Inside Golf Issue 124

A u s t r a l i a ’ s M o s t R e a d G o l f M aga z i n e

Issue 124 // November 2015

> GOLF TIPS

A parallel takeaway for a freer swing AND The bucket drill for better ballstriking

SUMMER SENSATION OUR COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN SUPERSTAR SHOW

> GOLF TRAVEL LIFTOUT

Southern Charm: Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

PLUS: Golf in The Blue Mountains

GES HOSPITALITY PACKA LADIES HIGH TEA ER 2015 KIDS DAY 1 DECEMB pgachampionship.com.au

> CLUB OF THE MONTH

A glittering comeback for Horizons Golf Resort

> TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS The latest golf industry news and developments

www.oncoursegolf.com.au

2 DOZEN FREE BALLS WITH ANY CUSTOM IRON SET + FREE CUSTOM FIT 6TH NOVEMBER – 31ST DECEMBER 2015 www.taylormadegolf.com.au

Minimum 7pc club purchase.

Š 2015 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. #1 Driver in Golf claim based on combined 2014 wins and usage on the PGA, European, Japan Golf, Web.com, Champions and LPGA Tours, as reported by the Darrell Survey Co. and Sports Marketing Surveys, Inc. Distance claim based on robot testing against TaylorMade drivers at better player club head speed.

UNRIVALED DISTANCE OUR LONGEST DRIVER EVER WITH EXTREMELY LOW CG MAXIMISES POWER AND SPEED WITH EVERY SWING.

T HE UNME TA LWOOD

starters box

A team effort Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

A

s you can imagine, the Inside Golf team spend a lot of time on the road, visiting private golf clubs, public courses, industry bodies and any number of golf-related businesses throughout the country.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of my position is visiting with clubs and chatting with members, GMs, staff and the like. It’s amazing the insights that you can glean while meeting with the people “at the coalface.”

One theme that comes up regularly is the issue of clubs banding together in one way or another. Whether it’s as simple as a general reciprocal arrangement, or as complex as a full merger between clubs, the idea is gaining momentum.

One area that is becoming more prevalent is the co-marketing of clubs in a distinct region/area. In essence, many clubs and groups have cottoned on to the idea of working with other local clubs to help promote their local region as a “golf destination.”

Groups and organisations like Golf Mornington Peninsula, Golf on the Murray, and Melbourne’s Golf West Advisory Board, for example, are but a few examples of clubs/courses working TOGETHER to promote golf rounds/ tourism in the area. The golf clubs in these “collective” groups understand that, while they may be competitors in one sense, they must work together as a team to draw golfers to their region.

It’s a brilliant idea that is destined to reap benefits for these clubs.

Mergers and reciprocals are another aspect of this topic. There are, again, many forward-thinking clubs who are actively exploring amalgamation/mergers with other clubs. The National/Long Island and Kingswood/Peninsula mergers are two of the most recent. But (as I predicted in this column a couple of years ago), there will be many more mergers to come. It is a way of the times.

And things will likely never go back to the way they were before. So clubs and businesses must adapt if they want to succeed.

“

The golf clubs in these “collective” groups understand that, while they may be competitors in one sense, they must work together as a team to draw golfers to their region.

It’s a brilliant idea that is destined to reap benefits for these clubs.

“

Yet, there are still a fair number of “old thinking” golf clubs and businesses out there who are clinging to the notion that their club is “unique” and is thus somehow immune to the potential pitfalls of continuing to go it alone. They refuse to chat with other clubs about any sort of co-marketing agreements, reciprocal arrangements, mergers or any other potentially forward-thinking initiatives. Whether it’s due to politics, ego, misinformation or a simple “we’ve never done that in the past, so why should we do it now?” mentality, there are many clubs that will simply refuse to change with the times.

Let’s be clear, the world is changing every day. Golf itself is also changing.

ALL clubs and businesses need to understand the simple fact that Australian golf (across each and every segment) is far smaller than you might think (or dream). While many clubs try to follow an America-type model, we need to understand that this is NOT America; we don’t have millions of golfers in a “pool” from which to draw members/green fees/customers. The number of golfers is relatively small (and getting smaller all the time), so it’s imperative to maximise the exposure of your club in every way possible.

And what better way to do that than with a partner? If your club or business can put the politics/ego aside, then the savings on time, money and effort can make a massive difference to your bottom line.

Winner of multiple Australian Golf Media Awards -- including “Best Column” for his monthly Starters Box column –Group Editor Richard Fellner is the quintessential Golf Tragic—having played the game for over 40 years (but has never gotten any better.) He has played and reviewed courses all over the world, and has interviewed many of the great players of the game. Richard is a member of both the Australian Golf Writers Association and the Golf Society of Australia, and he is a regular guest on many Australian “sports talk” radio shows and networks, including ABC Grandstand, SEN 1116, Melbourne Talk Radio 1377, 2GB and others.

FREE

Aust

Issue 124

// November

rAliA

’s Mo st

reAd

Golf

MAGA

2015

Editor: Richard Fellner PO Box 360, Nunawading, Vic 3131 P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk

VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 | E: jon@insidegolf.com.au

Passes can be purchased at either course golf shop.

suMMer sensAtio n our CoM Plete PreV AustrAliA n suPe ieW of tHe rstAr sHoW

> Golf trAVel liftout

> CluB of tHe MontH

Southe Charm rn ViCtori : oCean a’S Great road, Surf CoaSt and Bellarin PeninSula. e Plus: Golf in the Blue mount ainS

a Glitterin ComeBa G Ck for horizon Golf reSortS

> tAKin G CAre of Business

the lateSt Golf induStry newS deVeloP and mentS

HOSPITALITY

PACKAGES

LADIES HIGH TEA KIDS DAY 1 DECEMBER 2015 pgachampio

nship.com.a

u

For bookings or more information please phone : Links Hope Island on 07 5530 9000 or Noosa Springs on 07 5440 3333 Hope Island Road, Hope Island QLD 4212 P: 07 5530 9000 E: golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au W: www.linkshopeisland.com.au

Cover Photo: USGA/Simon Bruty, Jason O’Brien

NSW/ACT Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 | E: megan@insidegolf.com.au

All for only $199*

zine

Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au

QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au

Links Hope Island & Noosa Springs would like to offer you this unique opportunity to play at both 18 hole championship golf courses.

> Golf tiPs

New Zealand Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344

National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au

199

a Paralle takeaw l a freer ay for SwinG And the BuCket drill for BallStr Better ikinG

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220

Play at 2 world class golf courses for only $ *

See you on the fairways.

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

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

www.insidegolf.com.au

golf PASS

As always, I welcome your comments.

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads

Contributors: Larry Canning, Denis Dale, Karen Lunn, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorburn, Henry Peters, Richard Nizielski, Steven Jeffress, Bill Colhoun, Randall Hollands Smith, Brent Dale

world class

Links Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 P: 07 5440 3333 E: info@noosasprings.com.au W: www.noosasprings.com.au

It’s official: 41,750 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2014 to March 2015

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

*Please contact each course in advance to secure your tee time booking prior to the date of play. You must also present the Golf Pass within the date specified at each course for redemption, which entitles you to 18 holes of golf for one person including motorised cart. Subject to tee time availability. Terms & conditions apply. Pass cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Not redeemable for cash in part or whole.

5

news

Melbourne to host Presidents Cup, World Cup of Golf

IN THIS ISSUE:

11 20 22 26 28 34 42 46 51 54 62 70 76 77 79 80 81

IG BUSINESS GENERAL MANAGERS SUMMER OF GOLF PGA LEGENDS AMATEURS CLUB OF THE MONTH JUNIORS GEAR PEOPLE TOUR TALK INSTRUCTION SENIOR AMATEURS EVENTS 19TH HOLE YOUR VOICE EVENTS CALENDAR DEMO DATES

M

elbourne will play host to two of the world’s most prestigious professional golf tournaments when it hosts The Presidents Cup in 2019 and the World Cup of Golf next year.

The announcement was made by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and the Honourable John Eren, Victoria Minister for Tourism and Major Events, during last month’s Presidents Cup in Incheon, South Korea.

The partnership marks a return of The Presidents Cup to Australia for the third time in its 25-year history and fifth time in the 58-year history of the World Cup of Golf.

Both events will be played in the November timeframe in 2016 and 2019 on one of Melbourne’s premier Sandbelt Golf Courses. The venue and exact dates will be announced at a later time.

www.inside golf.com.au

Issue 25 //

NOV 2015

SOUTHERN

CHARM

Golf alon G Victo Great ocea ria's n road, surf Bellarine coast and Peninsul a

PLUS+

OUR fAvOURiT E COURSES iN THE glORiOUS Blue Mount ains

Mountai n Magic AT TERRAC E DOWNS RESORT

Make your next escape one you’ll sunning views, never forget! luxury accomm Featuring and there’s a champio odation Terrace something nship golf Downs for everyone course, ! Contact us has so much to offer, to plan your escape.

PHONE +64 3 info@te rracedo 318 6943 www.te rracedo wns.co .nz wns.co .nz Auckland

Only one hour Christchurch from airport.

Terrace Downs

Golf Travel LIFT-OUT:

Wellington

Christchurch

Golf along the Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula

“The PGA TOUR and the International Federation of PGA Tours are elated to partner with the State of Victoria and bring The Presidents Cup and World Cup of Golf back to Australia,” said Finchem. “Australia is home to some of the best golfers on the PGA TOUR – not to mention some of the world’s most passionate fans – and we know Victoria will stage wonderful events for the competitors, as well as fans visiting and watching around the globe. The success of the recent 2011 Presidents Cup and 2013 World Cup of Golf has reinforced Victoria’s stature as a global golf destination and make the area a perfect choice to welcome these esteemed competitions back within the next four years.”

Honorable John Eren said, “We’re committed to growing our enviable calendar of major events, and securing events like The Presidents Cup and

the World Cup of Golf do just that. We can’t wait to welcome golf fans from all over the world to visit our renowned Sandbelt and see for themselves what makes Victoria great.”

As a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in Australia and around the globe, Victoria is well-positioned to stage another exhilarating chapter in the World Cup of Golf and Presidents Cup history. The inclusion of these high-ranking global tournaments in the Victorian events calendar promises up to $66 million in additional economic impact to the State, thanks to an estimated 25,500 visitors and up to 408 new jobs being created.

Jason Day and Adam Scott at the 2013 World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne.

Melbourne hosted the World Cup of Golf in 1959, 1972, 1988 and 2013. In 2013, the event was a 72-hole stroke play tournament held at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Jason Day shot a final-round 70 to win the individual tournament, and he paired with Adam Scott to claim the team prize. In 2016, the World Cup will return to its original team format.

Melbourne, where I won the World Cup,” said Day. “Whether we play at Royal Melbourne or some other golf course, I just like playing that sort of golf, and being back in front of the home crowd will be fantastic. And for upand-coming players from Australia, they have something to shoot for – that goal of getting on that Presidents Cup team and playing in their home country.”

The Presidents Cup was previously held in Melbourne in 1998 and 2011, at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club (both Day and Scott were members of the 2011 International Team). No other international venue has hosted a Presidents Cup more than once.

Melbourne also holds the distinction as the site of the only International Team’s outright victory in 1998, which saw Peter Thomson’s International team defeat Jack Nicklaus’ U.S. Team 20.5 to 11.5. In 2011, Fred Couples led the U.S. Team to a 19-15 win over Greg Norman and the Internationals.

“It’s exciting news, anytime Australia gets big events,” said Scott, a seven-time Presidents Cup participant. “Obviously with the World Cup going back and Jason and I having won it the last time it was played in Melbourne, I look forward to hopefully playing again, and the same for The Presidents Cup. These events coming back will keep inspiring another generation of Australian players, and for all the fans in the country to get the chance to see the best players from around the world is really thrilling. Melbourne is a great city for hosting events of this magnitude.”

“I’m very happy that we’re returning to

www.presidentscup.com •

PLAY NOOSA. UNLIMITED GOLF, ONE WEEK JUST $130.

46 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin QLD 4565

6

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

news

Australian Open to stay in Sydney

T

he Emirates Australian Open will continue to call Sydney home for the next eight years, with the New South Wales Government securing the historic event in an agreement with Golf Australia.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres, said the event has been secured for Sydney by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. “The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious events in Australian sport, first held in 1904 and celebrating its 100th edition this November. I am pleased that the event will continue to call Sydney home,” Mr Ayres said.

Golf Australia chief executive officer Stephen Pitt was delighted with the commitment from Destination NSW, with Sydney already about to host its 10th successive national championship.

“We’ve been thrilled with the support from the New South Wales Government, our naming rights sponsor Emirates and the players. Along with the clubs and golf fans of Sydney who’ve really embraced the event, we have raised the global awareness of the championship and also of Sydney as a worldclass golfing destination,” Pitt said.

“The Open continues to deliver the world’s best players to Sydney, as evidenced in the past two years when Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth have each springboarded to world No.1 status and major championship victories after winning the Stonehaven Cup.” Golf Australia’s event commercial partner Lagardère Sports (formerly World Sport Group) is excited with the championship’s direction.

“We are thrilled to extend the Australian Open’s stay in one of the world’s most vibrant capitals and premier golfing destinations – what a fitting way to celebrate the centennial year of this prestigious tournament,” said Mark Hardess, president, ASEAN & Australia, Lagardère Sports.

“With the support of the New South Wales Government and our partners, we look forward to continue building upon the event’s success by delivering the strongest player fields and compelling fan experiences that have shaped the tournament’s storied legacy.”

The new agreement means the Emirates Australian Open will be contested in Sydney for a minimum of six of the next eight years from 2016-2023. Mr Ayres said NSW had agreed to potentially let the national championship travel away once every four years as a “release” year during this period.

“The Australian Open has built a home in Sydney and made the last weekend of November a special time on our sporting and events calendar,” Mr Ayres said.

“This year’s Open has once again attracted a high-quality field, including dual major winner, defending champion Jordan Spieth. Our own Masters hero and former Australian Open champion Adam Scott will also line up at The Australian Golf Club from November26-29, so I’d encourage everyone to book their tickets today and get along to this fantastic event.

“The Australian Open is played on some of Australia’s premier golf courses, all located on the doorstep of our amazing city.

Within minutes of leaving the tournament, Australian Open spectators will find themselves at one of the Harbour City’s world-class restaurants, hotels or beaches.”

More: www.ausopengolf.com •

NZ to host 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Organisers from the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, Masters Tournament and The R&A have confirmed that Royal Wellington Golf Club and New Zealand Golf will hosts of the 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

The AAC offers the winner an invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The champion and runner(s)-up earn spots in The Open Qualifying Series for The Open.

The 2017 event is scheduled for 26–29 October and will mark the first time it has been held in New Zealand. As the event moves throughout the region, it has now been held in China (2009, 2013), Japan (2010), Singapore (2011), Thailand (2012), Australia (2014) and Hong Kong (2015). The Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Korea will be the 2016 host venue.

Royal Wellington was founded in 1895.

The course is situated outside New Zealand’s capital city on a parkland site adjacent to the Hutt River. The club has hosted seven New Zealand Open Championships since 1912, and in 2004 became the first golf club in the country to receive Royal status. The course recently underwent a complete redesign, which included the creation of 13 new holes and new greens, tees and bunkers.

The new routing resulted in a par-72 course measuring 7,219 yards.

Andrew Meehan, Club Captain of Royal Wellington Golf Club, commented: “The event showcases the best in amateur golf in the region and provides a platform for the top talents to compete and motivate one another.”

More: www.AACgolf.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

7

news

Eastern’s opening marks Shark’s 100th

Morisset win unearths huge Fiji boost for Cox A WIN in the $20,000 Noraville Earthmovers Morisset Country Club’s Pro-Am in September may prove to have been a ground-breaking event in the career of NSW pro Troy Cox. Cox shot an impressive nine under par 36-hole total after rounds of 69 and 66 to win by a shot from two proven pro-am performers in Brad McIntosh and Leigh McKechnie at the challenging course near Lake Macquarie, north of Sydney.

Greg Norman addresses members at the opening of the $70 million Eastern Golf Club, before taking to the course for a three-hole ceremonial round. (SDP Media)

A

ustralia’s Great White Shark, Greg Norman, hit golf’s century mark last month, notching his 100th international course design with the official opening of The Eastern Golf Club’s new course in Yering.

At an official opening ceremony at the club’s sparkling new clubhouse, Norman signified his delight that the milestone event for Greg Norman Golf Course Design was located Down Under.

“Over all these years, as the numbers got to 85...and 90...I was sitting down with the team and discussing what our 100th golf course would be. I was hoping that it would be here in Australia. And what’s even more impressive is that it’s here in the Yarra Valley. I have a lot of deep ties here because of my wine industry, and I have some dear friends here as well. I have a deep affinity for the region. So when Eastern put out the bid for this project a few years ago, I pushed my guys pretty hard (to win the bid).”

8

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

With the unveiling of the official plaque commemorating the club’s opening, Norman commended the Eastern members, management and Board for their foresight and courage to embark on the relocation project, which began over seven years ago and has cost an estimated $70million.

“The thousand members here at Eastern—as well as those hundreds on the waiting list—are very, very fortunate,” Norman said. “Your future is extremely bright. There are a lot of other golf clubs in this country who can’t say the same thing, and will wish they were in your shoes. They will probably try and emulate your model to some degree, because your transition model—with a lot of cash in the bank, and a solid future for many generations to come—is incredible.”

The Hon. Tony Smith, MP, echoed Norman’s comments, noting that the facility will be a massive benefit for the local area.

“This is going to be a wonderful asset to

the entire Yarra Valley,” Mr. Smith said. “It’s not going to just be a magnet for golfers, but it will also be a magnet for tourism. This is going to strengthen our tourism sector; strengthen our local economy, and do so much for so many here in the Yarra Valley.”

Following the official opening, Norman conducted a coaching clinic with Returned Servicemen from charity partner, Soldier On, before playing three holes with Victorian High Performance Player Olivia Kline, as well as Eastern Club Captain, Peter Dane and Club President Des Shady.

The first 18 holes of the planned 27-hole facility have been open for member play since July, and the layout has been highly acclaimed for its playability and outstanding views. The remaining nine holes, as well as the additional nine-hole par-3 course, are currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2016.

More: www.easterngolfclub.com.au.

Not only was the winner’s cheque of $3600 Cox’s biggest payday this year, it also proved to be his ticket to a huge career opportunity, affording him his chance to play in the Australasian PGA Tour event, the $1.25 million Fiji International.

The Morisset event is one of the most popular on the NSW/ACT division schedule and this year had an international flavour with former European Tour star Peter O’Malley (tied ninth) and Ash Hall, a US Web.com Tour regular (tied sixth) in the field.

Morisset’s Club Professional David Stretton, who recently was elected to the PGA of Australia’s Board of Directors, is proud of his club’s long-running pro-am and thankful of the many sponsors.

“We have a strong list of pro-am sponsors headed by Brian and Danielle Koppman from Noraville Earthmovers, who continue to give every year,” he said.

“Our event is one of the biggest and best in the state and could not be achieved without our sponsors’ support.”

More: www.mccl.com.au

news

Kuchar wins Fiji International

R

week, one I’m sure I’ll never forget.

We’ve had an amazing time in Fiji and you probably don’t have to twist my arm too hard to get me back. It’s been a great week and certainly it’s a destination I enjoy getting back to.”

aging winds and a challenging four days on course proved no match for American Matt Kuchar, who emerged victorious at last month’s 2015 Fiji International.

After starting the final round with a two-shot lead, Kuchar fired a 3-under 69, which saw the World Number 16 end the week on 4-under the card and four shots ahead of Australian professional Aron Price.

Runner-up Price went bogeyfree in the final round, firing 1-under 71 to finish his week on even par and outright second.

“The first three days my pace was on; I was better in the wind which is quite strange,” said Price.

“Today my pace wasn’t there, like the 12th hole, I tried to give it a go and ran four or five-foot past.”

“Winning is a hard thing to do regardless of where you are— US PGA or Fiji—there are great players everywhere,” said Kuchar.

“I knew I had to play some really good golf to try and have a chance at this title and I played some great golf this week. I was excited to come out on top.”

Rounding out the top-5 finishers at this year’s Fiji International were Vijay Singh, Ryan Fox and Nick Cullen.

The windy conditions throughout the week proved challenging for the entire field, with Kuchar the only player to finish under-par for the tournament. The final-round conditions proved a bit calmer, however, with Kuchar breaking away from the field early and recording four birdies on the front nine.

“With the wind blowing the way it was on Thursday and Friday, if you’re not hitting it good you many not break 90, it was that challenging,” Kuchar said.

The win was Kuchar’s first since the RBC Heritage on the PGA TOUR in April 2014, and it capped off a great Fijian week for the American.

“It’s been so much fun to have the family here and have Dad caddying for me. To finish on top has really made it an excellent

TOUR

B330

brandt snedeker

TOUR

B330

fred couples

TOUR

B330 -S

Hometown hero Singh had a bogey-free round, shooting a course record of 7-under 65 that included seven birdies to finish 1-over the card in a tie for third with Fox and Cullen.

“Once you start to hit the ball the way you can and not worry about the wind too much you’re going to have results and I played pretty good too,” said Singh. “I made a couple of good putts. 15 and 14 were good putts from outside 15 feet and I got up and down on 16 to save par. I played solid and it wasn’t a difficult seven under, I’m happy with it.”

New Zealander Fox fired 5-under 67 which included seven birdies to finish the week on 1-over the card.

A costly double-bogey on the front nine made things tough for Cullen, who also managed to fire seven birdies in his round of 5-under 67 to join Singh and Fox on 1-over. •

Hend cruises to three-shot win at Venetian Macao Open Scott Hend claimed a second Venetian Macao Open victory in three years after holding off title holder Anirban Lahiri and Chiragh Kumar of India with an impressive final round of fiveunder-par 66.

Big-hitting Hend cruised to a three-stroke triumph at the Macau Golf and Country Club to become only the second player after China’s Zhang Lian-wei to win twice at the US$1 million Asian Tour event with a tournament record of 20-underpar 264.

It was sweet revenge for the 42-year-old Aussie who was pipped by Lahiri last year and he collected the winner’s cheque of US$180,000.

Lahiri and Kumar shared second place after closing with a 66 and 65 respectively.

“Feel relieved and rewarded as I’ve worked hard the last few weeks in Europe,” said Hend, who entered the last day with a three-shot cushion.

“I knew Anirban wasn’t going to go away. He’s a great player and I just went out there with the aim to shoot a good score as I knew they had to catch me. I can’t really remember much about 2013 [his win]. I remember more about last year where I didn’t play solid down the stretch and Anirban got me. So this year, it is a different feeling.”

matt kuchar

PLAY THE BALL THAT FITS YOUR GAME. PRO - OVER 105 MPH

AMATEUR- UNDER 105 MPH

FIND THE BALL THAT FITS YOUR GAME Click here to find out more

BRIDGESTONEGOLF.COM.AU

THE ALL NEW B330 SERIES

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

9

news

South Pacific success for Nitties Macpherson doubles up in China

A

ustralian Bryden Macpherson took the Ping An Bank China Tour – PGA TOUR China Series by storm last month, notching up a pair of victories in just his first month on the tour.

Macpherson struck first at the Cadillac Championship at Topwin Golf and Country Club, where he broke free from a crowded leaderboard midway through his final-round back-nine and coasted to a three-shot win over South Korea’s Byungmin Cho. Macpherson had put the field on notice the Friday when he shot a 9-under 63—the low 18 of the season. He followed that with rounds of 69-68 to earn his first professional title after a celebrated amateur career in Australia and at the University of Georgia.

James Nitties

N

ew South Welshman James Nitties won last month’s South Pacific Open Championship following a tight finalround battle with Matthew Millar.

Starting the day with a two-shot lead, Nitties quickly saw the lead disappear as he battled it out with his playing partner Millar.

An unlucky situation unfolded for Millar on the par-4 15th when his ball became stuck in a palm tree, forcing him to take an unplayable. A resulting double-bogey proved to be the end for Millar, as Nitties then cruised to a comfortable six-shot victory with a tournament total of 16-under 268.

“I’m very happy, it was an awesome week.

I really played great golf all week. Today I probably played my best golf of all four days.

It was a great tussle between me and Matty; he is an awesome player, never makes any mistakes,” said Nitties.

Attributing the victory to his coach, PGA Professional Jason Laws, Nitties hope this will be the catalyst to an even more successful Australian summer of golf.

“I have to thank my coach, Jason. I came home from playing really badly in the US, then really found something and some great stuff to work on right before this tournament.”

“I didn’t really know what was going to

happen before this event because I didn’t know where the ball was going and I was working on a lot of stuff. So to actually come out and win a tournament is really awesome for my confidence,” added Nitties.

Millar finished outright second on 10-under 274 and while there were plenty of positives to take from the week, the bad break on 15 was a bitter pill to swallow.

“It was certainly neck and neck the whole way until 15 where I guess it didn’t go my way,” said Millar.

This continues Millar’s excellent run of results on the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2015 with six top-10 finishes including a victory at the Holden NZ PGA Championship.

“There are lots of good things to take. I just have to tidy up a couple of things. But I think I am heading in the right direction.”

After starting the final round on even par, Christopher Wood finished outright third. He fired the equal best round of the tournament a 7-under 64 to finish the South Pacific Open on the same number.

Rounding out the top-5 on 6-under 278 were Matthew Guyatt, Jason Norris, Michael Wright and 2012 South Pacific Open Champion Brad Shilton. •

With one victory under his belt, the Australian then went on to win the Lushan Open at Lushan International Golf Club, picking up his second Series title in four weeks and moving to No. 2 on the Order of Merit. Macpherson, who began the final round trailing by a stroke, defeated T.K. Kim and third-round leader Sejun Yoon by two shots. Even a 72nd-hole double bogey couldn’t slow him down, as he posted a finalround 68 for the victory.

Seven weeks prior, Macpherson was completing his Web.com Tour season in Portland, Oregon, the final tournament in what turned out to be a disappointing year on that Tour. While he didn’t earn a top-10 in any of his starts, finishing 126th on the Regular Season money list, Macpherson did show flashes of good form at various points during the year. Since returning to China, his game has come together, with his two victories and a tie for third in his four starts.

“I think I played this well on the Web.com Tour in pieces,” Macpherson said. “I played really well on Thursday and Friday on the Web.com Tour, and sometimes Saturday morning. But by the ninth hole on Saturday, I would start to drop off. I didn’t feel comfortable. I played here (PGA TOUR China) last year, and I felt comfortable because I knew how I could play for 72 holes. On the Web.com, I would sometimes get in my own

Lakelands Golf Club

The most central Golf Course on the Gold Coast For bookings or enquiries please contact Corporate Golf and Membership Manager Dylan Stoner on (07) 5510 6504 or email corporate@lakelandsgolfclub.com.au www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au • 100 Lakelands Drive Merrimac QLD 4226

10

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Bryden Macpherson (photo courtesy Liu Zhang) way and stop myself because I didn’t feel that comfortable. Now, I feel very comfortable about going back and playing the Web.com Tour next year.”

The win was Macpherson’s ninth top-10 in 14 career Ping An Bank China Tour – PGA TOUR China Series’ starts. It was also his eighth in his last nine appearances.

Macpherson’s only non-top-10 was a tie for 13th at the Ping An Bank Open in his first start of 2015. •

inside golf business

New GM, prices for Ocean Dunes

Nelson Da Silva

N

elson Da Silva has been announced at the inaugural General Manager of Ocean Dunes King Island golf course. Da Silva – the former GM of Tasmania’s highly-regarded Quamby Estate Golf & Country Club—commenced in the role on October 30, with the opening of the first nine holes of the highly anticipated golf course.

Ocean Dunes’ opening coincided with the unveiling of 13 refurbished twin and double rooms at Ocean Dunes King Island Hotel - formerly Parers King Island Hotel. The hotel is in the heart of Kind Island’s largest community, Currie, a five-minute drive from the golf course and ten minutes from the airport. It boasts an 80-seat bistro, gaming lounge, bar,

golf shop and free Wi-Fi. In addition, green fee prices have been announced for Ocean Dunes’ first nine holes, with golfers paying $65 for holes 1-9, and unlimited golf for only $100. Buggies are free of charge and electric carts can be hired for $15. Full sets of Srixon 355 Series golf clubs will be available for $25 for 9 holes or $35 for unlimited play.

Record results achieved at Moore Park Bucking recent trends in the golf industry, Moore Park Golf has seen year-on-year growth over the past four years. Trends for participation and utilisation have continued to increase, leading to record financial outcomes for the past two years.

Operated by Clublinks, the results are the culmination of an outsourced management model that incorporates a strong vision and strategic plan alongside a complete alignment of interests with the facility owner, Centennial Parklands Trust (CPT).

That plan incorporates a focus on operational efficiencies.

“When we took over management of the site in 2009, there were a lot of repairs and maintenance to be undertaken,” says Erich Weber, General Manager of Moore Park Golf.

“That set results back in the early days, but we are reaping the benefits now. More importantly, the team at CPT share our innovative and progressive approach for the facility, which has provided us the ability to try new things, such as the Big Screen on the driving range.”

Key drivers of the results include better management through quality data which has helped Moore Park Golf drive volume and spends, generate improved yield management and optimise peak utilisation. It’s all part of the Clublinks philosophy of leaving facilities in better shape than when they find them.

“Every single day, we look for progression, and how we can improve; it’s a constant focus for us as a business,” says Anthony Lawrence, CEO of Clublinks.

Marketing has played a significant part in the Moore Park Golf journey.

Three years ago, a strategic marketing plan was developed and the team built a framework of tools with a long-term vision of what they wanted to achieve in terms of customer experience.

Beginning with a simple, singleminded focus on better data capture to have more people to talk to, the marketing channels now incorporate regular targeted newsletters, personalised customer touch points, digital and social media, partnership programs and cross database promotions.

This framework has allowed the team more responsiveness and the ability to capitalise on opportunities.

It has also resulted in improved communications and connection with customers through a strong brand presence, particularly in the digital space.

Gavin Kirkman, Chief Membership Officer at PGA of Australia has recognised this.

“The marketing that is done at Moore Park Golf is progressive and market leading. It’s great to see an organisation in our industry setting a new benchmark. I regularly distribute it within our company to educate others as a great example to follow.”

Operating under an outsourced services model, Clublinks are engaged by golf courses and clubs for everything from full management operations through to professional services such as accounting, marketing, information technology, golf sales and human resources. A part of the golf industry since 2002, it has worked with over 50 golf facilities.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

11

inside golf business

New teaching pro at Keperra CGC

K

EPERRA Country Golf Club in Brisbane has a new teaching professional and golf services professional.

Peter Clark

Two presidents exit

T

WO former Australian Golf Union (now Golf Australia) presidents, Queensland’s Dr Jim Dixon and Ray Turner of Western Australia, passed away within a week of each other last month.

Tease new media manager at Golf NSW

Dr Dixon, a member of Brisbane Golf Club, represented the club as a delegate to the Queensland Golf Union from 1965 before being elected vice-president and member of the QGU executive committee in 1969.

He was QGU president for seven years 1975-’82 and a delegate to the Australian Golf Union from 1970-82.

Peter Clark, an Australian PGA member with 25 years industry experience in Australia and internationally, joined the club last month.

From Perth originally, his early professional years were spent at Joondalup Country Club followed by head professional roles in Germany and The Netherlands.

More recently, he has served as the head teaching professional at a leading Brisbane Driving Range.

“We are very fortunate to have a teaching professional like Peter providing our members and the local community with his golfing insights and lesson expertise” said Keperra Country Golf Club general manager Gavin Lawrence.

“With Keperra Country Golf Club already holding the reputation as one of Brisbane’s leading golfing facilities, the new golf professional will add to and ensure Keperra continues to provide highest quality golf services.”

“Peter will oversee the deliver all golf tuition and game development activities. Importantly he will also be responsible for our junior golf program.

“The program has been in place for a number of years now and is structured for both children new to the game of golf and those a little more advanced.”

Clark said he was looking forward to being part of the club and growing the game in the local area.

“Keperra is a great golf club and has a reputation for fostering golf at all levels,” he said.

Dr Dixon, who played off single figures in his prime, was a member of the AGU executive from 1975-’82 and its president in 1978.

He was Australia’s delegate to the World Amateur Golf Council and a member of the council’s administrative committee from 1980-’82, a task he also performed with the Asian Pacific Golf Conference from 1979-’81.

He was a committee man at Brisbane Golf Club from 1960-’62, became vice-president in 1962 and president from 1964-’66.

He was also a delegate for his club to the Brisbane District Golf Association from 1965-’69 and served as a member of the association’s executive committee from 1968-’69.

Dr Dixon, who was 94, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie, their children John, Patrick, Kaye and Jill and their grandchildren Tom, Frances, Jack and Marjorie.

Ray Turner was the WAGA’s delegate to the Australian Golf Union from 1999-2006 and in that time held the office of AGU president in 2003.

His contribution to the game of golf was significant.

He first served as captain of Royal Perth Golf Club in 1976-’77 before taking on the presidency from 1980-’83 and again in Royal Perth’s Centenary Year of 1995.

The Royal Perth life member also served on the executive of the WA Golf Association holding a variety of positions. He was treasurer from 1987-’92, vice-president from 1993-’98 and president in 1999 –a position he held until 2006.

Mr Turner is survived by his wife Kaye and his children Jaan and Damien and daughter-in-law Katherine.

David Tease

G

olf New South Wales has announced the appointment of David Tease as its new Media and Digital Manager. David brings to Golf NSW a strong background in all forms of traditional and new media through his former career as a news and sports photojournalist with Fairfax Media.

CEO Stuart Fraser said, “Golf NSW is very excited to have secured the skills and expertise of David, who is highly respected and connected in both the media and golf industries. David’s appointment will assist Golf NSW in driving key strategic initiatives which include improving communications and raising the profile of golf in what is a very competitive sporting market.”

David has a long connection to the game on many levels. As a single-figure golfer he has represented his home club Port Kembla Golf Club and Golf Illawarra. He was a Director and Vice President of Port Kembla Golf Club, and just recently spent some time enjoying life as a professional golf caddie. During his thirty-year career in the media, David was fortunate enough to cover a large number of major sporting events, including two Olympic Games, the recent Asian Football Championship, and many other events ranging from the National Rugby League, to cricket, golf, tennis, yachting and major horse racing carnivals. David lives in Wollongong, and has two university-aged children who show real reluctance to move out of home in the near future.

Create Your Own Dream Holiday Online!

GOLD COAST SUNSHINE COAST QUEENSTOWN, N.Z.

N O I T A C O L NEW .Z N , N W O T S N E E QU

Golf Tours 12

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

INSTANT ONLINE QUOTES 24/7

HOT DEALS DISCOUNTED GREEN FEES

Visit us today at:

www.abovepargolf.com.au Call Michael now on 1300 798 552 or 0415 046 426 Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au

THE NEW

IRON

LONGER AT ITS

COR.

