Brookwater layout.

2015 Emirates Corporate Cup Brookwater has enjoyed an eight year association with Emirates Airlines and in 2015 are launching the Emirates Corporate Cup with a three-round Qualifying Series commencing in June, culminating in a Grand Final in December.

There will be some incredible prizes up for grabs at this year’s event including flights to New Zealand available at each Qualifying Round and a major prize draw of two Business Class flights to Europe flying Emirates at the Grand Final.

More information: (07) 3814 5500, www.brookwater.com.au, ssuleman@brookwatergolf.com.

Golfers can also save money by prepurchasing cart fees in advance and each Brookwater Pass option includes a lesson package with the resident teaching professional to help sharpen your game.

More information: (07) 3814 5500, www.brookwater.com.au, info@brookwatergolf.com.

Qantas Golf Club and Brookwater Residential Brookwater has announced a new partnership with the Qantas Golf Club, offering Qantas customers direct access to its new on-line bookings portal. Golfers staying in selected Brisbane Hotels can also benefit from the courtesy shuttle service which will bring you door-to-door from your hotel accommodation to the golf course.

For golfers who happen to reside in and around the majestic fairways of Brookwater, Brookwater residential shares the brilliance that is Brookwater golf. More than 750 home owners have already made the choice to call Brookwater home. With the first golf course frontage land lots available in seven years just released, you too can score a hole in one at Brookwater.

For more information: (07) 3814 5177, www.brookwater.com.au, info@brookwatergolf.com

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Emirates Corporate Cup - June 2015

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Your chance to win Business Class Flights to Europe flying Emirates.

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In a competitive corporate world, ensure your business stays ahead of the game and enter your team in the 2015 Emirates Corporate Cup at Brookwater. Launching June 2015 the Emirates Corporate Cup provides businesses the perfect opportunity to get offline and on course with their clients, staff and or suppliers to develop relationships and network with other Businesses.

If you love Brookwater, you and your friends will certainly love being able to play it more often with Sunday to Friday rates less than $40 per player (excluding Cart).

There are three qualifying rounds commencing June 2015. Entry to the Final and Major Prize Draw is only valid for Corporates / Groups who have competed in the three qualifying rounds.

Each Qualifying Round provides you with the opportunity to win Flights to New Zealand flying Emirates. Positions are limited. Ensure your Business is in with a chance to have your name on the Emirates Corporate Cup and a shot at the Major Prize Draw of Two Business Class Flights to Europe.

Enter your team today. Full details available at brookwater.com.au or phone Shahaad Suleman on 07 3814 5500.

PLATINUM PASS - $1,795* | 10 x Sunday vouchers | 20 mid week vouchers 1 x 30 minute golf lesson | Range Balls on day of play | PLAYING RIGHTS Sunday to Friday (any time) Excludes Public Holidays | Equivalent to $59.85 per round GOLD PASS - $1,198* | 10 x Sunday Vouchers (after 12pm) 20 Mid Week Vouchers 1 x 30 minute golf lesson | Range Balls on day of play | PLAYING RIGHTS Sunday to Friday (any time) Excludes Public Holidays | Equivalent to $39.95 per round SILVER PASS - $699* | 10 weekday vouchers | 1 x 30 minute golf lesson Range Balls on day of play | Playing Rights Monday to Friday (any time) Excludes Public Holidays | Equivalent to $69.90 per round One guest per visit with voucher, up to 2 additional guests $75 pp (including cart) *Conditions apply. Vouchers valid 12 months from purchase

For further information or golf bookings contact phone 07 3814 5500 Brookwater Golf & Country Club 1 Tournament Drive, Brookwater, Qld brookwater.com.au

^Golf Digest Magazine 2014 Bi-Annual Top 100 Golf Courses

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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South West Rocks Country Club

South West Rocks Country Club The South West Rocks Country Club boasts a picturesque 18-hole golf course worthy of any player, no matter the skill level. Nestled amongst the National Forests and beautiful beaches of the idyllic seaside getaway, it’s a beautiful course to play.

A well-designed and interesting layout, the course winds its way around tree-lined fairways with the occasional kangaroo to be seen. Most holes are straightforward with a few bent for the tricky shots. As such, accuracy off the tee is required as the tree lines are very dense, making an escape to the green very difficult.

The course is of moderate length; however there will be some wedges into greens if you

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

are accurate off the tee. There is also a good variety of holes on offer for example, the 15th (Fred’s Hole) a 383m par 4 with a water carry for your second or third depending on your drive.

The greens are in fantastic shape all year round and the fairways are immaculate. The course also plays host to a Pro-Am Tournament, among others, in May of each year.

With the clubhouse located adjacent to the course, it’s the perfect venue to relax after your round for a bite to eat and a cool drink. It boasts full TAB and Keno facilities as well as an Asian Style buffet, Café, Seasons Restaurant and great bar and lounge to relax and wind down in after a hit.

About South West Rocks South West Rocks is an idyllic seaside destination located under five hours north of Sydney and is accessible to Port Macquarie airport by a short 45-minute drive. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing golf weekend or mid-week trip away for your social golf group or friends to enjoy. The Rocks, as it’s affectionately known, lies at the mouth of the Macleay River, just a half-hour drive from Kempsey.

From the natural beauty of the beaches, headlands and bush to the charm of the Smoky Cape Lighthouse and Trial Bay Gaol, there is a plethora of opportunities for an extra brilliant and memorable stay.

The ideal weekend getaway or retreat by the beach for the times you’re not on the fairways, South West Rocks has a warm temperate climate which is perfect for year-round golfing and a plethora other recreational sports, such as swimming, hiking and surfing.

With a great choice of accommodation options to choose from to suit any budget, your social golfing group will be well catered for.

For more information: contact David Cunningham, CEO on (02) 6566 6252 or David@rockscountryclub.com.au to make a booking for your golfing group today. Or visit www.rockscountryclub.com.au

golf nsw Howard wins Men’s NSW Amateur

Golf NSW to launch ‘Buddy Club’ initiative

England’s Paul Howard won the 2015 Men’s NSW Amateur Championship played at Avondale Golf Club.

Howard’s first match was against his fellow countryman, Nick Marsh (England), defeating him 2/1. Canberra’s Joshua Armstrong (Gold Creek GC) was next in round 16, losing to Howard 6/5. The Quarter Finals was another close finish against Nicholas Curnow (Lake Karrinyup GC, WA), Howard winning that match 2/1.

Andrew Tharle (Royal Canberra GC) was next in the semi-final against Howard, who won 3/2.

On the other side of the draw 28th seed Victorian David Micheluzzi (Cranbourne GC) was powering through his tough opponents, knocking higher - placed competitors out of the draw, defeating New South Welshman Troy Moses 4/3, Queensland’s Charlie Dann (Peregian Spring GC) 1up, Korean’s Sung-Jae Im 1up and Brayden Petersen (Monash CC).

The final of the match play between Howard and Micheluzzi was played over 36 holes. It was a tough but friendly match between the pair, all square after the 36th hole. Howard had the honour on the first sudden death playoff hole and was able to secure his win on the 37th hole with a par.

The Men’s NSW Amateur Championship is a gruelling event, taking place over six days. To be eligible to play, competitors had to be amongst the leading 32 men from a field of over 240 from the NSW Medal (72-holes Stroke) which was played at alternating venues, Monash Country Club and Killara Golf Club.

Asquith Golf Club

A

key initiative of the Golf NSW Strategic Plan for 2015, to address the strategic issue of “Enhancing Club Health,” will be the launch of a “Buddy Club” Program.

This initiative will look to link participating larger metropolitan and regional golf clubs with smaller golf clubs throughout NSW. Once linked, it is hoped there will be a mutual understanding between Buddy Clubs to work together and assist one another wherever possible.

Assistance that larger metropolitan and regional clubs could offer their designated “Buddy Club(s)” may include Sharing of resources, knowledge and systems; Access to unwanted/discarded equipment; and Interclub golfing activities and functions.

Direct financial assistance to a “Buddy Club” is not an expectation, nor will it be a requirement to be involved with this program.

Over the past nine months Asquith and Parkes Golf Clubs have piloted a Buddy Club program with great success, and both clubs agree that the relationship has been very beneficial, and further strengthened a

previous connection between the two clubs.

Matthew Furze, General Manager of Asquith Golf Club said, “Asquith has had for some time a relationship with Parkes Golf Club, whereby each club would host the other every two years for an interclub competition.”

“The Buddy Club program however has broadened this relationship, and we have been able to assist Parkes further by sharing knowledge and resources concerning club operations and course maintenance. It is very pleasing to know that even our modest levels of assistance have made a big difference to our Buddy Club.”