INTRODUCING COR-Eye TECHNOLOGY TM

In the new PING GMax iron, we’ve created our longest iron ever through COR-Eye Technology, a revolutionary design that increases ball speed across the entire face. Consistent with PING’s commitment to engineer without sacrifice, the GMax iron provides everything you need to hit more greens and, just as importantly, hold more greens. Get fit today or visit ping.com. You’ll be better for it.

HIT THE GREEN. HOLD THE GREEN.

MAXIMUM DISTANCE MAXIMUM FORGIVENESS

The simultaneous activation of the sole, face and top rail creates a diving board-like

miles per hour faster than previous PING models.

Contact American Golf Supplies (02 9524 8233) or ping@americangolf.com.au for PING fitting account information

inside golf business

The ‘key’ to caring for your members and your club

ALPG gets into GOLF MONTH

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

H

undreds of people in Australia lose their keys every day; most never to be seen again. Apart from the obvious inconvenience of the loss itself, the monetary cost to replace many new model car keys, remotes, and house keys can add up to hundreds of dollars.

Imagine the positive feedback to your club or business when your member or client receives a phone call to tell them that their keys have been found!

This is a product that your members will want, need and continue to use for years, creating a great return on investment (ROI) for your golf club marketing dollars.

KeyReturn keyrings combine the critical components of any marketing campaign/ product into one unique product: Exposure, Positive Branding and a Valuable Service.

Thanks to KeyReturn, who produce quality metal keyrings with a free return service, many of those keys get returned.

Every KeyReturn keyring has a secure ID number and “easy return” options for a finder of lost keys.

The finder can either phone in the key’s ID number, or simply drop them into an Australia Post box (as is) and KeyReturn will securely return these found keys to their rightful owner, FREE of charge, whilst maintaining strict privacy requirements.

There are no ongoing costs and the FREE return service is provided for the lifetime of the keyring.

The product is being embraced in the golf industry, with many golf clubs having a members’ keyring or company keyring designed and produced by KeyReturn, and thus any lost/found keys are securely returned for Free to the member.

Bonville Golf Resort members already enjoy the security of having their own member’s keyring by KeyReturn, along with Manly

Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club.

Major companies such as RACQ, GIO, PGA of Australia, Bunnings Trade, Volvo, Pirtek, CareFlight and many more have entrusted KeyReturn to produce their keyrings using the FREE return service provided by KeyReturn with great results.

Over the past two years, there have been over 480 sets of keys returned by KeyReturn (with over 80% of those people--more of them men than women--stating it is the first time they have ever lost their keys.) This is proof that the product works, and that it is a valuable asset for any golf club members and clients. In one case it has already saved a member $1,150 due to the cost of the car key, remote, security fob and other keys that were attached to their keyring.

KeyReturn is an Australian company formed six years ago in Perth by a pair of marketing specialists who saw an opportunity to provide a real service to a keyring. KeyReturn is also supported by The Marketing Mix, who have been providing specialist marketing expertise in Australia to large and small companies for over 15 years.

KeyReturn, with their arrangement with Australia Post, offer a keyring that is destined to stay in the hands of the recipient for years, thus provides a huge ROI for such a small outlay.

For more information – keyreturn.com.au or call 1300 250 162. •

As part of last month’s GOLF MONTH initiative, Castle Hill Country Golf Club played host to a Bing Lee/Delonghi ALPG National Women’s Clinic. ALPG Teaching Professionals joined ALPG stars of Australian golf as the coaches on the day, which ensured a great learning experience in a fun and relaxed environment.

The day at CHGC was the pinnacle of our 2015 National Women’s Clinics. Tuition included morning instructional sessions held on the driving range, putting green and short game areas, and a session on mental training for golf. In the afternoon all ladies and coaches headed onto the course for advice on situational strategy and course management.

As part of the ALPG’s commitment to GOLF MONTH and women’s golf, our ALPG coaches also ran a Beginner Ladies Clinic. Our Next Generation of Junior girls weren’t left out on this big day either, with a Free Junior Girls Clinic in the afternoon facilitated by several of our ALPG coaches.

So far in 2015 ALPG has held eight National Women’s Clinics all across the country with resounding success. We started in April at Bunbury GC in WA, and have since held clinics in the Sydney region at Bonnie Doon GC, Cumberland GC, Manly GC, Windsor CGC, in Brisbane at Victoria Park GC, in Melbourne at Victoria GC and in Adelaide at Royal Adelaide with the final Clinic for 2015 scheduled for December 1st at Blackwood GC in Adelaide.

If you are interested in attending or hosting an ALPG National Women’s Clinic in 2015 or 2016 please contact the ALPG through Lee Harrington on 0413163312 or leeh@alpg.com.au

Demo the new Ping G30 range in your area, and get a perfect custom fit with your size and your colour.

Get fit today Turn to page 81 for a complete list of fitting days this month

14

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

inside golf business

Looking ahead to a great summer of golf Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

I

t’s been a wonderful year for our Australian Professionals overseas with numerous victories secured across various Tours this season, including the PGA TOUR, Web.com Tour, European Tour, European Challenge Tour, European Seniors Tour, Japan Golf Tour and the PGA TOUR China Series.

With most overseas Tours now drawing to a close, all eyes will be on Australia for the highly anticipated summer of golf. A number of our Australian Professionals are expected to head home for the highpoint of our Tour season. With Australian golf still on a high from Jason Day’s rise to World Number 1, it will be exciting to watch our three big tournaments and see what champions are produced this summer.

The Fiji International was a fabulous introduction to the summer of golf.

Staged for a second time at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course in October, it was wonderful to have Vijay Singh and Matt Kuchar headline

this year’s tournament and joined by a number of our PGA Tour of Australasia regulars, including Nick Cullen, Ryan Fox and Daniel Popovic.

Congratulations to Matt Kuchar, for his outstanding four-shot victory.

Our senior Professionals will also be in action over the summer, with many gearing up for the Australian PGA Seniors Championship at Richmond Golf Club in November and vying for a total prize purse of $100,000.

Defending champion Simon Owen is a confirmed starter along with former Alfred Dunhill Cup winner and USPGA Champions Tour winner, Rodger Davis, former PGA TOUR player, Anthony Painter and PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour winner Peter Fowler. Peter Senior and Peter O’Malley have also indicated their intention to play depending on international tournament commitments.

The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour has seen tremendous growth this year and the support from our former Tour Professionals has been fantastic.

Wayne Grady, Ian Baker-Finch and Mike Harwood have each played on the circuit this year alongside amateur golfers in regional areas of Australia.

The Australian PGA Championship will conclude the Australian summer of golf. I was delighted to announce the introduction of the Greg Norman Medal, in what will be the hallmark for Australia’s best male and female Professionals and see golf join other national sports in honouring its best and fairest.

A gala dinner will be held at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast on the Tuesday evening during the week of the championship and will celebrate the success of Vocational and Tour Professionals through a series of domestic awards. Tickets for the Australian PGA Championship can be purchased through Ticketek online or at your local box office.

As we look towards 2016, the inaugural Premier’s Cup hosted by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Daniel Andrews, in conjunction with the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC), will be held on the 1st February at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The event, which will see all proceeds donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital, is an exciting step towards uniting the golf and business communities together. To secure your team, please visit www.pga.org.au/ premiers-cup to register and be part of this wonderful event.

Promoting golf at the highest level Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

Australian golf has certainly been on a roll in the past couple of months – from the top down.

There’s been a lot of positive news around tournament golf and the performance of our best players at the major championships, none more so than Jason Day. Certainly Jason’s efforts in getting to world No.1 – coming on the back of his remarkable run of four victories in six starts on the US PGA Tour, including the US PGA Championship – has been nothing short of sublime.

Then to top it all off, we rejoiced in not only having four members of the Presidents Cup team that came so close to stunning the Americans in Korea, but also that three had key victories in the final day’s singles events as the Internationals made their charge.

Those results came hot on the heels of the announcement that Melbourne had secured the rights to host both the 2016 World Cup and the 2019 Presidents Cup, really ramming home our successful run.

One of the really positive things about those tournaments coming to Australia and the performance of our elite men and women around the globe is that it all has a really strong impact on grass-roots golf at home.

The clearest evidence of this was the surge in interest and membership when Greg Norman took the world by storm a generation ago.

Karrie Webb, likewise, was a catalyst for many women to get involved in the game with her multiple major championship successes.

And more recently, when Adam Scott broke Australia’s duck at the Masters in 2013, interest and golf activity spiked around the country.

Great results and tournament news translate into greater profile for the game and subsequently more participation and rounds played.

Hopefully, down the road, it all has a positive impact on club membership.

There are a number of strengths with our grass-roots golf at the moment, none more so than last month’s GOLF MONTH. Clubs and other golf facilities really got behind GOLF MONTH throughout October and we’ve been delighted with how the program has performed.

This year we’ve had additional 50 centres come on board and support the initiative and, through their support, there are three times the number of activations for prospective golfers that we had last year.

I encourage all who read this to engage a friend in golf – get them involved at your local facility and teach them what the fuss is all about.

Looking forward, we see the GOLF MONTH initiative growing and connecting people to golf clubs and ultimately memberships.

Let’s hope that Jason and his countrymen and women continue to succeed and thereby promote the sport at the highest level, too!

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

15

inside golf business

Rotary’s contribution to golf’s future S ince 1992, Rotary, through the Australian Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (AGFR), has been endeavoring to ensure the future of golf in Australia by providing a Scholarship to young Australian greenkeepers to travel to the United States to study Turf Management.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Mike O’Keefe and The Ohio Program and the learning opportunities that have been awarded to me. I am thankful to The Australian Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians for the help I received in getting to the USA and to the hard-working Superintendents and Directors I learnt so much from. My time in America allowed me to not only learn more about this industry from a high end/tournament perspective, but to learn more about myself and the type of person/ professional I am going to strive to become.

It was truly a life changing experience.”

The John Hood AGFR Memorial Scholarship allows an Australian qualified greenkeeper to go to the Ohio State University in Columbus as an international student in the Agricultural and Horticultural Intern program, and work on one of the top PGA courses for a period of 12 months. The Fellowship (AGFR) arranges the selection and placement of the Scholarship winner on an annual basis.

Since Simon’s time at TPC Scottsdale and The Ohio Program ended he was offered a six-month position at Sunningdale Golf Club, a magnificent 36-hole facility south west of London, UK. He started there in late April 2013 just as Sunningdale was hosting the The Open Championship International Final Qualifier.

Each year the AGFR conducts a Golf Tournament for a week in a different state of Australia, and it is from these tournaments that Rotary raises the necessary funds to provide the John Hood Memorial Scholarship.

“The Scholarship provides a further educational platform for Australian greenkeepers to enhance their skills and knowledge of turf management, which they can put into practice on their return to Australia,” says AGFR Past President, Greg Armstrong.

Sam Donnellan from Mowbray Golf Club in Launceston, is one greenkeeper who has benefitted from the AGFR program, and enjoyed high-level experience at the Trump National Doral, in Miami, Florida where the Cadillac Championship is held.

Other greenkeepers in the program include Simon Winzar from Lakelands Golf Club at Merrimac Qld, who is at the Plainfield Country Club, Edison , New Jersey (which

Sam Donnellan hosts The Barclays), and Kurt Eldridge from NSW’s south coast Bermagui Country Club, who is currently at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia (where the PGA’s Quicken Loans National is held).

The aim of the Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to young people aged between 20 and 29 years who have completed an apprenticeship in greenkeeping. Since 1992 when young greenkeeper Andrew Heslip from Emerald Golf Club in Victoria became the inaugural recipient of the Scholarship and went to Muirfield Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, some

HELPING FACILITIES DELIVER RECORD RESULTS

25 young Australians have followed, with the AGFR contributing over $100,000 to the program.

“The AGFR is extremely proud to be contributing to the ongoing welfare of golf in Australia by providing this exclusive Scholarship,” says Armstrong.

A recent awardee, Simon Rees from the Eynesbury Golf Club in Melbourne, who spent 6 months at The Congressional in Washington and 6 months TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, recently wrote an article in the AGCSA magazine ‘Turf’ in which he concluded:

Whilst at Sunningdale Simon was offered a position as Assistant Superintendent at the Trump New Jersey National where he still is today.

This year the AGFR held its Australian Tournament at the Launceston Golf Club in Tasmania and next year (2016) in May the annual Tournament will be held in NSW at Pacific Dunes Golf Club near Newcastle.

Interested Rotarians and guests can obtain details of the Tournament and Registration forms from the AGFR website www.agfr.org Greenkeepers who are interested in obtaining a Scholarship can also visit the above website for details or email the AGFR Scholarship Coordinator – Alan Newstead at alan.newstead5@bigpond.com •

From golf operations to marketing strategy, graphic design, payroll, human resources, information technology, management, accounting and everything in between, we have a team of golf business experts dedicated to delivering success at your facility.

Our scale makes having a professional team behind you more cost effective than you hiring one specialist.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you deliver success.

www.clublinks.com.au 1300 880 809 16

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

inside golf business

Trackman coup for the Coffs Coast B

onville Golf Resort have recently welcomed PGA certified, head teaching golf professional, Richie Gallichan to the Coffs Coast area to take over the Bonville Golf Resort Academy of Golf.

Richie has relocated from Sydney’s Long Reef Golf Club with his partner Carly Beck who is a 2nd year PGA Golf Trainee Professional. Carly will also join the Bonville Pro Shop team.

Richie’s experience within the Golfing World includes becoming a certified PGA Golf Professional Member, being a PGA Tour Professional on the Australasian and Asian Tour from 2007 to 2010 and holding the title of Professional Golf Coach, contracted to Long Reef Golf Club.

His achievements include being named PGA Trainee of the year, Australian PGA Trainee Performance Winner and the NSW PGA Trainee Champion. Richie is the holder of eight Course Records in Australia and he is a qualified Club Fitter and Technician. He also has Level 2 certification on Trackman which will be beneficial for lessons and club fittings.

Trackman is a technological revolution that helps golfers of all ages and abilities to improve their golf game through radar units that track the trajectory of a golf ball from launch to landing.

Bonville Golf Resort is the proud home of the only Trackman device between Newcastle and the Gold Coast. This technology does not come cheap at over $20,000 plus annual licence fees, but it far

surpasses anything else on the market for accuracy, detail and relevant information which is relied upon by majority of the best players in the world, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald.

SYDNEY professional Benjamin Clementson took another bold step on his promising career path with his second proam win in just over a year in the $11,000 Club Car event at Bankstown Golf Club last month.

Clementson shot a three-under-par 68 to pip Taylor Cooper and David Hando by a shot for the $2000 first prize, but the win also delivered him a valuable late start in the $1.125 Fiji International, the tee-off to the Australasian PGA Tour’s $5.5 million summer circuit.

Richie is offering a 50min lesson with Trackman for $90, he is also offering 1 hour 45 min Full Set Club Fit sessions for $150.

Those who proceed to purchase their Full Set at Bonville are refunded the $150 off the price of the full set of Golf Clubs. Richie is also available for large group bookings and corporate groups.

The background of the technology in Trackman, the Doppler radar, has been widely used in military applications to track missiles and projectiles since the 1960s. The radar can pick up valuable information about a club head, giving an accurate picture of the club during ball impact. This knowledge is essential in determining how a golfer’s club face or swing path needs to be adjusted to improve their golf game.

Bankstown pro-am win a big boost to Ben

The former St Michaels amateur star already has experienced the dizzying heights of the Australasian Tour, winning healthy cheques for fifth at the South Pacific Open and 40th at the Beteasy Masters last year – his first as a pro.

The recently appointed Bankstown General Manager Jason Kitchingman was delighted with the success of the Club Car pro-am, a feature event of the Choice Hotels NSW/ACT Division pro-am series, which always attracts a strong field.

Throughout training with Trackman, Richie can provide golfers with an in-depth video analysis showing actual club and ball flight data merged with the golfer’s swing video in real time. Further to golf swing improvements, users of Trackman can benefit from tailored club fitting for all ages and abilities.

has high praise for the technology.

“Trackman is the single best tool to teach and club fit people with. The combination of data such as launch gauge, spin rate, ball speed, club head speed etc. is essential to understanding an individual’s golf game. The Trackman provides instant feedback utilising undeniable data. I look forward to working with many individuals soon who can’t wait to see what the Trackman and I can do for their golf game.” •

Bonville Golf Resort head teaching professional, and one of Australia’s most qualified Trackman users, Richie Gallichan

More: www.bonvillegolf.com.au/golf/academyof-golf

“We had a near-capacity entry of leading pros and men and women club golfers, which made for a great day with morning and afternoon fields,” Kitchingman said.

“The winner played in the afternoon and with a two-under-par 69 already posted in the morning he realised before teeing off that at least 68 was needed to secure the top prize.

“Overall this year’s pro-am was an astounding success and for that we have to thank the InGolf and Utilities Club Car group and our many Silver Sponsors.”

More: www.bankstowngolf.com.au

THE ONLY GREENS ROLLER ENDORSED BY THE PGA. A fast, flawless playing surface. No creases. No irregularities. www.truturf.com

At the world’s finest courses, near enough isn’t good enough. When the eyes of millions are on the world’s best player, the green has to deliver. Everything’s on the line for the guy who prepares it.

That’s why they only prepare their greens one way: with a Tru-Turf roller.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

17

inside golf business

New green for Pacific Golf Club

greatrounds 2.0 a hit for golfers As the summer approaches and golfers start to return to the fold, one company— greatrounds.com —is leading the way in marrying golfers with golf courses.

In what will be the Queensland start-up company’s fifth summer, General Manager Mr Owen Todd believes their willingness to listen to the golf courses’ needs along with the wants of the golfer has enabled them to build a platform that allows them to continually innovate on an idea that has now grown into a successful business.

The old 13th green.

The team at greatrounds.com is a young and dedicated team. Marketing Manager Mitchell Jones and Graphic Artist Laura Robertson both hail from ‘Gen Y,’ and this is proving to be a great asset.

Mr Todd states that the company recently went through a major change that was brought about

by Jones questioning things that had occurred in the golf industry for many years and simply asking ‘why couldn’t this be changed?’. After many weeks of thinking and scenario planning, ‘greatrounds 2.0’ was formed.

“The answer in the end was simple: the golfer wanted choice and convenience,” says Todd. “Our goal then became to focus on and deliver this to the golfer while all along ensuring we could provide the golf clubs with what they wanted: golfers! The team set about obtaining the courses to provide the choice and developing a website and options on the site to ensure convenience for the consumer.

WORK IN PROGRESS: A new-look 13th hole is about to be completed at Pacific Golf Club.

O

NE of Queensland’s best and most challenging golf courses is about to get even better.

“The greatrounds 2.0 site now boasts the widest offering of quality golf courses in the country. It is a huge thrill for the team to see the likes of well-known resort styled courses along with magnificent members’ courses and natural parkland courses that most of Australia is lucky enough to have,” says Todd. “The site really does cater for all types of golfers with its selection of course styles and pricing options and this sets us aside from our competitors. “

around the back of it and leading onto the new bridge.”

Harvey said the new work was necessary after Mother Nature’s visit earlier this year.

“During the floods earlier this year the force of the water collapsed our bridge and tore away the rock wall in front of the 13th green,” he explained.

“It (bridge and rock wall) was over 30 years old so over time erosion obviously took its toll. Plus the storm event of 1st May was the biggest and most damaging that the course has seen in probably over 40 years.”

“The new rock wall has been built to a much greater standard and an improved bridge will be above the current flood water line.

“The pipe work will help control the flow of water through the area.” •

Pacific Golf Club, in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs, is currently renovating its 13th green and surrounding areas and members and visitors can’t wait to play the new-look hole.

“The new green will be about two-thirds bigger than the current green and will have three clear zones,” said general manager Cameron Harvey.

“The green will also be brought forward and closer to the water fronting the putting surface.

“It will also have a couple of well-placed pot bunkers just to add a bit more of a challenge for golfers.

“It will be beautified with gardens at the back to separate it from the third green and have a path for walkers and golf carts

greatrounds.com is committed to golf in Australia and will continue to strive to ensure they can deliver the largest range of golf courses at any one time on one website.

More: www.greatrounds.com

How it works.. and it does!

Custom made Key-rings with FREE return service Your brand in your customers’ hand for YEARS!

 Your Members  Your Clients  Your Brand

SU PPO B RTERS CLU

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

Ray White

Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122

Ray White

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

Wynnum/Manly

raywhitebayside.com.a u

The back of every key-ring features the important information that the ‘finder’ requires:

07 3893 1122 Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group. raywhitebayside.com.au

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

BER M E2M 0 11 / 1 2 SU B PPO RTERS CLU

B SU PPORTERS CLU

1300 phone service

Ray White

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

Wynnum/Manly

Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122 Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

Secure ID number raywhitebayside.com.au

Ray White

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

raywhitebayside.com.au

Ray White

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

raywhitebayside.com.au

Wynnum/Manly

Ray White

Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122

Wynnum/Manly 2 07 3893 112

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

raywhitebayside.com.au

e.com.au raywhitebaysid

Wynnum/Manly SU B 07 3893 1122PPORTERS CLU

Ray White

raywhitebayside.com.au

Returned so far to KeyReturn Ray White for relieved clients!

est Australasia’s Larg p.

Real Estate Grou

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

07 3893 1122 Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

Ray White

raywhitebayside.com.au

07 3893 1122

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

0481

Ray White

Wynnum/Manly

raywhitebayside.com.au

07 3893 1122

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

PO Boxes in each State

Ray White

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122

keyreturn.com.au

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group. raywhitebayside.com.au

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

SU B PPO RTERS CLU

Ray White Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122

18

Ray White Wynnum/Manly

07 3893 1122

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

Australasia’s Largest Real Estate Group.

raywhitebayside.com.au

raywhitebayside.com.au

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Ross Cooper National Sales Manager

0418 198 454

New Model Yamaha AC

Alternating current is the most efficient way to transmit electricity, delivering more voltage while drawing fewer amps. Yamaha states that its Drive AC batteries will last longer and require less electricity to recharge. The Drive AC is driven by a 6.7 horsepower engine that provides 50 percent more power and torque than its closest competitor.

AC provides an immediate acceleration from a standstill from the bottom of a hill. It’s very quick, steady and smooth. It pulls well.”

Buy any new Yamaha golf car and ask about your

FREE Yamaha accessory pack to the value of $1000 Recommend Retail. Fleet buyers excluded.

BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE NOW AT ONE OF OUR DEALERS BELOW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW ACT

Coastal Golf Cars Coleman’s Golf Cars Newcastle Droop & Elliott DTM Tamworth Pty Ltd Eurells Pty Ltd Mark II Automotive Merimbula Mowers & Marine Port Macquarie M/C Readford’s Motorcycle Centre TGM Steering Service & Golf Cars Canberra

Coffs Harbour Carrington Mulwala Tamworth Narrandera Tocumwal Merimbula Port Macquarie Dubbo Milperra Mitchell

(02) 6651 6338 0412 497 230 (03) 5744 3983 (02) 6762 2606 (02) 6959 2949 (03) 5874 3440 (02) 6495 4495 (02) 6583 6060 (02) 6882 2888 (02) 9774 4994 (02) 6255 7810

QLD Bay City Moto

Hervey Bay

(07) 4194 5688

VIC

Craigs Onsites

Drouin

(03) 5625 4980

QLD Bundaberg Marineland

Bundaberg

(07) 4130 0500

VIC

Geelong & District Golf

Marcus Hill

0408 521 919

QLD Gold Coast Waverunners & Golf Cars Biggera Waters (07) 5529 1855

VIC

Simply Golf

Horsham

00 4513 5309

VIC

Stihl Shop Mildura

Mildura

(03) 5022 2840

VIC

Yamaha Carts Albury Wodonga

Wodonga

0408 590 439

VIC

Yamaha Golf Cars of Melbourne Braeside

(03) 9587 5480

SA

Metropolitan Machinery PL

Cavan

(08) 8349 5499

WA

Yamaha Golf Cars WA

Osborne Park

(08) 9443 1117

QLD Moto Sport Yamaha

Aitkenvale

(07) 4779 0165

QLD Northcoast Motorsport

Caloundra

(07) 5443 7800

Caloundra

(07) 5499 7805

QLD Yamaha Motor Platinum Dealer

Northcoast Motorsport

QLD Yamaha Motor Platinum Dealer

Yamaha Golf Cars Brisbane

East Brisbane

1300 921 160

www.yamaha-motor.com.au

inside golf BUSINESS - GENERAL MANAGERS

Meet manager of the year Melissa Ellis David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

M

elissa Ellis has been general manager at Castle Hill Country Club for two-and-a-half years and although lacking golfing experience when she joined the club, hard work and a healthy dose of business acumen has worked wonders.

Since her appointment, the club’s board and members have been singing her praises and now Golf Management Australia (NSW) has joined the chorus by awarding her GMA NSW Manager of the Year.

Club president David Geraghty said Ms Ellis, the first female manager in the club’s 65-year history, had achieved many milestones and broken down barriers with the members.

“She has become a highly-respected leader at Castle Hill Country Club,” he said.

In accepting the award, Ms Ellis paid tribute to the club’s board and staff.

“You are only as good as your team and I have a staff whose enthusiasm matches my own in making Castle Hill Country Club the very best it can be and always striving for continual improvement.”

Since her arrival, the club has capitalised on the property boom by selling surplus land to top-up the club’s reserves, driven strategic planning and sought diversification projects.

“The club’s strategic plan needed a fresh look and Melissa, who has a keen eye for detail, explored revenue streams in order to bolster the club’s financial viability,” Geraghty said.

20

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“The attention to detail on the course is astonishing and the members are acknowledging that.”

“Melissa, who has a background in hospitality, has paved the way for high quality corporate golf days and new bistro offerings as well as a well-planned junior program, which is showing results and has driven up membership by 130 in the 21-35 years age bracket.

Ms Ellis has also initiated a mentoring program for key greens staff with other high profile clubs in Sydney and interstate.

An excellent networker, Ms Ellis has forged relationships with local, state and federal government representatives as well as local community and business leaders.

“The members have been crying out for a reasonably priced regular food offering at the club and Melissa, in consultation with our resident chef, started a bistro that is utilised by members and guests each day.

She is working on putting together a women’s tour championship in conjunction with the ALPG and the LET (Ladies’ European Tour).

“The food offering is superb and has enabled the chef to showcase his skills to a broader and more appreciative audience.

She is also passionate about junior golf and was successful securing the rights to staging the Australia final of the Faldo Asia Series.

“Profit margins have improved and events are much better planned.

“Melissa’s hospitality background also assisted the club in hosting a profitable NSW Open in 2013 and she initiated a clubhouse refurbishment project and brought it in below budget.

Last year, the club replaced its aging fleet of golf carts. Following the golf cart tender process, Ms Ellis was able to save the club $100,000.

Ms Ellis said her management style was “collaborative and inclusive”.

Getting out from behind her desk allows her to direct operations.

“Melissa is constantly walking throughout the club, directing staff, looking for items out of place whilst always taking time to stop for chats with members and guests,” Geraghty said.

When she first arrived at the club, she quickly identified staff that were going through the motions, however, rather than

“Juniors are important to the club and I really want a succession plan,” she said.

In the years ahead, around 15,000 new residents will be Castle Hill CC neighbours courtesy of the sell-off of land bordering the golf course.

General manager Melissa Ellis has taken Castle Hill Country Club to another level. replace them she motivated them to achieve a better result.

This initiative included training, regular meetings with managers as well as staff reviews.

When the club’s superintendent resigned after 26 years, Ms Ellis promoted from within.

“We promoted Mitchell Brooks to superintendent and he is doing an awesome job,” she said. “The course has never looked better.

That means some holes will need redesigning and the club has enlisted the services of Bob Harrison to provide a master plan.

“We’ll be making changes to three holes, address bunker issues and making a couple of other adjustments,” she said.

“I’m trying to keep the integrity of the golf course and protect the members but also come up with a strategy for the club’s longterm viability and capitalise on this growth around our borders.

“I really love the golf course and predict a bright future for the club going forward.” •

inside golf BUSINESS - GENERAL MANAGERS

Burton awarded GMA Life Membership to develop a seminar to assist managers to deal with the hard issues around working with Boards and Board governance.

David played a major role in building the strength of club managers through resources, training, education and networking.

David Allen

GMA Executive Officer eo@gma.org.au

G

He has been a quiet mentor for managers who have asked his advice over the years, on hundreds of occasions, something nobody would know about.

MA is pleased to confirm that David Burton, General Manager of New South Wales Golf Club and Past President of GMA, was awarded Life Membership of GMA during the National Conference 2015 held on the Gold Coast in September.

The GMA Board Policies Manual states that to be worthy of Life membership a candidate must satisfy comprehensive criteria including Extraordinary or exemplary service and achievements for the organisation.

National Life Membership is the highest honour GMA can confer on a member who has given stellar service to its members and so it should be reserved for those very few who have demonstrated extraordinary or exemplary service or their achievements for the organisation were of such significance that the honour is warranted.

David was the catalyst for the first GMA strategic plan and the agreed vision for GMA on a national level, which identified the core areas which the GMA Board have been focussing on.

David has been a guest speaker on club strategic planning or an industry panellist in Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and the USA. He has also been giving business advice to the graduating NSW PGA professionals for the last few years.

David represented GMA on a number of

Changes to GMA Board of Directors

David Burton delivering his acceptance speech at the GMA Conference occasions at the CMAA conference (including breakfast speeches on behalf of GMA) and in 2013 was the host for the international symposium where around 100 international delegates attend a day session to discuss issues of club operations from around the world.

David introduced annual GMA meetings with state GMA boards, to stimulate dialogue, address issues and develop lines of communication He introduced GMA Benchmarking to Australia by brokering an agreement with Club Benchmarking He provided world-class speakers for GMA conferences through his contacts globally including Jim James, Mike Leemhuis, and along with Max Mason, Norm Spitzig.

He also worked intensively with Tony Sernack on the publication of the Green Book for strategic planning in clubs and worked with the GMA NSW Board and Tony,

He hired the first executive officer for GMA in David Allen and was the representative of GMA on the AGIC (Australian Golf Industry Council), and as well as going to Canberra to visit government ministers as a united front for golf, has also been instrumental in researching necessary consolidation information such as economic impact reports, industry salary surveys, industry consumer behaviour reports and others.

David also spent an enormous amount of time with the PGA and AGCSA reviewing the benefits and feasibility of a combined conference where we all continue to have our own conference but share in an industry golf show at the same time.

David has also served on the GMA NSW board for more than eight years including a significant time as treasurer.

David served on the GMA Board from 2008 to 2013, the last four years as President and has been a great colleague and mentor to many in the industry.

Upon receiving his award, David thanked the GMA Board and stated that anything he had done was purely in the interests of continuing to enhance GMA’s image and reputation in the golf industry. •

New GMA President, Stewart Fenton There have been some changes to the GMA Board of Directors following GMA’s Annual General Meeting which was held on Thursday 3rd September.

New President: Stewart Fenton (Huntingdale Golf Club, GMV Nominated Director) New Directors: Brad Dawson (Royal Perth Golf Club and GMA WA Nominated Director) Cathy Neagle (Elanora Country Club Independent Director) Anthony Masters (13th Beach Golf Club Independent Director) Continuing Directors: Aaron Muirhead (Nudgee Golf Club, GMA Q Nominated Director) Andrew Gay (Royal Adelaide Golf Club, GMA SA Nominated Director) Paul Paterson (Avondale Golf Club, GMA NSW Nominated Director) The GMA Board wishes to record its sincerest appreciation to Damon Lonnie (Lake Karrinyup Country Club and former GMA President) and Damon Selwyn (former Independent Director) for their lengthy and valuable service to GMA during their time as Directors.

Both gentlemen leave with GMA in better shape.

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE Batteries and chargers for all applications

Alco Battery Sales (AUST) Pty Ltd

Nation Wide 1300 883 643 www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

21

summer of golf

Australian Summer of Golf

set to sizzle N

ovember is always a special time for golfers, as our annual Summer of Golf hits fever pitch. Golf tragics across the nation get antsy at the prospect of seeing world-leading players like Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott battle it out on arguably some of the best courses in the world. Every year, we are treated to some of the world’s most exciting, high-quality golf, and this year will be no exception.

This month, West Australia kicks things off with the Nexus Risk Service WA Open, played at Royal Fremantle Golf Club from 5-8 November, with $110,000 on offer. The tour then hops over to the east coast of Australia for the NSW Open to be played at Stonecutters Ridge from 12-15 November for a minimum prize purse of $110,000.

The Australian Masters will then launch the PGA Tour of Australasia’s famed Triple Crown. The first of the big three tournaments on Tour will be played from 19-22 November on one of Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt courses, Huntingdale Golf Club.

Four-time Major Champion Ernie Els will return to Melbourne to headline the event. Els has a great affinity for the Melbourne sandbelt, having won three consecutive Heineken Classics (2002-2004) at Royal Melbourne, where he was also an integral part of the International Team that won the 1998 Presidents Cup.

Els will be looking to go one better at this year’s Australian Masters after finishing runner-up to Craig Parry at Huntingdale back in 1994.

“I have many great memories of Australia and the Melbourne Sandbelt has always been one of my favourite places to play. I am looking forward to getting back to Huntingdale and finishing off the year strongly,” said Els. The Australian Masters will be sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and broadcast on the Seven Network across Australia for five hours on each of the four days.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the tournament will again provide free entry for children under the age of 16 accompanied by a paying adult.

Visit www.australianmasters.com.au for ticket and general event information.

Next up is the 100th staging of the national championship, The Emirates Australian Open, which is to be played at The Australian Golf Club from 26-29 November for AU$1.25 million.

The event is shaping up to be a starstudded affair, with golf superstar Jordan Spieth and local hero Adam Scott in the

elite field, joined by former champion Lee Westwood, Open Championship hero Darren Clarke, Presidents Cup aces Marc Leishman and Steven Bowditch and Sydney’s Matt Jones and brother Brett Jones set to tee it up.

Westwood, a former world No.1 and one of the most prolific international winners of his generation, sprung to international prominence when he won the 1997 Australian Open at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf Club.

The Englishman fended off challenges from Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson to finish tied with five-time Australian Open winner Greg Norman at 14 under, then outduelled the “Great White Shark” on the fourth hole of a sudden-death playoff to become the first European to lift the Stonehaven Cup – a post he held alone until Rory McIlroy followed suit in 2013.

Clarke, 47, the incoming European Ryder Cup captain, famously won the Open Championship at Royal St George’s in 2011. A popular figure wherever he plays, the Northern Irishman has won 14 times on the European Tour.

Leishman, whose world ranking peaked at No.27 this year after he was part of a

Spring into 18 holes from *$79 at Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club

For a limited time the renewed Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club will offer $79* pp including a state-of-the-art Visage GPS system motorised golf cart. Order your complimentary Bodega Burger from your shared golf cart and enjoy 3 Titleist DT Golf Balls!

Visage GPS enriches your golf experience by feeding you live measurement and layout data on your personal in-cart display. *Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability. Valid to 31 December 2015, 7 days a week. Blackout dates may apply.

To take advantage of this special deal and experience the new world-class Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club, please visit cypresslakes.com.au or call the Pro Shop direct on (02) 4993 1899 quoting InsideGolfNov.

Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club

22

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

summer of golf three-way playoff at the Open Championship at St Andrews, will play his sixth national championship but first since 2012 because of commitments with his young family in the United States.

Bowditch, who has won tournaments on the US PGA Tour in consecutive years, will play the Australian Open for the 12th time having twice finished seventh, including as an amateur in 2000.

Golf Australia’s tournament director Trevor Herden was thrilled with the addition of the

players for the final event on OneAsia’s 2015 schedule.

“Darren is an extremely entertaining player, engages with the fans and is always good value to have around the tournament,” Herden said.

“Lee is one of the most successful players of this era, including having won our national championship before. He is one of the best ball-strikers and most consistent players in the world, so we can’t wait to see if he can get his hands on a second Stonehaven Cup.” “Both Marc and Steven have really made giant strides this year and it’s great to see them come back and not only

support their national championship, but to both be back with legitimate shots at the title,” Herden said.

“It just seems like they’re both really ready to take the next step in their careers and maybe the Emirates Australian Open is where they take it.”

The Emirates Australian Open is a flagship tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The winner will receive a minimum of 32 Official World Golf Ranking points. The event will be telecast for all four days on the Seven Network.

Rounding out the Big 3 is the Australian PGA Championship, which welcomes the European Tour to RACV Royal Pines Resort from 3-6 December.

Following a co-sanctioning agreement with The European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, the AU$1.75million tournament will be part of The 2016 Race to Dubai, and will be played a fortnight after the 2015 campaign concludes at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

The Australian PGA Championship will be the 28th European Tour sanctioned event to be held on Australian soil, following the ANZ Championship (2002-2004), the Australian Masters (2007-2009 - played twice in the 2009 season), the Heineken Classic (1996-2005), the Greg Norman Holden International (2000-2001), the Johnnie Walker Classic (1997, 2002-2003, 2006, 2009) and the Perth International (2012-2014).

free freight

HANDY Box SToRAGE SEAT

In addition to the first prize of AU$315,000, the winner of Australian PGA Championship will be granted exemption into the European Tour’s flagship event, the 2016 BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth Club.

The tournament is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, RACV, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourism, Emirates and Coca-Cola Amatil.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849.

Visit: www.ausopengolf.com .

While headline players have not been named at press time, The European Tour will receive 60 spots in the tournament, with 30 of those positions will be granted to Sunshine Tour membership. The PGA Tour of Australasia will receive 72 spots

the tournament. In addition, there will be eight tournament invitations, six qualifying positions and three positions for PGA Vocational Members.

In a break from tradition the NSW PGA Championship will be played from 10-13 December and will be the curtain closer to 2015. Being played at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort on the Bungool layout, Sydney’s newest golf course, there’s a lot on the line for players. The $110,000 tournament will decide the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Order of Merit whilst also deciding which Tour Professionals will retain their tour cards for the 2016 season.

The Australian summer of golf will continue into 2016 with the second half of the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule offering plenty of golf action in the start of the new year.

The Tour will get back underway from the 4-7 February 2016 at the Oates Vic Open.

After a fairytale finish earlier this year with engaged couple Richard Green and Marianne Skarpnord becoming champions, the Oates Vic Open is set to excite once again in 2016.

Heading back to Thirteenth Beach Golf Links the tournament will again see the men’s and women’s championship played concurrently for the same amount of prize money, a minimum of $250,000. The Oates Vic Open is the only event in the world that plays men and women simultaneously on the same courses for equal prize money, a format that has been praised by both players and spectators.

RESPoNSIVE HANDLING

DAY MONEYBACK BACK MONEY GUARANTEE GUARANTEE

PowERfUL & RELIABLE

LIGHT, HIGH TEcH fRAME

UPTO TO UP

5YR WARRANTY WARRANTY

Parmaker Scout $695

fRoNT wHEEL SUSPENSIoN

Includes rebate* and freight anywhere in Australia. ExcLUDES battery and charger.

100%%

AUSTRALIANMADE MADE AUSTRALIAN

3 & 4 WhEEL RIDE-ONS ALSO AvAILABLE

SoLID RUBBER wHEELS

visit parmaker.com to find more about the complete range of Parmaker buggies, walkers and accessories.

100

$$

REBATE* REBATE*

03 9580 7166 parmaker.com

12De DeHavilland HavillandRd, Rd,Mordialloc Mordialloc3195 3195 12  03 039580 95802622 2622 sales@parmaker.com sales@parmaker.com  *Rebateavailable availablewhen whenyou youtrade-in trade-inyour yourold oldbuggy. buggy. *Rebate

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

23

summer of golf With substantial support from naming rights sponsor, Oates as well as local and state governments, the event has seen a resurgence over the past few years with the trend expected to continue next year.

Wind The Australian’s best defence

Boasting an extensive honour roll including Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, and in more recent times Stacey Keating and Minjee Lee, spectators can expect to see an abundance of talent at the 2016 Oates Vic Open.

Next, the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship will be played the following week at the prestigious Huntingdale Golf Club from 9-12 February for $100,000. Following on from the successful staging of the tournament in a pro-am format, the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship allows amateurs the chance to play in a PGA Tour of Australasia tournament alongside the Professionals and on the famed Melbourne Sandbelt.

The European Tour will be making a much anticipated return to West Australian soil for the fourth staging of the Perth International and in a new addition, the tournament will now be tri-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.

Being played from the 25-28 February at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, the tournament’s move into the early parts of the Race to Dubai and PGA Tour of Australasia seasons is expected to see the Perth International attract a strong field of European and Australasian players looking to capitalise early in the year.

PROFESSIONAL Darrell Welch, who spent 23 years at The Australian Golf Club, says the course’s best defence is the wind.

“The wind is a major factor because it can be strong from the southeast and northeast so it’s a bit like Scotland,” he said. “You can go out against the wind and come home against the wind.

“Of course, the golf course has changed since my time there.

The Perth International will be played for AU$1.75million which, along with the Australian PGA Championship, which is also co-sanctioned by the European Tour, makes it the equal richest prize purse currently on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

From Perth, the PGA Tour of Australasia will jet back across Australia and the Tasman Sea to New Zealand for its major tournaments of the year.

The Holden NZ PGA Championship will be played at Remuera Golf Club after the tournament’s successful return to Auckland this year. Professionals will be competing for NZ$125,000 from 3-6 March.

The following week, 10-13 March, will see the prestigious BMW New Zealand Open being played in picturesque Queenstown.

A highlight on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule, the players thoroughly enjoy being welcomed back to The Hills and Millbrook Resort each year for the NZ$950,000 tournament. Also being played in a pro-am format, there is a bonus NZ$50,000 on offer for the team component of the tournament meaning total prize money on offer for the professionals reaches NZD$1,000,000.

Rounding out the early part of the 2016 schedule is the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship which will be played at the City Golf Club in Toowoomba from 17-20 March for $125,000.

Date

Tournament

Venue

Prize money

5-8 November 12-15 November 19-22 November 26-29 November 3-6 December 10-13 December 4-7 February 9-12 February 25-28 February 3-6 March 10-13 March 17-20 March

WA Open NSW Open Australian Masters Emirates Australian Open Australian PGA Championship NSW PGA Championship Oates Vic Open Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship Perth International Holden NZ PGA Championship BMZ New Zealand Open Coca-Cola QLD PGA Championship

Royal Fremantle Golf Club Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club Huntingdale Golf Club The Australian Golf Club RACV Royal Pines Resort Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Thirteenth Beach Golf Links Huntingdale Golf Club Lake Karrinyup Country Club Remuera Golf Club The Hills & Millbrook Resort City Golf Club

$110,000 $100,000 min TBC $1.25million $1.75million $110,000 $250,000 min $100,000 $1.75million NZ$125,000 NZ $1million $125,000

“It has different qualities today and is Augusta-like, immaculate with beautifully manicured grass and white bunkers.

“When I was there and the club hosted the Australian Open, the fairways were generally 25 yards wide.

“That’s classic British Open standard where they allowed you to have the clubface 2.5 degrees open or closed and you’d still be on the fairway but when you got to four or five degrees you are out in the long grass.

“It was the greatest examination for someone who could control the golf ball.

“The original course was designed so that if you were playing an approach to the green and missed short or long it would be an easy chip, but miss left or right you were in the trap.

“If you were left or right of the bunkers they believe you should have to play back towards the fairway because they didn’t believe if you hit it very wide of the green and bunkers you should not have easy recovery shots.”

Welch believes the introduction of watering systems has made it easier for players to play recovery shots from wide of the greenside bunkers.

Chasing the Sun Golf Festival Ceduna to Kalgoorlie 9 - 16 April 2016 Nullarbor Links, ‘World’s Longest Golf Course’, is unique. This 18-hole par 73 golf course spans 1,365 kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. Each hole includes a synthetic green, tee and somewhat rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. The course provides visitors with a quintessential Australian golfing experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

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

Kalgoorlie

Ceduna

World’s Longest Golf Course, Australia

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Indigenous art and dance of the Ngadju people in Norseman will features strongly in your memories of this festival.

Finally you head to Australia’s gold capital Kalgoorlie. On this tournament your entertainment is Australian singer songwriter Bernie Scott. He will be performing at Coorabie farm-stay and the final night in Kalgoorlie.

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

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

H O T E L

24

then down to Fowlers Bay for your first concert. Venture past the whales and the beautiful coastline at Nullarbor to arrive at the beaches of Eucla, you move on to the remains of Skylab at Balladonia and the working sheep station at Fraser Range.



M O T E L

summer of golf

Darrell, Jack and The Australian David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

A

T 79, professional Darrell Welch is long retired but he still gets a thrill when the Australian Open is played at The Australian Golf Club where he spent more than 20 years as head professional.

This year (November 26-29) marks the 19th occasion The Australian will host the tournament and Welch can’t wait.

“I have fond memories of The Australian Golf Club, which is the most extraordinary place and is filled with lovely people,” Welch said.

TOTAL PACKAGE VALUED AT $20,000

The Australian is where Welch and Jack Nicklaus, the man who redesigned the golf course, formed a lasting friendship.

Welch was at The Australian in the 1970s when Nicklaus won three of his six Open titles.

In a golf career spanning 65 years, Welch was fortunate to play alongside some legendary names including Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Norman von Nida, Peter Thomson, Lee Trevino, Sam Snead, Kel Nagle, Arnold Palmer and others.

Welch didn’t hesitate when asked to nominate the best player he has seen.

“Jack Nicklaus, no question,” he said.

“He was the longest, straightest and highest hitter of the golf ball.

“His golf swing was so far ahead of the masses.

“Jack is a wonderful person and my association with him became close when he came to The Australian.

“Kerry Packer had a home virtually on the course at Muirfield Village in Dublin Ohio, which was Jack’s baby.

“We would go there and I also became good friends with Jack’s coach and mentor Jack Grout.

“In those days, Jack (Grout) thought about the golf swing differently compared with what was the Ben Hogan-like swing – the club around the body with a flat left wrist at impact making the ball go low.

“Jack Grout said to me ‘I’m going to make sure Jack (Nicklaus) never swings the club around his backside like all the rest.

“That’s what Grout did – get the separation of your hands and arms away from your body in the back swing and your hands higher. I believe he was the first man to teach that.

“Now, there is no question Jason Day hits the ball as high. That’s Jack Nicklaus all over.

“The other players like Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth don’t hit the ball as high and as straight as Jason.”

Darrell Welch has fond memories of The Australian Golf Club, host of this year’s Australian Open.

Still, Welch concedes players in the Nicklaus era had success with vastly different swings.

“I played with Arnold Palmer, who was a joy to watch,” Welch said.

“He would turn up on the first tee looking immaculate and by the time he had played seven holes he had dirt all over shirt and trousers because he was in and out of trees.

“He just stood up on the tee and whacked it as hard as he could.

“If his ball was in the trees, he’d find it, see a gap and go bang.

“I also played with Lee Trevino and he had extraordinary control over his golf ball.

“He had a new golf swing – low and fading. He was in total control and it was inevitable he would win US Opens and British Opens.”

(Trevino won six majors – two Open Championships, two US Opens and two PGA titles.)

Then there was Gary Player.

“Gary was a wonderful example of what Jason Day is today,” Welch said.

“Gary would say ‘I am going to do this and that’ and would do it.

“I remember Norman von Nida, who first brought Gary to Australia in the 1950s, invent a game for us. It was £10 closest to the hole out of the bunkers.

“If you got closest to the hole, you could choose where to play the next bunker contest from.

“To beat the Von was difficult, but you learnt so much.

“I recall being a far better bunker player than Gary in those days and I said to him on one occasion after he had to pay the Von £250 and me about

£150, ‘this is not an inexpensive game’.

“He said, ‘yes, but I am going to be better than you two very soon’. That was his attitude.”

It’s well known Player went on to become one of the best bunker exponents in the world.

Welch, who started as a 14-year-old trainee with Doug Katterns at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane won 14 Queensland tournaments including four Qld PGAs. He represented Australia in two Carling World Championship and played in three Open Championships – the last at Turnberry in 1977.

Along the way, he scored 32 holesin-one.

Purchase any Cobra Puma Golf product to the value of $100 or greater from an authorised stockist in Australia or New Zealand for your chance to WIN. Register your details at www.cobragolf.com.au and answer a question in 25 words or less to WIN.

“I had six aces on the short 17th (now eighth) at Keperra alone, five at Wynnum Golf Club when I was the pro there and five at The Australian.

“I had one in America, one in New Zealand and one in Japan, which I nominated before teeing off.”

Away from golf, Welch and his family had to deal with personal tragedy. They lost three sons in tragic circumstances in the space of 12 months.

“It was frightening at the time,” he said. “You get over it, but never stop thinking about it.”

Today, Welch lives on the Gold Coast and plays his golf at The Grand.

“I can still hit the ball nicely, but as Gary Player once said to me ‘when you hear your drive land, you have a problem,” Welch laughed. • FOOTNOTE: Darrell Welch left The Australian in 1984 to become the first professional at Sanctuary Cove.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

25

Terms & Conditions: Proof of purchase receipt during the promotional period must be shown to claim your prize.

Promotion period: 8th August 2015 - 31st January 2016

legends tour

PGA Legends Tour goes from strength to strength

2

015 has seen significant growth for the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour and with a new year on the horizon, 2016 is gearing up to offer a bigger schedule with over 80 tournaments estimated to run throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The success of the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour in 2015 has been attributed to a number of important factors, including an increase in prize money and a steady influx of players turning 50, has seen a number of tournaments become oversubscribed and increasing the importance of the Order of Merit for players to gain their ranking for the following year.

Birthday. I’m now a Legends Tour member with 9 months of Professional golf under my belt, turns out it was one of my great decisions.”

Further to this has been the support from former Tour Professionals. Rodger Davis, Wayne Grady, Peter Fowler, Ian Baker-Finch and Mike Harwood have all teed it up on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour this year.

Wall has thoroughly enjoyed the numerous benefits playing on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour has brought him.

These legends of Australian golf have given their time to play on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour circuit this season and provided amateur golfers, who join them in the pro-am format, with a memorable and rewarding experience.

Peter Fowler in action on the PGA E-Z-GO Legends Tour. (Photo Credit: Dave Bryant).

Peter Senior and Peter O’Malley have indicated their intention to play on the Tour before the end of the year depending on their domestic and international tournament commitments.

offering Non-Members the opportunity to try their hand at Professional golf and PGA Members to improve their Category.

currently sits in 11th position on the Order of Merit, has played 22 of the 43 tournaments and has secured two victories this year.

Australia is blessed with a bevy of former Tour Professionals and while they may no longer be in the spotlight like they once were, they realise the importance of supporting golf at grassroots level in regional areas of Australia.

Qualifying School will be contested at Sandhurst Golf Club in Victoria and will provide up to three positions for the leading players; providing a Category that will allow each to play in a number of events on the 2016 schedule.

For those who have reached the age of 50 and keen to try their hand at Professional golf, the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Qualifying School will commence in January 2016;

Last year’s winner Guy Wall, who played off a handicap of +1 at Pymble Golf Club in New South Wales, proved that he can mix it with the best senior golfers in Australia. Wall, who

In his younger days, Wall never felt his game was at the level it needed to be to turn Professional. “I was never good enough when I was young to turn Pro but I managed to keep competitive all the way through my 30’s and 40’s playing club and amateur tournaments,” said Wall.

“I could see the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour gaining momentum so I headed off to Qualifying School five days after my 50th

“I have been to parts of Australia I never knew existed and played top class golf courses. But most importantly, I’ve met and competed with many Legends of the game and made new friends.”

I’ve met some great people all with the same passion, we love the game, we love the thrill of being in contention and seeing how our game can unite friends, clubs and communities.”

Senior golfers can try out for the Professional ranks at the 2016 E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Qualifying School from January 6th to 8th at Sandhurst Golf Club.

To secure your spot, please contact Andy Rogers, Legends Tour Coordinator at the PGA of Australia on 03 8320 1900 or alternatively, please visit the tournament section of www.pga.org.au •

2015 NSW PGA Championships

10th - 13th December www.riversideoaks.com.au | (02) 4560 3200

FREE ENTRY 26

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

amateurs

Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic a huge hit!

O

ne of Victoria’s most popular amateur golf events, the Sixth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic was once again a huge success last month, with over 270 players travelling from around Australia, Singapore and even Scotland to play the four spectacular tournament courses.

Played the first week of October, participants in this year’s Golf Classic enjoyed rounds at The Old Course at The National, St Andrews Beach, The Dunes Golf Links and Rosebud Public Golf Course. Many golfers also enjoyed the opening day’s golf at Rosebud Country Club as well as the final day of golf at Safety Beach Country Club.

Over 180 golfers played in their first Classic and, for many, it was their first visit to the Mornington Peninsula – Australia’s #1 golfing destination.

Groups of golfers from clubs such as Cronulla, Hawks Nest, Pennant Hills, Gold Creek, Wakehurst Parkway, Shoalhaven Heads, Darwin, Wynnum and Green Acres joined with other golfers to play in the graded stableford tournament.

The Overall Men’s winner was Greg Hough (8.5 handicap) from Strathfield with a score of 145 points. The Men’s runner-up, with a score of 139, was Lachlan Maddinson (4.9 handicap), from Shoalhaven Heads.

The Overall Women’s winner was Janette D’Ambrosio (34.1 handicap) from Concord with a score of 119, pipping runner up Lynne Hatch (28.7) from Bayview, on 118.

Congratulations also to Brett Lawson, from Shoalhaven Heads, who received a “Red Bull” jacket from sponsor Infiniti Cars Brighton for his “Hole in One” on the sixth at The National Old Course.

28

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The winners received their prizes at the Presentation Dinner on the last night at The National Golf Club. 328 people attended the dinner, which was a huge success. Inside Golf was there, and we can attest that the dinner was by far the best “event dinner” we’ve experienced – a truly gourmet experience. Six golfers also received their “5 Year Participation” awards.

n, Greg hampio Men’s C hfield. rat from St

Hough

) (centre

There was also an enjoyable social program as part of the MP Golf Classic – The Welcome Party at Rosebud Country Club and the Sports Dinner at Mercure Portsea Golf Club and Resort. Speakers at the Sports Dinner were Doug Sloan, OAM, President of Blind Golf Victoria and Blind Golf Australia, Charlie Robbins (Peninsula District Junior Champion) who is 17 years old and plays off 1, and Darius Oliver from Planet Golf, the co-designer of Cape Wickham Golf Course on King Island. Leon Wiegard was the Master of Ceremonies.

Women ’s D’Amb Champion, Ja rosio (c entre) fr nette om Con cord.

Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism, the organisers of the Classic, appreciated the assistance of Yamaha, Premier Partner, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Schweppes, Infiniti Cars Brighton and Drummond Golf as sponsors, supporters and prize providers.

Other results were:

Hole in one winner Brett Lawson (right).

Terry Bulger

A Grade Men’s Winner

138 points

Yeppoon

Brendan Hough

A Grade Men’s Runner-Up

132 points

Strathfield

Anne Louise Richardson A Grade Women’s Winner

116 points

Chatswood

Heather Hampson

A Grade Women’s Runner-Up

115 points

Chatswood

Russell Kerr

B Grade Men’s Winner

138 points

Settlers Run

Gary Steele

B Grade Men’s Runner-Up

136 points

Gosford

Louise Parris

B Grade Women’s Winner

116 points

Cronulla

Robyn McCullough

B Grade Women’s Runner-Up

115 points

Belconnen Magpies

The full results can be viewed at www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

Many golfers managed to also take in the other nearby attractions by visiting a number of the wineries, the Peninsula Hot Springs, as well as sampling the great cafés. Some golfers were also keen enough to play other courses.

The weather on the first couple of days was hot and windy, but a cool change brought milder and sunny conditions for the remainder of the week. Many golfers commented it was the best Classic yet and will be back next year with more golfing mates. So make sure you put an entry in your diary for 2 - 7 October 2016!

To register your interest in next year’s Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic, send an email to info@golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au.

acgc

Newest ACGC Series off to a great start

W

hat an incredible start it has been to the 2015-2016 ACGC series. From Narrogin Golf Club in WA, which kicked the series off, to brand-new host club Palmerston Golf Club in the NT. The standout event of the series so far has been at Half Moon Bay Golf Club, QLD. This event saw an astounding 68 pairs tee off to win a spot at the Championship Final. A sign of their efforts in promoting the event, Half Moon Bay has set the pace on how to host a successful ACGC day.

With the updated rules in place that allows any Australian golfer with a GolfLink handicap to enter, the events have attracted golfers far and wide and we love seeing so many new faces join in the fun.

In another highlight of the series, the Simply Energy Power Drive competition has kicked off for the second year in a row. At every one of the regional qualifying rounds the Female and Male player awarded the Longest Drive for that competition will receive an entry into the Promotion and have their names published on the Simply Energy Power Drive Honour Board published on the ACGC website. At the end of all regional events, a prize draw will take place to award both a Female and Male from each region (VIC, QLD, NSW/ACT and SA/WA/NT/TAS) a $1,000 voucher to spend at the Golf Course at which the winning entrant won the Longest drive. With all the hard work these

UPCOMING ACGC DATES STATE

EVENT

DATE

NSW

Fairfield Golf Club

1/11/2015

QLD

Rockhampton

8/11/2015

SA

Port Augusta

8/11/2015

TAS

Launceston GC

8/11/2015

golf clubs do throughout the year to promote and hold their regional events, it’s great to tie the prizes back to benefit them as well.

WA

Hillview

11/11/2015

SA

North Adelaide

22/11/2015

TAS

Greens Beach

22/11/2015

VIC

Lonsdale Golf Club

22/11/2015

NSW

Griffith

29/11/2015

An additional prize of a $1,000 voucher (to spend at the Golf Course at which the winning entrant qualified) will also be awarded to both the Female and Male golfer that hit the longest “Power Drive” during the ACGC Championship Final. The longest drive will be determined based on the longest drive hit on the selected hole over the two days of the Championship Final.

QLD

Noosa Golf Club

29/11/2015

VIC

Maryborough

29/11/2015

SA

McLaren Vale

5/12/2015

VIC

Queens Park

6/12/2015

WA

Wannero

8/12/2015

TAS

Devonport

13/12/2015

WA

Capel

13/12/2015

VIC

Horsham

13/12/2015

QLD

RACV Royal Pines

17/12/2015

VIC

Gisborne AM

19/12/2015

VIC

Gisborne PM

19/12/2015

VIC

Cardina Beacon Hills

19/12/2015

VIC

Box Hill

8/01/2016

It’s easy to see why ACGC has become the most popular amateur pairs event in Australia, and we expect this series to be the biggest and best yet. Check out the website at www.acgc.com.au to find regional events being held near you!

VIC

Yallourn

10/01/2016

VIC

Lang Lang #2

15/01/2016

SA

Mount Gambier

17/01/2016

WA

Margaret River

22/01/2016

NSW

Magenta Shores

23/01/2016

VIC

Stawell

24/01/2016

NSW

Federal ACT

28/01/2016

VIC

Mornington

29/01/2016

NSW

Armidale

30/01/2016

Simply energy powers ACGC again

VIC

RACV Healesville

30/01/2016

WA

Meadow Springs

5/02/2016

ACGC are pleased to welcome Simply Energy back for their second year as major partner for the 2015/16 Championship season. As part of this ongoing partnership, Simply Energy is also bringing back the Simply Energy Powerdrive, which offers long drivers the chance to win $1,000 golf voucher* to spend at the local golf club (see main story).

NSW

Fairfield Golf Club #2

7/02/2016

VIC

Cohuna

13/02/2016

SA

West Lakes

14/2/2015

TAS

Royal Hobart

14/02/2016

NSW

Corowa

14/02/2016

SA

Belair

19/02/2016

VIC

RACV Torquay

21/02/2016

SA

McCracken

11/03/2016

VIC

Kingston Links

12/03/2016

VIC

Garfield Golf Club

13/03/2016

VIC

RACV Cape Schanck

15/03/2016

VIC

Morwell

03/04/2016

From 2005, Simply Energy has been providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. Since then, they’ve grown a lot, and changed a lot.

They’re now powering more than half a million customer accounts and more than ever before, are partnering with people to help them manage and monitor their energy.

Simply Energy is putting you in control.

Simply Energy has created exclusive energy offers to put RACV, NRMA, RAA and RACQ Members in the driver’s seat. To view the energy offers available visit www.simplyenergy.com.au/acgc *Terms and conditions apply, see www.acgc.com/powerdrive for full details.

This schedule is subject to change, and venues are being added regularly. Visit www.acgc.com.au for the latest schedule.

Calling all golf Enthusiasts Play your part in the Grand Reopening of an iconic Golf Course, where Jason Day and Adam Scott have played.

Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley will be reopening their World renowned 18 hole Championship golf Course, together with Private Airport and Polo Fields, from the 5th February, 2016, after the full renovations.

Kooralbyn Valley Golf Club was one of the first golf resorts built in Australia and it is widely known as being one of the most natural golf courses in the country.

Since 1986, for many years it has been included in every National rating list and there’s good reason as the course offers a superb combination of challenging holes with dramatic views of some of Australia’s genuine landscape.

It was the timeless piece of virgin country that inspired Scottish golf architect, Desmond Muirhead, to create this masterpiece, a legacy for all golfers to enjoy. The latest practice green was designed by Adam’s father Phil Scott.

Come and play for a day or join us overnight with the best unlimited play and stay packages.

Bookings for this auspicious occasion are available now from $48 with brand new cart.

Call (07) 5544 6688 to ensure your place on this opening day the 5th February, 2016.

Email: Marketing@ramada-kooralbyn-valley.com.au

30

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ARE YOU AUSTRALIA’S BEST AMATEUR GOLF PAIR? Enter the Auto Club Golf Club Championship to win a trip to the Gold Coast to play in the National Final.

OPEN TO ALL GOLFERS

FROM $27 PER PLAYER* WIN A TRIP TO THE GOLD COAST

Every finalist receives a trip to the National Final at RACV Royal Pines

VOLVIK GOLF BALLS

A Volvik gift pack for every player

HOLE IN ONE PRIZES ON ALL PAR 3’S

All Aces win a VIP Championship Final experience at RACV Royal Pines

For

rs

embe

lub M AutoC

25%* visit OFF COUNT

ENTRY

tion informa u e r o m r Fo c.com.a www.acg

DIS

80 Events across Australia 160 Finalists Register online now!

www.acgc.com.au

For full terms and conditions please refer to www.acgc.com.au This tournament is approved for the payment of expenses Rule 4-2g/GA/1/2016

people

Tony is the go-to man David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

F

“Once I got them up there they didn’t want to leave.

“On way home, I asked them to give me a report on the highlights of trip and they all listed the Eiffel Tower – the place they didn’t want to go to in the first place.”

If you’ve attended a Queensland Open or any leading Golf Queensland-run tournaments he’s the guy starting the field, course marshalling, sorting out rules disputes, checking the cards in the scorer’s hut, emceeing and even phoning in the results to newspapers long after the event has ended.

Tony has also worked closely with the Greg Norman Golf Foundation, now known as Junior Golf Foundation of Queensland and is currently a director of that body.

“I’m just a volunteer,” he said. “They call on me when they are short of people (volunteers).”

“We lived four houses from the golf club,” he said. “I started off as a caddie, was captain of the caddies and then caddie master.

“I have been involved in golf administration for 50 years and started by doing the handicapping at Claremont.”

“We were dropped off at the Arc de Triomphe and I said ‘let’s look around’ but they weren’t keen until they saw a Maccas sign down the Champs-Elysees so we headed for it.

“I wanted to go to the Eiffel Tower, but they weren’t interested although they said if I bought the tickets they would join me.

ORMER Queensland Golf Union (now Golf Queensland) boss Tony Rollins is one of those rare individuals who can’t resist the call to volunteer for golf duties.

From Tasmania originally, Tony developed a love for golf at Claremont Golf Club where his father, a good golfer, was caretaker.

“On the way back to Australia, we had about eight hours in Paris so I said ‘let’s go in to the city’.

Tony Rollins plays a part at the Queensland Open. executive director, was going to retire and asked if I’d be interested.

“I put in an application, got the job and started work on 8-8-1988.

“I assisted Bill for 18 months and then took over as executive director and retired on 30th November 2005.”

Tony quit to care for his ill wife Andie who subsequently passed away in early 2008.

His first real job was in banking before moving to Claude Neon Signs as credit manager and eventually state accounts manager.

Still, Tony’s passion and commitment for golf never waned, and that familiar, cheeky grin returned when he later married Townsville’s Sue Duncan.

“I stayed there for 15 years (1965-1980) and during that time I was the Elderslie Golf Club captain and delegate and became honorary secretary for the Southern Country Golf Association and the Southern Tasmanian Golf Union and treasurer of the Tasmanian Golf Council,” Tony said.

In a lengthy golf career, Tony has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Adam Scott, Jason Day and others, but mixing with club golfers is something he enjoys immensely.

“I probably went to most of them,” he said.

“We would go to their AGMs to answer their questions and keep them informed.”

A bonus of Tony’s job in 1997 was taking Kooralbyn International School representatives Adam Scott, Gavin Flint and Peter Briant to the International Schools Teams Championship in Scotland.

“During that trip we played the Old Course at St Andrews and I shot a 78 off the stick without getting in one bunker,” he said.

Aside from playing eight top Scottish courses, they had the opportunity to visit the St Andrews golf museum and a few other historical sites.

For the past decade, Tony has worked as a volunteer at the Australian Open. He and former Golf NSW executive director David Allen check the players’ scorecards.

“This year is the 10th anniversary of checking players’ cards,” he said.

And if that’s not enough, Tony has just picked up another role as president of the Tassie Devils Club, which is open to anyone who has an association with Tasmania.

“We meet at Hotel LA on Petrie Terrace on the third Friday of each month and play golf at McLeod every second Friday of the month,” he said.

Tony said the trio’s indifference to visiting famous landmarks soon turned into a love affair.

When Tony’s not officiating he can be found on the fairways of Virginia Golf Club where he plays off seven, is captain of the seniors and co-ordinates the volunteers for the club’s regular working bees.

He especially loves the camaraderie of the players from “bush courses”.

“On the way to the museum at St Andrews organisers scheduled in a trip to Stirling Castle,” Tony explained.

“I play twice a week – on Tuesdays with the seniors and on Thursdays,” the 72-year-old said.

“The Golf Council said they needed a fulltime secretary and I became the first fully paid secretary and stayed for eight years.

“I admire people who play in the bush and I have made a lot of friends along the way,” he said.

“The boys didn’t want to go in to Stirling Castle, but they did and then I couldn’t get them out of the place.

“It’s good exercise and it gets you out in the fresh air.

“In 1987, QGU vice-president Peter Davies approached me with an offer to move to Queensland. He said Bill Kennedy, the

As executive director at the QGU, Tony made a commitment to attend District Golf Association meetings in Queensland.

“Then they didn’t want to go in to the museum at St Andrews, but when I got them in there they didn’t want to come out.

“Golf is such a personal challenge because you can go out one day and do nothing wrong and the next day just about everything goes wrong. You never beat the game.” •

Looking for a club to join?

18 hole golf course located 5 Minutes froM chatswood cBd.

Mention this ad and receive 1 hour free in the golf simulators upon joining.

32

• An official handicap managed by Golflink Australia • Enjoy golf competitions on a picturesque and challenging course layout • Play unlimited social golf on days applicable to your membership • Book and manage your competition tee times online

• Enjoy use of the Club’s facilities • Our indoor simulators let you play golf whatever the weather - with golfing available at any time of the day or night • Enjoy member discounts at the bar, cafe and bistro • Discounted electric golf cart hire

Playing memberships start at as low as $500 P.A / No Joining fee / With convenient monthly payment options Call the CGC office on (02) 9419 2336 or email reception@chatswoodgolf.com.au / www.chatswoodgolf.com.au

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

GATHER YOUR FRIENDS AND TRAVEL BACK TO 1907.

Get the boys together.

A perfect place to get together.

Get the girls together.

GROUP PACKAGE* • A ROUND OF GOLF • ONE NIGHT’S TWIN SHARE ACCOMMODATION • BONUS ONE HOUR GROUP TUITION • BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND A LA CARTE DINNER. FROM

$245

PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

NOT LONG ENOUGH? STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT WITH US IN BARWON HEADS AND PLAY TWO OF AUSTRALIA'S TOP 10 PUBLIC ACCESS COURSES. BARWON HEADS, GOLF VILLAGE BY THE SEA. phone: 03 5255 6255 email: golf@bhgc.com.au

www.bhgc.com.au

*Subject to availability, Sunday - Thursday only. Minimum of 6 people per group. Valid for new bookings only. Special winter packages also available. F•S•A/BAR0095

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Horizons Golf Resort Golden past inspires glittering comeback

Spectacular finishing holes: Looking over the ninth green and down the 18th fairway.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

H

ORIZONS Golf Resort is the golf industry’s success story of 2015 after achieving the revival of the decade.

It is a riches-to-rags and a return-to-riches saga, as two of Horizons’ enthusiastic club golfers, Peter Rickard and Selva Saverimuttu, together with a small group of similarly passionate members, refused to let a great course close, virtually keeping it on “lifesupport” for four years.

Situated 200km north of Sydney at Port Stephens in picturesque Salamander Bay, Horizons was designed by the internationally acclaimed Australian team of Ross Watson and Graham Marsh. It was voted NSW’s top golf resort and rated in Australia’s top 50 courses in 2002 only a decade after it opened in 1992.