Clubs will hear more about this initiative in coming months, and Golf NSW intends to work in close collaboration with Golf Management Australia (NSW) and the NSW PGA to secure club support for the Buddy Club program.

The Buddy Club program is part of Golf NSW’s Club Support Service, to assist clubs with their operations and course management. For more about the Golf NSW Club Support Service visit: www.golfnsw. org/clubsupportservice •

Lim the victor at Women’s NSW Amateur

Korea’s Eun-Bin Lim won the Women’s NSW Amateur Championship in a close match against fellow Korean Eun-Jeong Seong. Over seventy-five women competed in the major national amateur event which is also a National and World Ranking event.

The final match was a close tussle between Lim and Seong which was played over 36 holes at Avondale Golf Club. The pair were back and fourth most of the day with Lim finally pulling through on the 35th hole to win 2/1.

The 2015 Women’s NSW Amateur Championship is a gruelling event, taking place over six days. To be eligible to play in the NSW Amateur Championship Match Play, competitors had to be amongst the leading sixteen women from the 72-Hole Stroke Play event concluding after three days of play at alternating venues, Monash Country Club and Killara Golf Club.

The Match Play was then seeded and played at Avondale Golf Club. The first day saw sixteen women compete for a quarter finals berth. Lim, who qualified ninth, defeated fellow Korean player Hye-Jin Choi 3/2. Number one seed, Korean So-Young Lee had a convincing win against Australian, Paige Stubbs 4/3.

In a major upset, the number one seed Lee was knocked out by Lim in the quarter finals on the 19th. It was another long match for Lim in the semifinals, also going to the 19th hole with an added victory defeating Celina Yuan (NSW).

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golf qld

Queensland State teams announced

Two new faces in Golf Queensland QAS squad

G

olf Queensland has named its representative teams to compete in the Australian Men’s and Women’s Interstate Teams Matches from 27 April - 1 May 2015.

Victoria will host this year’s event, with the Men’s event to be held at the Huntingdale Golf Club and the Women’s at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Queensland Head Coach, Tony Meyer said there was a mix of new and experienced players in the teams this year.

QAS Golf Squad training at Brookwater

“The team selections were incredibly competitive with many players performing well over the past year,” Meyer said.

Some of the highlights include Taylor Macdonald, winner of the Federal Amateur Champion (World #36), Cory Crawford who won the Malaysian Amateur Champion (World #56) and Karis Davidson who is number 71 in the world golf amateur rankings.

The Women’s team comprises of four junior players including Rebecca Kay who only recently finished fifth at the RACV Ladies Masters.

“It’s extremely exciting for the junior players who have been selected in the Women’s Team, showing that the future is bright for golf in Queensland,” said Meyer.

Meyer has travelled with over 10 interstate series teams as a coach. “I’m looking forward to being involved this year and seeing the camaraderie between players both on and off the course,” Meyer said.

The Women’s Team will be coached by Richard Woodhouse who is into his third year as an Interstate Series Coach.

“Richard will provide the Women’s team with the support and guidance needed to get the best out of our players.” Meyer said.

Both the Queensland Men’s and Women’s Teams will be hoping to improve on last year’s third placings.

G

olf Queensland has announced the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Golf Squad for 2015, with two new faces joining seven existing squad members.

Simon Viitakangas Men’s State Team: Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove) Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe) Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland) Blake Proverbs (Pacific) Anthony Quayle (Sanctuary Cove) Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast) Simon Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast) Shae Wools-Cobb (Horton Park) Men’s Coach: Tony Meyer Men’s Team Manager: Matthew Toomey Women’s State Team: Robyn Choi (Royal Pines) Karis Davidson (Sanctuary Cove) Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly) Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe) Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) Amy Walsh (Palmer Gold Coast) Women’s Coach: Richard Woodhouse Women’s Team Manager: Shirley Dean

Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) and Anthony Quayle (Sanctuary Cove) will join Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast), Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove), Blake Proverbs (Pacific), Amy Walsh (Palmer Gold Coast), Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe), Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland) and Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly) to make up this year’s squad.

team of coaches and sports science providers which the elite athletes will have access to.”

“It is an excellent opportunity for the athletes to improve their skills and work towards their goals of becoming elite professionals.”

The QAS Golf Program had a number of standout achievements in 2014, specifically through Cameron Smith (GA/QAS rookie squad Member), Aaron Wilkin and Cory Crawford.

The QAS Golf Program is aimed at players who have the potential and commitment to succeed at elite level competition golf.

Smith had a breakout year in the Professional ranks earning rookie of the year honours on the Australasian PGA and Asian Tours.

The selection of squad members is based on recent state, national and international tournament performances as well as their commitment to continuing development in all aspects of their games, including technical, physical and mental.

Wilkin successfully transitioned from the amateur to professional ranks following a Top 10 finish in the PGA of Australasia Tour School, earning himself a strong tournament exemption status for 2015.

Golf Queensland Head Coach Tony Meyer said the QAS Squad forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland High Performance Program.

“There is no doubt that all players selected this year have earned their spots on the squad,” Mr Meyer said.

“We have a fantastic group of athletes in the squad and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

“We are also extremely lucky to have a great

Crawford improved his World Amateur Golf Ranking in 2014 from 701 to inside the top 70. Further to this, Crawford was selected in the Golf Australia National Squad.

The squad members train together three times a week and have the opportunity to travel both interstate and overseas to compete against some of the best amateurs and professionals.

The 2015 QAS Squad is proudly supported

by Fayde Apparel.

Queensland Men’s Sand Green Championship Friday 5th – Sunday 7th June 2015 Barcaldine Golf Club Entries close Wednesday 20th May Proudly sponsored by www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

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

77

seniors

Rhodes a new star in Australian Senior Golf

by Denis Dale ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

he 2015 Australian Senior Ranking competition is well underway with four of the sixteen events to be held in the new national ranking year now complete.

The first event was the 2014 ACT Senior Amateur Championship last October where the winner was Mona Vale golfer Stefan Albinski.

The 2015 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic in January gave New Zealander visitor Michael Barltrop a breakthrough for his first win on Australian soil. The 2015 Tasmanian Senior Championship played in February at Mowbray Golf Club saw another win for Mona Vale’s Stefan Albinski making it three Tasmanian titles in a row for the champion senior.

Senior golf uncovered another golfing star when Victorian Greg Rhodes (Coomealla GC) proved far too good for a very strong field in in winning the 2015 NSW Senior Amateur Championship at Duntryleague Golf Club in Orange. Rhodes had the impressive record of leading all the way and the honour of posting the best score every day - a rare feat in a major championship. With rounds of 6864-70=202 his six under par total gave him an eight stroke margin. This score is believed to be a record for a state senior championship.

In second place was local Duntryleague member Robert Payne who played consistently well for rounds of 71-69-72=210.

Payne played well in all rounds but the magic putter was not in his bag this week. It is certainly worth reporting that Payne had recorded a round of 60 (ten under par) in the club competition just two days before the

Pennant Hills Club captain Rob Stevenson presents the trophy to winner Ross Bockman with runner up Neil Gordon.

Greg Rhodes – eight stroke winner of the 2015 NSW Senior Amateur Championship. tournament began – a fantastic round for any golfer of any age.

Third place was shared by Mona Vale’s Mark Pearson (70-72-73=215) and Hawks Nest

newcomer Warren Gorton (68-72-75=215). Both are relatively new to senior golf and are names that should soon appear on the winner’s list of major tournaments in NSW and Australia.

NSW senior and regular competitor for many years Robert Lewis (Windsor) completed a very good week with a win in the 54-hole Handicap Championship. From his handicap of 8 Lewis

2014 Australian Senior Rankings Player

State

Events

Ave.

1

Gordon Claney

VIC

9

114.94

2

Stefan Albinski

NSW

7

112.19

3

Roy Vandersluis

NSW

7

86.12

4

Vince Clark

NSW

8

81.15

5

Ian McPherson

WA

7

78.49

NSW SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT The 2015 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition is now well underway with seven events completed. It is another busy year with 47 events scheduled across the state.

take first prize and make it three wins for the year. Second place went to Marty Black from Asquith on 75 with local star Gerry Power in third place on 76.

The Wollongong Seniors always attracts a quality field and this year was no different with over 60 senior golfers teeing off in sunny conditions and with the course in excellent condition. The winner with a round of 74 was Bayview senior Dale Tapper who became the first multiple winner for 2015 having won at Belmont earlier in the year.

Cabramatta’s “iron-man” Chris Collins was the handicap winner with a nett 70. This is a fitting reward for the keen senior who rarely misses an event, no matter where it is Chris Collins is bound to be there. Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) won the Over 65 division with a round of 77.