However just nine years later, in 2011, after being poorly managed by its then owner, a Korean construction company, the course deteriorated and seemed doomed to close.

Fortunately five members of the club, led

by Rickard, convinced the liquidators to allow the special unlisted public company they had established — aptly named Par For The Course – to keep Horizons operating until a buyer could be found.

It took almost five years of hands-on maintenance by the group just to keep the golf course open, but in July that all changed with Rickard and Saverimuttu stepping up to jointly buy Horizons.

Stylish off-course winner: The glamorous Horizons clubhouse is in keeping with a top resort.

Rickard as Chief Executive Officer and Saverimuttu as Chairman. In addition, Horizons now has a Director of Golf in renowned PGA professional Greg Ramsey, who has had a long association with the course as the club pro.

A new fleet of 40 Yamaha carts were delivered in August and the much-needed new Toro mowers and course-maintenance equipment under the control of newly appointed Course Superintendent, Dean Wilson were put into action on the fairways last month.

And now the par-72 championship course, which in 2004 staged a joint AustralasianEuropean Tour international event—the ANZ Players Championship featuring men and women world stars – is roaring back to life.

And, in a resounding vote of confidence in the new owners, the original designer Watson has come on board, offering his support and expertise to re-energise what he described as one of the layouts he “loved” of the dozens carrying his name.

In just three months the new owners overhauled the Horizons operation with

Watson’s unsolicited enthusiastic interest is a huge credibility boost in the new owners’

34

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Water way to go: The 180m par three sixth at Horizons demands a top tee shot to stay dry and hit the green.

attempts to restore Horizons’ original stellar reputation.

Rickard is delighted at Watson’s involvement in Horizons, saying: “When Ross heard Selva and I had bought it he called in one afternoon, had a look around and had a lot of good things to say about the course.

“We were particularly encouraged when he said how much he had loved designing it and how proud he was that it once was among Australia’s top 50 courses,” Rickard said.

“We were truly impressed when Ross candidly said: ‘I don’t know whether we could get it back into the Top 50 in Australia — given the amount of so many really great new courses built in the past 20 years — but the Top 60 is certainly doable’ so we are keen to have him involved in our plans.

“While there still is some fine-tuning required, over the past three or four years we have gradually brought the course back to a high standard; to the extent that, unashamedly, I will boast that our greens are as good as any club in NSW if not Australiawide. Ross Watson was blown away by them.”

Saverimuttu and Rickard are super-keen club golfers (together with their wives) on mid-teen to 20s handicaps.

“We have about 330 members and about 40 of those are Country Members (who must live more than 150km from Horizons),” Rickard says.

The good news is that Sydney residents are outside the boundary and this category (recently reduced from $800 a year to $500) is expected to prove very popular with weekenders and holiday makers because it offers full membership rights and unlimited free social golf.

clubs

Horizons’ driving forces: Owners Selva Severimutto, left, and Peter Rickard, right, with course designer Ross Watson when he paid a recent visit.

“Our Country Membership is targeted at Sydneysiders – particularly those with easy access to Port Stephens from the North Shore,” he said.

“The area is a prime golfing destination with a variety of top courses. Golfers from the North Shore will see Horizons’ Country membership as excellent value.

“We are renewing our website and organising with MiGolf to streamline tee times bookings and members handicap systems.

“While we are keen to increase membership numbers in all categories, we strongly believe our future is all about increasing visitor numbers to Port Stephens. I have been very vocal about the fact that Horizons, Nelson Bay and Pacific Dunes golf clubs all need to prosper. We have to continue to promote the area as a golfing destination close to Sydney,” Rickard said.

Horizons’ key players: (from left) Director of Golf, Greg Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer Peter Rickard and Course Superintendent Dean Wilson.

Towards that end Horizons again have committed to two very popular and successful women’s events – the Breast Cancer Care Fundraiser (which was staged last month, with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation) and the upcoming Ladies Gala Day on Friday, November 27, sponsored by the Port Stephens Palliative Care Outreach Centre

As far as highlight holes go Horizons is blessed with a stunning world ranking for its marvelous 153m par three 17th.

“I have a book titled ‘1001 golf holes you should play before you die’ and it lists Horizons’ challenging 17th, which is quite a compliment considering some of the world’s great golf holes were contenders,” Rickard says.

Off the golf course there are plans to update the non-golf attractions at Horizons which boasts a tennis court, two pools and a sauna.

The new owners also have plans to administer and streamline the booking of golf-coursefrontage accommodation and to expand this aspect. The café and bar have been refreshed as have the function and conference facilities.

“Our visitor golfer numbers have increased 50 per cent in the past year and that’s coming from four years ago when Horizons was in the doldrums,” he says.

“But you have to work to regain your previous standing and earn the right to get the people to come back and play again.”

To that end, Rickard says although Horizons is well-known as a resort course they are keen to again stage some serious golf events and a NSW/ACT Legends pro-am is under consideration.

All in all, the future at Horizons looks as bright as its gleaming golden past. •

Feature hole: Horizons’ 17th hole, listed in book 1001 Holes to Play Before You Die.

For more information: Phone: (02) 4982 0474 Website: www.horizons.com.au

Located near the crystal waters of Port Stephens, Horizons Golf Resort offers challenges and rewards for players of all standards as well as full resort facilities

• Country memberships available for $500 per annum • Visitors welcome to play in all members competitions • Green fees from $30 • Function centre with spectacular views over the golf course, available for weddings, conferences, seminars and groups

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

35

clubs

Headland GC initiative creates interest in junior membership H

“After their morning on the course or practice fairway, SWING participants meet in the clubhouse for coffee to socialise, make new friends, discuss their ever-improving golf swing and occasionally have a session on rules and etiquette.”

EADLAND Golf Club, on the Sunshine Coast, has had a spike in junior membership inquiries as a result of a board initiative aimed at family participation.

Well aware its membership demographic was ageing and becoming male dominated, two years ago the Headland board took steps to reverse the trend.

Initiatives aimed specifically at female and intermediate age membership categories have resulted in more than 100 new members joining these two specificallytargeted areas.

But an area that has sparked immediate positive reaction is an incentive for existing members to have their children and grandchildren join the club. And the cost is nothing.

According to general manager Ben Dobson, the outcome of all membership incentives has been extremely encouraging and successful with the boom expected to follow in new junior memberships.

Any junior – aged seven to 17 – who is the child or grandchild of a Headland Golf Club full member, is entitled to free junior membership, with no joining fee.

The only other stipulation is that the junior member must reside on the Sunshine Coast.

Each full member will be entitled to enrol one junior under this program.

And one family which has already taken up the offer is long-term member Justin Walsh and his father-in-law, Don Follent.

36

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Patrick and Emmett Walsh on the first tee at Headland with their grandfather Don and dad Justin.

Their respective sons and grandson, Emmett (16) and Patrick (14) Walsh are now junior members and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“It is a tremendous idea and a great incentive,” said their dad, Justin.

“The boys have grown up in a golfing household and have always shown an interest, but like all youngsters they play other sports as well.

“This gives them the opportunity to become a club member, play in competitions and judge for themselves whether golf is their game. And they can do it without that added expense of membership and joining fees.

usually they are hooked.

“My boys are having a lot of fun, and some success. They have both played junior pennants and Emmett has already won a major junior competition and his handicap has been cut from 36 to 25.”

In 2013 Headland introduced a program called SWING (Starting Women IN Golf ), designed precisely to encourage women to play golf. The program has been effective and the result rewarding.

As a direct result of the introduction of SWING, 32 new female members have joined the club.

“Anyone who plays golf knows it can be an extremely addictive sport so the first step in getting someone interested is to give them a tangible inducement to join a club.

“The program, designed and implemented by former ladies captain Laurel Opray and conducted by club professional Adam Norlander, is held weekly with participants receiving tuition and assistance,” Ben Dobson said.

“Once that happens and they improve their game and start to play well in competitions,

“But the major emphasis is on them enjoying the game of golf.

Another membership area lacking numbers was the Intermediate category – those aged from 18 to 29.

The club offered reduced joining fees to this age classification and a 50 per cent reduction of the full membership cost, and as a result 74 new members in this category have joined in the past two years.

And Mr Dobson said an additional initiative was the expansion of Headland’s reciprocal agreements with other golf clubs.

Recently added to the extensive nationwide list is The Sands Torquay on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula where Headland members are entitled to six free rounds per year from 2016.

“We also have Goodlife Fitness Centre on board and members receive a 20 per cent reduction in annual fees at Goodlife Buderim,” he said.

“And excitingly, Headland now has an agreement with Caloundra Golf Club where members of both clubs are entitled to two free reciprocal games each year at their ‘sister’ club.

“These initiatives fall in line with the club’s overall objective to give members better ‘value’ for the annual subscriptions.” •

Engraved in history 26-29 November 2015 H The Australian Golf Club For further information visit emiratesaustralianopen.com.au

#AusOpenGolf

clubs

Roseville’s Gold Mashie set to impress Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

S

YDNEY’S Roseville Golf Club, boasting a past steeped in professional golf, has high hopes of claiming a prized PGA award with the staging of its historic $25,000 First National Real Estate Lan-Dom Gold Mashie Cup Legends Tour Pro-am this month.

The Gold Mashie, which first teed off at the Lower North Shore course in 1928, is widely acknowledged as being the oldest pro-am event still being played in Australia.

In keeping with its quality origins and its professional organisation, it has been nominated the past three years for the NSW/ ACT Division’s Best Legends Tour Pro-am of the Year, but pipped on the post each time.

Over the 87 years since the Gold Mashie teed off, some of the greatest names of Australian golf have strode the fairways of what is now a challenging par-66 gem. In 1952 it became what may be the only sub-par-70 course to host the Australian PGA Championship.

While it has a rich tradition, which it proudly displays with a foyer full of dazzling trophies and wonderful photographs from yesteryear, Roseville is a modern club–as its state-of-theart, newly renovated clubhouse attests.

With a proactive board of directors and a healthy playing membership of about 900 (500 men and 400 women) the success of the Gold Mashie is reflected in its string of sponsors ranging from local businesses to famous international brands.

From the naming-rights sponsor, First National Real Estate Lan-Dom, to brands

including Jaguar, Yamaha, Coke, Tooheys and the 17 business partners, the Gold Mashie is seen as a winner.

An impressive example of this is that Jaguar provides chauffeur-driven luxury limousines for the event’s two leading players and a hole-in-one prize of its all-new model XE sedan, valued at $65,000. Last year Jaguar sold a number of cars from the Gold Mashie – including one to a PGA pro who competed in the event. Yamaha also is offering $25,000 of its products as the prize for an ace.

Roseville’s General Manager, Noel Robertson, who has been at the helm for four years, is delighted with how the revitalised pro-am has developed a “carnival atmosphere” and has helped re-establish the private club’s standing as a major presence in the local area and on the Sydney golf scene.

“Roseville, only 20 minutes from the CBD and very close to the booming centre of Chatswood, is tucked out of the way but is worthy of a place among the North Shore’s mainstream private clubs,” he said.

“We have a unique and serene scenic setting with a northerly aspect overlooking Garigal National Park and the upper reaches of Middle Harbour. Our well-turfed water-abundant redesigned course has never looked better, and is a joy to play for pros and amateurs alike.

“The board of directors has done a fine job promoting our brand to the local community with an impressive new website, eye-catching local cinema advertising and informative locally distributed brochures.

“We are reaching the local customer demographics we are seeking and promoting golf. This is exemplified with the reaction to our Schools Golf Introduction

Last year’s Gold Mashie winner David Saunders and the Jaguar in which will he will be driven to and from the course this year. program. This program, largely utilising loyal Roseville member volunteers, is based on the Golf Australia Mygolf program with some adaptations.

“We started this year with 24 students from Lindfield East Public School and the initial term proved so popular the next offering was filled in just 47 seconds. The program now has been promoted at the school as part of its official sports curriculum and we hope to expand it to three or four schools next year.”

“Importantly the Gold Mashie pro-am, with its unique format of the first round women-only pro-am on Friday and the men on Saturday is a real community-based event, and includes an after-round drinks function on Friday and a presentation dinner on Saturday,” he said.

For the first time this year there will be a charity fund-raising during the event and all proceeds will go to the Cromehurst School for Intellectual Disabilities at Lindfield.

Cromehurst is an outstanding school, catering to students from kindergarten to year 12 with intellectual disabilities.

It currently has 55 students who have additional needs resulting from autism, physical disabilities or other health issues.

Male or female Golf Link-registered golfers seeking a playing spot for the Roseville Gold Mashie on Friday, November 6, or Saturday, November 7, should ring the club on 02 8467 1800, or visit www.rosevillegolf.com.au •

Tocumwal Golf Club is proud to present the 2016 inaugural Garnaut Private Wealth

36 Hole Victorian 2 Person Ambrose Championship Played on 2 Championship Courses

Expert Analysis Qualified Master Fitter Custom Club Fitting

Sat 6th - Sun 7th February 2016 Open to Men & Lady Amatuer Golfers

Excellent Trophies Available Each Day & Overall for Men & Ladies

Party Hole Shoot Out Offering Cash Prizes For more information please contact the Tocumwal Golf Club Entry Forms Available at at Reception or on our Website www.masterfittingcentres.com.au

38

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.tocumwalgolf.com -

03 5874 9111

TO C U M WA L G

O

L

F

C

L

U

B

COAST D L O G T, R O S E R S E IN RACV ROYAL P

BER 2015 3 - 6 DECEMsh ip.com.au pgachampion

S E G A K C A P Y IT L A IT P S O H LADIES HIGH TEA EMBER 2015 C E D 1 Y A D S KID For hosp

contact David Pryles on itality and tickets please

29 366 720.

dpryles@pga.org.au or 04

clubs

Omeo hopes to ‘Muster’ a future Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

V

ictoria’s Omeo Golf Club has thought outside the box with it latest fundraising event as it gets set to host its inaugural Caravan and RV Muster from November 6-8 with a $35,000 caravan as a hole-in-one reward headlining a long list of prizes.

One hundred caravans and RVs are expected for the weekend-long festival, which will include a fishing competition and helicopter joy rides.

“There will be live music Friday (November 6) and Saturday evenings from 6pm,” said Omeo Golf Club secretary Lorna Petersen.

“Friday night, we have a barbeque dinner planned, followed by a major fireworks display.”

The club has successfully secured a $5,000 grant from East Gippsland Shire Council and a similar contribution from local businesses to run the jam-packed event, which will raise money for Omeo Golf Club, Omeo Shire Lions Club and Omeo-Benambra Football Netball Club.

The future of Omeo Golf Club - which formed a sub-committee in December last year to organise this event - will hinge on the success of the Muster, according to Petersen.

“If we get our 100 vans at seventy dollars each, that will be a good start, plus our bar takings, merchandise and entry money for events and comps. If this event is successful, it will become an annual event and will be the reason we still have a golf club in Omeo.

Omeo Golf Club aims to raise $10,000 from the Muster, which will be spent on upgrades to its clubhouse and mowing machinery. “We don’t have any paid staff, everything is done by a small number of our members who volunteer their time to keep our course in top condition,” Petersen said.

The calendar of events on the Saturday at the Muster features a ‘Back to Back’ wool challenge, which will take the wool from a sheep’s back and put it onto the back of one lucky bidder in the space of a few hours.

“A local chap hand clips the fleece off a sheep, several women spin the wool, while

others start knitting. By the end of the day, we have a garment complete, from the back of the sheep to your back. The Garment knitted will be auctioned on Saturday night, along with other goods that have been donated for the event.”

Attendees can also enjoy a bus tour of local historical sites including Ensay Winery in the hills of Tambo River Valley and Nullamunjie Olive Grove between Swifts Creek and Omeo.

But Omeo’s Caravan and RV Muster will come alive on Sunday November 8 with its Hole-In-One competition. “A caravan to the value of $35,000 is the prize if you succeed,”

Petersen revealed. “The distance for this shot is 161 meters, downhill.”

Market stalls will also be run throughout the three-day fundraiser.

“The local Lions Club will have their food van on site providing breakfast Saturday & Sunday mornings, they will also have hot donuts available each afternoon. This event is for the benefit of the whole community and the money raised will be spread through the entire community.”

More: 0427 604 660, omeomuster@gmail.com •

Roseville Golf Club

Everything old is new again

Join us for one of the most delightful and enjoyable golf experiences in Sydney

Play in the 2015 Gold Mashie and ladies Pro aM Only $55 per player includes lunch & snacks & great prizes Jaguar & Yamaha Hole in One prizes

ladies day noveMber 6th | Mens day noveMber 7th

Be a part of 90 years of tradition A great golf course complemented by a modern contemporary clubhouse and the friendliest environment you could wish to have The event supports Cromehurst Special School Sponsor logos

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

41

juniors

Gary Player Classic trio join greats W

Have you ever missed a tee time?

Proverbs: No. Pilon: No, but I came close once.

Morgan: No.

IN one of the three divisions at the Gary Player Classic, played annually at Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane, and the odds of one day becoming the world’s best player improve dramatically.

What’s your worst habit?

Proverbs: Sometimes eating unhealthy food.

Pilon: I sometimes get frustrated with myself.

Morgan: Rushing between shots.

Just ask Queenslanders Greg Norman, Adam Scott and Jason Day. The champion trio each won at least one of the Classic’s divisions (15 and under, 1617 years and 18-20 years) and all went on to become the world’s best player and now another three Gary Player Classic winners have ambitions of following in their footsteps.

Last month Blake Proverbs, Charles Pilon and Jediah Morgan etched their names alongside some of the greats of the sport by winning their respective divisions.

In the 18-20 years, Pacific Golf Club’s Proverbs carded rounds of 71-73-71-72 for a 287 total to finish one clear of Castle Hill’s Daniel Gale.

Pilon (Hills) retuned rounds of 69-70-72-76 (287) to edge out Wantima’s Steven Cox (290) in the 16-17 years division and Hattonvale’s Jediah Morgan (68-76-74-78 – 296) finished six clear of Royal Queensland’s Louis Dobbelaar.

What’s your favourite food?

Proverbs: I love Thai food.

Pilon: Steak Diane.

Morgan: Chicken schnitzel.

Gary Player Classic winners Jediah Morgan, Charlies Pilon and Blake Proverbs show off the spoils of victory.

What is the best thing about golf?

Proverbs: It’s an individual sport.

Pilon: The socialising with your mates and it keeps you fit.

Morgan: The adrenaline and the enjoyment it brings when you put a good round together.

Proverbs (aged 19), Pilon (16) and Morgan (15) sat down with Inside Golf to answer a few questions about themselves, their golf and their lofty ambitions.

What tournament would you like to win?

Proverbs: US Masters.

Pilon: Any major tournament.

Morgan: The Gary Player Classic was always one I wanted to win, but now The Australian Boys’ Championship.

What is your handicap?

Proverbs: Plus 3 Pilon: Plus 2 Morgan: Scratch

What is the strength of your game?

Proverbs: Keeping cool under pressure.

Pilon: Performing well under pressure.

Morgan: Driving and hitting greens in regulation.

What is your golfing ambition?

What’s your lowest ever score?

Proverbs: 62.

Pilon: Seven-under par.

Morgan: Four under par 68.

Proverbs: To play on the US PGA Tour.

Pilon: To play on the US PGA Tour.

Morgan: To become the best player in the world.

What’s the favourite club in your bag?

Proverbs: The driver.

Pilon: 60° wedge.

Morgan: Three-wood.

What will you be doing in five years?

Proverbs: I would like to say I’ll be playing on the US Tour.

Pilon: I’d like to think I’ll be in college in America.

Morgan: Hopefully playing professional golf.

How many majors has Gary Player won?

Proverbs: Six. Pilon: 12.

Morgan: Eight. •

Who is your favourite player?

Proverbs: Jordan Spieth.

Pilon: Jason Day. Morgan: Jason Day.

FOOTNOTE: When told Gary Player, who continues to sponsor the Classic, had won nine majors Morgan quipped, “I was going to say nine”.

Teen Tyler joins the Shark A 13-YEAR-OLD Brisbane boy now has something in common with Greg Norman.

Tyler Duncan, who plays off a 2.7 handicap at the Redcliffe Golf Club, recently won the most improved player award at the prestigious Gary Player Classic played at Pacific Golf Club.

Norman (aka the Shark) won the same award way back in 1973 as an 18-year-old.

In comparison to his 2014 efforts, Duncan improved his threeround total by 21 strokes. That ensured he made the cut in 2015 after carding rounds of 77-77-81-79 to finish ninth in the 15 and under division.

Tyler Duncan.

STRATHFIELD GOLF CLUB - CENTENARY DRIVE STRATHFIELD

LOOKING FOR A GOLF CLUB TO J IN?

NO JOINING FEE IN NOVEMbEr

$107

*

50

*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $112.50).

Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Group 1 top class club Situated in the heart of Sydney Easy walking course-carts and buggies available Competitions daily - Men’s and ladies competitions every day Open days for members and guests Mondays and Fridays Excellent dining / bistro/clubhouse recently refurbished Excellent practice facilities Junior/cadet programme Free Golf lesson + 2 complimentary guest vouchers for new members Direct Debit/quarterly/half yearly subscription payment options AAA accredited PGA professional Mark Reeve available for golf lessons 3 month membership for overseas guests

You can join and play 7 days per week from as little as $1300 per annum* Special 30% discount membership available to two members of the same household.

First member pays full category price additional family member living at the same address will receive a 30% discount on the full subscription.

New members who join before November 30 2015 will also receive a FREE Golf Lesson and 2 complimentary visitor vouchers. *(A house account applies) NEW Limited 35 game midweek category only $900pa* Special family price for second member only $650pa*

STRATHFIELD GOLF CLUB www.strathfieldgolf.com 84 CENTENARY DRIVE, STRATHFIELD NSW 2135 OFFICE : 9642 0326 • PRO SHOP: 9642 8642 • EMAIL: office@strathfieldgolf.com.au 42

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

E SHI P W

AUS

TR

NEW $3995

E

$6795

FROM

NEW

ID

FROM

GRASSHOPPER

ALIA W

FROM

2014 MODELS & EX DEMOS

$6495

TRADE UP

TODAY!!!!

HIGHLAND GOLF CARS 1300 90 60 80

www.highlandgolfcars.com.au Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

Club Car Precedents

2005 to 2014 Models FROM

85

USED

$3295

• Petrol and Electric • Many with NEW Batteries • All with WARRANTY

ID

AUS

TR

E

E SHI P W

ALIA W

HIGHLAND GOLF CARS 1300 90 60 80

www.highlandgolfcars.com.au Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

SPARE PARTS Huge range of parts & accessories for all makes & models WINDSCREENS

WARRANTY EVERY cart sold with WARRANTY SHOWROOM CONDITION

almost anywhere in Australia!

6x 6V or 6x 8V or 6x 12V for

W

AUS

For all makes & models at $199 (includes delivery)

All makes and models; delivered FREE to

$1395

E SHI P

E

UNBEATABLE

BATTERY DEALS

TR

ID

WHY WE’RE

ALIA W

TILTING NEW TRAILERS

ALL carts are in SHOWROOM CONDITION : No damage to bodywork or upholstery WORKSHOP TESTED ALL carts are WORKSHOP TESTED and SERVICED prior to delivery NO SURCHARGE on CREDIT CARDS

Conditions Apply: Please call or email us for details.

TR

E

AUS

BEATEN!!!!

$1895

W

ID

WE WON’T BE

Buy your cart from us and we’ll discount further!!!!!!

E SHI P

ALIA W

HIGHLAND GOLF CARS 1300 90 60 80

www.highlandgolfcars.com.au Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

new gear

>NEWGEAR We highlight the latest products to hit the market

TaylorMade PSi Irons TaylorMade Golf has taken a new approach to the better player iron category with the introduction of the PSi™ and PSi Tour irons. Featuring the company’s Dynamic Feel System (DFS) which reduces vibration across the face without sacrificing ball speed, the PSi iron also sports a revolutionary new Speed Pocket –a cut-thru slot that feeds directly into the cavity undercut, resulting in faster ball speeds for shots struck lower on the face. PSi also utilises Face Slot Technology, which protect ball speed and generate more consistent distance on shots struck off-center.

Featuring forged 1025 Carbon steel and precision milled face slots and Speed Pocket, PSi Tour features a more compact head size and tour-inspired shaping and workability for the best of ball strikers. Additionally, PSi Tour has a thinner topline, less offset and narrower sole than the PSi and its progressive CG position allows for higher trajectory in the long irons while retaining optimum workability.

Availability: at retail on November 6, PSi (Pricing still to be confirmed) will be offered in 3-iron through PW with AW and SW also available. PSi Tour (Pricing still to be confirmed) will be available at retail on January 8, and will be offered in 3-PW. www.taylormadegolf.com.au

Cobra KING Forged Irons The KING Forged Pro Irons were designed for the golfing purist. They feature a five-step forging process that yields a more precise shape, a more aligned grained structure and tighter weight tolerance. A co-forged tungsten toe weight positions the Centre of Gravity (CG) directly behind the hitting zone in the centre of the face delivering precision shot making. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Milled Faces and Grooves deliver maximum spin and trajectory control. The Forged Combo set (cavity back (CB) mid & long irons + muscle back (MB) short irons & wedges) comes in a Diamonized Black Metal Finish (DMB) around a Forged 1025 Carbon Steel Body The KING Forged Tec (Technology Enhanced Cavity) Irons provide the feel and precision of a tour iron with maximum forgiveness and distance. This multi-material construction iron features the same five-step forging technology as found in other Cobra Forged irons, along with a new J15 high strength steel forged face insert material to enhance distance and save weight. The remarkable feel comes from the harmonic cavity insert which is an engineered Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Insert, positioned directly behind the impact zone, between the face and the back cavity, for vibration damping and improved feel at impact.

Callaway APEX CF16 Irons For the first time, Callaway has used its industry-leading Cup 360 face technology in a forged player’s iron, delivering consistent ball speed across the face and increased playability in a forged design. The Apex Irons’ high tech, multi-piece construction provides a combination of distance, feel and control that can suit any player and the extremely soft feel is achieved with quadruple net forging and mild carbon steel.

The longer irons (3-7) utilize Cup 360 technology to increase ball speeds and forgiveness across the face, and also have more offset for increased forgiveness. The shorter irons (8AW), which have a unique engineered face plate to enhance feel and distance control, were designed with a more compact shape and less offset for feel and control.

The end result: a forged iron for all golfers in a classic, authentic shape.

At Retail: Mid-November www.callawaygolf.com.au

RRP per iron GRAPHITE $275.00 AUD

RRP

in the Tec Iron 46

RRP per iron $199 AUD for STEEL in both irons

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The JPX EZ Driver changes everything. With a simple 3 weight system, the JPX EZ Driver now allows you to dial in your launch trajectory, while maintaining its design for maximum forgiveness.

Injected with Boron, the JPX EZ Forged irons takes Mizuno Grain Flow Forged irons a leap forward in distance and forgiveness. Enjoy the “#nothingfeelslikamizuno” moments without being heavily penalized for the odd miss-hit. Ideal for mid/high handicaps or professionals who don’t like to practice.

The distance iron with feel , The JPX EZ iron is a ‘point and shoot’ iron with launch monitor busting ball speeds – it’s also engineered to be the best feeling and most balanced within its class.

RRP: JPX EZ Driver: $575 JPX EZ Forged Irons: $199 per iron steel shaft JPX EZ Irons: $165 per iron steel shaft www.mizuno.com.au

Callaway APEX PRO 16 Irons Callaway relied heavily on Tour player feedback in designing the new forged Apex Pro Irons. These classic, authentic looking irons use a 1025 mild carbon steel to achieve the soft feel that pros and better players demand. Callaway’s multimaterial design optimizes the Centre of Gravity of each club.

The longer irons (3-5) have more offset and a tungsten insert to lower the CG for a higher launch, while the shorter irons (6A) have a higher CG for a controlled, penetrating trajectory.

The Apex Pro Irons come standard with a premium Project X steel shaft and a wide variety of steel shafts are available at no upcharge.

RRP per iron

At Retail: Mid-November www.callawaygolf.com.au

www.cobragolf.com.au

$219 AUD

RRP per iron steel $237.50 AUD

Mizuno JPX EZ Driver and Irons

$237.50 AUD

new gear

PowaKaddy freeway range

an advantage for hilly golf courses.

All three models come with the Lightweight Power Frame, which is super strong and has fast action easy folding. The FW3, FW5 and FW7 are backed by a comprehensive two-year warranty on the buggy and a five-year pro rata Warranty on the Lithium Battery.

Australian golfers have the opportunity to own the bestselling brand in over 50 countries worldwide.

With over 30 years of proven innovation, PowaKaddy lad the way with cutting edge designs fused with the latest technology to deliver the perfect combination of performance, reliability and user friendly functionality.

The FW5 and FW7 models both come standard with a USB charging port, which can be used to charge your GPS unit or mobile phone, plus ADF (Automatic Distance Function) which is real time saver around the greens.

The new Powakaddy freeway range consists of three models, FW3, FW5 and FW7, boasting the latest in technology and Euro styling, not to mention all models have the exclusive Plug and Play Battery Connection System which means no more messy wires do deal with when connecting the battery to the buggy.

There is a full range of accessories also available including, GPS Holder, Score Card Holder, Umbrella Holder, Travel Cover and Wide Wheels.

PowaKaddy is distributed and serviced in Australia by E.L.K Golf.

Top of the range FW7 has the added feature of EBS (Electronic Braking System) which has 3 levels of progressive braking for varying gradients and is definitely

www.powakaddy.com.au

Biion Footwear – Try on a Biion

Nike Golf Engage Wedges With three sole grinds made from the hands of Master Craftsman Mike Taylor, the new Nike Golf Engage wedges are the newest solution to help athletes such as Rory McIlroy both score and escape adverse conditions on the course.

Nothing fits, forms, feels or functions like Biion Footwear: One of the lightest performance golf shoes on the market that provide great support in stylish designs.

To better engage the club, ball and athlete, Nike engineers followed a similar design that is utilised in the Nike Vapor family of clubs, Modern Muscle. Modern Muscle shifts the centre of gravity to promote stability and consistent turf interaction in even the worst of playing conditions.

Why choose a pair of golf shoes that can only be worn for golf? Wear Biion shoes beyond the course as a walking shoe, to work, whilst travelling, while you’re out on a boat, on weekends, and everywhere in-between.

The Nike Engage wedges are precision milled with X3X grooves to deliver maximum spin on full shots. The grooves have more volume and sharper edges to deliver a more consistent shot in any condition as well as a more consistent ball flight. The precision milling process that makes the X3X grooves is offered for the first time with the Engage Wedges.

Available in three distinct sole grinds: Dual Sole, Square Sole and Toe Sweep. www.nikegolf.com.au

RRP

$229.99

A RZN layer between 304 Stainless Steel actively manages forgiveness resulting in 10 percent tighter dispersion. A “T” shaped alignment aid helps find the proper address position.

Integrated RZN provides Centre of Face performance across the face and creates a “T-Alignment Aid”, which is easier to Line up. The RZN groove insert provides ideal launch and skid conditions. It offers true roll and soft feel. MODELS: B1-01 (RH/ LH); M1-08 (RH); S1-12 (RH); S2-12 (RH)

Biion Footwear will be at The Australian Open in Sydney, so why not stop by and Try on a Biion? www.biionfootwear.com.au

AUD

Nike Method Converge Putters Nike Method Converge and Matter Putters featured Method technology with a RZN material, the same RZN used in the Nike RZN golf balls. Nike Club designers utilized some of the findings from the golf ball team and applied it to the face of the putter to give it a softer feel and delivers faster forward roll.

Inspired by the classic Oxford Brogue, Biion shoes are made from a high quality, lightweight and flexible Ethelyne-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) that makes for a comfortable fit all day long and features a honeycomb spikeless solid rubber outsole.

RRP

$139.95 – $149.95 AUD

RRP

$319.99 AUD

www.nikegolf.com.au

Caddyrack Pro Caddyrack Pro has redefined golf bag function and design with Soft Grip technology.

This patented system is exclusive to Kahma Golf.

The shafts of the irons make no contact with either the golf bag or other clubs, making the system especially suitable for graphite shafted irons. The heads of conventional irons automatically make gentle 3-point contact in soft, uniquely shaped partitions. Amazingly, the irons are restrained in every direction except removal.

Kahma Golf has integrated this Softgrip Technology into specially designed range of Kahma Golf Bags to take full advantage of the technology.

The new 2014 C5 Golf Bag now includes magnetic cooler pocket cover and additional umbrella holder for easy access.

With the integrated Caddyrack Pro this is the most unique golf organizer on the market today. www.kahmagolf.com www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

47

gear news

More clubs ‘surfing the turf’ with the GSC Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

S

low play could soon become a thing of the past, as the innovative Golf Skate Caddy leads a revolutionary shift towards smoother, faster and more stimulating riding experiences.

Golf Skate Caddy is a specially-designed electric golf skateboard ridden by one person, which allows golfers to cut more than 90 minutes off the time it takes to play 18 holes.

The emergence of these types of ‘golfing boards’ are already proving popular in the United States at golf clubs looking to appeal to a younger demographic but Golf Skate Caddy is also a game-changer for older golfers seeking more comfort.

“We thought that it would be primarily young people, but most of our sales are being taken up by that 50 to 75 age group and 40 per cent of our sales are to women,” says Golf Skate Caddy’s Australian and UK distributor Douglas Mizzi.

“We want to be able to introduce the Golf Skate Caddy to a younger golfer that perhaps hasn’t taken up golf or maybe perceives it as an older person’s sport.”

Golf clubs in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, in conjunction with partners of Golf Skate Caddy, are now able to rent the revolutionary Golf Skate Caddy with virtually no outlay cost whatsoever.

“They are going into a principal profit share arrangement with the golf clubs. It allows the golf club to come on board at zero cost to them and split the profits. This is truly revolutionary as it poses no risk for the club. If it’s not working during the trial period, then the contract is cancelled and the fleet moved to another golf club. They can have a fleet of Golf Skate Caddys, they’ve just got to rent them out,” Mizzi explains.

“Although older golfers buy them, younger people will be able to rent them and we want to make renting the Golf Skate Caddy easy. We want to bring golf clubs on board, our partners are currently focused in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. We’ve just put them in the Southport Golf Club on the Gold Coast and they’re now starting to rent them out on a regular basis.”

Golf Skate Caddy is an Australian product with international sales ramping up, and its biggest benefit for most golfers is speeding up play. It is fun and easy to ride and offers a new way to play the game without changing the rules.

“A lot of sports like cricket, basketball, baseball and the AFL are moving towards shorter formats of their game” says Matthew Spry from Earth Surfing, who approached

Members $20.00, Non Members $30.00 RESULTS 9th Oct 2015 WiNNER - G. Solman Runner Up - E. Kost Next Best - D. Padayachee N.T.P 3rd - B. Daw N.T.P 6th - A. Brandon N.T.P 12th - C. Pratley Approach 11th - L. Downing Approach 17th - J. Cobley

48

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf Skate Caddy Australia last year to become a buyer and rent Golf Skate Caddy to golf clubs around Victoria.

“Golf needs that as well because not everyone can play 18 holes over four or five hours. When you’re in a regular golf cart, there’s normally two of you sitting, driving to each other’s ball, whereas with the Golf Skate Caddy, you can literally go to your own ball, so it speeds up play,” Spry explains.

Progressive clubs like Yarra Bend Golf Club are the first in Victoria to have jumped onboard and now have a fleet available for hire to the public. They see the benefits of Golf Skate Caddy in attracting new markets to the game of golf and most importantly to their club. It’s a Win/Win situation.”

Mizzi founded the Golf Skate Caddy in collaboration with Fiik Electric Skateboards in 2010. He says the visual experience of riding the Golf Skate Caddy is one of its major selling points. “You can actually take in the whole lay of the land infinitely better than you can riding in a golf cart. It opens up that whole field of vision and people just love that.”

Reaching top speeds of 20kph for private

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS parmaker OUTLET

use, Golf Skate Caddy will be set to a maximum speed of 15kph for any clubs and courses looking to use the product to expand their offering to members and green fee players.

“What a lot of golf clubs are doing, particularly in the US, is putting a fleet of eight Golf Skate Caddys out for the first two tee times in the morning, then when they come back in, they put them on charge and send them back out again,” Mizzi explains.

Older golfers can also experience physical benefits from using Golf Skate Caddy.

“We had one person that wanted to purchase one, who had a double knee replacement. It hurt to get in and out of the normal golf cart all the time. This is a ‘step on, step off’ product, so it doesn’t hurt their knees.”

For more information about introducing Golf Skate Caddy into your golf club, contact Matthew Spry (Vic) 0438 916 746 or at www.earthsurfing.com.au, or Marcus Breach (Tas & SA) on 0423 204 987. Please contact Douglas Mizzi on 0433 121 736 if you are interested in developing this business model further with golf clubs in WA, NSW or QLD. •

For Parmaker after-sales repairs, service & spares in the Blue Mountains Area (Blacktown to Lithgow & beyond) contact Mike Budden. We conduct warranty repairs on all models and have most walker and ride-on models available for demo.

Collection & delivery is available.

Phone & fax: 02 4751 8226 Email: wesden@dodo.com.au www.bluemountainsgolfbuggies.com Sales • Repairs • Service • Spares

AUSTRALIAN MADE • BUILT TO LAST

www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

GOLF COURSE LOTS FROM $209,000

Discover the stunning Harrington Waters situated on the beautiful Mid-North Coast of NSW Build your new home in the picturesque Harrington Waters and rise each morning overlooking the pristine Harrington Waters Golf Course. With 9 holes and 18 separate tees, spend your days mastering your game, relaxing in the club house, then take a stroll along the Manning River at sunset and enjoy all the facilities this wonderful community has to offer.

Land from $179,000 and Waterfront Land $425,000 Looking for an affordable waterfront lifestyle with stunning views across the Manning River and close proximity to national parks, beaches and fishing spots? Harrington Waters is a rare find!

For details call (02) 6556 0057 or visit www.harringtonwaters.com.au Cnr Faith Crt & Harbour Blvd, Harrington Waters, NSW 2427

people

Mary had a little plan David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T

HERE are 1497 golf courses in Australia and Mary Brewer plans to play every one of them within the next five years.

The Sydney-based golfer, who plays off 11 at Bankstown Golf Club, has only just begun her journey and has a long way to go but, as they say, every journey starts with the first step.

Many people have questioned her motivation, but the 35-year-old schoolteacher and PGA International Golf Institute graduate is unfazed by the doubters.

“It doesn’t bother me that people think it’s a far-fetched idea,” Mary said.

“This is something I have always wanted to do and I want to promote golf, especially women’s golf.

“If we can get more girls and women playing golf that’s got to be good for the sport.”

Currently, just 21 per cent of golfers are women.

“You can play with friends or strangers, males or females, old and young and even on your own.

“The ability to play throughout your entire life is achievable and is experienced by many and golf has many health benefits with an average walk of eight kilometres over 18 holes.”

Mary’s grand plan is to find a base in each capital city, play the metropolitan and surrounding golf courses and then tackle the regional golf courses.

First, she will criss-cross New South Wales, then move on to Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia, West Australia and Tasmania.

For the record, 73 per cent of golf courses in Australia are in regional areas.

Mary plans to play six or seven golf courses each week or around 300 a year.

“That will take approximately five years, but I don’t have any commitments so it’s achievable,” she said.

“I will base myself in capital cities before hitting the road to play the country courses. I will use available campsites along the way.

Mary has set up a website (www.hergolf.com.au) for women golfers that will include course reviews, blog, travel and events.

“I’m a teacher so I plan to teach casually a couple of days a week where I can and when I am not working I will play golf.”

“I want to encourage more women to play golf and make it easy for women to find out where to play competitions and open days,” she said.

I ask Mary what it will cost to play every golf course in the country.

“When I wanted to play competitions and open days at other clubs I had to look in the newspapers for the results to find out they played the day before.

“I’ve worked on an average of $40 per golf course,” she said. “I know I can help clubs attract more golfers, especially women.”

“My mission is to increase participation of women’s golf in Australia.

Mary hasn’t worked out how many holes she will have to play to complete the assignment, but she plans to walk every golf course.

“Golf is an enjoyable sport and can be played in both a competitive or social environment.

That’s around 12,000 kilometres and, no doubt, umpteen pairs of golf shoes.

HITTING THE ROAD: Mary Brewer is embarking on an extraordinary journey.

“I just love golf and I do know that in the future all the lovely ladies that I do play golf with will appreciate what I’m doing.

“Hopefully, all the new ladies I attract to the game will continue to play the game long-term.”

It’s an ambitious goal, but Mary has her heart and mind set on completing the journey within five years.

“I didn’t want to wait until I’m retired to do something like this,” she said. • FOOTNOTE: Inside Golf will follow Mary’s progress and keep readers informed with a regular column titled, Where’s Mary?

CUTTING EDGE DESIGN WITH GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY

OVER 30 YEARS OF INNOVATION With over 30 years of proven innovation we lead the way with cutting-edge designs fused with the latest technology.

Our passion with perfection, close attention to detail and rigorous testing mean we continue to set high standards in electric trolley innovation.

As the best-selling brand in over 50 countries worldwide, we strive to deliver the perfect combination of ‘best in class’ performance, reliability and user-friendly functionality at outstanding value.

The new 2015 PowaKaddy Featuring Plug ‘n’ Play™ and the most advanced Lithium battery on the market.

For more information contact PowaKaddy Australia on info@powakaddy.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

51

people

AFL high flyer scores ‘world-record’ albatross Marshall said he and his playing partners didn’t realise that his second shot had gone in the hole.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

“We all thought it had gone over the back of the green,” he said.

W

HEN former AFL football star Leigh Marshall teed it up at the par five first hole in his first competition round as a 36 handicap member of Deniliquin Golf Club in September, he had no idea that a few minutes later he would create golf history.

And the ever-humble 37-year-old Marshall was quick to put his “world first” effort into perspective, saying: “My form didn’t last long because I put my next shot into the water on the par-three.”

Marshall, a Sydney Swans AFL player in 1995-96, only seriously began playing golf this year and on September 12 stepped up as a new member for the first time at Deniliquin’s 429m par-five first hole.

The event of the day was a four ball best ball and while he and his partner scored 46 points, they failed to win the competition.

But Marshall didn’t take long to record his first golf victory, the following Saturday, in his second competition round he won the C grade section of the stableford event with 47 points and that included three wipes.

Two shots later, after a 240m drive and a 189m second with a number three utility club, he was plucking his ball from the hole, having scored an elusive albatross (three under-par).

And he garnered an amazing seven stableford points for the feat off his36 handicap.

Lord reports that par 72 5817m Deniliquin Golf Club has about 900 members which is impressive in the small town of 8000, which is nestled on the banks of the Edward River on the edge of the Saltbush plains.

Members at Deniliquin, which is 724 km from Sydney in south-west NSW, now are justifiably claiming a world golf record for one of their favourite footballing sons.

Not only are the Deni members saying Marshall’s first-hole, first-comp albatross is a world record they also reckon his first-up seven points on one hole is unprecedented.

Internet golf websites assess the odds of an albatross as about a million to one and— as an indication—there have been only four recorded by the world’s best golfers in the 80-year history of the US Masters.

Alan Lord, a former director of the Deniliquin club and a well-known author and golf book cartoonist, in informing Inside Golf of Marshall’s feat said: “It is believed to be only the third albatross on this hole for 50 years and there have been only five other albatrosses on the course in that time—all by single-figure handicap golfers.”

5 MEMBERSHIPS, 1 LIFESTYLE.

“We are world famous for our annual Play on the Plains Ute Muster, which holds the world record for the number of utility vehicles gathered in one place and also the world record for the amount of people wearing black Jackie Howe singlets at that event,” Lord, Marshall’s father-in-law, said.

“But I reckon Leigh’s amazing start to golf deserves to be the ‘world record’ of which we all are most proud.” • More: www.denigolfclub.com.au

Murdaca turns pro One of Australia’s most promising golfers, Antonio Murdaca, has turned professional.

Murdaca, 20, teed it up for money for the first time at the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Fiji International last month after a glittering amateur career, highlighted by his appearance at this year’s Masters Tournament.

The South Australian made his announcement after storming home to finish sixth with a stirring 64 in what turned out to be the final round of the typhoon-reduced Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Hong Kong.

It was a fitting tournament at which to make the move – a year after the same event brought him to international prominence with victory at Royal Melbourne ensuring him a start at Augusta National.

“I’m really grateful for the combined efforts of Golf Australia, Golf South Australia, the PGA Tour of Australasia and my management team at ISM to help me get started so soon,” Murdaca said.

Murdaca is one of only three players to have twice won the national junior championship including 2013 Masters hero Adam Scott.

Golf Australia high performance director Brad James said Murdaca has had a stellar amateur career and was ready to make the transition to pro ranks.

“He has all the tools required to be a successful international professional, as we all saw at Augusta National when he held his own in elite company for the first time,” James said.

Now 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 five flood lit tennis courts.

Contact our Sales Team for further information: +61 7 5699 9001

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 Conditions apply for each Membership category.

52

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

tour talk

From Seoul man to scrambling Scot 65 and had a three-shot lead after the first round. It was just a day that everything worked. Most of you will think that golf pros have them a lot of the time but let me tell you, we don’t!

with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

M

y next International event was the Korean Open being played at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club. It’s always interesting travelling to Korea for a golf tournament. For me, things never really seem easy or stress-free. It started with a 22hour door-to-door trip, as the course was a long way from Incheon Airport. I was a little unsure if Pete (my caddy) and I were ever going to get to our hotel, as there wasn’t a taxi driver that could understand where we wanted to go. When that happens, the taxi drivers normally just shake their heads and drive off. Luckily there were a couple of teenagers there that spoke terrific English and asked us if we needed help and, of course, we did so we finally made it.

We didn’t get up to much on the Tuesday as there was a Pro-Am running all day so Wednesday was the official practice day.

Once again Pete and I go through our process of mapping the course out. This golf course has been really tough in past years with anything under par a great score.

The fairways are around 15 yards wide with 6-inch rough. To add to that, it’s a long course that plays about 6900 metres.

I’m not sure what happened the night before the first round, but if I can ever remember, I’ll have to do it again. I came out of the boxes quickly, posting a 6-under-par

After the round we headed into the hot baths (known as onsens) in the locker rooms, which are great after a round to stretch in and relax. As we were getting dressed, Pete thought he would put some deodorant on.

He gave it a good spray under each arm and then felt a little burning sensation. He had actually put hair spray under his arms, not deodorant. I’m laughing as I write this, it’s great to have a caddy like my old caddy Jeff Lloyd that just kept giving me easy things to write about!!

I had an early tee time in the 2nd round and kept my solid play from the first day going early, making three birdies in my first six holes. This had me leading by five shots. But then, as golf does, it threw me a couple of curve balls. I struggled a little coming in and signed for a 1-under 70 which still had me tied for the lead and I was looking forward to a exciting weekend.

The weekend didn’t work out exactly how I would have liked, shooting 73 and 72 to finish 5th. I had my chances over the weekend but really didn’t hit it in the right places off the tee to challenge for the win. On a positive note, 5th is the best finish by a Australian at this event at this course. It’s a tough track so in reflection 5th was a great effort. Making my flight on Sunday night was also an amazing effort. Traffic in Seoul Sunday afternoon is not good. Six lanes not moving and suddenly a two-hour trip is now four hours! I arrived at the airport at 8.05pm for an 8.30pm flight, and (unbelievably) they let me on!! I don’t

think that has ever happened before in my career. Thanks Asiana!

My next trip was to the Alfred Dunhill links championship in Scotland. This is played at Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and the Old Course St Andrews. It’s a four-round event where

World Class Golf Course in the Outback

54

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

you partner with an amateur and the cut is after three rounds, not the normal two. Once again it was a long journey—with a 33-hour door-to-door trip. I flew over five days early and stayed with some friends in a little town up the top of Scotland called Nairn. They

tour talk live on the course there, which is a great little links course. I spent three days up there practicing and working on getting myself acclimated to the time zone so I would feel 100 percent when Monday came and it was time to prepare. Pete and I stayed at a little B&B just five minutes’ walk from the centre of St Andrews. It is a difficult week to prepare as you have to learn three courses. I had played this event back in 2009, but to be honest I couldn’t remember much about the courses.

We went to Kingsbarns on Monday, Carnoustie on Tuesday followed by St Andrews on Wednesday. An example of how this event is difficult for Aussies or guys that haven’t played the event before was made apparent on Tuesday at Carnoustie. Steve Lowery joined us on the 2nd hole.

For those of you who are thinking ‘I know that name’, he has played in Europe for years and he won the last World Golf Championship event, the Bridgestone in the United States. He is a great guy and we had a good chat about the course. He knew by playing there year after year, exactly where the pins were going to be for the first three rounds. After the 5th hole he said he was going in as he just wanted to check out the greens firmness and speed. He had played the courses so many times he knew them like the back of his hand. Here we are, grinding and mapping the course, trying to prepare for different winds and conditions and he plays five holes and he’s ready.

I was playing Carnoustie in the first round and it was three degrees when we arrived to warm up. Carnoustie is the most difficult out of the three courses so it was good to start with it. I shot 1-over but it was a little of a mixed bag. A highlight of my round was hooking it up against a fence on the 6th hole, and having to stand out of bounds, bending over the fence to hit my 2nd shot. I was back in the

REVOLUTIONARY POINT N PUTT

SX1 PUTTER

189

$

field a little but I had the two easier courses to come, so I felt I was in a good position.

The second day I was at Kingsbarns and the weather was perfect. This is a course that you can shoot a low score on but no matter how easy a course or single shot is, you still have to do it! I shot 2-under which was solid but to be honest I felt like I left three or four shots out there. My wedge shots that are normally my strength were a little off and I found myself with a lot of 20 foot putts for birdies, which is realistically too far to make many. I was sitting tied 88th position with one day to go before that cut. My 3rd day was at the Old Course, St Andrews and once again it’s a course that you can shoot a

low score so I was in a solid position.

Unfortunately I started on the back9 with three straight bogeys. So on a day where I was looking at shooting 4 or 5-under, I was now 3-over for the day and a long way back from the cut line. I shot 5-under my last 15 holes to finish 3-under for the event but missed the cut by three which was disappointing. It was a week where I just played well, but with the level of golf around the world now, you need to play better than that!

Coming up over the next month or so I am defending my Fiji international title and then heading to China for the HSCB Champions event so I have plenty to play for. But something tells me I’m due for a win soon! •

Simply point the directional pointer-this squares the club face 900 to the target direction.

Recent SAM PuttLab studies revealed over half of participants improve their alignment an average of 16.5%

Buick drives away with Queanbeyan Cup greens in the District. To help the reputation, a high calibre field with over 130 players from around the ACT and Monaro teed off on Saturday. More than a few players from Sydney were also enticed to make the trip down the highway.

Royal Canberra Golf Club’s Mark Buick has a nice drive up the Hume Highway to look forward to in November after taking out the 2015 Queanbeyan Cup. The ACT golfer now has the 2015 NSW Open Championship at Stonecutters Ridge in his plans after his one-shot win, taking the automatic qualification place available to the winner of the event.

A red-hot Buick, firing on all cylinders, scorched around Queanbeyan Golf Course on Saturday with a four-under par 66.

He left the field in his wake from the outset, starting with birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 8th helping him return a five-under par 30 on the front-nine.

finishing two shots behind with a three-under par 69. In third place was Austin Batista from Bonnie Doon Golf Club with a par round.

Second place went to Queanbeyan local Lachlan Tisma,

The Queanbeyan course is a great test of golf and with the best

“Congratulations to Mark on his win and we wish him well for the NSW Open,” Alan Harrison, Chair of Golf NSW’s Match and Rules Committee said.

“It’s the hard work of people like Gail Goiser (Club Captain) and her Match Committee, Jake Nagle (Club Professional) and Brian Kelly’s team (Course Superintendent) that make events like these so successful,” Mr Harrison added.

The Hon. John Barilaro MP, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business and the local Member for Monaro, was on hand to present Mark Buick with his NSW Open invitation along with Alan Harrison, Chair of Golf NSW’s Match and Rules Committee.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

55

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS Order on line at pnpgolf.com.au Or phone

02 6239 3462

5 Kembla St. Fyshwick 2609 ACT

Short Game Innovators

juniors

Scholarships available for NSW golfers

G

“We are excited to partner with the PGA IGI on this scholarship for young golfers,” said Peter Van Wegen, Chief Executive Officer at JNJG.

olfers in New South Wales are set to benefit thanks to the PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI), in association with Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG), announcing two scholarship opportunities for 2016.

“To assist and provide a JNJG Member and school leaver each year with the opportunity to learn more about the golf industry, is an exciting prospect and one we are proud to be involved with.”

Applications are now open for the Golf NSW Scholarship and JNJG Internship Scholarship, which integrate golf training and development with academic studies delivered through the PGA IGI - Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management provider.

“As well as studying with the PGA IGI, the scholarship recipient will work as an intern within the offices of JNJG, on various projects such as our major golf tournaments, marketing and more.”

Exclusive to golfers in NSW, both scholarships will be given out annually to male and females who have a passion for a career in the golf industry, either on course or behind the scenes.

Applications are now being accepted for the Golf NSW scholarship and JNJG scholarship, for further information visit www.pgaigiaustralia.com. Applications close 15th November 2015.

The lucky recipients will undertake the Diploma of Golf Management through the PGA IGI, who are based at the International College of Management in Sydney.

Upon successful completion, articulation opportunities into bachelor degree courses and additional study through the PGA of Australia, which can lead to Full Vocational Membership of the PGA, also exist.

“We are proud to have a strong association with Golf NSW and JNJG, as we work together to provide opportunities for young golfers to build a foundation for their futures within the golf industry,” said Gavin Kirkman, Chief Membership Officer at the PGA. The Golf NSW scholarship is available to golfers aged 18 to 25 who reside in NSW and hold membership at golf club in NSW.

About the PGA IGI

This fee waiver scholarship provides the recipient with golf training and development, along with academic study through the PGA IGI.

“We are proud to partner with the PGA IGI, a golf management education provider, in providing this scholarship for golfers from NSW,” added Phillipson.

“It is a goal of Golf NSW to offer opportunities to golfers of all abilities to follow their passion for golf,” said Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Golf at Golf NSW.

The JNJG Scholarship is open to year 12 school leavers (either 18 years of age or who are turning 18 during their first year of study), who have participated in JNJG programs and events as a junior golfer in NSW.

“There are many opportunities for golfers beyond a career on the golf course, as administrators and managers within the industry, and Golf NSW looks forward to assisting young golfers achieve their goals through our Golf NSW Scholarship.”

Nine is Fine Stay aNd Play PackageS

2 x 18 hole Rounds Two nights Accommodation

$290 tWIN SHaRe

Outstanding 9 hole golf course offering multiple teeing options giving the feeling of playing an 18 hole course

Golf Shop (02) 6556 0404 hwgolfclubinc@gmail.com www.lncgolf.com.au/wp/district-clubs/harrington/

56

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Ibis Styles River Lodge (02) 6556 0555 reservations@harrigansharrington.com.au www.harrigansharrington.com.au

The scholarship includes an internship with JNJG, working one to two days a week within the organisation and its partners gaining valuable work experience within the golf industry.

The PGA IGI is a Registered Training Organisation owned by the PGA of Australia and operates across two locations, Gold Coast and Sydney.

The PGA IGI Diploma of Golf Management is nationally accredited qualification suited to those who have a passion for a career in golf management and administration.

Students who study through the PGA IGI combine practical golf training with academic learning in golf business and management studies.

Graduates of the PGA IGI can be found working worldwide in various positions across golf club management, administration, tournaments, media and teaching. •

MAKE IT PERSONAL Deck your balls with fun and folly this Christmas.

Hickory switch helped conquer depression His first serious competition, and first ever 18 holes with Hickory, was in at the deep end in the 2012 Australian title at Carnarvon where he shot a 78 to tie with Queensland golfer, Alan Grieve (winner of the US Hickory Open that year) and lost in a playoff. His runner-up finish qualified him for the 2013 World Hickory Open at Montrose in Scotland, where he finished 10th behind European Tour Professional, Paolo Quirici.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

HERE are countless health benefits from playing golf, but Australia’s newest national champion, Darron Watt of Wagga City Club has a unique perspective: switching to only playing with hickory-shaft clubs has saved him from serious depression.

He returned to Carnarvon for the 2013 Australian title to shoot 78 and again finish second, this time to professional golfer Derrin Morgan. In 2014 he was runner-up for a third consecutive time with an 80 to previous winner Alan Grieve who shot a masterful 74.

Watt in September captured the Australian Hickory Shaft Championship with a five-over-par 77 to score a runaway win at the top quality Carnarvon course in Sydney’s west and it capped an intriguing and unusual story.

It was a fittingly joyous reward for the 45-year-old school teacher who had finished second three times in the national title since he took to playing hickory golf four years ago. Two years ago he abandoned modern steel-shafted clubs and since has played all of his golf with hickory clubs.

Actually winning the prized championship this year was not the only reason Watt was beaming at Carnarvon. He said holding the prized trophy reminded him of the arduous fouryear journey back to regaining his mental health, which had been helped by simply playing golf with the ancient wooden clubs.

Four years ago he was suffering a depressive mental health condition resulting from a prolonged combination of anxiety and stress, which was robbing him of sufficient lifestyle and time with his wife Jill as they raised two teenage daughters, Emily who has Down syndrome and Ashley.

Even playing golf, which he had done most of his life, did not relax him. He said it even sometimes seemed to make him worse, with anxiety issues prevalent as he constantly sought to improve, even though he was playing off a scratch handicap.

He twice had qualified to play in the Australian Amateur Championship, but often was dissatisfied with how he played as he suffered a lot of mental anguish that impeded his physical and mental capacity under tournament pressures.

So he dramatically scaled down his career and returned to a less-stressful professional role which helped relieve the

By 2014 Watt had become completely hooked on hickory golf—to the extent that he stopped playing with modern clubs which he has shunned for the past two years.

In an interview early this year with the Wagga Advertiser newspaper, Watt revealed how the hickory wooden-shaft version of the game had kept him playing golf.

“I was done. I walked away from golf and this got me back into it,” he said.

Darron Watt, right, is congratulated on his Australian Hickory Shaft Championship victory by runner-up Phil Baird lifestyle and family-time imbalance.

“Playing with hickory sticks got me back on the golf course and for me, it was the best therapy for my mental health.”

About the same time he also discovered the carefree joy of hickory golf, Darron formed an unlikely friendship with Wagga City Golf member, Lachie Wilson, who also fell for the unusual appeal of the hickory shafted clubs. Lachie proved to be an invaluable partner in the hickory golfing journey as he applied his knowledge gained from hand-making acoustic guitars to restoring the hickory-shafted golf clubs into more playable clubs for both to use.

Amazingly his decision to only use hickory-shafted sticks in club competitions has proved frustrating.

Because the old clubs do not strictly fully conform to modern-day club regulations (mostly on the basis that the irons’ grooves are non-parallel, instead a series of punched holes) many Golf Clubs do not accept his scores in club competitions even though he admits he is always giving the modern technology field a few shots’ head start.

“With hickory golf I immediately began enjoying playing without expectations and by not pressuring myself so much about the results, the game again became a pleasurable pursuit,” Watt said.

Darron is currently a member of Wagga City Golf Club where he plays off a three handicap and last year he achieved a personal goal of participating in a 72 hole Club Championship, playing from the plates with the Hickory

sand Nestled amongst 3 of Sydney’s most prestigious private n. belt courses; the Australian, the Lakes & Bonnie Doo ly Open to members and the community offering a high rated course for any grade golfer.

MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE 2 to 7 day options - no joining fee

SOcIAL cLuBS WELcOME cORPORATE GOLF EVENTS cLuBHOuSE / BISTRO BOOKINGS & FuNcTIONS TUESDAY GOLF SPECIAL 18 Holes + Cart Burger & Drink

$49.50 Quote Inside Golf when making a booking

www.eastlakegolfclub.com.au or call (02) 9663 1374 58

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“I was an experienced amateur golfer but I battled anxiety and depression from tournament competition. Although a scratch handicapper, I lost my nerve in tournaments.

clubs. He fired rounds of 79, 78, 79 and 80 to finished third in the 2014 club championship using his historic clubs.

He openly thanks Wagga City Golf Club professional Scott Lennox who is an advocate of the hickory game and welcomes hickory golfers at the course. His support has resulted in the first Hickory golf tournament in the Riverina when he hosted the 2015 Al Howard Trophy interstate match between the Australian Golf Heritage Society (NSW hickory golfers) and Golf Society of Australia (Victorian hickory golfers) at Wagga City Golf Club.

Watt’s best official rounds with hickory clubs have been even par 72 at Wagga Country Club and a par round of 70 at Monifieth in Ashludie, Scotland although he has shot four under par in a practice round at Wagga City in preparation for this year’s Australian Championships.

At Carnarvon this year, despite testing conditions of showers and a stiff breeze, he had hopes of finally matching par to win the title, when he was only one over with six holes to play.

However he bogeyed the last four of the six last holes to slide to a 77 yet it was good enough to win by four from Manly Golf Club’s professional Phil Baird, who Watt predicts is a coming force in hickory golf.

“For those golfers who are currently experiencing prolonged periods of anxiety, stress or depression seek the necessary help and assistance from family, friends and medical professionals,” Watt said.

“Most importantly, reconnect with the things that you love and those that bring you enjoyment.

Hickory Heroes tackle Melbourne sandbelt

“As Ben Hogan once famously said: ‘As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round’.

Hickory Golf is gaining popularity in Melbourne, with some of Victoria’s top courses jumping on board to host enjoyable 9-hole hickory golf events.

“For some strange reason I chose the sweet smell of hickory and now I truly look forward to the rest of my round.”

In September, The National Golf Club hosted a “Hickory Heroes” event at their beautiful Long Island course. Run by The Golf Society of Australia, the event of the day included perfect weather, fine food and a spectacular golf course in fantastic condition. A great time was had by all.

Leading scores: Championship: 77 Darron Watt; 81 Phil Baird; 85 Mark Pullen Handicap: 68 nett Steve Doorey; 69 Brian Keane; 73 Andrew Wilson

Pictured are just a few of the growing number of Hickory Golf players who are becoming hooked on this unique and enjoyable aspect of the game: (from left) Martin Maguire,

More information: www.australiangolfheritage.org.au/, www.mentalhealth.asn.au

Luxury Living at Bellarine Lakes Country Club

Max Findlay, Peter Stickley, ‘Mango’ Maguire, Richard Fellner (Inside Golf ), Cliff George and David Kelso.

In October, Commonwealth Golf Club took the stage.

Again, the event was a hit, with all players sporting huge grins from a great time.

The Golf Society of Australia run regular “Hickory Heroes” events in Melbourne, and we highly recommend that you check one out. For more information, check out their page on the Golf Australia website: www.golf.org.au/golf-society-of-australia.

Protect your arms from the sun without the hassle of sunscreen or hot long sleeves Try Icerays armsleeves

DISPLAY VILLAS OPEN MON-FRI 10-4, SAT-SUN 1-4  Private golf course.

 Indoor carpet bowls.

 24/7 emergency call system.

 Secure living community.

 Outdoor bowling green.

 Golf Club House

 Magnificent facilities to enjoy.  Gym & indoor pool.

 Enjoy a great social life.

 Bar, lounge, billiard tables.

 Community centre now open.

 Managers living on site.

402 Bellarine Highway, Moolap www.bellarinelakes.com.au 95 Residents already moved in.

1800 2 RETIRE 1800 255 578

They are cool to wear while being fully UV protective to 50+ and comfortable with no seams or tight bands.

They are the only sleeves tested by the government body ARPANSA to be 50+

Just $29.95 including P&P More and more of the pro’s on the tours are wearing them now and Anne Rollo from Anne Rollo Golf schools has been wearing them for over 2 years and loves them... ”I recommend them to all my students, I don’t have to wear sunscreen on my arms anymore and they are surprisingly cool on the skin, I love them” Go to www.icerays.com.au to order and have yours to wear in a few days.

Or call linz on 0434 246 549 or email enquiries@icerays.com.au to order yours now. www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

59

trainees

Inside Golf swings behind PGA Trainees Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

HE staging of the first NSW/ACT PGA Trainees Matchplay Championship, proudly sponsored by Inside Golf, has capped off another highly successful year for the NSW/ACT Division.

The matchplay event, involving 32 of the best male and female trainees in the division, was set to reach its exciting final matches late last month and full details of the battle will appear in next month’s issue of Inside Golf.

The event is part of a continuing expansion of the NSW/ACT Division’s activities on the playing front and professional golf development in recent years. The Division not only stages the $110,000 NSW PGA and the $45,000 NSW/ACT PGA Trainees Championship at Riverside Oaks, but also the $100,000 Australian PGA Seniors Championship at Richmond Golf Club.

This year saw another 10 per cent expansion in the number of Open and Legend Tour pro-ams played in every corner of NSW and the ACT, increasing the tally to more than 70 events (50 Open and 20 plus Legends).

This matched a similar increase last year and the overall prizemoney also has expanded to about $1.25 million – a $100,000+ boost.

The division’s energetic young administration team of seven is headed by David Barker, who has 11 year’s experience with the PGA and four years as the Division’s State Manager.

“Within the Division, our overarching

Match Play finalist Alex Pitty, of Pennant Hills Golf Club Trainee Professional. INSET: Brayden Becker, winner of the NSW Trainee Championship at Riverside Oaks

objective is to service our members by growing the game of golf. Ultimately if we can get more people playing the game, there will be more opportunities for coaches, retailers and Club Professionals,” he said.

“The Members of the PGA really appreciate Inside Golf’s support in sponsoring our Division’s Trainees Matchplay title, which adds a beneficial new element to their traineeships.”

He is supported by Tournament Coordinator Darren Baynes, Tournament Administrator Peta Kiddle, Member Development Officer Ben Doney, Member

Services Co-ordinator Corinne Kelleher, PGA International Golf Institute Sydney Coordinator, Anna Booth and Office Administrator, Angelina Chen-Smith.

“I’m very lucky to have such a talented team. While we may be considerably younger than the average membership demographic in a golf club, we have a diverse skill-set across management, tournaments, education and training which services our membership,” Barker said.

A time-honoured tradition of the PGA of Australia is to continue to grow the game of golf and the NSW/ACT division plays its

part each year by recruiting and organising a quota of 35 would-be golf professional s into the three-year PGA traineeship program, which covers golf related training in coaching, management, small business and game development.

Many of Australia’s most famous golfers such as Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Frank Phillips, Norman Von Nida, David Graham, Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Lonard and Rodger Davis are proud to have been fully PGA-trained.

More information: www.pga.org.au •

Jarrod Lyle

We have your Nexbelt!

Lyle Apparel is an exclusive Nexbelt distributor for Australia

• No holes • One size fits all • Interchangeable buckles and straps • Hidden ball marker in golf series buckles • Showcase your own logo on the buckle and ball marker • Great styles for men and women

www.lyleapparel.com.au

Lyle Apparel donates $1 from the sale of every belt to Challenge 60

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Jim Furyk

Marc Leishman

PEREGIAN SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

A Noosa Golfing Destination

INSIDE GOLF SPECIAL

85

$

with share GPS Golf Cart and Six Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls Please bring this cut out with you at check in to receive your balls.

âœ

Expires November 30th 2015

The Schweppes Peregian Springs Legends Tour Pro Am Wednesday December 16th 2016 Featuring, Ian Baker Finch, Wayne Grady, Mike Harwood, Rodger Davis and Many More.

Join in this great event, Visitors welcome, Entry Fee $120pp Includes Lunch, Dinner, Drinks and Golf Cart.

Stay and Play packages available also for the Pro Am.

Peregian Springs Golf Club Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Springs QLD 4573 Tel: (07) 5471 5471 Fax: (07) 5471 5444 email: info@psgc.com.au | www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

instruction

Proper putting preparation Randall Hollands Smith randall@rhgolfrange.com.au

H

ow many times have you approached the 18th green faced with the chance to post your lowest ever score?

Have you then been disappointed after having three-putted and being forced to wait for that opportunity to come along sometime again in the future and not knowing how long that would be?

Perhaps it’s time to evaluate whether your three putts came from a lack of speed or perhaps too much speed. Were you not aware that you were putting down grain or into the grain…or were you too aggressive or maybe not aggressive enough?

the surface of the grass in one direction and then back in the opposite direction. If you are creating resistance in one direction and the grass stands up you are working against the grain. If, however, your putter moves smoothly along the grass surface you are working with the grain. (NOTE: It’s a rules violation to do this test during a competition.)

Even players at the elite professional level at some point in their career has had the emotional letdown that you have experienced due to that missed short putt or three-putting the final green.

Most all golfers under-read or don’t allow enough turn on curving putts.

Preparation of hitting a putt successfully begins even before you take your first step onto the putting surface so when approaching the green you should be surveying the undulations of the putting surface.

While putting on the practice green before a round, lightly scrape your putter across

62

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

With putting, however, you have your eyes parallel to the putting line because you set up to the side of the ball, greatly distorting the overall direction originally decided on from behind the ball during your green reading routine.

Putting down grain with the grass lying down increases the speed of the putt and will in most cases reduce the amount that the ball curves during its roll.

Just as much as putting into the grain can affect the curve of your putt, putting with side-grain can greatly influence the direction and turn as well as the speed of your putt.

Success or failure of every putt is dependent on the very important role of preparation.