Second place in the Wollongong seniors was a tie between Dominic Cirillo (Liverpool) and Ross Bockman (Long Reef ) with scores of 75. Bexley’s Tom Yates took home the Over 65 prize with a round of 76.

Concord is one of Sydney’s best courses and a large field was in attendance for the 2015 Concord Seniors and as always the course was immaculate. The winner was Long Reef’s Ross Bockman who finished with an excellent round of 74. He defeated a group of three players on 76 – Chris Whittaker, Richard Greville and Graeme Howland. Tom Yates’ round of 78 made it two Over 65’s wins for the year for the popular Bexley senior golfer.

The 2015 Castle Hill Seniors was another well attended event and all players certainly enjoyed the great condition of this championship course. Bayview’s Dale Tapper breezed around in an even par 72 to 78

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

NSW senior golfers always look forward to Pennant Hills Seniors event and this year the club presented a beautiful course and even better weather. The winner was Long Reef senior Ross Bockman with a round of 74.

He won on a countback from Pennant hills member Neil Gordon. Stefan Albinski (Mona Vale) was a stroke away in third place with a round of 75.

Trevor Amery (Castle Hill) showed a welcome return to form with a win in the handicap event with a net score of 69.

Graham Shulman won the prize for the best over 65 years player with his round of 79.

More than 160 seniors travelled to Orange for the 2015 NSW Senior Amateur Championship. The winner was Victorian visitor Greg Rhodes who led all the way for an impressive eight stroke victory over local favourite Robert Payne. Mona Vale’s Mark Pearson and Hawks Nest senior Warren

had rounds of 66-69-72=207 to defeat Kogarah senior and seven-marker Steve Musgrave (6570-72=207) on a countback.

When the national ranking points had been allocated for the NSW Seniors there was a new leader on the 2015 Australian Senior Ranking System with Victorian Gordon Claney (the current Australian Senior Amateur Champion) taking over the top position from the longtime leader Stefan Albinski. These two champion senior golfers should have a good battle for the top spot during the remainder of the season. West Australia’s Ian McPherson has moved into the top five for the first time. www.ausoom.com

QUEENSLAND SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT The 2015 PresCare Senior Order of Merit competition began in January with the Palmer Colonial Seniors where Coolangatta Tweed Heads’ senior Phil Towle was the winner with a round of 73.

He defeated Nudgee’s Mario La Chiusa and Carbrook’s Paranjit Singh by three strokes.

Results from recent Queensland PresCare Senior Order of Merit: Wynnum Seniors – 18 holes Scratch: Mogens Andersen (Redcliffe) 72 Runner Up: Ian Broom (Caloundra) 74 Over 65: Ian Read (Indooroopilly) 79 Handicap: Roger Gray (Laidley) 39 points Women: Josie Ryan (Headland) 82

Tom Yates (Bexley Golf Club) Winner of two Over 65 events in the 2015 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition.

Gorton shared third place.

After nine events the leader on the NSW Senior Order of Merit table is Bayview golfer Dale Tapper. His consistent play and three early wins have given him the lead over Long Reef’s Ross Bockman and even at this early stage it looks like this pair may well fight it out for the major medal at the end of the year. www.golfnsw.org

Bribie Island Seniors – 18 holes Scratch: Lindsay Brown (Keperra) 76 Runner Up: Mervyn Birt (Wynnum) 77 Over 65: Ian Read (Indooroopilly) 77 Handicap: Joseph Quang 43 points Women: Wendy O’Connell (Wantima) 85 2015 will also see another year of the Golf Queensland Senior Club Challenge.

This event is played with teams of eight players using a matchplay format. There is a mixture of single scratch and handicap fourball matches. All players must be over 55 years while two must be over 60. The matches are played on a home and away basis with this year’s championship being played from April to August. www.golfqueensland.org.au

seniors

VICTORIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT The 2014 competition for Victoria’s senior amateur golfers and the coveted Doug Bachli Trophy is well underway with eight of the thirty one events now completed.

David Mallett won the 2015 Surfcoast Senior Amateur played at The Sands Golf Club. A Sands Torquay member, Mallett used his local knowledge to play some steady golf and fire rounds of 73-75 for a 148 total. Mallett held off a fast-finishing Ian Frost (Bendigo) who carded a 70 in the final round. The defending champion finished on a 151 total, 3 back from Mallett.

It was a successful tournament for the locals with fellow member Graeme Altmann winning the nett with rounds of 70-73 for a 143 total.

Runner-up was Kew member George Kotaridis, one shot further back.

The 2015 Lonsdale Senior Amateur was played on the host course with a good field enjoying two days of fine golfing weather on the Bellarine Peninsula. After three players had shared the overnight lead with rounds of one-over-par 72, it was Rossdale’s Ken O’Brien who took a stranglehold on the title with a brilliant final round of one-underpar 70. His two-round total of 142 gave him the tile by five strokes from Greg Welsh (Colac) with Alan Buckley (Commonwealth) in third place.

David Taylor (Commonwealth) recorded a final round of 68 nett to take the handicap title with a tworound total of 137 nett from his handicap of five. The National’s John Wheeler also enjoyed a fine event finishing second with his nett total of 140 from his four handicap.

The 2015 Kooringal Senior Amateur saw another comfortable winner with Barry Tippett from Thirteenth Beach winning by five strokes. Under cloudy

skies for both days Tippett returned rounds of 74-68 for a 36-hole total of 142. He defeated Jeff Hasthorpe (Trafalgar) on 147 with Mick Asami (Huntingdale) a further two strokes behind in third place on 149.

Kooringal’s own Angus Maclean took out the handicap title with rounds of 69-68 making up a tworound total of 137 from his fourteen handicap. Maclean won the event in a three-way countback from Stan Davis (Bendigo) off a 7 handicap and Adrian Rossi (Commonwealth) playing off 22.

The Cranbourne Senior Amateur has been one of the major events on the Victorian Senior Order of Merit calendar for many years and 2015 was no exception with a beautifully presented course welcoming a high quality field. The winner was the defending champion Gary Easte from Spring Valley. Easte opened with a round of 70 to share the lead with Ray Walker. During the final round Easte birdied 10, 12 and 13 to open up a big lead but a bogey, bogey, doublebogey finish made it a tense battle again. Easte’s final winning margin was just a single stroke over Walker.

The win has helped Easte take over the lead in the 2015 Doug Bachli Trophy for the state’s leading senior golfer. Horsham member Gary De Wit claimed the Cranbourne Senior Amateur handicap prize with a total of 142, edging out new comer Phil Bainbridge on a countback.

The 2015 Sandhurst Senior Amateur became a Sandhurst showdown with local members David McDonald and Bryce Birtwistle battling through some blustery conditions in the inaugural playing of this event. McDonald opened with a one-over 73 to take a one stroke lead over Birtwistle. He then played solidly in difficult round two conditions for a

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Robert Lewis – handicap winner of the 2015 NSW Senior Amateur Championship. score of 77 that gave him a one stroke winning margin over his talented club mate.

Metropolitan member Paul Bray demonstrated a return to his best form with a convincing four shot margin over the field to win the nett section. The 6 marker carded solid rounds of nett 72 and 70 for a 36-hole total of 142. Next best was Brian Gray from Rossdale with a nett 146.

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The West Australian Senior Order of Merit competition continues to develop and this year there will be events played at The Vines, Araluen, Wanneroo, Melville Glades, Lake Karrinyup, Royal Perth, Lakelands and Mandurah Golf Clubs.

The winner with a very impressive round of two-under par 70 was

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The 2015 Royal Perth Seniors was the most recent event and it was the first time that results would count towards the Order of Merit table. Royal Perth has long been a wonderful supporter of senior golf and the club was rewarded with a massive 176 entries. This year they were forced to reduce the field to 120 but have indicated they will plan for a much larger field in 2016.

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Trevor Hughes - winner of the 2015 Royal Perth Seniors.

Trevor Hughes from the Hartfield club. Hughes finished as the runnerup in the 2014 Australian Senior Amateur Championship and is now challenging for the top spot on the WA Senior Order of Merit.

Second place was shared by John Ntoumenopolous (Cottesloe) and Brendan Curtin (Joondalup) with rounds of 73. www.golfwa.org.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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events

Golfers set to chase the sun David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

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HIS month, 19 hardy Mt Coolum Golf Club members, led by Barry Degenhardt, will join 33 golfers from around Australia and overseas to play the world’s longest golf course – the Nullarbor Links.

The golf course stretches 1365 kilometres from Ceduna, a small town in the West Coast region of South Australia, to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

The 18-hole Chase the Sun tournament will take a week to play (April 11-17).

Along the way, golfers will play at 15 different “courses” and at holes named Oyster Beds, Denial Bay, Windmills, Wombat, Dingo’s Den, Border Kangaroo, Nullarbor Nymph, Watering Hole, Brumby’s Run, Eagles Nest, 90 Mile Straight, Skylab, Sheep’s Back, Golden Horse, Ngadju, Silver Lake, CY O’Connor and Golden Mile.

MUGS AWAY: Golfers make fun of a teammate’s swing at Penong Golf Course’s Windmills 260m par-4 hole.

“We went to the golf club and told some of the other members what we were doing and some of them said ‘we’re in’.

Some holes on the Nullarbor Links are “through scrub – beware of snakes”, “near the Big Roo”, “behind the caravan park” and “on the eastern side of the roadhouse”.

“Next thing we know there are 19 of us going because it’s such a unique event.”

Golfers playing the Dingo’s Den, a 538m par5, have been warned to “watch the crow”.

“It’s such a unique event because you are playing on the desert floor over a long distance.

“He takes your balls so try spraying smelly stuff on the balls,” is the warning.

“My wife Denise, the “Minister for War and Recreation”, and I are retired but haven’t had the opportunity to travel much,” Barry said.

“I saw this tournament advertised and I said to Denise ‘let’s do it’. We can chalk it up as something that only a small proportion of people in the world will ever do.

Barry said the event’s uniqueness was the attraction.

“The hardest thing about it is you play one hole and may have to drive 200 kilometres to play the next hole,” he said.

“The biggest warning we’ve been given is to look out for desert snakes so we will carry a first aid kit.

“What’s great about the trip is all the way through there are other things to do like a

HIGH FIVE: Golfers celebrate after completing a hole on the Nullarbor Links.

treasure hunt, going to an oyster farm, having a movie night under the stars.

Kalgoorlie Golf Club on Friday, April 17,” he said.

“Denise and another friend want to have cocktails in the desert so somehow I have got to get a cocktail shaker across there,” Barry joked.

“Along the way we have a treasure hunt for a $1000 gold nugget, a hole-in-one prize of $10,000, a putting competition and an Indigenous dance night and cooking demonstration.

“It’s a great social event and finishes with a coat and tie presentation dinner at Kalgoorlie.

“I will tell you one thing – our mob will have a lot of fun.”

Tournament organiser Alf Caputo said the event was more than a golfing experience.

“We’ve got other things going on so we’ve turned it into a festival,” he said.

“We begin with a champagne breakfast to watch the sunrise on the foreshore in Ceduna on Saturday, April 11 and finish in Kalgoorlie to watch the sunset with cocktails at the

“We play two holes at Ceduna then drive to Penong and play Windmills before heading for Fowlers Bay for a concert.

“Australian bush poets Marco and Muz and South Australian singer/songwriter Allan Wright will entertain golfers.

“These guys are brilliant and will have everyone in fits of laughter.

“Those on the trip will be joined by 250 people who will come from the farming district around the town.” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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19th hole

The Fanatics’ road to Augusta Charles Parker ed@insidegolf.com.au

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s the ‘Fanatics’, Australia’s most conspicuous supporter group, prepare for their next foray at the US Masters and Presidents Cup we take a look into their golfing story so far.

When Greg Norman accepted the call to captain the Internationals at the 2011 Presidents Cup he was acutely aware of the opportunity it presented Australian golf. Here was the chance to showcase a format of the game rarely experienced by Australian golf fans.

He soon turned to good mate and fellow Queensland sporting icon, Patrick Rafter, to track down that vocal ‘yellowclad bunch’ who had been courtside only a few seats from the Shark during Pat’s 2007 US Open final victory in New York.

Norman was, of course, referring to the Fanatics.

Within days of receiving an entirely unexpected phone call (which was assumed to be a prank call, requiring the Shark to call back a second time) and a subsequent face-toface meeting with their childhood hero, the Fanatics were on board and ready to rally the troops for their first official venture into golf.

Norman gathered his green and gold Fanatics troupe each and every day at Royal Melbourne and, adorned with their iconic golf beret, affectionately embraced their witty chants and infectious energy. It helped break the ice for a crowd unfamiliar with the raucous nature of this Ryder Cup-style event, whilst their untiring support was warmly welcomed by the International team over four long and grueling days on the sandbelt.

Fanatics organiser David McClatchey explains it’s much more than just an ad hoc arrangement: “In 2013 when Greg handed the captaincy over to Nick Price, he recommended the Fanatics get along to support the team and to his credit, Nick was keen to have us on board. I wouldn’t say they rolled out the red carpet, but the PGA Tour have been very accommodating and really embraced the

Jason Day and wife Ellie with The Fanatics at the 2013 Presidents Cup, Ohio friendly rivalry we’ve developed with the American team and their fans. Freddie Couples, in particular, loves the banter and his players are every bit as cheeky in their comebacks even when things are getting down to the business end”.

Next up for the Fanatics is Augusta National for the Masters, plus The Open at St Andrews, before a return to their golfing ‘roots’ with the Presidents Cup in Seoul, South Korea in October.

Quizzed as to what such banter entails, McClatchey smiles: “One of the funnier moments from Ohio was Day 3 on the first tee when Jason Dufner strolled out with his (much better looking) wife, and we broke into Joe Jackson’s ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him’. It almost brought the house down, and even Dufner cracked a smile which is saying something!

His wife became an instant fan and proudly wore a Fanatics wristband the following day”.

The Fanatics operate organised tours to the US Masters each year. 2016 prices start at USD $3,490 for their 3 night package and USD $6,990 for six nights. Also on offer is their very enticing 9 night ‘Golfers Tour’ that includes a stop in LA and San Diego en-route to Augusta, complete with a round at Torrey Pines north and south courses, scene of Jason Day’s thrilling playoff victory in the recent Farmers Insurance Open.

For tour details visit www.thefanatics.com •

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April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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19th hole

Swinging off the golf course It turns out this wasn’t a rare phenomenon and I’ve witnessed the remarkable display of golfers practising their golf swings in unusual surroundings many times since. Only last week, I arrived late to pick up a friend for a round, only to find him on the side of the road warming up with a pitching wedge.

Michael Green

@AussieGolfer

I’ve always felt a little awkward about putting on such a display in the wild. I feel uncomfortable enough wearing golf clothes in public let alone making a few swings with a golf club.

T

he sun had barely risen before we were out of the house and on our way to play golf. Not being the morning type I can distinctly remember still feeling half asleep and being blinded by the sun peeking over the top of the Adelaide Hills as we turned into the freeway.

But for some reason I’ve felt uninhibited making a golf swing with an imaginary golf club at home, at work, or even out at the pub. In fact, I’d argue that watching two golfers discussing their golf swings at the pub is one of the greatest sights in world sport.

Golf is one of the few things I’ll get up early for, so you can imagine my disappointment when the old HG Holden my uncle drove at the time ground to a halt within a few hundred metres of the freeway exit to the golf course.

Just merely seeing a golf course brings on a golf swing with an invisible golf club. I used to walk past a golf course on my way to work and didn’t realise I did it until a friend pointed it out one time.

Few HG Holden’s were still on the road this day in the mid-90’s and with good reason. As classic and as full of character as these old cars were, modern cars are far more reliable, and probably a better choice for getting from point A to the first tee.

Unable to restart the car, and in an age before mobile phones, we sat and waited - hoping that one of our playing partners would notice our absence and double back to pick us up.

It was at this point I saw my first real, honest look at the golfer in the wild. We all know how a golfer behaves on the golf course, but dressed to play outside of this environment was as unknown to me as Africa was to Livingstone.

With the clock ticking closer and closer to our tee time, and

no sign of any rescue team, my uncle calmly opened the boot, took out both sets of golf clubs, fished out his 8-iron and started warming up by making a few swings alongside the busy freeway.

I can only imagine what commuters on their way to work must have thought of this, but I can remember my thoughts clearly: What is he doing? That must have been a really poor tee shot?!

But the real beauty in the golf swing with an invisible golf club is exactly that; it is a thing of beauty. It’s always a fine-looking golf swing that feels like you’re swinging the golf club like Adam Scott.

There is no chunk off the turf or shank off the hosel to distract you from making one of the finest golf swings going around. It feels superb and with a bit of imagination you can almost see the golf ball compress itself on the face of the club and zip its way down the fairway.

Or freeway, whatever takes your fancy. •

Steve’s a man of many courses David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

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VID golfer Steve Arnaudon has an unusual hobby – or obsession.

Steve, who plays out of Tura Beach County Club on the South Coast of NSW, has set his sights on playing 1000 different golf courses around the world.

So far, Steve has played 840 golf courses, which means he’s played around 15,000 different golf holes.