In almost all sports, with the exception of golf, the player or athlete is always looking horizontally with their eyes facing the target. In this instance, it is far easier to make correct judgment of what lies ahead of you.

Grain will have an influence on your putts by affecting both the speed and direction of your putts. Putting directly into the grain with the grass standing up will affect your putt by slowing the speed of your ball and adversely influence the amount of turn on your ball.

Could it have been a stance issue or an alignment problem? Did you move your head or was it simply that you’re playing partner said ‘just hit it close’?

Maybe that missed putt happened in the middle of the round that led to your undoing, because as far as you could see this pattern was going to continue throughout the round.

In fact it could simply have been an error when judging the speed for the line that you had chosen to putt the ball on.

Not seeing or reading enough break or turn into your putts can have serious effects on your putting. Misdirected putts will lead to compensations in your putting stoke that will manifest or trigger your brain into making further changes to your stroke as your round continues.

Try aiming double the distance that you would normally allow for but you will certainly have to consider the speed at which you roll the ball. A ball that is hit with too much speed travels straight through the break and will have little chance of going in the hole.

By aiming double the distance, you then have the advantage of seeing the ball travel past the hole on the high side and knowing the break of your next putt should your first putt miss.

When approaching short putts you should consider the “never up never in” theory. And with this in mind you should allow for fewer breaks and unless there is considerable slope around the hole you should always aim at a point inside the hole.

Remember to look for imperfections on the putting surface such as ball marks commonly known as plug marks or loose pebbles that

Using the logo of your ball and setting it along the line that you have chosen is a popular way of trying to ensure that you align your putter face square along the line that you want your ball to follow.

can be thrown from bunkers. Spike marks and any other forms of loose impediments can also greatly affect the roll of the ball during its travel.

Improper alignment often results in a stroke that will be subconsciously manipulated in order to direct the ball towards the line that you feel you’re aiming at.

Improper alignment not only refers to aiming incorrectly to the line of your choice but also to improper body alignments or poor clubface angles. Ensuring that your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are parallel or at right angles to your target line will certainly assist you in trusting what is straight and this helps you keep your stroke on line.

My preference is to take a thin permanent marking pen and mark a line along the seam of the ball. A thin, straight line gives a better visual perspective than a logo because logos often have letters that distort the name due to the fonts, etc. I also find that a thin line is always easier to line up with the aiming line marked on the top or back of most putter heads and will give you more confidence that you are aimed correctly. • PGA Professional Randall Hollands Smith and Rachel Hetherington are instructors at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club, Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South, 2486, and are available for lessons specialising in video analysis and launch monitor. Please contact Randall on 0408 381924, or Rachel on 0418 652730, or email rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com for further information. www.Rachelhetheringtongolf.com

instruction

Make your practise count Allan May

www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

S

o you go to the range, hit balls till your hands bleed, go to the course and it all unravels. Does this sound familiar?

This is probably the most feedback I get when talking to players on the range. Sure, they put in the work but are they actually making the most of their practise?

There are mainly two reasons why this happens, one being that you are practising the wrong swing mechanics with no checks in place to keep you on track, the other is you take all the swing thoughts you have on the range with you to the golf course. These are two very different issues, so let’s start with the first.

If you haven’t had a lesson then you should. If you think you can see something on the Internet and make it work for your swing, you are wrong. You need advice on what suits your swing and stature.

Your golf professional can not only identify what you need to work on, he or she will also give you some practise drills to do while you’re hitting all those balls, so you are gaining the correct feel for you to make your swing develop.

While you’re practising, put some checks in place so you keep

reminding yourself the right way for your swing. Put some alignment sticks down (fig 1); this not only helps your alignment—which during a practise session can very easily go off target—but also helps your eye as you swing the club down the target line.

Use the gate drill (fig 2): By setting up the balls as shown you promote an inside swing path which for the majority of golfers is the preferred swing path to gain distance and consistency. If you clip one of the outside balls as you try to hit the middle ball to your target then you know that your swing path is from the outside. Reverse the balls’ position if your coach thinks your swing path is too much from the inside.

Using these checks are one way to keep your swing correctly in groove during a practise session and your coach will no doubt have some more for your individual requirements.

Now let’s work on the second reason why your practise may not be working on the course.

You have the swing, your coach has you practising the drills and you are clear in your mind what you have to do to hit that great shot, but when you get to the course you start with some good holes and slowly but surely your game falls away and unravels.

The reason is you start to think too much about the mechanics of your swing. A common question

1

Go back to the basics

after a bad shot is “what did I do wrong there?” Now, let me tell you that once you have asked yourself that question you are opening up your mind to a hundred different answers and there’s the problem.

Now let’s go back to the range and start with your practise. When you arrive, nominate one club as a drill club for the session, use that club and hit four balls going over your swing thoughts and drills, then on the fifth ball take another club, hit to a different target and think only of that target without any swing thought at all. Now, whether you hit or miss your target is irrelevant; put that club down and pick up the drill club and hit another four balls going though your drills and swing thoughts. Again at that fifth ball pick another club and target and with no swing thoughts hit that target. Now you are training your mind to play golf on auto pilot.

When you learnt to drive a car your instructor had you thinking of all you had to do, now you drive home and never think of how to do it, this is how you need to play your golf.

What’s driving your car is your subconscious, which some people like to call muscle memory. Even if you go to the course with just one swing thought, you stick to it for every shot for the entire round, so if you ask yourself that dreaded question, your answer is you didn’t do your swing thought correctly and next time you will.

Good golfing •

2

Glenn Whittle glenn@whittlegolf.com 0439 165 750

O

ver the past few months since the introduction of midweek comps here at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range where I coach, I have had a number of games with some of my clients to see where they are at with their development.

One putting drill that I found myself sharing or encouraging at least one player in my group after each round was one of the simplest I know, and the best thing is you can do it in the privacy of your own home day or night. By discussing this week after week, it became apparent just how important it is for all us golfers (me included) to revisit the technical fundamentals regularly so we do not get too far off track.

All you will need for the drill is two golf shafts or clubs. Lay them parallel to each other on the green or carpet, slightly wider than your putter head as I have done in the photo.

For more tips, or to book a lesson, contact Thornleigh Golf Centre. Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Road (Cnr Dartford Road) Thornleigh NSW 2120. Tel 02 9875 5445. www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

64

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

There are two main purposes of this drill I want you to focus on: 1) That your putter stays between these two shafts, helping with the swing direction 2) That the ball exits between the shafts in the centre (not to the right or left) Even though the carpet is level, the fact is that you still set up with your putter face square and start the ball between the two shafts even on a breaking putt, so in other words, it is still a very helpful and worthwhile exercise.

I would encourage you to do this at least fortnightly for approximately 15 minutes each session and you will see the benefits. I sometimes even imagine the shafts being there when I am playing on the course to assist with the swing path.

Although I coach many players on all areas of the game at The Sutherland Shire Golf Academy based at The Ridge Golf Course in Sydney, I have a specific focus and interest in putting. If you would like to book a lesson please phone the pro shop on (02) 95414960.

The 2008 NSW PGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is a Certified PGA Professional, Advanced Status – Coaching. He can be contacted at The Ridge Golf Course in Sydney, or via phone at 0439 165 750.

instruction

A parallel takeaway for a freer swing 1

2

4

5

3

A takeaway which is too much on the inside.

Daniel Blackwell blackwellgolf@gmail.com

I

f a player sets up incorrectly, especially with a ‘C-shaped’, rounded posture, there is a tendency to whip the clubhead back inside the ideal clubhead path. This leads to sequencing issues, poor contact and inconsistent direction control.

Most recreational players fall into the habit of trying to hit the ball too hard, resulting in the club being snatched away quickly in the takeaway; this robs the player of sufficient

Place right hand above the left wrist

Pause clubhead at waist height keeping right arm tucked and the shaft parallel to the body line.

Repeat the exercise and then use your conventional grip to find the ideal parallel takeaway.

body turn and a sequenced swing (Photo 1).

left hand on the handle but place your right hand on your left wrist (Photo 2 and 3). This will encourage your left arm to stay out in front of the body as the pressure applied by the right hand will keep space for the arm movement on the takeaway and will not allow them to collapse and work their way inside (Photo 4).

then address the ball with your normal grip and see if you can find the takeaway position you have just been training. (Photo 5).

Ideally, when the position of the club is parallel to the ground on the takeaway, the club shaft should run squarely along the toe line or, at least very close to it. By achieving this position it helps keep the arms more out in front of your body and will assist in positioning the arms better at the top of the backswing.

Here is a drill that will help develop a more reliable takeaway and stop you from whipping the club back inside.

Assume your normal set-up and instead of placing both hands on the grip, keep your

Perform the takeaway with this adjusted setup and pause the club so the shaft is running parallel to your body line.

Repeat the task at least five times to gain the sense of the desired movement. Once you feel comfortable with the movement

I guarantee this will make you swing more freely and improve your timing. • Daniel Blackwell is the 2014 South Australian PGA Teacher of the Year, and the Teaching Professional at The Royal Adelaide Golf Club, South Australia. www.blackwellgolf.com.

08 8356 8508.

Email: blackwellgolf@gmail.com.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Blackwell_Golf

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

65

instruction

The bucket drill for better ballstriking

New: singlefigure golf school If you’re a single-figure handicap golfer, you’re eligible for a new golf school devised by two of Sydney’s most accomplished golf professionals and a golf mind expert.

A

Golf Professional David Ecob—a former Australian Amateur and Victorian PGA Champion—has developed the school along with Anne Rollo—European Tour record holder and European Players Champion—and Ian Priest, a clinical sports hypnotherapist who has worked with international athletes in many sports including touring golf professionals.

Brent Dale brent@brentdalegolf.com.au

T

his month, we’ll look at one of the most important aspects of your golf swing: getting a flat left wrist and forearm at the top of your swing.

B

The three-day school (February 12-14, 2016 at Riverside Oaks) you will learn how to take your game to that next level, set goals, take statistics that will uncover what has been holding you back, master the ‘100 metres in’ shot as well as short and long game techniques. You will also learn golf fitness techniques to keep your body in the best shape to play your best golf as well as mental techniques the pros use. You’ll also learn how to find your best mental ‘zone’ or ‘state’ where everything flows, you feel calm and in control and how to stay there.

Take a look at photo one. Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods and Adam Scott all know how to hit great golf shots, and they all have something in common at the top of the back swing.

The left wrist and forearm are all in one straight line and the clubhead will point slightly to the left of the target.

A flat left wrist at the top of the swing can help you keep the club in the position that is needed to be a great ball striker.

Grab a bucket and have your hands on either side of it at address. (See photo A.) Take some back swings and try to imagine that the bucket is full of water and you have to put a fire out just to the right of your right shoulder whilst keeping the left arm relatively straight. (See photo B).

The photo on the bottom-right is of one of my students who suffers the cupped left wrist and shaft that points way out to the right (across the line).

What you will find at the top of your back swing is that your left hand will be in one straight line with the left forearm.

Having the club across the line can cause all sorts of swing faults and it makes it almost impossible to get the club on plane on the downswing.

Practice this drill and it should start to help your position at the top of the swing and if it is still giving your grief book a session with your local PGA Member to help you out. •

Brent Dale is a Certified PGA Professional, Advanced –Coaching, and Head professional at Liverpool golf club. Full Swing, Short Game and On Course Lessons available. Brent is also TPI Certified. www.liverpoolgolf.com.au, www.brentdalegolf.com.au. brent@liverpoolgolf.com.au. 0499 009 770

If you’ve had a friend photograph or video your swing and have noticed the same thing at the top of your backswing, I have a great drill that may help you out!

The school is open to men and women 18 years and over with a maximum handicap of 9. Price is $1499 twin share, $160 single supplement. Includes 2 nights’ accommodation, all meals, all tuition and sessions and on course instruction.

Call Anne Rollo on 0404 235 563 or email anne@fixmygolfswing.com.au.

COME AND EXPERIENCE MANDALAY Mandalay Golf Course has arrived. With its state-of-the-art clubhouse, spectacular vistas, superb playing surfaces and challenging layout, Club Mandalay is set to become the premier golfing destination in Melbourne’s north. Designed by 5 times British Open Champion Peter Thomson, and the team at Thomson Perrett, the course was recently ranked #56 in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses* and is 45 minutes from Melbourne.

For golf reservations or information please contact our Club Professional James Pratt on 03 9037 3700 or visit clubmandalay.com.au

PLEASE CALL 03 9037 3700

GROUP GOLF

FROM $35* PER ROUND

Club Mandalay | 430-450 Mandalay Circuit, Beveridge, VIC 3753 T 03 9037 3700 | E info@clubmandalay.com.au | clubmandalay.com.au *Rating by AusGolf Top 100 Courses. Full terms and conditions available at clubmandalay.com.au

66

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

MAN1033

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

instruction

VIDEO LESSON #14 > Peter Croker www.keytofgolf.com

I

n this lesson, we re-visit the “A to B” Drill in a new Unit of Time and with the advantage of studying the extra lessons since Lesson #7. Also we add the advanced “A to B” Drills to build your confidence in hitting solid and compressed shots to your target time after time.

This simple lesson produces: Solid contact, a cure for your slice, instant results and less strain on your back. In this lesson: “A” is the top of the backswing, “B” is the ball, and “T” is the ball’s target. So we fire the clubhead “A to B” to see the ball go from “B to T.” This lesson brings focus to what needs to happen most when playing the game of golf.

DIRECTION OF HIT – “A to B”

That lesson is to “Enjoy the hit!” with the simple intention of “throwing the clubhead directly down and out through the ball – “A to B”. Please study the drills to educate your hands to do just this.

In the beginning the idea of “throwing the clubhead” down and out to the right of where you intend the golf ball to travel requires a leap of faith. For this reason I recommend that you: 1. D o the Drill on a regular basis (10 reps x 3 times per day). This will train and educate the hands to a natural and subconscious level where you can relax and just hit that ball. Little to no thought will be required.

2. Start hitting balls with the short irons to start – this will help build confidence in how far to the right you will intend to throw the clubhead to see the ball fly straight to the target.

DRILL: With a yardstick or golf club 1) Take your grip and stance 2) Go to the top of your backswing 3) Drill the hand action uncocking the wrists so the yardstick or club comes into line with the lead arm 4) Thumbs go down 5) First step is with the hands and arms and then with hands arms and hips.

6) When you introduce the hips, allow the hips to rotate right from the top of the back swing.

By repeatedly practicing this drill, you will learn the correct hand action that brings the club in line with the lead arm producing straight powerful shots.

Please watch the videos on the following page to learn more about the “A to B” Drills http://keytogolf.com/AtoB/

JOIN HERITAGE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB FOR JUST $2000*!

A to B drill Peter Croker is a Certified PGA Professional, and has been a PGA Member since 1971. He has given lessons using the Key to Golf Program to many students from beginners to Major Championship winners including Arnold Palmer, Vijay Singh, Rocco Mediate, Fred Funk, Bob Charles, and Olin Brown. You can sign up for a Free Webinar on “How to make Golf Simple to Learn”, book an internet or individual lesson or test drive a Module from www.keytogolf.com.

Phone: 0415 292 549 or email: crokergolfsystem@gmail to book a School or lesson.

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE

MERCEDES BENZ DUNTRYLEAGUE CLASSIC 16-19 JANUARY 2016

This 54 hole Individual Stableford Tournament continues to grow and is limited to 180 players to ensure comfortable play for everyone. It is open to anyone with a Golf Australia handicap. Duntryleague is one of the best regional golf courses in Australia and is constantly in the top 100 courses each year. Entry fees for the Tournament are excellent value at $299 which includes golf, welcome cocktail party, Monday BBQ and Gala presentation dinner. Magnificent local wines, beer and soft drinks are included for the welcome cocktail party and Gala dinner.

F.O.O.D. WEEk PLATE TOURNAMENT 11-13 ApRil 2016

The Heritage Golf and Country Club is considered one of the premium multi course clubs in Australia. It offers its members two championship golf courses, Great practice facilities including chipping, bunkers, full range with targets and putting with free practice balls for members and guests. As a member of this exclusive club you also get the use of the retreat which has two tennis courts, swimming pool, sauna and fully equipped gym.

Call now for information: Phone: Paul Williams (03) 97603135 E-mail: pwilliams@hgcc.com.au | www.hgcc.com.au

The F.O.O.D. Week Plate provides an ideal opportunity for all male and female golfers with an official handicap to play at one of Orange’s great golf courses. It is a fantastic time to come and visit Australia’s Colour City and leading cool climate wine region During Orange F.O.O.D. Week 2016.

The 54 hole indiviual stableford tournament is limited to 180 players.

Entry fees are great value at $160 per person which includes all green fees and competition fees, $5,000 worth of prizes, 3 course presentation dinner extravaganza with champagne on arrival.

Accommodation is also available at Duntryleague’s Historic Mansion.

• Monday 11 April – All day individual stableford • Tuesday 12 April – All day individual stableford • Wednesday 13 April – All day individual stableford and Presentation dinner

Only 3½ hours from Sydney | Ph: 02 6362 3466 | www.duntryleague.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

67

mental game

How a Queensland amateur dropped 5 shots in a few weeks

P

laying consistent golf and reducing your scores is every golfer’s dream.

However, when your mind gets in the way it becomes a very difficult goal to achieve.

psychological advantage I was looking for.

Many of the world’s top golfers say 80% of the game is mental. The great Jack Nicklaus once said: “If there is one thing I have learned during my years as a professional, it is that the only thing constant about golf is its inconsistency.”

“The program was easy to use, just relaxing with headphones on in the comfort of home and I actually started to feel immediate benefits in my few next games. Upon completion of the 5-week audio program I was more focused and confident.

“Importantly, I learned to be relaxed on every shot which eradicated any tension and anxiety which previously had led to blemishes on my scorecards.

Like many things in life, if your headspace is not clear then your decision-making and focus are severely hampered.

“By utilising my new-found mind skills my handicap went from 21 down to 16 in less than two months.”

So, how can amateur golfers effectively use the bio-computer between their ears to play better golf?

“My target is an 11 handicap, and to achieve this I will repeat the Pro Golf IQ program along with the additional sessions for putting, driving and pitching to ensure I use the techniques on the range as well as the course.

Until recently there has been very little in the marketplace to assist golfers with their mental challenges on the course.

“Pro Golf IQ has been my secret weapon, but now I have won a few more Skins matches, I’m happy to share my experience with the golfing world! Quite simply, if you are a keen golfer this program will lower your score.”

Inside Golf caught up with Queenslander Temelko Kostevski (TK) to see how he sliced five shots from his handicap in just a few weeks while using mind-coaching program Pro Golf IQ.

For more information on Pro Golf IQ, visit www.progolfiq.com/insidegolf

TK, 47, plays a couple of times per week at Gainsborough Greens and was aware his weaknesses were long irons, chipping, putting and bunkers, while driving had always been a strength.

“I always knew my problem wasn’t physical so I needed to find something to help my mental approach before, during and after my shot,” said TK. “So Pro Golf IQ was the

INSIDE GOLF READERS CAN SAVE $122 FROM THE $219 RRP.

“

Temelko Kostevski (TK).

Run the trail at 13th Beach Hordes of twilight runners will hit the course at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links this month as part of a Tough Mudder-inspired fun run.

300 people are anticipated to take part in Thirteenth Beach’s inaugural ‘Trail Run’ at 6pm on Friday November 13.

Athletes will have the option of tackling a 5km circuit or testing themselves even more over a 10km journey.

“It provides a unique trail running experience as competitors will run across the lush green fairways and the tracks that cut through the dunes land,” said Thirteenth Beach General Manager Anthony Masters.

The Trail Run will encourage many nongolfers to consider taking up the game or joining Thirteenth Beach as a member, according to Masters.

“We see the trail run as a great opportunity to open up our venue to an outside audience. It’s about looking at our non-golf revenue, bringing new people into the complex.”

The exercise part of the event will be followed by craft beer tasting, music and dinner for participants and their families.

“I saw a concept for a Tough Mudder event being held on a golf course in the USA and thought that that we could adapt the concept into a Trail Run,” Masters revealed.

Entry into the 5km Trail Run is $25 while anyone can tackle the 10km challenge for just $35. $5 from each entry will go to Barwon Heads/13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

More: visit: www.13thbeach.net

I listened to the Pro Golf IQ program and my handicap went from 22 to 17 in just a few weeks

“

Ty Kostevski, Gold Coast Pro Golf IQ is a revolutionary new program that gets your mind into optimum shape for golf. A safe, highly advanced, scientifically proven system, consisting of a 5-week course in the comfort of your own home. Pro Golf IQ will coach you to think like a Pro and get into the ZONE on every shot.

Before long, you’ll be playing the best golf of your life.

INSIDE GOLF READERS DMOISNS’T

SPECIAL OFFER

OUT!

$219 - JUST $97 For more information go to:

www.progolfiq.com/insidegolf or call Pete Nicholson on (07) 5657 0902 68

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

USING TRACKMAN 7 DAYS A WEEK NOW

fitness

A holistic approach to better golf Richard Nizielski www.golffitsolutions.com

I

t is always great to see an athlete who is pursuing their goals do well and rise to the top.

This year it has been Jason Day taking centre stage for Australian golf on the international stage. After Day’s recent success, an article appeared in my city’s newspaper focusing on the changes Jason had made to his physical preparation.

What was glaringly apparent in the article was not the big changes Jason has made, but the overall holistic approach to his physical preparation and how it all ties together.

For everyone playing golf, a holistic approach to improving our physicality is not such a hard thing to achieve.

I am sure I don’t have to remind anyone that golf is a whole body activity requiring elements of strength, stability, flexibility, balance, muscle endurance and power.

For the majority of us mere mortals in the game, the main three areas, which can be improved, are flexibility, stability and golf-specific strength.

Flexibility can be maintained and improved by doing a set of basic stretches everyday. If you are a busy person then focus on the large muscle groups such as the chest, hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors (upper front of the legs), glutes and hips and lats.

Core stability can be improved by incorporating core exercises such as the front bridge or plank and the side bridge/plank. Focus on good form of the exercise before increasing the amount of time you hold each of the exercises, making sure to engage the lower abdominals and support the lower back region.

Golf specific strength can be done with a few simple exercises and minimal equipment.

Seated Row. Forward and lateral lunges as well as Bulgarian lunge squats are three lower body exercises, which will engage the glutes and challenge stability and strength in the lower body.

Seated row and reverse flies done with either weights or a resistance band will help with strengthening and engaging the upper back muscles.

Just as important as training for golf is recovery and rejuvenation. Stretching after playing or practicing golf will be helpful. Other methods that are helpful are self-massage using a spiky ball or foam roller and hydrotherapy, such as an ice bath or a hot water bath.

following videos which will give you a few ideas. For a more specific training plan, then I recommend working with a qualified trainer who understands both your need and what is required for golf.

FITNESS VIDEOS Golf Fitness for Senior Players https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI9tQ9KWSBA Golf Fitness for Junior Players https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6DNJLHaf0

Generally, I recommend a 4 to 1 ratio of activity to recovery.

So if a gym session requires one hour, then the recovery after the gym session should require at least 15 minutes of appropriate stretching and self-massage.

Golf Pre-game Warm up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo2lfBDuHyw

Finally, one very simple yet often overlooked area is nutrition. Fuelling the body to perform well is just like fuelling a race car. If you want the best performance then it is vital the best fuel be used. That includes hydration. Make sure you are getting enough water into you every day.

Is sitting all day destroying your golf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IT5A4O4iVI

If you’re wondering were to begin with making changes to improve your health and golf, then have a look at the

The Flinders Golf Club “Flinders is one of those unique coastal courses…….not quite links…..neither is it woodland or marsh, that perches high on the cliff top, making it a distant cousin of Pebble Beach and a relative of Murfield....

The Flinders golf course is friendly yet full of surprises and intrigue. Bring all your clubs because you are going to need them and a good understanding of what Golf is all about.”

Peter Thomson OBE

Better recovery = Better Golf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB4_SyBamtY

Hydration and performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7NjdoHQHR4

Green fees: Weekend $49 Midweek $35

Book online to receive a $5 discount and be in the running to win a “Mates Day” (10 free rounds) New Flexible Membership - Limited numbers available - Enquire NOW www.flindersgolfclub.com.au Proshop: (03) 5989 0583 www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

69

senior amateurs

Rhodes the new star

SENIOR WRAP With Denis Dale

TASSIE NEWS

ed@insidegolf.com.au

F

ollowing his win in the 2015 Australian Senior Amateur Championship (see story p72), Victorian senior Greg Rhodes has moved into the number one position in the Australian Senior Rankings.

There has been a change of date for the 2016 Tasmanian Senior Amateur Championship with this popular event being moved from February to November22-24, 2016. The venue remains the same – Mowbray Golf Club in Launceston.

With just one event remaining (the Victorian Senior Amateur Championship) Rhodes is guaranteed the medal awarded to the leading senior amateur at the end of each year.

During 2015 Rhodes also won the NSW Senior Amateur Championship with a record score of six under par and the Grange/Kooyonga Senior Classic.

In exciting news, Golf Tasmania has also added a new event to the senior golfing calendar – the Tasmanian Senior Masters. In 2016 this event will be played at the beautiful Royal Hobart Golf Club from November 18-20. Perhaps a great time for a golfing holiday in Tasmania?

In July Rhodes represented Australia in the Sanctuary Cove Trophy matches against New Zealand and in October travelled to China as part of the Australian senior team for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championships.

More: www.ausoom.com Greg Rhodes.

NSW Senior OOM heats up

S

attracted a large field and they were not disappointed. In excellent condition and with the tees a little forward the real design features of the course came into play.

Champion senior Stefan Albinski won the 2015 Shelly Beach Senior Amateur by five strokes after recording a very good round of 74 on the testing Central Coast layout.

Every hole presents a challenge off the tee and a missed green usually means a dropped shot. The greens are generous but with quite a few humps and hollows. Most agreed it was a wonderful test of golf.

eptember was a busy month in the 2015 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition with four events on courses located just a short drive outside the Sydney metropolitan area.

Played in conjunction with the Shelly Beach Open the busy day also included events for open age, juniors and midamateurs as well as the seniors. Four golfers tied for second place on 79 including Don Brown (Long Reef ), Trevor Ratcliffe (Kogarah), Graham Leake (Links Shellcove) and Graeme Howland (Dunheved).

The winner was Chris Gordon from the New South Wales Golf Club. Gordon played beautifully to record a score of four-overpar 76 to win by a stroke from Greg Smith (Avondale). Gordon’s round was marred by a triple-bogey early but from there on it was all top quality golf.

The handicap competition went to Newcastle’s Eric Butler with 36 Stableford points on a count back from local member Ross Liddle. A highlight of the day was a hole-in-one by Port Kembla’s Ron Hall.

A large field made the pleasant drive north of Sydney to the Magenta Shores Golf Course, also on the NSW Central Coast, ready for the inaugural playing of the Magenta Shores Senior Amateur.

Toronto golfer Michael Musgrave made the trip down to Port Kembla, just south

A new course with a great reputation had

G

E

OF MEMBE

R IPS

Denis Dale (Centre) with Noel Wood and Steve Stanton. of Wollongong, a worthwhile one with his victory in the Port Kembla Seniors. On a testing day the challenging course proved the winner with only Musgrave managing a score under 80.

Musgrave’s score of 76 gave him a comfortable 4-stroke margin over Manly’s Darryl Hearsch and Bankstown’s Steve Stanton. In an unusual occurrence the same three golfers also recorded the best three

Runner-up was the defending 2014 champion Noel Wood with a par-equalling round of 71. Wood has been a dominant player in the Camden area for many years and continued this with another great showing in a major event in his home region.

Bankstown senior Steve Stanton finished alone in third place with his round of 73.

The Camden Seniors tournament was once again generously sponsored by well-known senior golfer Bob Zelesco and Camden Tyre Service where Bob is always ready to do a good deal for a fellow senior golfer.

More: www.golfnsw.org

• 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

N

E

JOIN TODAY O

The winner was Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale with a round of three-under-par 68.

Dale started with a birdie, a few holes later had his only bogey, and thereafter played solid golf hitting the closing fourteen greens and finding three more birdies.

KENNEDY BAY

SH

A R AN

A

A very good field of over 80 senior golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the Camden Golf Club, south west of Sydney, for the playing of the 2015 Camden Seniors.

The Links

GE

N LLE

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

handicap scores of the day.

W

AVAILA

B

L

Proudly managed by:

Email info@kennedybay.com.au • www.kennedybay.com.au • Tel 08 9524 5991 70

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

senior amateurs

Frost dominant in hometown win

I

an Frost has claimed the 2015 Bendigo Senior Amateur.

Both days of the 36-hole event saw conditions typical of a Central Victorian Spring, warm sun with a light breeze to keep the players cool.

Update on the latest PresCare Senior Order of Merit events

The local Bendigo member opened with a great round of four under par 68, leading Mick Kaufman (Goonawarra) in second place. They were followed by Ken O’Brien (Rossdale) and Robert Wallace (Midlands).

Frost gave no one a chance in the second round with another four under-par 68. His 36-hole total of 136 would have tested any player of any age. His nearest rival was Ken O’Brien who played with Frost in the second round and returned 72 to follow his 74. O’Brien was two over par for 36 holes on 146 but amazingly was beaten by ten strokes. Mick Kaufman and Cobram-Barooga’s Ross Percy tied for third place on 148.

Steve Toyne, winner of 2015 Brookwater Seniors.

Frost is currently leading the Doug Bachli Trophy this year notching up a recent victory at Kingston Heath and interstate at the South Australia and Queensland Senior Amateur events. The race between Frost and the defending Doug Bachli champion Gordon Claney is on now for the title, with the results of the upcoming Victorian Senior Amateur potentially deciding the winner out of this pair.

The overnight leader in the women’s competition, Bendigo member Lyn Lindsay, was unable to play in the second round allowing Alison Woodman to take the top honours in the scratch Stableford section with two rounds of 25-24 totalling 49 points.

In the women’s handicap, Tina Cowie from Tambo Valley took home the winning prize with rounds of 33 and 36 points to be six points clear of Sandhurst’s Janine Foot.

The inaugural Lang Lang Senior Amateur kicked off under clear skies at the picturesque Lang Lang Golf Club.

The hidden gem, nestled within the South Gippsland district, played host to 63 men and seven ladies who found the going tough despite the favourable conditions, with the slick bent greens and tight pin locations bringing many players undone.

Competing in his first senior event, Tony Johnson (Trafalgar) fired a classy round of 72 to take the trophy. Johnson signalled himself as a player to watch in the future after closing with a back-nine of one-under-par 34.

The consistent play of Huntingdale’s Mick Streit continued after he returned a round of 75 to finish in second place on a countback from Queensland visitor Peter Hannah (Pelican Waters).

Veena Mali (Waverley) produced 35 Stableford points from a daily handicap of eighteen to take the top women’s prize competing in her first senior event.

Early October saw the playing of the 2015 Brookwater PresCare QSOOM event with a total of 43 players (34 men and 9 women) competing. As usual, Brookwater was a challenge, with every hole being an adventure and requiring quality golf shots and skilful play on and around the inspiring greens.

Graeme Altmann and Robert Grant.

In the men’s nett event, Trafalgar’s Roger Barnes produced a fine round of 71 nett from a daily handicap of fifteen to take the honours with Barry Thomson (Southern) emerging from a three-way countback on a nett score of 72 to finish second.

Players ventured along the Western Highway for the inaugural Melton Valley Senior Amateur. 45 players including 11 locals took to the Tony Cashmore designed course which requires strategic placement on the narrow fairways and features its very own challenging Amen Corner on the back nine.

Well known senior Graeme Altmann was a very popular winner after fighting back from a poor start (4-over through the first five holes) to card a 76 off the stick and claim the first Melton Valley Senior Amateur Champion title. The Sands member came home strong with 38 on the back nine to take out Midlands member Rob Wallace on a countback.

Number one Queensland senior Steve Toyne showed his class with an excellent round of 72 and a comfortable fivestroke winning margin over Coolangatta Tweed Heads player Phil Towle. Both Toyne and Towle had finished inside the top ten in the recent Australian Senior Amateur Championship and continued their good play on this championship test.

The handicap prizes went to Peter Mickel, 36 points, defeating David Golding on 35 points. The women’s prizes went to two of the state’s leading senior golfers - Josie Ryan taking the scratch, 78, and Wendy O’Connell, the handicap, with 36 points.

Brisbane Golf Club senior Brett Kinninmont won the 2015 Keperra Seniors title defeating Windaroo Lakes’ Trevor Box on a countback after both golfers had recorded rounds of 78 on the always well-presented Keperra layout. They finished a stroke ahead of Joe McDermid (Gainsborough Greens) and local member Lindsay Brown.

Local knowledge prevailed in the handicap section with Melton Valley member Robert Grant storming home with a nett 66 off a handicap of 16 to win by three shots from fellow member Noel Robertson on nett 69.

Other winners on the day included: Winner Men’s Nett: Keith Fulwood 39 points (cb) R/Up Men’s Nett: Kevin George 39 points Winner Women’s Scratch: Kate Gadsby 93 Winner Women’s Nett: Adrienne Naismith 33 points

Further information on the Victorian Senior Order of Merit is available on the Golf Victoria website www.golfvic.org.au

More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

MoSS Vale Golf club iS a Golfer’S paraDiSe

2 Day Golf School at MoSS Vale Golf club

Summer Golf Package

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

$225 per night for 2 people includes daily: 4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes*

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

*Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only.

Available 1st December to 29th February. Not available over Christmas and New Years.

Dates: 10th-13th February 2016, 17th-20th February 2016, 6th-9th April 2016, 13th-16th April 2016, 4th-7th May 2016, 25th-28th May 2016.

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

Ph: (02) 4868 1800

|

www.dormiehouse.com.au

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

Cost: $699 p/p twin share, $799 single Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

71

seniors

The ‘Rhodes’ to success To his utter amazement and joy he won, finally beating Albinski in a golfing challenge.

He was still working out what he was going to do with all the money.

Brian O’Hare

G

editor@australianseniorgolfer.com.au

“It was $2 and I’ll probably frame it,” he said.

REG RHODES certainly didn’t begin his golfing career in a terribly auspicious fashion.

Pearson, playing in the second-last group, had started the day seven strokes adrift of Rhodes but with just a handful of holes to go had it down to just one.

After some toing and froing, on the par-four 328m 18th it was back to two and Pearson knew he needed something special. He pulled out the driver and figured with the wind behind him and a bit of extra effort he could make up the 40-plus extra metres he needed on his regular drive length to reach the green in one.

Taken to a course by his dad as a 13-yearold one day to act as caddie, Rhodes had a swing himself but it took three swipes at the ball before he made any contact.

“Yeah, I started with two air swings,” the 56-year-old Victorian said recently at the Manly Golf Club.