Goodness knows how many kilometres he has travelled to follow his dream.

Steve contacted Inside Golf after reading a story I penned about Brisbane golfer John Sellwood who earlier this year played his 500th golf course.

“After reading your story about John’s achievement, it made me wonder who amongst your readers has played the most courses around the world,” Steve said.

“I’ve played 840 and as an avid collector still have most of the scorecards going back to when I was a 12-year-old at Bathurst Golf Club.

“I’ve played in 64 countries and 16 territories including those on John’s list (except Vietnam and Turkey).

“My list include some of the usual suspects like the Old Course at St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Royal Lytham and St Annes, Carnoustie, Royal St George’s, Royal Montreal, Glen Abbey, PGA West, Bandon Dunes, Torrey Pines, Banff Springs, Kapalua Plantation, Doral Blue Monster, Cape Kidnappers, Spring City (China) Sotogrande, Crans-sur-Sierre, Sun 84

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ROCK ON: Steve Arnandon takes time out at Nuuk golf course in Greenland.

“Some of the better experiences, however, have come as a complete surprise.

“In Israel we played at the Caesarea Golf and Country Club and Royal Malta which have Roman ruins in play on some holes.

“For example, Tignes, a ski-resort in France, is the highest golf course in Europe. It’s a golf course where the holes are so steep that we decided to carry just four clubs in hand.”

“In the Gambia (west Africa) the Faraja golf course is one giant sand-hill requiring a succession of bunker shots before reaching the sand scrapes.

City (South Africa) and so on.

Sounds like mountain goat country.

“Another experience was playing Nuuk in Greenland. It has nine ‘fairways’ which are basically some tufts of grass between rocks everywhere else.”

Playing there definitely means you’ll be caught between a rock and hard place.

Steve’s journey has taken him to some exotic places including Sandy Lane in Barbados (Tiger Woods’ wedding venue).

“It’s where the great cricketer Garry Sobers called us to play through,” Steve recalled.

Steve and his wife Lorraine pose on the 12th green at Challenge at Manele GC on Lanai Island, Hawaii.

“We played a military golf course in northern Philippines called Camp John Hay. We were told that General Macarthur used to hang out there.”

And at Fairbanks Golf Club in Alaska Steve’s group teed off at 9pm and walked up the 18th fairway a little after midnight with a moose for company.

“At the Challenge at Manale on the Hawaiian island of Manale Steve and his wife Lorraine had a photo taken on the 12th green – the site of Bill Gates’ wedding.

“In our travels we have found some stunning designs that hardly rate a mention in the golf magazines,” Steve said.

Steve said he played at Greenbrier Golf Club in West Virginia and was surprised to see a sign in the car park that read ‘Reserved for Sam Snead’. (The seven-time major winner died in 2002.)

“For example, Redlands Mesa (Colorado), Circling Raven (Idaho), Lac St Marie (Quebec) Greywolf (British Columbia) and just last month Red Mountain in Phuket which is a beauty.

At Royal Harare Golf Club, Zimbabwe they still have a welcoming mat that reads “Royal Salisbury” in reference to the capital and country’s former name – Rhodesia.

“I’m hoping to get to play 1000 golf courses before heading to the great clubhouse in the sky, but I’m sure many of your readers have already gone beyond that mark.” •

19th hole

The race is on in CQ TWO weeks after Cyclone Marcia tore through Central Queensland, Wowan Golf Club staged its golf championships.

Jim Bourke now leads the C grade golfer of the year on 15 points – three points clear of Biloela’s John Crerar.

It resulted in Moura Golf Club’s Daryl Myles winning the Wowan Men’s 35-hole Open Championship and moving to second place in the race for Golf Central Queensland’s golfer of the year prize.

It resulted in Daryl and Kylie Myles winning the Mixed American event with a score of 76 – one clear of Donna Reynolds and Graham Dorsett (77 gross). Geraldine Brewster and John Gunzler took out the nett prize.

Daryl carded a score of 105 to finish one shot clear of Rockhampton’s Greg Black.

Rockhampton’s John Gunzler won the Wowan’s B grade championships.

Wowan Open Championship contestants Jim Bourke, Greg Black, Daryl Myles, John Gunzler and Alan White.

He returned a score of 120 to edge out Mount Morgan’s Allan White in a playoff.

Vale: Jeff the dinosaur blaze was put out within 20 minutes, but the creature is now a shell of his former self.

Clive Palmer told ABC Sunshine Coast radio that it was a “sad day” but the dinosaur could be replaced.

“His brother who’s exactly like him is in the dinosaur park. The question is do we bring him in or leave him where he is. He’s very happy where he is. Certainly the next birth we have of a dinosaur we’ll name him after Jeff.

A Queensland Fire and Rescue Services spokeswoman revealed last month that the famous (some would say infamous) “Jeff the dinosaur” at Palmer Coolum Resort has been destroyed by fire.

Firefighters were initially alerted to the blaze by a member of the public, who reported “a 30 foot dinosaur on fire” about 1.40am. The

Golfer’s costly walk

Baralaba Golf Club captain Jim Bourke took out the Wowan C grade open championships with a score of 127.

That gave him a six-shot cushion over Gracemere’s Roy Weston (133).

During the Big Wet, there was more than one metre of water lying in some places, but the club’s volunteers worked overtime and had the golf courses looking a picture for the big event.

Daryl is now on 16 points – two points back from Rockhampton’s Ricky Hill who returned a score of 109 at Wowan.

John is now atop the B grade leaderboard for the golfer of the year.

Mr Palmer said the lifesized replica was expensive “but the value really is in the smiles on the children’s faces who go to see and watch him move and roar. It’s value that we can’t put in money.

“If we make people happy he’s had a very good life, of course his Twitter account will have to close.

“He used to have tweets that said ‘The person in the second row is looking very scrumptious today I think I might grab them and eat them.’”

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. Who is the US Masters defending champion? (1 pt) 2. Between them, how many US Masters did the Big Three (Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player) win? (4 pts) 3. What is the name of the historic cabin at Augusta National where the US Masters winner is presented with the Green Jacket? (2 pts) 4. At Augusta National in 2011, which television commentator said: “It’s just a glorious day.

The only way to ruin a day like this would be to play golf on it.” – Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Kostis, David Feherty or Nick Faldo (2pts) 5. What is the total prizemoney for the 2105 US Masters – $US8m, $US8.5m, $US9m or $US10m? (3pts) 6. How much money did inaugural US Masters tournament winner Horton Smith take home in 1934 - $US500, $US1000 or $US1500? (3 pts) 7. Who was the leading Australian at last year’s US Masters – John Senden, Marc Leishman, Jason Day or Adam Scott? (2 pts) 8. Can you solve the anagram – Volt maim men err. Clue: The South African won the 2008 US Masters. (3 pts) 9. Name one of the two co-founders of the US Masters at Augusta National. (3 pts)

A CHAMPION golfer who said he was too ill to walk but played the sport regularly has been found guilty of a £26,000 ($50,000) benefit fraud.

Alan Bannister, 54, of Barry, Vale of Glamorgan (Wales), claimed a higher rate disability living allowance after exaggerating the severity of his arthritis, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

He claimed his chronic arthritis left him in constant pain and he struggled to walk and lift a saucepan.

But secret video footage showed him completing 18 holes in four hours.

Crossword > 1

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ACROSS

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1 Winner of the 2014 RBC Heritage, Matt ______ (6) 4 Customers (7) 9 Deliberately play a shot short to have an easier next shot (3,2) 10 One who provides info over a PA during a tournament (9) 11 Winner of the 2010 Shell Houston Open (7,3) 12 Australian winner of the 2015 True Thailand Classic, Andrew ____ (4) 14 Words of songs (6) 16 Work out logically (6) 18 Possibly a drink downed at the nineteenth (6) 20 Position of someone about to play the ball in golf (6) 22 Winner of the 2015 Dubai Desert Classic, ____ McIlroy (4) 23 Winner of the Honda Classic in 2015, Padraig __________ (10) 26 South African golfer - multiple winner of the Sun City Million Dollar Challenge in the 1990s (4,5) 28 Major sponsor of the 2015 European Masters (5) 29 Discard (4,3) 30 Provided assistance (6)

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DOWN

1 British Open champion in 1960, an Australian, who left us in January this year (3,5) 2 An underground room or vault (5) 3 Shots made from fairway to green (10) 4 Brief and comprehensive (7) 5 Promise to pay back money (1,1,1) 6 Winner of the 2006 Australian PGA (4,5) 7 Layers (6) 8 Power-hitting American, winner of the 2004 Buick Invitational, John ____ (4) 13 South African-born English golfer who won the 2007 Order of Merit on the European Tour (6,4) 15 Limits (9) 16 Australian winner of the 2015 Farmers Insurance Open, Jason ___ (3) 17 First name of Team Europe 2004’s captain, Langer (8) 19 One who takes a practical rather than a moral view in human problems, etc (7) 21 Winner of the 2015 Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, ______ Snedeker (6) 24 Winner of the 2015 Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Patrick ____ (4) 25 Prepare to hit a drive (3,2) 27 Athlete who plays for money (3) Answers: page 90 www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

85

ANSWERS: (1). Bubba Watson; (2). 13 – Jack 6, Arnie 4 and Gary 3; (3). Butler Cabin; (4). David Feherty; (5). $US9m; (6). $US1500; (7). John Senden – tied eighth; (8). Trevor Immelman; (9) Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.

your say

Short is sweet I’m writing in response to your editorial on the topic of short courses as a way of solving some of the issues with traditional golf courses in this day and age (A short solution to the big problem, January issue).