Rhodes had just secured by far the biggest win of his golfing life, taking the 2015 Australian Men’s Senior Amateur Championship by a single stroke.

Given he had taken those first tentative golf swings some 43 years earlier it is telling he so easily remembered them at the moment of his biggest golfing triumph.

“I have always been a very determined person so I started playing golf and it made me determined to improve and play the game well,” he said.

That has all changed since he turned 55 last year and began playing in events with some of Australia’s leading amateur golfers on the elite senior circuit.

He arrived at Manly Golf Club in late September for his first Australian Senior Championship as one of the favourites after winning the NSW Senior Amateur Championship earlier in the year and being runner-up in the Victorian Senior Championship.

He’d moved to second on the Australian Senior Ranking order of merit in the process.

Rhodes certainly progressed and as member of Coomealla Golf Club near Mildura in regional Victoria was a prolific winner in the local area.

At Manly things went to plan in the two opening rounds of the 54-hole event with back-to-back 2-under 69’s seeing him go into the final round with a three-stroke lead.

But, as he says, he was only ever a “country golfer”, playing in district and a few state events and in his 30’s just one national amateur championship.

But the golfing gods rarely like to see things go too easily and Rhodes admits the pressure of a likely debut national championship win started to tell. Perhaps even the scars from

STAYPLAY

CITY GOLF CLUB & CITY GOLF CLUB MOTEL TOOWOOMBA

Toowoomba

72

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

those first two air swings were creeping into the psyche.

His comfortable overnight lead quickly evaporated and after an uncharacteristic wayward drive on the 9th led to a double bogey he made the turn at four-over for the round.

Behind him a number of very talented senior golfers were threatening, among them local Mark Pearson from just up the road at the Mona Vale Golf Club.

Pearson is known for his aggressive golf and was in an exuberant mood. Not, he revealed later, because he was so happy with his two opening rounds but because during the practice day his fellow club mate and threetime Australian Senior Amateur Champion Stefan Albinski had challenged him to a “9Hole” putting competition on the practice green.

“The day before I nearly put it on the green and I was two behind at that stage and I thought with the wind behind if I could bounce it off the back of the bunker I could get to the green,” Pearson said.

The ambitious plan didn’t work and he ended up needing to chip on to make par.

Behind him Rhodes pulled his iron tee shot left and had to negotiate a tree then a greenside bunker on the way to a scrambling bogie. It was enough for a one-stroke victory.

“You’ve got to be delighted to win an event like this,” Rhodes said later. “I was disappointed with my golf today but I am happy to win. I set myself a goal to win, I guess we all do but I am very happy to have snuck in.” • Brian O’Hare is the founder and editor of Australian Senior Golfer, a website providing news, information, entertainment and resources for golfers aged 45 plus. www.AustralianSeniorGolfer.com.au

social golf

Not your average swingers club L

aunched in August 2014, GenYgolf is Australia’s only social golf club specifically created for 18-40 year-olds and it has quickly become one of Australia’s fastest-growing golf clubs.

When asked about the highlights over the past year, Ali Terai—Founder of GenYgolf— notes that their success is due to giving social golfers exactly what they want.

“We’ve really focused on providing our members with the best benefits in social golf, whilst providing a platform for golfers in our generation to experience the best of what Australian golf has to offer. Our ultimate goal is to have every 18-40 year-old in Australia playing golf with us at some stage throughout their golfing journey.”

More than just a standard social club, GenYgolf member benefits include provision of Golf Australia handicaps (with the ability for members to count social rounds towards their handicaps), a complimentary round at Cranbourne Golf Club, Eynesbury, Yering Meadows and Cardinia-Beaconhills, as well as discounts at over 20 courses in Victoria. Membership allows access to 28 golf events each year, which include special events at Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan and Barnbougle Dunes. There are also Interstate trip and international golf trips for members. In addition, members get access to an online social platform to connect, access to golf lessons and development and sponsorship and endorsement from TaylorMade, House of Golf and Australian Cricketer Glenn Maxwell.

“A huge focus for GenYgolf is to ensure long-term sustainability for the game,”

Terai says. “A lot of effort has been put into developing a supportive environment for those who are new to the game.”

When asked about the key challenges the game faces when engaging with GenY, Terai believes that the industry is hiding behind the time it takes to play a round.

“9-hole golf has been around for a long time; the majority of our members still want to play 18 holes. The real issue might be accessibility, once our members are supported beyond the ‘initial embarrassing stage of development and find great people to play with’, we find that most end up addicted to the game for life.”

Terai believes the real challenge for the traditional golf club will be creating an offering that provides genuine value for the next generation.

“Currently, traditional golf memberships and golf clubs lack differentiation and innovation. Many believed that when we started GenY it would hurt the traditional golf club, however we’ve found a large number of our members have joined our partner clubs since joining GenY, when previously they wouldn’t have considered a traditional golf membership. Additionally, we have injected over $100,000 into our partner clubs over the past year.

“Our members really appreciate quality courses and understand if they are playing golf frequently, the traditional memberships still offers fantastic value. We actively encourage our members to join both if it works with their lifestyle and financial situation. Getting exposed to a variety of courses and playing more golf has been the catalyst for this.”

Terai also notes that the GenYgolf is voluntarily-run by a team of golf tragics.

“It’s been a massive effort by our core team of James Wood, Marcus Lancaster and Rohan Adams, who all balance full time jobs and dedicate long hours to run the club. The common goal for all of us is to grow the game of golf. We recognised early that the industry wasn’t satisfying the needs of our generation and for the game to remain sustainable, it needed a platform like GenYgolf to ensure golfers engage with the game and enjoy themselves.

You’d be surprised to know that we really appreciate the traditional aspects of golf; it’s what makes it so special. Our approach is to provide a fun, social and relaxed golf environment, whilst ensuring the spirit and rules of the game are taken seriously. At the end of the day, we love having a round with our mates and we want to give everyone like us the same opportunity.”

If you are interested in joining GenYgolf, you can sign-up at www.genygolf.com.au or email info@genygolf.com.au.

Visit www.facebook.com/genygolf.

Memberships range from $139 - $229.

Traditional Golf Package

Championship Golf Package

2 x Nights Accommodation 1 x Round of Golf at Nelson Bay From: Twin Share - $230 per person Quad Share - $180 per person

2 x Nights Accommodation 1 x Round of Golf at Nelson Bay 1 x Round of Golf at Pacific Dunes From: Twin Share - $340 per person Quad Share - $305 per person

Packages are subject to availability at time of booking and exclude all long weekends, public holidays and Xmas school holidays.

THE LANDMARK NELSON BAY Reservations: (02) 4984 4633 | Freecall: 1800 200 755 | Group Consultant: (02) 4984 8963 | Fax: (02) 4984 4677 Email: res@landmarknelsonbay.com.au | Groups Email: groups@landmarknelsonbay.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

73

golf nsw Gale storms away in Wagga

Kel Nagle Cup unveiled

T

here were laughs, jokes, and plenty of memories last month as the NSW Open Championship trophy was renamed in honour of golfing legend, the late Kel Nagle.

Binnaway pairing crowned KENO Mixed NSW Fourball Champions

Equally fitting too, that the announcement was made in a room named in his honour at his home course, Pymble.

L-R Steven Childe Captain Wagga Wagga Country Club Daniel Gale, Stuart Fraser Golf NSW CEO and Daryl Maguire, Member for Wagga Wagga Sydney star Daniel Gale’s decision to travel to the City of Wagga Open paid off in a big way last month, with a resounding win at the Wagga Wagga Country Club.

The 19-year-old left his rivals way behind with his sixshot win. With this effort, Gale also secured his second start in the 2015 NSW Open at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club in November.

“When I saw that it was a qualifying event for the NSW Open I thought I’d play Wagga Wagga as I saw it as a great opportunity,” Gale said.

Gale was no stranger to the Country Club course, having played there two years ago in the NSW All Schools Championships.

After getting off to a hot start on Saturday with a 6-under par 66, it wasn’t until the last nine holes on Sunday that Gale managed to get away from the chasing pack.

Finishing tied for second behind Gale were Wagga Wagga locals Henry Brind, Kurt Burns and Jarrod Meecham.

The incentive of qualifying for the NSW Open had a great effect on the number of players participating.

“It has helped double the field,” Wagga Wagga Club Professional Ian Ferguson said.

“The Wagga Wagga City Open has been a great success and praise should go to the organisers and host club for making the weekend a great experience,” Stuart Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Golf NSW said.

“Congratulations to Daniel on his win and we wish him well for the NSW Open.”

On hand to present Gale with his NSW Open invitation were Steven Childe, Captain of Wagga Wagga Country Club, and Daryl Maguire MP, Member for Wagga Wagga.

74

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“We are honoured to rename the NSW Open Trophy the Kel Nagle Cup,” Chris Allen, Chairman of Golf NSW said.

“The presentation of the Kel Nagle Cup to the 2015 NSW Open Champion will be a celebration of his legacy. We will be remembering Kel and that’s something pretty special,” Mr Allen added.

Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism, Jonathan O’ Dea, congratulated Golf NSW on the due recognition of Nagle’s memory in renaming the NSW Open trophy the Kel Nagle Cup. “The NSW Government is delighted to see Nagle’s name recognised in this way,” Mr O’ Dea said.

“Recognition in this form goes beyond winning tournaments.

“Nagle’s endurance and longevity in the game is an inspiration. 61 PGA tour wins in Australasia really emphasises his accomplishments in a long golfing career. He was not only a legend in golf, but admired in our community as well,” Mr O’Dea, who is also the local member, added.

L-R: Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism Jonathan O’Dea MP and Golf NSW Chairman Chris Allen win in 1960 at St Andrews, had another 80 wins around the world. Those close to him remember him as a humble gentleman ready to help his fellow golfers.

“In the years that I knew him and played against him, I tried like hell to beat him…I respected him,” Thomson said.

Two-time Australian Open Champion and longtime mate Frank Phillips agreed.

“Kel was one of the finest men I’ve ever met. We were always good friends…we never shared a bad word ever.”

“He was a very tough competitor on the golf course, and I miss him greatly,” Phillips recalled.

Some of Nagle’s family attended the ceremony, taking delight in the black and white images of his exploits adorning the Pymble Golf Club walls.

Nagle made a significant contribution to the sport not only as one of New South “It’s a great honour for Dad,” Kel’s son Wales’ but one of Australia’s greatest golfers.

He was a fine ambassador of the game, and Bruce noted. “With Peter (Thomson) he was part of one of the great periods of admired both on and off the course.

Australian Golf history.”

“My old mate would’ve enjoyed this,” fiveNagle was as kind and unassuming as a time British Open champion Peter Thomson family man as he was as a golfer. said by video. “I can see him chuckling away. It couldn’t happen to a nicer man really. I can only say that this is a great moment in Golf that his name should be perpetuated and given to this tournament,” Mr Thomson added.

Nagle, best known for his British Open

“He was the same to his family as he was to the public, just a lovely fellow.”

“I wish he was here to accept this honour today… But then he would’ve probably said, ‘No you don’t want to do that!” Bruce said. •

The Binnaway pairing of Bradley (6) and Natasha Noakes (41) won the 2015 KENO NSW Mixed Fourball Championship – State Final at Bonville Golf Resort. The winners finished on a total of +20 to win the Championship by nine, with scores of +12 in round one and +8 in round two. Storming home in round two to take out second place was Russell Ewing (22) and Julie Vargeson (44) from Balgowlah GC with a final round +8 to finish on a total of +11.

Bonville Golf Resort put on an exceptional few days for the competitors and must be thanked for their ongoing assistance of this event.

More: www.golfnsw.org.

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Michael Cullen, Noel Dick, John Grills, Kim Kyun, Jamie Lind, Pat Mackie, John McKinley, Dean Muller, Stuart Munro, Ian Murray, Rod Porter, Donna Rann, Brent Weiley, and Dylan Westerman.

golf queensland

Choi too good in Katherine Kirk Classic

T

he 2016 Katherine Kirk Classic was held at the newly opened Maroochy River Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast. Cradled within viewing distance of magnificent and distinctive Mt Coolum, the stunning Graham Marsh-designed championship course stood up to the test.

This year it was Queensland State Team member Robyn Choi (RACV Royal Pines) who took home the title after running away with the lead from day one. She finished 8 shots clear of Yurim Chin (Hills International).

Choi shot an impressive score of 212 (-4) in what was at times tough conditions with players navigating strong winds and coastal showers over the three-day tournament. But the final round score of 69 (-3) proved Choi was in form to take out the overall title and add her name to the Katherine Kirk Classic trophy.

In the under 21 section of the event, Jiwon Jeon (Hills International) claimed the top spot with a 54-hole total of 217 after shooting an impressive 67 (-5) on the final day of play; this was the lowest round for the tournament and a new course record.

The 15-year-old and under category was won by Min Kweon (Sanctuary Cove) with a total of 225 for the threeday stroke play.

Proudly sponsored by Queensland’s very own professional golfer, Katherine Kirk, the 54-hole stroke play Championship has been a stepping stone for many of the state’s best golfers including Amy Yang who won the title back in 2005 and is now ranked in the world’s top 10.

For full results, visit golfqueensland.org.au

Not a member yet?

Club Support Workshops a stepping stone for Queensland Golf Clubs Golf Queensland Club are offering golf clubs the opportunity to explore crucial aspects of running your golf club with leading industry specialists offering workshops to ‘secure your future’.

The Club Support Centre provides support and guidance on all aspects of running your golf club whether it is large, small, volunteer-led or proprietary.

The practical workshops include presentations and discussions structured around opportunities to put pen-topaper a business plan that includes key areas of your club.

The workshops include discussion and examples for three of the core areas of running your golf club; membership recruitment, membership retention, strategic planning, financial management and effective club governance.

Club Super have renewed their partnership for the next two years supporting the club support and development areas of the business. Golf Queensland’s CEO, Lindsay Ellis, said it was a high priority for the organisation to ensure clubs continue to be part of the community.

“The support by Club Super enables Golf Queensland to host workshops around the region and provide clubs with valuable resource material, including superannuation guidance,” Mr Ellis said.

Workshops have taken place in North QLD, Central QLD and Wide Bay with further workshops scheduled at the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The support of the Golf Queensland Club Development team and your local club development officer is available to those clubs who demonstrate the attitude, willingness and energy to bring that plan to fruition.

If you are interested in putting your club on a more business-like footing, please contact David Webber – Golf Queensland’s Club Support & Development Manager – 0498 498 242 or david@golfqueensland.org.au

Capturing all the highlights

Channel Nine presenter Adam Jackson and Amateur winner Jake McLeod Missed all the on-course action an event? Golf Queensland has been working hard to bring you exclusive highlights of Golf Queensland events capturing the best moments.

Recent footage includes highlights from the MidAmateur at RACV Royal Pines, the Katherine Kirk Classic at Maroochy River and the prestigious Gary Player Classic at Pacific Golf Club.

The footage includes wrap-ups of each event recognising player highlights and award-winning shots with exclusive interviews with the winners.

In association with Channel Nine, the Isuzu Queensland Open special was broadcast on 20th September to a national audience of over 150,000.

Channel Nine Sports presenters Sam Squiers and Adam Jackson presented all the action from the PGA event reliving the on-course action, MyGolf PeeWee Pennants involvement, and all the nail-biting highlights during the four rounds.

Golf Queensland will continue to capture all the highlights from events with the Keperra Bowl, Senior Order of Merits, Girls and Boys Amateur, and Men’s and Women’s Stroke Play to follow. All footage will be published to the official Golf Queensland YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ golfqueensland

JOIN NOW! WWW.JUNIORGOLFQUEENSLAND.ORG.AU www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

75

events

Sunshine Coast to host legends

E

XCITEMENT is building at Peregian Spring, Twin Waters and Noosa golf clubs in anticipation of a showdown between a long list of stars, including a couple of major winners.

HE Goldfields Golf Club of KalgoorlieBoulder has successfully present the fourth annual Smarter than Smoking - Goldfields Junior Desert Open. A field of 93 players representing 21 different golf clubs played 36 holes of stoke over two days at the unique Graham Marshdesigned Kalgoorlie Golf Course, which was presented in excellent condition.

For golf fans, the Sunshine Coast Masters is going to be a series of events worth following as major winners Ian Baker-Finch and Wayne Grady go head-to-head with Rodger Davis, Peter Fowler, Terry Price, Mike Harwood and other Legends Tour players.

The Gross Champion Girl, Racihita Vasandani (Lake Karrinup CC) with scores of 74, 71=145 and Gross Champion Boy, Connor Fewkes (Goldfields GC) 76, 75=151 were worthy recipients of the Kalgoorlie Gold Nuggets on offer.

Peregian Springs Golf Club will host the Schweppes Legends Tour Pro-Am on Wednesday, December 16 – a top event sandwiched between a Legends Tour event at Noosa Golf Club (December 15) and Twin Waters Golf Club (December 17).

The Sunshine Coast Masters (December 15-17) offers $60,000 in prizemoney – $20,000 each day.

But wait, there’s more.

There will be a final and fourth day’s play at Twin Waters Golf Club for the top 30 professionals from the first three rounds.

The final day’s play will offer a minimum of $20,000 in prizemoney.

The series of events is the brainchild of former Open Championship winner Ian Baker-Finch.

He pitched the idea to Peregian Springs Golf Club CEO Declan McCollam, Twin Waters GC boss Stephen Hutchison and Noosa GC professional Mark Tickle.

They ran with the idea and now golf fans can watch the star players ply their trade at three championship layouts.

Juniors go for gold in WA

Ian Baker-Finch’s tournament series idea is a boon for three Sunshine Coast golf clubs.

Baker-Finch, who resides on the Sunshine Coast for part of the year, was thrilled to see the event come to fruition.

He believes it will be good for the region and could grow into becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after pro-am tournaments.

McCollam said Peregian Springs Golf Club was excited about the tournament and had already taken bookings from amateur golfers in Victoria and New South Wales.

He said Schweppes was delighted to be a part of the event and naming rights sponsor.

McCollam said Peregian Springs Golf Club members had embraced the event and were looking forward to this year’s event (December 16).

In recent years, Peregian Springs Golf Club’s 18-hole championship layout has undergone many improvement changes and upgrades under the watchful eye of Troon Golf and McCollam, who has been involved in some of the course improvements.

For more information on the event, contact Peregian Springs Golf Club on (07) 5471-5471 or go to www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

Victorian Legends pro-am of the year announced

Vasandani was a 6-stroke winner over Kirsten Rudgeley 151 (Wanneroo GC).

Kynan Holt (Goldfields GC) posted a second-round 73 to tie with Fewkes on 151, forcing a playoff. Fewkes won the first playoff hole, securing his first Junior Open Championship.

Minke Terblanche (Royal Fremantle GC) 69, 68=137 was the Girls Overall Nett Winner and Sam Pratt (Goldfields GC) 69, 68=137 was the Boy’s Overall Nett Winner.

Other results: Boys 16 to 18 Gross: Kynan Holt (Goldfields GC) 78, 73=151, John Boulton (Lakelands CC) 74, 81=155 Nett: Brayden Blackham (Esperance GC) 68, 75=143, Nigel Webb (Gosnells GC) 72-72=144 Boys 14 & 15 Gross: Tipene Snowden (The Vines CC) 77, 75=152, Reuben Darch (Royal Fremantle GC) 73, 79=152

T

Nett: Sam Pratt (Goldfields GC) 69, 68=137, Ashton Godfrey (Royal Perth GC) 72, 74=146

Host course Eagle Ridge is no stranger to winning awards, having previously won the Charity Pro-Am of the Year in 2004 and ProAm of the Year in 2005 on the PGA pro-am circuit.

Gross: Jordan Flatman (Mt Lawley GC) 78, 77=155, Adam Brady (The Vines CC) 78, 80=158

he Peter Stickley Vendor Advocacy Legends Tour Pro-Am has been voted the Victorian Legends Pro-Am of the year for 2015.

Boys 13 & Under

Nett: Zane Lewis (Royal Fremantle GC) 71, 72=143, Tewi Webb (Gosnells) 75, 73=148

In March this year Eagle Ridge hosted its first E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour pro-am as part of the Victorian swing, which saw PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour winner, Peter Fowler, take out the event after firing a 5-under 67.

Girls 16 to 18 Gross: Aleisha Weidmann (Melville Glades GC) 82, 88=170 Nett: Jocelyn Green (Goldfields GC) 76, 77=153

“Eagle Ridge is an outstanding facility, the course was in wonderful condition and I am looking forward to returning next year,” said Fowler.

Professionals who took part in all Victorian tournaments voted the Peter Stickley Vendor Advocacy Legends Tour Pro-Am at Eagle Ridge number one, thanks to the immaculately presented course and outstanding hospitality - a standard synonymous with the venue.

“To receive this award based on the vote of the Legends and golf Professionals who played our course makes this win all the more rewarding,” said Wayne Lucas, General Manager at Eagle Ridge.

76

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Girls 14 & 15 Gross: Kirsten Rudgeley (Wanneroo GC) 80, 71=151, Allysha Ahnantakrishnan (Mt Lawley GC) 74, 80=154 Ian Baker-Finch, Tim Stickley, Peter Stickley, Andrew Stickley and Mike Harwood.

Image (Photo courtesy Dave Bryant) The Peter Stickley Vendor Advocacy Legends Tour Pro-Am produced one of the strongest fields of the year that saw former Open Champion, Ian Baker-Finch, Alfred Dunhill Cup winner and USPGA Champions Tour winner, Rodger Davis and European Tour and PGA

Tour of Australasia winners, Mike Harwood and Michael Clayton all tee it up.

In 2016, the Peter Stickley Vendor Advocacy Legends Tour Pro-Am will be played at Eagle Ridge on March 8, for an increased prize purse of $15,000.

Nett: Jennifer Herbst (Lake Karrinyup CC) 70, 74=144 Girls 13 & Under Gross: Abbie Teasdale (Melville Glades GC) 74, 86=160 Nett: Minke Terblanche (Royal Fremantle GC) 69, 68=137

19th hole

Jack, Jordan and my pair of Jockey shorts

The quick nine quiz THERE are 20 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine.

How many can you get?

with David Newbery

Larry Canning

david@insidegolf.com.au

I

A young Larry Canning cutting an impressive figure in 1970.

’m a little embarrassed to admit that this time of the year, when the Aussie summer golf season is in full swing, I still get filled with a sense of childish anticipation at the thought of standing within metres of the best golfers on the planet.

When I say “a little embarrassed”, I’m not talking about the level of mortification I suffered earlier this week when a respected and intelligent member was standing in the Pro-Shop of Mount Broughton Golf Club, saying how he was avoiding potential knee replacement surgery. I have had the same issue and couldn’t wait to offer up my experience with the problem and how, with the help of my Paediatrician I had resolved my condition…. and apparently also been assisted with the difficult move from bottle to solid foods plus offered some valuable information on how to prepare for puberty.

Turns out the bloke who helped me with some orthotics, which go into my shoes and prevent me from walking in a similar fashion to an angry Frilled Neck Lizard, was actually a ‘Podiatrist’! It wasn’t as if I had just used the term once, I kept bloody saying it (and how it had done wonders for my dodgy knees) until the member I was explaining this to couldn’t hide his big smile any longer.

Anyway, once again, we will have the former World Number 1 player putting his

game on public display at the Australian Open, appropriately being played at same course he won it on last year, The Australian.

The first world number 1 I saw in the flesh was back in 1970 at Manly Golf Club during the Dunlop International. His name was Jack Nicklaus. I was a 12-year-old kid wearing shorts and long socks, (who no doubt would have had regular visits to a paediatrician), in awe of the great man and couldn’t wait to get close enough to see just what he looked like.

I remember being a little disappointed when I spotted a small mole just near his nose but by and large, I was very impressed. The day before, he had driven his ball right into the centre of the par-four first hole and I was anticipating the same opening tee-shot and wondering if I might, in fact, wet my pants.

Again I was a little let down when he removed his 1-iron from the Slazenger Bag. But my disappointment faded when I saw where he’d hit it. I’d been impressed with Dad hitting the odd 2-iron back at Gosford

Golf Course when I caddied for him, but this 1-iron Nicklaus hit made Dad’s look like a meatball falling off a plate! I think I might have sworn out loud but the tens of thousands of spectators more than drowned my reaction out with their cheering and clapping.

A couple of hours later, Mister Nicklaus is 8-under-par after 9 holes and I notice myself speaking with a high pitched American accent. He wound up bogeying the last hole for 62 and I was absolutely hooked on the man and the game.

I’m sure there will be busloads full of kids of a similar age, running up to the first tee to take a close-up look at Jordan Spieth as he defends his Stonehaven Cup. Last year it was Rory McIlroy and he did a brilliant job of sending all those youngsters home with the same enthusiasm and passion for golf as Jack did for me in 1971. I have absolutely no doubt Spieth will represent the game and his lofty position in as well as Rory with more kids and the odd 56-year-old Professional Golfer again soaking up the excitement.

I just hope when Spieth rips his first drive down the first at Kenso, I don’t get that urge again to wet my pants. Perhaps I should make an appointment to see my paediatrician just in case?

1. Jason Day finished runner-up to Jordan Spieth in the FedEx Cup on the US PGA Tour – true or false. (2 pts) 2. How many players won more than $US1 million in prizemoney on the US PGA Tour in 2015 –72, 82, 92 or 102? (3 pts) 3. Who finished ninth on the US PGA Tour’s money list, banked $US4.75m and failed to win a tournament – Justin Rose, Jim Furyk, Henrik Stenson or Charley Hoffman? (3 pts) 4. Can you solve the following anagram – firework lice? He’s American. (4 pts) 5. How many Australians have been ranked No.1 in the world? (1 pt) 6. Who finished higher on the US PGA Tour money list – Adam Scott or John Senden? (1 pt) 7. Who won the Solheim Cup – the US or European women’s team? (2 pts) 8. A practical joker removes the flagstick from the hole and sticks it into the putting green some distance from the hole. The players approaching the green are unaware of this action and they play towards the flagstick and not the hole. Do the players have the option to replay? (2 pts) 9. Who has been the standout player on the Champions Tour in the US – Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Fred Couples or Jeff Maggert ? (2 pts) ANSWERS: (1). False. Henrik Stenson was runnerup, Day third; (2). 102; (3). Henrik Stenson; (4). Rickie Fowler; (5). Three – Greg Norman, Adam Scott and Jason Day; (6). Senden 70th, Scott 71st; (7). US 14½ – 13½; (8). No; (9). Jeff Maggert, 4 wins.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

GenYgolf, Join Australia’s Only Social Golf Club for 18-40yo’s

Intensive Golf Schools Grab a mate and book a Golf School with one of Australia’s finest teaching professionals Richard Mercer at The Vintage, located in the very heart of the Hunter Valley, for a 1, 2 or 3 day fun and intensive golf school.

Includes * * * * *

Up to 15 hours (3 days) or 6 hours (1 day) of premium golf tuition (on & off the course) Video analysis of your swing with Dartfish and FlightScope All schools customised to your individual golfing game Golf at the Greg Norman designed Championship course, The Vintage Luxury accommodation packages available

Cost

$400 + $35 Green Fee per person - One day clinic $600 per person + $70 Green Fee- Two day clinic $800 per person + $105 Green Fee - Three day school All golf schools have a minimum of 2 students and a maximum of 8.

Private schools for 1 person may be booked with an additional single charge of $150 T | 0429 001 611 W | www.richardmercergolf.com E | rs.mercer@gmail.com The Vintage, Vintage Drive Rothbury NSW 2320

“I love it how I get to play Victoria’s best courses with people who I genuinely enjoy spending 4 hours with” - Michael Lowe (Member, since February, 2015)

Member Benefits include: • An Official Golf Handicap • 1 Free round at Cranbourne G.C, Eynesbury, Yering Meadows and Cardinia-Beaconhills • 28 Golf Events at Victoria’s Best Courses, including Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and Metropolitan • Exclusive discounts at over 20 courses • Golf Trips to Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm and Murray River • Have Social Rounds count towards your handicap • Access to our online members lounge, where you can tee-up rounds, share tips, sell/trade clubs and engage in friendly banter • VIP access and special offers from our sponsors TaylorMade and House of Golf

Memberships start from only $139 Sign-up online at www.genygolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

77

19th hole

A pair of aces at Cammeray

Females challenge male pros

H

AVING a hole-in-one is rare enough, but when two players playing in the same group on the same day ace the same hole, well, that is incredible.

Apparently, the odds of this happening are about 26 million to one.

Ron Siwinski and Gary Wood, members at Cammeray Golf Club in Sydney, achieved the feat on the 100m par-3 third hole recently.

“Ron hit off second in the group and when the ball ran into the hole, the group was elated,” said club captain Bill Thomson.

“Gary hit off last and when his shot went in they couldn’t believe it. Ron said it was ‘bizarre’.”

According to the club’s website, the shortest hole on the course is fraught with danger.

“It’s a steep downhill shot to a small, wellbunkered green with sharp slopes behind and to the right. A good shot is rewarded, however, if you are offline or get the distance wrong, you can be severely penalised.”

three-time major winner Vijay Singh used to hone his skills.

“When Vijay was starting his professional career, he asked then captain Alvyn Drady if he could practice on the golf course,” Thomson said.

“Vijay said it was an excellent course to sharpen his short game skills.”

Apparently, Singh wasn’t the only superstar to leave spike marks on the fairways and greens.

“I have heard that Gene Sarazen won a tournament here in the 1920s or early 1930s, but a lot of records have been lost over time and I have nothing to back it up,” Thomson added.

Cammeray has seven par-4s and two par-3s.

Well, Ron and Gary had their radars working perfectly on the day.

“The bent grass greens are a joy to putt on because they roll true,” Thomson said.

Meanwhile, long-time member Les Dance celebrated his 99th birthday by playing in the Cammeray Cup.

“To score well requires good judgement and a solid short game. The course will ask questions.

Many golfers have described the 109-yearold nine-hole Cammeray layout, located six kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, as “a hidden little gem”.

“The par-4s are tree-lined from tee to green and most players will find that during a round they are either playing over trees, through trees or out of trees or a combination of all three. The par-3s provide a good test of skill.”

It’s where former world number one and

Myles wins CQ title – again DARYL Myles has won his second successive Central Queensland Player of the Year title.

Myles, from Moura Golf Club, edged out Capricorn Country Club’s Ricky Hill on a countback after both players accumulated 80 points.

It’s the first time in the competition’s history two players have finished the season on equal points.

Rockhampton’s John Gunzler (77 points) scored a comfortable win in B grade and Capricorn’s Roy Weston returned 60 points to win C grade.

Another first for ace Ian

Y

Well done, Ian. AMBA Golf Club octogenarian Ian Brockwell MEANWHILE, club president is back in the news.

Tony Moran, known as Head around the club, is still ruing Six months after breaking his having an 11 on the fifth hole age for the first time, the 83-yearduring the final round of the C old who plays off a 19 handicap grade club championship. achieved another first – a holein-one.

It almost certainly cost him a Mind you, he had to wait about shot at the title.

70 years for the rare feat.

For the record, Col DundeePlaying the 120-metre par-3 Ayton won the C grade title 12th hole, Ian hit the perfect shot when he edged out Greg and watched as the ball found Cowan at the second extra hole Age breaker Ian Brockwell scored the bottom of the cup. of a playoff after both players his first ace after 70 years. finished on 413 over 72 holes.

But that’s not all.

President Tony was third – seven shots off Ian has made sure he won’t be known as a the pace. A four instead of an 11 would have “one-hit wonder” when it comes to breaking put him in the playoff. his age.

Ah well, there’s always next year.

Since shooting a 76 off the stick in March this year, Ian has fired up two more times.

The club’s captain Glenn Scarffe (317) won On August 29, he carded an 82 and on the A grade championship, Greg LaForest September 26 equalled his age with an 83 off (345) the A reserve championship and Rex the stick.

Bolte (361) took out the B grade.

78

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

HERE’S a familiar name you don’t often see on the leaderboard at Queensland Sunshine Tour pro-am tournaments.

Rachel Hetherington, the darling of Australian golf fans for many years, recently finished in a tie for third in the Grafton proam.

She fired a credible 70 to finish two shots behind joint winners Brenton Parrish and Brett Rankin.

For her effort, Hetherington picked up a

cheque for $740.85.

Meanwhile, trainee professionals Anna Stanton and Jade Fisher gave the men a run for their money in the Queensland PGA Foursomes Championship.

The pair carded consistent rounds of 6767 to finish in a tie for second with Tim Hart and Chris Wood – one shot behind winners Matt Ballard and Michael Sim (66-67).

Stanton and Fisher fired 13 birdies in the 36-hole tournament.

Marriage not made in heaven HERE’S a sad tale straight from the USA. A North Carolina man named Tim advertised his clubs, a set of Mizuno JPX 825 irons, for sale on Craigslist, an on-line classified website.

Tim didn’t need the $500 he was asking, so why was he selling his sticks?

Well, his wife of one year no longer allows him to play golf – that’s why.

Part of his advertisement read: “My wife no longer lets me play golf. Actually, she doesn’t let me do anything fun so I’m hoping I can find them (clubs) a good home.

“Preferably I’d like to sell them to a single guy who has no intention of ever getting married. I also have a bag (not his wife) and a driver I can throw in for a few bucks.

“I’m looking to get $500, but realistically it doesn’t matter how much they sell for since the money will go towards buying my wife more useless stuff.”

That reminds me of a true story close to home.

Once upon a time, I had a mate (let’s call him Bill to protect his identity) who loved playing golf, but his wife detested him leaving the house every Saturday morning to play his beloved game.

He was the breadwinner, but she held the purse strings and he had to scrimp and save just enough money for his Saturday competition fees each week.

Poor bugger didn’t even have enough loose change to buy a drink after the round let alone a round of drinks so I’d occasionally shout him a cold drink.

He even had a secret slush fund so he could pay his annual fees.

Eventually, “She Who Must Be Obeyed” wore him down and he quit the game he loved.

So what did my longsuffering friend do? He swapped his wife for someone else and is now living a happy life.

Unfortunately, Bill was lost to our great game.

Maybe Tim should meet Bill who can enlighten him about alternative entertainment when forced to quit the game you love.

– Brian Eagle

From cricket shots to number one THERE is a nice anecdote in Anne Alletson Brown’s recently released autobiography about her life as a golfer and sailor.

Anne, who won five Queensland state titles and represented Australia, tells a lovely story about the 1973 Queensland Mixed Foursomes Championship played at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane.

“John Alletson (Anne’s then husband and a fine golfer himself) wrote the following for me to include in the book,” she said.

“We arrived at Keperra to find one of our playing partners for the mixed foursomes was unavailable,” he wrote.

“The lady apologised and said: ‘I have brought my son to fill in’.

“The young son had long blonde hair and a fast slashing swing. A cricket writer would have described him as good off the front

foot but equally strong on either the off or leg side.

“We were all like ‘land care’ volunteers after 18 holes – we had seen a lot of Keperra’s hidden places.’

The young lad then commented: “You know, mum, you should watch Anne play.

She hits it good for a woman.”

“You could see she was cross with her son.

‘Gregory, that is rude and condescending – Anne is the best golfer in Queensland and one of the best in Australia. If you could drive the ball as straight as she does, you might become a good golfer yourself one day’.”

Yes, Greg Norman might have played Army golf that day (left, right, left, right), but he went on to win two majors and spent 331 weeks as world number one.

The General Manager, captain or boatswain, who decides?

Richard Fellner’s (At What Cost? IG Issue 122,) likened the role of General Manager to that of a ship’s captain. A fitting analogy for the GM appointed to navigate the club through rough waters of diminishing revenue, declining membership and the volatile effects of global financial crises. Thus, we invest in a GM to navigate and steer the club’s future, often with a brief to turn things around, to change losses into profits etc.

Yet, too often, the club GM is crushed under the strain of membership demands, Board directors’ micro-management and the expectation to be super skilled in all sectors of the club. Members expect the GM to be golf savvy, astute at bar and catering management and marketing, entrepreneurial, and to be a happy socialite around the club at weekends. In addition the GM entrusted to implement the Board’s strategic plan, must manage staff development, and liaise with the golfing industry, financial and corporate businesses.

Sadly, for all their altruistic efforts and huge work load the GM is often affronted with criticism rather than praise, condemnation rather than respect.

General Managers have been assaulted by corrosive criticism (and cyberbullying) from elements of the club membership, just because these members disagreed with a decision or action. Armed with nothing more than gossip and misinformation, members can assassinate the character, professional standing and confidence of decent people working hard only for the benefit of the club.

I ask why we (golfing members) destroy our GMs. Anecdotally, I know of several

Letter of the Month

GMs forced to leave their positions because of work-place stress, harassment and cyberbullying by members and directors.

I was dismayed to learn from FairWork Australia and other authorities that the problem of harassment and stress inflicted on club GMs is very common.

Quite simply the membership needs to accept that in the 21st Century golf clubs have to be managed as a business, striving in a competitive environment where limited, parochial clubs cannot survive. It is critical for club members and directors to decide, do they want a GM able to navigate the strategic direction of the business/club, or a boatswain keeping the ship’s rigging intact but without vision or aim. If the former, logical decision is made then it is beholden on the Board and members to respect, value and trust their GM to do the job for which they are employed. In addition the club’s GM should be supported and mentored by a professional body, such as the General Managers Association (GMA) and state golfing organisation.

The action and decision of the golf club’s GMs, and the Board, may not be popular, but should be respected as the right decision that is based on reliable data and astute reasoning. The GM and Board should be seen as key assets of the club because they are positioning it for the future and not merely keeping it afloat to drift aimlessly.

Deborah Prior, via email

Your Voice

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

Country woes, take me home As you are probably aware, most golf courses—especially in rural areas—are created by course committees. And as the boards change, so too do the courses change.

The problem most country courses have is that they cannot afford the cost of a course architect, so the actual playing area just evolves. In most cases, the courses these days are designed to promote the sale of housing with the object of the houses fronting the golf course. This then causes problems with balls hitting the adjoining houses and then the club having to make adjustments so they

do not have insurance claims against them.

It would be wonderful if somehow country courses could be subsidised to have a course architect call and give beneficial advice. The problem, again, is that most boards change regularly and the poor old course contractor is at sixes and sevens.

To be quite frank: how can a director with little or no experience tell a qualified greenkeeper what he should be doing? And, finally, what experience does the contractor have to design a golf course?

Barry Cooper, via email

Are we all doing our part?

What a great article (Starters Box, October).

This is true grass roots development and really very simple to instigate. As you say, the golfing gods just need someone to open the door and they will take over. How many golfers wish

CORRECTION

they played at a much younger age?

How will Golf Australia support the ‘Phil Lumsdens’ in the Education system? You article has certainly raised this point.

Rick, via email

In last month’s issue, our story about Anthony Kim erroneously included a photo of Kevin Na. We blame a severe lack of coffee at the editorial desk during deadline, and we apologise for the error.

your voice

Curtains for carts in comps My letter relates to the use of Golf Carts during club competitions and ‘exposure’ to the elements. I don’t particularly have an issue with using a cart during a club’s competition round (I even use one myself on rare occasions). I do, however, take exception to carts which are sporting plastic curtains which make the cart enclosed, protecting participants from the elements (which is an advantage versus players not using Carts, or those using Carts without curtains). I’d like to see the rules changed around the use of carts to make it fairer and a little more equal for all competitors during a stipulated competition round.

Luke Roolker, via email

Sink the shark medal

Regarding the new “Greg Norman Medal” (News, October issue), do we really need another award? It will mean absolutely nothing to the golfers who are awarded the medal. Yes, they will say how honoured they are, etc. but once it has been received it will go into the top drawer never to see the light of day again. The top golfers win trophies; they earn millions of dollars a year in prize money. They earn millions a year in sponsorships. Why should a new award mean anything to them? These days, there are far too many awards dished out to advertise a person or business. So long as they get their name in the media, they are happy. I’m afraid that these days, awards are not for the individual but to promote others.

Stuart, via email

Crossword > 1

2

3

4

5

9

6

7

8

10

11

12 13

14

15

16 17

18

19

20

21 22

23

24

25 26

28

27

29

ACROSS

DOWN

Answers: page 83

1 Chooses from a number of options (7) 2 A field of study or sphere of action (5) 3 A formal or official examination (10) 4 Second place getter at The Barclays in 2015, _____ Stenson (6) 6 Bland or Scott (4) 7 Club used primarily to get out of a bunker (4,5) 8 Anywhere serving to foster or nourish new talent, ideas, etc (7) 10 Winner of the 2015 KLM Open, ______ Pieters (6) 13 Team tournament for the 28-across, won in 2015 by the USA (7,3) 15 Beat using superior skill (9) 17 Winner of the 2015 Deutsche Bank Championship, Rickie ______ (6) 18 Best or most favourable (7) 20 Miguel Angel JimÈnez in pre-grey days, perhaps (7) 21 Young club golfer (6) 24 Those next in line (5) 25 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2015 KLM Open, ____ Ormsby (4)

1 In a line without bends or curves, possibly like the ideal drive (8) 5 Third place getter at The Barclays in 2015, Bubba ______ (6) 9 Go-between (7) 10 Coach (7) 11 Rival on the golf course (10) 12 Sentimentally pretty (4) 14 Maybe appropriate wear for playing tropical golf courses (6) 16 Aussie winner of the 2015 BMW Championship (5,3) 18 Approved; conventional (8) 19 An expression of surprise, sorrow, pity or dismay (2,4) 22 High in stature (4) 23 Did really well (10) 26 US winner of the Nissan and Buick Opens in 1998, Billy _______ (7) 27 Slope (7) 28 Female golfers (6) 29 Put forward (8)

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

79

calendar

Quayle wins Keperra Bowl T HE Keperra Bowl didn’t come down to the 72nd hole – a challenging dogleg par-4 with the second shot uphill to a large two-tier green.

It didn’t come down to the 71st or even the 70th hole.

What it did come down to was a talented 21-year-old playing Keperra Country Golf Club the way it needs to be played – with confidence, consistency and a hot putter.

Anthony Quayle, who plays off +4 at Sanctuary Cove, did just that, making the prestigious Keperra Bowl his own, shooting a final round 68 to go with earlier rounds of 6672-71 for a four-round total of 277 – 11-under par.

He finished two shots clear of Bonnie Doon’s Austin Bautista and Kiran Day of Cottesloe Golf Club.

“I remember when I first played the Keperra Bowl, I looked up to the guys that were winning it and thinking they will be going places.”

Quayle said he had no short-term plans to turn professional.

“I would like to win more top amateur events and continue working on improving my game,” he said.

Anthony Quayle shows off the Keperra Bowl.

Twelve players finished within four shots of the winner.

“This is the fourth time I have played the tournament and to have my name on the trophy with all the other great players is kind of cool,” Quayle said.

CALENDAR > NOVEMBER

Queensland Amputee Golf Association Annual Charity Golf Day

WHEN: Friday 6th November Where: Gainsborough Greens Golf Club This year’s format is a 4-person Texas Stableford Teams Event, also with NTPs and a hole in one prize. The event is followed by a presentation dinner and charity auction.

Organisers are seeking Charitable Donations for the Charity Auction, and prizes for the winning teams. The money raised is to help expand the Association and encourage more amputees to experience what the game of golf has to offer.

Queensland Amputee Golf Association is a registered charity #1449 and all donations are 100% tax deductable. http://www.qaga.org.au

Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifyinground stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

80

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

DECEMBER

Dick Reynolds Club Golf Day WHEN: Thursday December 3 Where: Sandhurst Club Play with an Essendon Football Club current or past AFL star at the beautiful Sandhurst Club!

The format is Ambrose and there will be plenty of prizes, including a KIA car as a hole in one prize. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available. It is rare that you will have the opportunity to spend 5 hours socialising with an AFL personality so don’t miss out.

For more information contact Jessica Newman at the Essendon Football Club at events@essendonfc.com.au or 0418 822 097

“My strength is putting, but I would like to improve my driving stats.”

He said the golf course was in superb condition.

“It’s the best I have seen it in four years. The fairways were great and you never got a bad lie and the greens rolled nicely.”

For all the scores, go to www.golfqueensland.org.au

Moorabbin Lions Charity Golf Day WHEN: Monday 14th December Where: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club The Lions Club of Moorabbin is holding their 40th annual charity golf day in support of Peter Maccallum Cancer Research and local charities / community organizations.

This individual stableford event for men and women will be played on the West Course with 7.30am and 12.30pm starts and is open to both golf link handicap and social golfers. With nearest the pin, longest drive, straightest drive, putting and other fun-filled competitions entrants can be assured of a great day of golf.

The entry fee per person is $200.

Following the golf will be the Prize Presentation and Charity Auction in the clubhouse, which will be open to family and friends. Organizers are seeking Donations/ Prizes for the Charity Auction. For further information contact Geoff Thomas at gelythomas@optusnet.com.au or (03) 9583 8523. www.moorabbin.vic.lions.org.au/RMGCGolfday

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 Final 14th November 2015 Lynwood Country Club 253 Pitt Town Bottoms Road, Pitt Town NSW 2756 Final 22nd November 2015 Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 4th Qualifying Round 14th November 2015 5th Qualifying Round 21st November 2015 Final 28th November 2015 Rosebud Country Club 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud VIC 3939 Final 7th November 2015

Sandhurst Golf Club Sandhurst Blvd, Sandhurst VIC 3977 4th Qualifying Round 5th November 2015 5th Qualifying Round 12th December 2015 Final 19th December 2015 Singleton Golf Club 51 Boundary Street, Singleton NSW 2330 2nd Qualifying Round 7th November 2015 3rd Qualifying Round 21st November 2015 4th Qualifying Round 28th November 2015 5th Qualifying Round 12th December 2015 Final 13th December 2015 Macquarie Links International Golf Club Macquarie Links Drive, Macquarie Links NSW 2565 1st Qualifying Round 7th November 2015 2nd Qualifying Round 14th November 2015 3rd Qualifying Round 21st November 2015 4th Qualifying Round 28th November 2015 5th Qualifying Round 5th December 2015 Final 12th December 2015

Phoenix Day a success Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links held its annual “Phoenix Day” fundraising event on Saturday, 10 October with over 160 players in the field. The day was a huge success and also introduces new club partnerships with Bank of Melbourne and HFH Auto Dealership.

The new partnerships include membership rebates towards club membership if any new or existing club member purchases a car or home loan.

Inside Golf was also a contributor on the day with each participant receiving a free Inside Golf Magazine and goodies in their show bags.

Organisers raised money from their Phoenix raffle, silent auction items, BBQ, spinning wheels and a betting hole on the course.

Fundraising remains a huge constituent for a small club like Beaconhills and the club thanks every sponsors, supporters, players, donators and volunteers on the day.

JANUARY

2016 Women’s Summer Foursomes

WHEN: Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 January 2016 Where: Kareela Golf Club The tournament is open to female amateurs whose individual GA handicap does not exceed 32.4 at the date of entry. The format of day 1 is 18-hole Scratch Stroke Foursomes with the top four pairings qualifying for Match Play on Tuesday 19. The Semi Finals will be played on Tuesday morning with the two remaining pairings playing the final on Tuesday afternoon.

Traditionally the Summer Foursomes is a strongly contested event with teams being represented from around the state. Last year’s event was held at Cronulla Golf Club.

Prizes awarded for the Summer Foursomes Tournament will be in three Divisions: Match Play Winners, Match Play Runners up, 18 Holes Nett Winners, 18 Holes Nett Runner up, 18 Holes Scratch Winners.

Online entry is $80 per pair or $90 for all other forms of entry. Entries close: 5pm Friday 18 December. Full event details are available at www.golfnsw.org.

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS November 5 Twin Creeks Senior (NSW) November 9-10 Melbourne Senior Classic

(Spring Valley &

Woodlands VIC) November 9 Virginia Seniors (QLD) November 10-12 *ACT Senior

Amateur Championship

(Gold Creek, Gungahlin

Lakes, Federal) November 16 Oxley Seniors (QLD) November 20 lake Karrinyup Seniors (WA) November 22-23 Mollymook Seniors (NSW) November 26-27 Moyne Senior Classic (VIC) November 30 LongReef Seniors (NSW) December 1 Cromer Seniors (NSW) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

demo dates MIZUNO

Location New South Wales / ACT Power Golf - Castle Hill * Maitland G.C * Newcastle G.C * Tamworth G.C * Thornleigh Golf Centre * Belmont G.C * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Terrey Hills G&CC * ** Moore Park Driving Range * Royal Sydney G.C * ** Queensland Emerald GC * Victoria park Golf Complex * Wantima GC * Gripped On Golf @ Twin Waters * Tewantin Noosa * Mt Coolum GC * Hervey Bay Driving Range * Lismore * Hervey Bay GC * Caloundra GC * Bargara GC * Oxley GC * Ballina * Burleigh * Palm Meadows * South Australia North Adelaide GC * Grange GC * Kooyonga GC * HG Mildura * Barossa Valley GC * Blackwood GC * Victoria MGA Driving Range Ballarat GC * Centenary Park Yarra Yarra * ** Morack * Woodlands * ** Commonwealth * ** Peninsula * ** Western Australia Albany GC Sun City Hartfield Wembley Lakelands Albany GC

TAYLORMADE

Location New South Wales / ACT Castle Hill CC † * DG Northmead † * NSW GC † * Camden GC » † Wagga RSL City GC » † Griffith GC † Leeton GC † Belmont GC (industry day) Tura Beach CC » † Narooma GC » † Moruya GC » † Bathurst GC (industry day) Mudgee GC » † * Dubbo GC » † Cumberland GC * Killara GC * Queensland Hills GC † * Brisbane GC † * ** Woodford GC † Royal Queensland † * ** Parkwood † * Jindalee GC † Caboolture GC † Drummond Ashmore † * Indooroopilly (ladies only) † * Vic Park » Golf Central » Golf King Mackay † * Wantima GC † Victoria Morack † Melbourne Golf Academy » Ballarat GC † Corowa GC † Wodonga GC † Albury GC † Shepparton GC † Growling Frog GC † Mildura GC † Ivanhoe GC † Woodlands Golf Club GC † Patterson River GC † Whittlesea GC †

COBRA PUMA

Location New South Wales / ACT Belmont Golf Club (Golf Expo) Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy Anglesea Golf Club Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex Palm Meadows Golf Course Western Australia Western Australia Golf Club

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date Time

Monday Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Saturday Friday Friday Tuesday Friday

November 02 November 06 November 07 November 09 November 10 November 14 November 20 November 20 November 24 November 27

2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm

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

November 01 November 03 November 04 November 06 November 10 November 12 November 13 November 13 November 14 November 17 November 19 November 20 November 25 November 27 November 27

8.30-10.30am + 4pm-6pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 5pm

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 27 November 28

1 - 6pm TBC 10am - 4pm 3 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 1pm

Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Saturday Wednesday

November 04 November 06 November 07 November 11 November 19 November 21 November 21 November 25

4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Friday Saturday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Friday

November 06 November 07 November 12 November 14 November 18 November 27

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011 Day

Date Time

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday

November 04 November 05 November 06 November 07 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 14 November 18 November 19 November 20 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27 November 30

10am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 6.30am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 12.30 - 5.30pm 2 - 6pm TBC 1 - 6pm 1 - 4pm

Monday Friday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

November 02 November 06 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 18 November 20 November 21 November 24 November 24 November 26 November 27 November 28

1.30 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 3pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 12 - 4pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 7 - 9am 5.30 - 7.30pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm

Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Friday Sunday Thursday Friday Saturday Friday Saturday

November 02 November 04 November 06 November 07 November 10 November 12 November 13 November 15 November 19 November 20 November 21 November 27 November 28

3 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm

cobragolf.com.au

Day Date Time Saturday

November 14

10am - 2pm

Wednesday Friday

November 04 November 20

4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm

Tuesday Friday

November 24 November 27

5.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm

Tuesday

November 17

12 - 4pm

CALLAWAY

www.callawaygolf.com.au | callawaygolf.com/demo-days

Location New South Wales / ACT Mona Vale √ Merewether Golf Club √ * Sharks Golf Centre √ ≠ * Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ≠ Liverpool Golf Club √ ≠ * Long Reef Golf Club ≠ * Moore Park Golf House Northern Territory Alice Springs Golf Club √ Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex Lee & Pete’s Factory Golf Outlet ≠ South Australia Drummond Golf Sa Driving Range √ * Grange Golf Club √ ** Mount Osmond Golf Club √ Kooyonga Golf Club √ ≠ Blackwood Golf Club √ ** Drummond Golf Tea Tree Gully √ * Victoria/Tasmania Melbourne Golf Academy ≠ Kingston Links Driving Range √ ≠ ** Thirteenth Beach Golf Links √ ≠ * House Of Golf Geelong √ ** Centenary Park Golf Course ≠ Flinders Golf Club √ ≠ Horsham Golf Club ** Pro-Shop Long Island Country Club √ ≠ ** House Of Golf-Sunraysia Golf Range √ ≠ * Drouin Golf Club Pro Shop √ * ** The Peninsula Country Golf Club √ ≠ **

PING

Day

Date Time

Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Thursday Thursday

November 04 November 05 November 06 November 13 November 14 November 19 November 19

Friday

November 13 2 - 7pm

Friday Friday

November 10 5.30 - 7.30pm November 27 2 - 5pm

Monday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Friday

November 09 November 21 November 24 November 25 November 25 November 26

4 - 7pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4am - 8pm 10am - 2pm

Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Wednesday

November 04 November 11 November 13 November 14 November 14 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 19 November 20 November 25

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

7am - 11.30am 1 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 2 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7m

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

Location Day Date Time New South Wales Concord Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 02 12 - 5pm November 04 9am - 2pm Bonnie Doon Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday November 04 4 - 7pm St Michaels Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 05 10am - 2pm Mona Vale Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 06 8am - 1pm Oatlands Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 09 1 - 5pm Thorleigh Driving Range ◊ * Tuesday November 10 4 - 8pm November 11 10am - 2pm Campbelltown Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 12 9am - 3pm Shelly Beach Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 13 12 - 5pm November 14 9am - 2pm Belmont Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Illawarra Golf Range ◊ * Monday November 16 10am - 2pm Bankstown Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 17 9am - 1pm November 19 1 - 4pm Stonebridge Golf Club ° Thursday NSW Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 20 9am - 3pm Duntry League Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 23 10am - 2pm Bathurst Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 24 12 - 5pm November 25 2 - 6pm Mudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Dubbo Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 26 11am - 3pm November 27 10am - 2pm Wentworth Golf Club ◊ * Friday Asquith Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 30 10am - 2pm Golf Paradise Driving Range ◊ * Monday November 30 4 - 7pm Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range ◊ * Tuesday November 03 5 - 7.30pm Redland Bay ° Wednesday November 04 4 - 6pm Bribie Island Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 04 10am - 1pm Emerald Lakes ◊ * Thursday November 05 2 - 6pm Noosa Springs Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 05 1 - 5pm Brisbane Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 06 11am - 3pm Noosa Tewantin Golf Club ° Tuesday November 10 9am - 12pm Wednesday November 11 9.30am - 1.30pm Keperra Country Golf Club ° Parkwood Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 12 3 - 6pm Friday November 13 1 - 6pm Hervey Bay House of Golf ° Coolongatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 13 3 - 5pm Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 18 9.30am - 12.30pm Golf Gurus @ The Big Easy ° Thursday November 19 5.30 - 7.30pm Burleigh Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 24 2 - 5pm Noosa Springs Golf Club c/- Drummond Golf Maroochydore ° Tuesday November 24 9am - 11.30pm Middle Ridge Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 25 9.30am - 12.30pm Peregian Springs Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 26 10am - 1pm Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday November 04 4 - 7pm Sunshine Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 05 4 - 7pm Ballarat Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 06 12 - 5pm Rosebud Country Club ◊ * Saturday November 07 10am - 2pm Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 10 10am - 2pm Heidelberg Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 11 10am - 2pm Morack Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday November 11 4 - 7pm Victoria Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 12 10am - 2pm Thursday November 12 4 - 7pm Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ° Sorrento Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 13 10am - 4pm Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ * Saturday November 14 10am - 2pm Gisborne Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 17 1 - 5pm Rossdale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 19 10am - 3pm Riversdale Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 20 9am - 3pm Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday November 21 10am - 2pm Warragul Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 24 1 - 5pm Peninsula Kingswood Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 25 10am - 2pm Portarlington Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 26 8am - 12pm Western Australia Capel Golf Club ° Thursday November 12 10am - 1pm Collier Park Golf Club ° Friday November 13 11am - 3pm Lakelands Golf Club ° Friday November 20 10am - 2pm Gosnells Golf Club ° Friday November 20 4 - 7pm South Australia Saturday November 07 10am - 2pm Alice Springs Golf Club ◊ * Darwin Golf Club ° Sunday November 08 10am - 12.30pm Flight Path Driving Range ◊ * Sunday November 08 2.30 - 5.30pm House of Golf Mildura ◊ * Thursday November 19 3 - 8pm Port Lincoln Golf Club ◊ * Sunday November 22 9am - 4pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. » TaylorMade Demo Day. † TaylorMade Fitting. ∞ TaylorMade M1 Fitting. ≈ TaylorMade Expo. √ Callaway Fitting Day. ≠ Callaway Demo Day. Dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending. www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

81

golf directory

Wine and Golf Weekend Stay for 3 nightS, pay for 2 From $145 per person twin share accomodation only Stay at picturesque Greentrees Guest House located on the Doorstep of Wentworth Golf Club and Duntryleague Golf Club, close to our premier wineries and restaurants.

Stay for 6 nightS & pay for 4 Conditions apply

Steve Conran Junior Tournament 22 November 2015 Mercedes Benz Duntryleague Classic 16-19 January 2016 F.O.O.D. Week Plate Tournament 11-13 April 2016

Ph: Jasmin (02) 63 614 546

www.greentreeshouse.com.au

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays

Benalla Golf Club

pp $215 From share twin eek w mid

Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20)

9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others

• Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

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

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

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

BARGARA GOLF CLUB

per person

$250

Winner 2014 Legends Tour Pro Am of the year

Home of the Bargara Junior Classic & Ladies Classic

Complimentary Continental Breakfast

Other packages available

STAY & PLAY PACKAGES

$115 p/person (min 2pp)

• 1 night Twin Share Accommodation • 18 Holes on our Championship Course • Lunch at the BGC Bistro • Twin Share Electric Cart • Beautiful beach side location • Short walk to the first tee *Conditions apply available Tuesday-Sunday only. Comp fees extra POA.

For bookings call (07) 4159 1180 info@shorelineapartments.com.au | www.bargaragolfclub.com.au

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

$

210

pp twin share

There is nothing like golfing in the high country of Orange only 3 hours drive from Sydney.

Orange has three wonderful courses where visitors are most welcome. All courses are minutes from Melview Greens which is a chip away from Wentworth Golf Course and owned by a keen golfing family. All apartments are fully appointed with undercover parking at the door.

Play Australia’s Finest Sandbelt Courses

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

• 6 nights accommodation • Green fees on 5 golf courses (Cape Schanck, Devil Bend, Eagle Ridge Golf From Course, Flinders Golf Club, Moonah Links, Mornington Golf Club, Portsea Golf Club, Rosebud Country Club, Sorrento Golf Club, The Dunes Golf Links, The National Golf Club, St Andrews, Mornington Peninsula) • Cooked or Continental breakfast included • Foxtel in all units per person per night* • Rosebud House also available to hire

110

$

*Extra fees apply for Moonah Links, Sorrento Golf Club and The National Golf Club

ROSEBUD MOTEL

1869 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud West VIC, 3941 82

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For further enquires and bookings P: (03) 5985 2041 E: rosebudmotel@bigpond.com W: www.rosebudmotel.com.au

MELVIEW GREENS

For advertising call 1300 465 300

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

golf directory HAVE YOUR PRECIOUS ANTIQUE JUST IN GOLF CLUBS TIME FOR EXPERTLY AND CHRISTMAS AUTHENTICALLY RESTORED AT REASONABLE PRICES

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag” • clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

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

From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

Patented Softgrip Technology

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

Packages

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

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

$475

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.

FROM

49 $ 131* p/person

4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

$545

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

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

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads

Visitors

*Conditions apply.

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

Crossword Answers S E L E C T S O P T I M A L

T R A I G H T E N E I A I S O N L P R O M P E T I T C K H O R T S J U I F R T H O D O X P N W A L L F L O A W E A Y F A I R E D A D I E S P

T H O M A S J U N I O R

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

T S A I N D T W E N D G D E S H E L I R O S

O N U E R S E E R A Y A R E E D H N E A E D

If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE.

Aus

Issue

124 //

trA

Novem

ber 2015

l i A’

s M os

t re A

d G olf

MAG

> Go tiPs lf a Par

Azin

e

allel takeaw a fre ay for And er SwinG the BuC drill forket Bet BallStr ikinG ter

suMM er se nsAt ion our AustCoMPlete rAliA n suPreVieW of Pers tAr sH tHe oW

> Go trAVlf lifto el Southe ut

Charm: rn ViCtor oCeania’S Great road, Surf and CoaSt Bellarin PeninS e Plus: ula. in the Golf moun Blue tainS

> CluB of tH e Mont

a Glit H terinG Com for hor eBaCk Golf izonS reSort

> tAKin CAre G of Busin es the late s Gol

St f ind new uStry deVelo S and PmentS

HOSPITALI TY PACK AGES LADIES HIGH TEA KIDS DAY 1 DECEMBER 2015 pgachamp

ionship.co

m.au

Now, not only can you view current and back issues of your favourite golf magazine for free every month, but our new app includes the latest and breaking news across a variety of categories, tips and instruction, gear reviews, quizzes, puzzles, social media and more.

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

For advertising call 1300 465 300

FREE

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

83

golf directory

InsideGolf

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

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

*SPRING 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

Aquarius R

E

S

O

R

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

T

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

• 6 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.

$499*pp / 2 Share $415*pp / 3 Share $395*pp / 4 Share *Conditions apply

• Large Groups Welcome

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

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

Fairways to Paradise & Greens of Dreams Philippines Club Tours Golfers the Philippines is a must for your Club’s next “Members on Tour” • Playing 6 Championship Courses, designed by legendary golfers.

• Staying In 5 Star Luxury Hotels.

• At night sampling the exotic Filipino culture.

• Rolling the dice in world class casinos.

• Tours are tailored to suite your club’s special needs.

For a Club Tour that you will never forget contact: Les Smith, Philippines Club Tours.

Mobile: 0413 931 320 Office: (02) 9630 5780 Email: golftours@philippinesclubtours.com www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au www.tourismphilippines.com.au 84

November 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

17th Green, Langer Course, Riviera Golf Club, Philippines

For advertising call 1300 465 300

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 (only 20 minutes from the Coast) admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

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

Clearwater Noosa

RED HOT SUMMER SPECIAL

$59

Genuine All Inclusive:

pp per day min 4 share, 2 room apartment min 3 days, 2 nights Dates: 1st Dec-15th Feb, Excluding 26th Dec-4th Jan

• 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

ll

Bu

ck

Bla

Your choice of resort and club courses.

• Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2015

85

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

Interested in purchasing a GSC then call our golf shop to arrange a demonstration.

Southport Golf Club, Gold Coast.

Come down and rent a GSC™ for a game OR look at a demonstration with our friendly team at the "Golf Shop" should you consider wanting to purchase.

Ph: 07 5571 1444 Email: golf@southportgolfclub.com.au www.southportgolfclub.com.au

XMAS SALE

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 ½ Days info@penrithgolffactory.com.au

www.thegolffactory.com.au Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA. Postage and handling any quantity

Callaway X-Hot Original Fairway Metalwoods (not Pro Model)

Eagles & Birdies Stableford Bag 3.5kg

$159

14 Full Length Dividers Cooler Pocket Internal Putter Pit Black/Orange or Black/Yellow

Regular Flex Right 11 Wood Left 5 + 7

16º or 18º Hybrid Right Hand 15º 3 Fairway Right or left 13.5º Strong 3 Fairway Right Hand 9.5º Adjustable Driver Right or Left

$139

$149

$79 $79 $79

$49

Includes Cover

Mens Black Srixon or Cleveland Ladies Tour Special Minimum qty 10

Jetspeed Model Eagles & Birdies $299

$99

Dozen

$69

Srixon Airlite 2.9kg Black/Green /White only

$249

or$60 TT SAVE

Fully adjustable White or Black 9.5 or 10.5 Various Shaft $449 Flexes Includes Cover & Wench

$349

Distance ball with great feel

Burner Soft

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

$2

Graphite Irons x 7 4 to Pitching Wedge Graphite Regular Flex Shafts

TaylorMade R15 Driver Cleveland 588 MT

TaylorMade Balls

$156

Including covers

$199 $849 $455

Srixon Distance Balls Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

Titanium Head Driver

Cypress Point bag Callaway Warbird Cleveland 588 MT Plus postage Package Steel/Graphite 14 Full length dividers

$199

$99

Fairway Metalwood

Sldr Driver

$329

Magnetic 8 Irons - Lightpockets Steel Shaft Cooler pocket - Titanium - Graphite Cypress Rescue Hybrid Point bag Driver Lots of colours Odyssey Putter - Blade 14 Full5length dividers Number $179 SAVE$60Hybrid Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket 25º Loft Fairway Lots of colours Includes Bag Cover 4 Covers

Lightweight 14 Way Bags

Cleveland Waterproof zippers 2014 Model 14 Full Length Dividers Blue/White or Black

$39

$79 $89 $139

9.5º Loft $399 each Ladies Tour Special Adjustable 6 - SW TP Stiff qty 10 Easy Minimum to use Shaft Plus postage Game Black Head Improvement Right Hand Includes Cover & Wrench Models Eagles each & Birdies

$159 $2 Ladies Only TaylorMade

Driver 12º Loft Can be adjusted down to 10.5º or up to 13.5º Includes Cover & Wrench

Rescue Hybrid

Graphite Shafts Srixon or Cleveland $499

Rubber grips

Burner 2014

Graphite 3 Iron Easy Launch Model 72 New Loose (not boxed) Top Flite Gamer V2 Balls

$50 $65

Callaway X-Hot Irons (not offset) adidas$15 BOA Pro leather shoes

$17 $24 White or Black Project A 3 Piece $30 US Sizes Tour Preferred Std 4 Piece $39 Tour Preferred X 5 Piece $39

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Managers Xmas Special Callaway Warbird Set 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 Covers Eagles & Birdies Stableford Deluxe Bag TaylorMade Corza Face Balanced Putter & Cover Dozen Titleist Velocity Balls - No charge Right Hand 1/2” Longer or Standard Length

2 year waterproof BOA tightening system No traditional laces Aero Burner Pro 3 Piece

4 to Pitching Wedge Project X (5.5) Firm Steel Shafts $189 Right Hand

$799

$969

Callaway Hex Black Tour Balls

TaylorMade T8 Golf Bag

5 Piece Urethane Cover

14 Way Top Divided Lightweight

$49

$29 Dozen

Cleveland Deluxe 14 Way Bag

Cleveland Classic XL

Urethane Cover White or Yellow

$24

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

*Superceded models

Ladies Callaway X-Hot Irons Mens Black(6)

Right 13.5º Easy Launch Regular Flex Graphite Left 9.5º Loft Stiff Flex Graphite Left 10.5º Loft Seniors Flex Graphite Adjustable - Closed, Standard or Open Face Includes Cover & Wrench

Srixon Soft Feel Yellow Srixon Distance

$20 $18 $13

Rubber grips TaylorMade TP

Callaway X-Hot Drivers

ORIGINAL EASY USE MODEL

Srixon Q-Star White or Yellow

Callaway Hex Chrome Ball

Project X Stiff Graphite Shafts (6.0) Including Covers & Wrench (Drivers)

Includes Cover

Titleist Velocity $ In-Store Bridgestone E6 $24 Optima TS + $20

Vizor Putter 34” Face Balanced

Set of 9

Callaway X-Hot Pro Model

$119

Wilson Staff Left Hand Only

$35

3 - S.W

$199

Stiff Flex Right Hand 5

$249

Cleveland Hybrid Iron Iron Covers 588 Altitude Right Hand Eagles & Birdies 3 + 4 Steel Shaft $49ea Black Only Fits Right or Left Hand 3, 4, 6, 9, P.W Graphite $69ea Sand Wedge Steel $29 $59 Ladies 5, 6, 8, P.W $39ea Gap W, S W Graphite

EASY USE model

Seniors Flex Right 3 , 9 and 11 Left Hand 5

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

$549

Horizontal and vertical full length dividers Putter holder Cooler pocket Red only

Black Only

$109

Ping I25

Driver, Fairway, Hybrid, Irons, Gorge Wedge

$129 SALE SAVE $60

Eagles & Birdies Magnetic Pro Bag

$249

14 Full Length Dividers 6 Magnetic Pockets Putter Pit Cooler Pocket Black/Orange or Black/Green

TaylorMade ATV Wedge 60º Lob Right 56º Sand Right 56º Sand Left 52º Gap Left

$79 $129

$349

Golf Buddy Laser $259

Range Finder

$199

Srixon Deluxe Cart Bag Full Length 14 Way divided External Putter pit $239 Rain Cover Cooler Pocket Black, Red, White Black, Black, White Black, Blue, White

$189

TaylorMade Putter

Callaway X-Hot Set

Ghost Tour Corza 72 Face Balanced 35” Including Cover

7 Irons Light, 5 to SW Steel Shafts 2 Hybrids Graphite Shaft 1 Fairway Wood Graphite Shaft Includes 1 Driver Graphite Covers Shaft Titanium Head (4) Mens Right Hand Regular Only

$129

adidas BOA leather shoes $189 2 year waterproof BOA tightening system No traditional laces

$749