I love golf and I am a passionate golfer and member of a great club, Patterson River GC. However, I have a young family and my time is finite with reference to my pastimes and passions: golf, golf and more golf.

It is my belief that the game of golf in this country would benefit greatly from having 12-hole golf courses. A front-6 and a back-6. In doing this it would be a happy medium for all golfers. It would cut down time to play this beautiful game.

With many clubs struggling it would give people more time to enjoy the club’s bar and meals areas. Clubs could choose to keep the remaining six holes or sell off the land or make a pitch/putt recreational area.

By doing this, many clubs would be in a better financial state in the not-toodistant future. Secondly, a more conducive shorter form of the game would benefit the ageing golfers, time-poor mum and dad golfers, young golfers and new to the game players.

Letter of the Month

Some clubs would, of course, remain purely 18-hole facilities and, in doing this, golfers can still play and immerse themselves in the love and tranquillity of 18 holes. It would undoubtedly make the playing of 18 a privilege and something to savour.

With many clubs amalgamating or looking for financial solutions, this is undoubtedly an answer to their woes.

Inner-suburban clubs could merge with clubs in the surrounding countryside. The suburban course could become the 12hole course while the country course could remain the 18-hole traditional course.

This would be a perfect situation for many courses and clubs in Melbourne.

Sam Cheshire

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!

Best 9-hole courses in Australia?

I read with interest your article in the January issue re ‘short courses’. For many years I have done quite a bit of travelling on business and for pleasure, always with my clubs. With time constraints I really enjoyed playing nine holes on many courses around Australia. The very best 9-hole course I have played is Quamby, just west of Launceston. The info on their web site tells all.....

“Twice round, Tasmania’s best 9-hole 6,847 metre course commands a par 76. The 8th hole is the longest par-5 in Tasmania at 576 metres. Quamby golf course features nine lakes, cascades, creeks and challenging ‘Scottish’ bunkers beautifully groomed from specially refined Scottsdale sands.”

Just a suggestion—which would benefit players like myself—would be to seek suggestions from readers on the ‘best nine holes’ they have played. Could be a 9-hole course or front-9 or back-9 holes of an 18hole course, for example the back-9 at Pt Fairy.

Love your magazine, keep up the good work.

Jeff Jones Great idea Jeff! So let’s hear it from the readers out there: what are your favourite 9-hole layouts in Australia? Drop us an email at ed@insidegolf.com.au.

86

March 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Renovate or detonate?

I am a 3-handicap golfer in NSW. Every year my golf course ‘renovates’ the greens and it destroys them for about 3-4 months.

During winter they are exceptional greens, fast and true. Come September they core them, heavily scarify them and throw a mountain of sand over the top, apparently to help with ‘summer growth.’

Today I ventured back to my course for the first time in 3 months to see if the greens were rolling pure again and they are not.

They still have bumps and wobbles. Why do golf course greenkeepers seem to think they need to do this every year? Is it a “stuck in the past” thing, where for decades the knowledge is that greens ‘must’ be renovated or face disease and peril? They were running absolutely pure in August for the club championships, running at about 11 on the stimp.

I simply don’t understand. But I understand this, every visiting golfer who visits my course, from September through to Jan will walk away and tell their friends how crap the greens are.

From an anonymous grumpy young man

Price check, part 2 I read with interest “Price check, please” (Your Voice, March). I live on the Gold Coast, and was a member at Burleigh GC for many years. I’ve since joined Surfers Paradise GC. Both these clubs are fantastic members clubs. However, we do have a real prize gem under our noses here. Chinderah GC is a public 18-hole course located five minutes south of Tweed Heads, NSW. It would be one of the best kept public courses you can play: the front nine is mostly par-3s with two short par-4s, while the back-nine has a mixture with longer par-4s. The greens are in top shape, the cost for seniors is $11.00 and motorised buggies are $15.00. Chinderah management need great recognition for the way they present this course. We have had floods/rain and, because of the great drainage and skill of the grounds people, the course is always in extremely good condition. I elect to play there every Friday to practice my short game. It’s so affordable. We locals call it Royal Chinderah and truly you’d go a long way to get a public course kept in top condition with the weather extremes we have.

Carol Connolly

My last word on countbacks I have waited patiently for golf enthusiasts to embrace a fair countback system for deciding competitions where handicaps are used. I proposed (September issue) that where a countback is required, that the lower handicap player be awarded the higher ranking. I would now like to provide mathematical evidence why we should change to this system: My example is a 4-handicapper and a 20-handicapper.

Both play their round six strokes better than their handicap on a par-72 layout (a score very likely to get them involved in a countback). The slope of the course is irrelevant for the comparison. The 4-handicapper has a 70 off the stick (76 being “par” for the 4-handicapper) and the 20-handicapper has 86 off the stick (92 being “par” for the 20-handicapper).

Now, percentage-wise 6/76 is 7.8 % better performance than square for the 4-handicapper, while 6/92 is 6.5% better performance than square for the 20-handicapper. I rest my case. In addition if two players on the same handicap tie, we can go to their GA handicap which goes to one decimal place. This will eliminate most countback needs. You will rarely need to go to back nine countback or whatever it is your club uses.

Let’s get this happening. You know it makes sense.

Graham Howarth

Speed up the professionals I would like to make a few radical (sensible) suggestions to improve Pro golf. 1: Why do the cream of the world golfers need a caddy to assist them? How many sports are there that you can get assisting advice before every shot/action? Let these stars make their own minds up. 2: Slow play is always a problem at the elite level. Get rid of stepping out

distances etc by utilising GPS. 3: Is it fair that you hit the ball 300 metres, land in the fairway and have to play from a divot? Another absurd golfing scenario. Give them a drop.

All of the above are made in the interests of speeding up play and letting the stars make their own decisions.

Bruce Ferrall

Remote (out of) control I would agree that social clubs are an integral part of the golfing scheme, and many of these club members also have Golf Australia handicaps obtained by emailing three cards played in their social club rounds, to a remote club they have joined. They not only email these cards for their initial GA Hcp, but some social clubs, by “arrangement” with a particular country club, have their social club scores processed through GolfLink in order to maintain their GA Hcp. One such social club that regularly plays at my club on a Saturday morning, play off the public tees which are unrated and are well outside the allowable distance of any of the rated courses. The Slope Rating from the nearest set of rated tees is then used to determine their playing handicap on the day and the Nett scores using this scratch rating are then sent to this particular country club for processing.

These are competitions that are not only played on an unrated course declaring a false scratch rating for handicapping, but also with the scores being entered without an appropriate DSR. Clearly, handicapping of these social rounds is not in accordance with guidelines laid down by GA and would not form part of the “new” social club model. The handicaps gained under this format would therefore be far from being accurate and it is not surprising that when these players present themselves to play at a club on open days they are questioned about their handicap and are often charged more when they are from this country club.

Country clubs offering cheap memberships and facilitating the processing of GolfLink handicaps in this way will attract membership at the expense of other affiliated clubs who are doing the right thing.

Geoff Anderson

Is a 6-iron really a 6-iron?

I attended a club demo day to try irons with new face technology claiming to be up to 25 meters longer. I have 2 “off the rack” standard iron sets from the same manufacturer (which I love) so I was keen to try the new offering.

On comparing the new 6-iron to my current 6-iron it was undoubtedly longer, but was it the new face technology?

The new club has the shaft length of my 5-iron and is one degree stronger than my 5-iron. Now, this is fine if you want bragging rights over your mates but it also means that if you buy these clubs you’ll need the Approach Wedge because the Pitching Wedge is a standard 9-iron, while at the other end the 4-iron is stronger than a standard length 3-iron that you may have already replaced with a hybrid.

Perhaps all clubmakers use these ploys and this manufacturer does publish the specs for their clubs, but it still seems misleading to me.

Jeff Johnston

calendar

CALENDAR > Canteen Australia Charity Golf Day

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.

Mallacoota 4Ball Challenge

WHEN: May 16th & 17th WHERE: Mallacoota Golf & Country Club (East Gippsland) INFO: Alf Bowerman, 03 5158 0250, 0416 006 706, atbow@bigpond.com The popular tournament is a two man aggregate team event which features a modified point scoring system where both team member’s individual point scores are added together on each of the two days. However, in a somewhat unique twist is the possible adjustment of players’ handicaps to apply after Day 1, depending on how many points they may have scored that day.

There is a set Handicap Adjustment Table (which all players are given a copy of) and which could see a player gaining or perhaps losing a number of strokes for play on Day 2, depending on how poorly, or how well, they played in the first round.

The tournament has some good prizes to be presented to the successful placegetters, with the winning pair award alone valued in excess of $1000. A separate Women’s event (featuring a similar scoring format) will be held on the Sunday (17th).

GOLF NSW APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events 12-Apr 12-Apr

Event Men’s NSW Foursomes Championship Women’s NSW Foursomes Championship

Venue Dubbo GC Tamworth GC Toukley GC Eastlake GC Bowral GC Richmond GC Magenta Shores GC

Venue Tamworth GC

Event Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade Competition - Round 7

Venue

Pennants / Grade Date 10-Apr

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:

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.

Balgowlah Golf Club Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW 2093 5th Qualifying Round 11th April 2015 Final 3rd May 2015 Devilbend Golf Club Loders Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 3rd Qualifying Round 11th April 2015 4th Qualifying Round 18th April 2015 5th Qualifying Round 2nd May 2015 Final 10th May 2015

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

Wakehurst Golf Club Ladies Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 1st Qualifying Round 7th April 2015 2nd Qualifying Round 14th April 2015 3rd Qualifying Round 5th May 2015 4th Qualifying Round 9th June 2015 5th Qualifying Round 23rd June 2015 Final 7th July 2015

JUNE Golf Victoria Heart Open

WHEN: Monday 1 June 2015 WHERE: Royal Melbourne Golf Club INFO: events.golfvic.org.au/content.aspx?file=40155|25223c Newly renamed in 2015 to the Golf Victoria Heart Open, this 18hole stableford event is in its 25th year and is open to all men and women (amateurs and professionals) with an Australian handicap who have undergone a heart procedure.

Cowra Golf Club Mees Road, Cowra NSW 2794 1st Qualifying Round 2nd May 2015 2nd Qualifying Round 13th June 2015 3rd Qualifying Round 20th June 2015 4th Qualifying Round 11th July 2015 5th Qualifying Round 15th August 2015 Final 23rd August 2015

Entry Fee: $95 (includes 2 course dinner & all trophies). Entries Close: 5:00pm on Friday 15 May or prior if a capacity field is reached.

ONGOING EVENTS

Shelly Beach GC

Event Treloar Cup

The Men’s event is a 54-hole event with 18 holes being played each day for the three days. The Women’s event is a 36-hole event with 18 holes per day being played on Sunday and Monday. This is open to any male or female amateur, between the ages of 30 and 54 who has a GA handicap below 9.4 for men and below 18.4 for women.

Shelly Beach GC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events Date 30-Apr

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.

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.

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS

Venue

Men’s Vardon Events Date Event 04-05 Apr Macquarie Cup Tamworth Golf Club Easter 04-05 Apr Cup 06-Apr Toukley Cup 11-Apr Eastlake Amateur 12-Apr Jubilee Cup 18-Apr Richmond Cup Magenta Shores Open 19-Apr Amateur

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au

WHEN: Sunday 17 May to Tuesday 19 May 2015 WHERE: Mollymook Golf Club

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

Date

Handiskins

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

MAY

Various

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

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.

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.

March 31-April 1 Warrnambool Seniors VIC April 6 Bonnie Doon Seniors NSW April 10 Box Hill Seniors VIC April 12 Jubilee Cup at Bowral NSW April 13 Mt Osmond Seniors SA April 14-16 * The National Senior Masters VIC April 17 Carbrook Seniors QLD April 20-21 * Sydney Senior Classic (The Lakes, The Australian and Avondale GCs) April 24-26 Laidley Seniors QLD April 27 Flagstaff Hill Seniors SA May 4-7 Cobram-Barooga Seniors VIC May 4 Penrith Seniors NSW May 7 Hills International Seniors QLD May 12 Strathfield Seniors NSW May 14-17 * Northern Territory Seniors at Alice Springs GC May 15 Mandurah Seniors WA May 18-19 Leongatha Seniors VIC May 18 Indooroopilly Seniors QLD May 21-22 Warragul Seniors VIC May 26 Mona Vale Seniors NSW May 28-29 Hepburn Springs VIC May 29 Pelican Waters Seniors QLD

* Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

87

demo dates MIZUNO

mizuno.com.au

Location

Day Date Time

New South Wales / ACT Belconnen G.C * Thornleigh Driving Range * Mona Vale G.C * Power Golf-Artarmon * The Ridge Driving Range * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Moore Park Driving Range * Golf Paradise * Drummond Golf - Gosford * South Australia House Of Golf Mile End Victor Harbour Kooyonga Queensland Bribie Island * Mt Coolum * Vic Park * Wantima Country Club * Golf King Mackay Yeppoon Golf Club * Headland Golf Club * Golf Central * Burleigh * Emerald Lakes * Tewantin Noosa Golf Club * Bargara Golf Club * Gripped on Golf - at Twin Waters * Palm Meadows Indooroopilly Golf Club * Western Australia Capel Golf Club Waneroo Golf Club Secret Harbour Victoria Neanger Park Golf Course Commonwealth Golf Club * ** Morack Golf Club *

TaylorMade Location

New South Wales/ ACT The Ridge GC » / † Moore Park Driving Range » / † Illawarra Golf Complex † * Yowani Country Club † * Royal Canberra GC † * Murrumbidgee Country Club † * 2.30pm Pymble Pro Shop † * Mona Vale Pro Shop † * Merewether Golf Club † * Nelson Bay Golf Club † * Thornleigh Golf Centre » Queensland Golf King Mackay » Twin Waters GC » Victoria Park GC » Drummond Underwood † Victoria/Tasmania Melbourne Golf Academy » Centenary Park GC » Rossdale GC † Huntingdale GC † Yarrawonga GC †

Callaway

April 01 April 07 April 08 April 13 April 22 April 23 April 28 April 28 April 30

11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 8am - 11.30am 2 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 2 - 6pm

Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday

April 01 April 07 April 22

3 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 10.30am - 2pm

Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday Thursday Friday Monday Wednesday

April 01 April 02 April 07 April 08 April 11 April 12 April 15 April 16 April 17 April 17 April 21 April 23 April 24 April 27 April 29

9.30am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm 9am - 3pm 8am - 12noon 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 3pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 4.30pm 9am - 1pm

Thursday Saturday Friday

April 07 April 13 April 14

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

Friday Saturday Thursday

April 10 April 11 April 16

1 - 5pm 10am - 3pm 3 - 6pm

www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011

Day Date Time Saturday Friday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Friday

April 01 April 02 April 08 April 14 April 15 April 16

3 - 7pm 3 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 11am - 4pm 9am - 1pm 10am -

Tuesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Thursday

April 20 April 22 April 23 April 28 April 29

1 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 1.30 - 5pm 10am - 4pm 5 - 8.30pm

Saturday Friday Tuesday Thursday

April 11 April 24 April 28 April 30

9am - 4pm 10am - 1pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 3 - 6pm

Wednesday Saturday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday

April 01 April 11 April 16 April 22 April 29

4 - 7pm 9am - 2pm 11am - 4pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 3pm

www.callawaygolf.com.au | callawaygolf.com/demo-days

Location

New South Wales / ACT The Australian Golf Club Ltd The Ridge Golf Course Bayview Golf Professionals ≠ / √ * Roseville Golf Club ≠ Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club ≠ / √ * Avondale Golf Club ≠ / √ ** Pittwater Golf Centre ≠ / √ * Moore Park Golf Club ≠ Queensland The Golf Shop Drummond Golf Maroochydore Caboolture Golf Club Byron Bay Golf Club ≠ Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Golf Central Pacific Golf Club ≠ Mt Warren Park Golf Club ≠ Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Pro Shop Toowoomba Golf Club ≠ Surfers Paradise Golf Club ≠ / √ Palm Meadows Driving Range ≠ Club Pelican Gailes Golf Club ≠ Victoria/Tasmania Melbourne Golf Academy Pty Ltd Flinders Golf Club ≠ Morack Golf Course Western Australia City Of Kalgoorlie Boulder Hillview Public Golf Course Maylands Peninsula Golf Course

88

Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Day Date Time Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday

April 01 April 01 April 02 April 08 April 15 April 16 April 16 April 16

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

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

April 08 April 09 April 10 April 10 April 14 April 16 April 17 April 17 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 24 April 29 April 29

9.30am - 12pm 12 - 3pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 9.30am - 12pm 9 - 12pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 4.30pm 9.30am - 12pm 10am- 1pm

Wednesday Thursday Thursday

April 01 4 - 7pm April 02 9am - 1pm April 23 3 - 6pm

Saturday Friday Saturday

April 18 9am - 4pm April 24 12 - 5pm April 25 8am - 12pm

PING

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

Location

Day Date Time

New South Wales New South Wales Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 01 April 02 Elanora Country Club ◊ * Thursday Power Golf Alexandria ◊ * Thursday April 02 Bankstown Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 07 April 08 Yass Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Goulburn Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 09 Highlands Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 10 April 13 Marrickville Golf Club ◊ * Monday Queanbeyan Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 14 Federal Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 15 Griffith Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 16 Wagga Wagga Country Club ◊ * Friday April 17 April 18 Toukley Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Randwick Golf Club ◊ * Monday April 20 Bathurst Driving Range ◊ * Tuesday April 21 April 22 Cootamundra Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Duntryleague Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 23 The Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 24 April 27 Cabramatta Golf Club ◊ * Monday Pymble Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 28 Bonnie Doon Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 29 Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 30 Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday April 01 Golf Central ◊ * Thursday April 02 Caboolture Golf Club ° Friday April 03 Wednesday April 08 Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Drummond Woolloongabba ◊ * Thursday April 09 Coolongatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 10 April 13 Pine Rivers Golf Club ◊ * Monday Victoria Park Driving Range ° Tuesday April 14 Ballina Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 14 Wednesday April 15 Bribie Island Golf Club ◊ * Yamba Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 15 Grafton Golf Club ° Wednesday April 15 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 16 House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Thursday April 16 Wantima Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 17 Lismore Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 17 Indooroopilly Golf Club ° (Ladies) Tuesday April 21 Middle Ridge Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 22 Redland Bay Golf Club ° Wednesday April 22 Headland Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 23 Drummond Ashmore ◊ * Thursday April 23 Palm Meadows ° Friday April 24 Pacific Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 24 Sanctuary Cove ◊ ** Thursday April 30 Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday April 01 Mornington Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 02 Kooringal Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 07 Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 08 Warrnambool Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 09 Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ◊ * Thursday April 09 Kew Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 10 Wodonga Country Club ◊ * Tuesday April 21 Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort ° Wednesday April 22 Cobram Barooga Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 23 Rich River Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 24 Portarlington Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 30 South Australia Naracoorte Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 10 Tee Tree Gully Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 11 Highercombe Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 11 Glenelg Golf Club ◊ * Sunday April 12 Royal Adelaide Golf Club ◊ * Monday April 13 West Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 14 Royal Adelaide Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 15 The Grange Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 16 Mount Barker Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 17 Mount Osmond Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 18 Alce Springs Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 18 Darwin Golf Club ° Sunday April 19 Flight Path driving Range ° Sunday April 19

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

* 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.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

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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

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

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

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

HAVE YOUR PRECIOUS ANTIQUE GOLF CLUBS EXPERTLY AND AUTHENTICALLY RESTORED AT REASONABLE PRICES 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

US Masters 2016 with the 3 Nights 3,490 6 Nights US$6,990 From 5,180 Golfers Tour* US$ 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 90

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Crossword Answers K E L N A G L E B R A N D T

For advertising call 1300 465 300

U C H A R R P A Y U P P R N T H O N A Y R I C S E H S H E R T S O R Y H I I C K P R T R O S S O U

C D O A N N L C Y K I S D E A R Y E A R R L E I C E S D T

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

S T R A T A B E R N H A R D

golf directory

Aquarius R

E

S

O

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

T

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

• 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied).

• 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

Packages starting from:

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

• Large Groups Welcome

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

$499*pp / 2 Share $415*pp / 3 Share $395*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

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.batteryreviver.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2015

91

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

92

April 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

ll

Bu

ck

Bla

‘APRIL 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 - 6 ½ Days penrith_golf@iprimus.com.au

$20 Dozen Balls

Individually Boxed

Optima TS+

Srixon Lady Soft Feel

Srixon Q Star

Pinnacle Dimension

Callaway HX Diablo

Optima Lady

TaylorMade Rocketballs (not individual - sleeves (3))

TaylorMade ATV Wedge Responsive face for shot stopping Long Grip for grip down shots 60º Loft Lob 56º Loft Sand 52º Loft Gap Right or Left hand $129 (Excpet 60º Left Hand)

$199

Taylormade Seniors TaylorMade RBZ Flex Jetspeed Driver Adjustable Stage 2 Driver 10.5° or HL Lofts 8º to 11º Loft Adjustable 50grm Firm 60grm Stiff TP Shafts

SAVE $100

$199

Includes Cover and Wrench

Cleveland Deluxe 14 Way Bag Horizontal and vertical full length dividers Putter holder Cooler pocket Red or Charcoal Only

Callaway X Hot 3 Wood 15º Loft Regular Flex Includes cover

$119

$129 SAVE $60

Cleveland 588 MT Irons x 7 4 to Pitching Light weight Regular Steel shafts

$349

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

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

Ping G25 Mens 5 Regular Flex Right or Left Hand Wood 19º Loft Includes cover

$149

$29

$26

Doz

2014 model

Not individually boxed URETHANE COVER TOUR BALL

Cleveland Hybrid Iron 588 Altitude Right & Left Mens Altitude Sale Steel

Right Hand - Mens, Ladies Seniors Graphite

$69

Each

Left Mens Graph + Steel

Graphite Shaft Not all versions of each club available

$72

$259

Range Finder

Each

Lightweight Steel Shaft

Eagles & Birdies Muirfield Bag 3.2kg

(not boxed)

6 Dozen for

$49

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. PW + SW

14 full length dividers Cooler pockets Putter holder Blue/Red

$249

$199 $149

Callaway Hex Chrome TaylorMade Towels Callaway X Hot Set (2013 Model) Moderate Swing Sldr 7 Irons 5 to Sand EASY USE Speed Urethane Cover Microfibre model 2 Hybrids 3 + 4 Tour Quality Ball

$24

$12

HALF PRICE!

Doz

Travelcover Deluxe ‘Sligo’ Wheels Overseas Travel Quality

$179

$119

$15

Large Motel White

Callaway Sand Wedge X Hot, Right Hand

$49

Callaway Cart Bag Left Hand Only Forrester Big Bertha 14 way Divided Putter Holder Blue only

$139

Cleveland Classic Anser Shape Putter Model 1 Satin Finish $89 Includes cover

1 Fairway Wood 3 1 Titanium Driver 10.5º Loft 4 Covers

$749

TopFlite Gamer V2 Cleveland Classic XL 3 piece ball Long and soft HALF 3 piece quality PRICE! $144 for 144 Individually boxed balls

$12

$250 DZ

Callaway Super Soft Balls (2014) 38 compression for moderate swing speeds Individually boxed

$39 $22

Ladies Driver 10.5º or High Trajectory Lofts

$79 Includes Cover

TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Rescue Hybrid 19º Loft Number 3 Seniors Flex Graphite Shaft Includes cover

Doz

$179

$119

Nike Covert 2.0 Driver Blade Irons 588 MB Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale Regular, stiff and Cleveland Forged (8) White or Individually extra stiff 3 to wedge stiff only

Adjustable driver Right hand only Includes cover & wrench

$369

$239

$680

Callaway X Hot Pro Ladies Taylormade RBZ 5 Wood 18º Hybrid

15º or 13.5º 3 Fairway

$156

Srixon Z-Star or Srixon Z-Star XV

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Chippers 72 Srixon Soft Feel Golf Buddy Laser (Approach Putters) New (Loose) Balls

$49

$109

$199

Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA Postage and handling any quantity

Tour Special Right Hand Mens or Ladies Lengths Infiniti Left Hand Stainless Steel Head

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

NEW WEBSITE GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN www.penrithgolffactory.com.au Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

9.5º Adjustable Driver Project X Stiff Shafts Including Covers

$79 ea $109 ea $169 ea

Yellow Balls

boxed balls

$18

144 Balls for $216

Per Dozen

Ping Grips

Callaway Chrome +

$25 doz

Not fitted HALF PRICE

19° Loft Includes cover

$5 $89

Callaway Black Tour

$29 doz

TaylorMade Lethal

Each

iD8 model fitted

$30 doz

$7

Srixon Z-Star

$39 doz