Inside Golf December 2015 by Inside Golf

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Issue 125 // December 2015

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It’s time to get social Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

f you’ve read my column on a regular basis over the past few years, you’ll have seen many references to the growth of social golf in Australia. Month after month, year after year, this country has seen a steady increase in golfers choosing to play the game via public access/ green fees rather than join private clubs. In essence, there has been a quantum shift in the way golfers are approaching the game (not just in Australia, but in many countries across the globe). The reasons for the change have been discussed at length in these pages, but the key point is that it is NOT the fault of the social golfers or the remote membership models (as they are simply a by-product of the change). The fault, we’ve seen, is due to the changing factors outside of golf (changing economy/household

budgets, personal lifestyles/time, technology, etc.) As the world around us continues to change, clubs have been forced to make a critical decision: Live in the past (in a state of denial, pondering the “good old days”, while continuing to eschew social golfers), or live in the present (and plan for the future) by welcoming social players with open arms. For the clubs who continue to resist change, take a peek at this month’s Social Golf feature, which, at over 30 pages, is the largest and most successful feature we’ve ever produced. Forward–thinking golf clubs have scrambled to be part of this feature, as they understand the value of the country’s various social clubs, groups and providers in terms of revenue (green fees, Food & beverage, etc) as well as membership and marketing (potential new members enjoying the club, etc). The clubs and courses listed this month are setting the benchmark for how golf will operate in the years to come, are they are all well ahead of the curve when it comes

to securing their long-term future in Australian golf. I tip my cap to them, and I encourage everyone (clubs and golfers) to carefully study the offers and ideas contained within the feature, as well as the insightful Social Golfer survey on page 17, as the future of golf in Australia is clearly reflected in those pages. See you on the fairways,

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.

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news

Women’s Open heads to SA The ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open will be played in Adelaide in 2016 and beyond. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt, in conjunction with South Australian Minister for Recreation and Sport and Minister for Tourism, Leon Bignell, announced the historic move last month at next year’s host venue, The Grange Golf Club. Midori Miyazaki, executive director for international affairs for the tournament’s naming rights sponsor ISPS Handa, also confirmed a seventh successive year as the event’s major partner. Mr Pitt said The Grange’s West Course would host the LPGA Tour co-sanctioned event from February 18-21 next year. He also confirmed Royal Adelaide would host the 2017 championship to help celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary, with nearby Kooyonga the 2018 venue with an option for further tournaments in South Australia after that time. “We are incredibly excited to bring such a high-profile international event as the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open to Adelaide,” Mr Pitt said. Mr Bignell said the championship would put Adelaide firmly in the global spotlight. “This is huge news for golf fans and for our visitor economy. The 2016 event alone will deliver an estimated $3.7 million to our visitor economy and will have massive flow-on effect for hotels, taxis, hospitality and small businesses.” The ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open will again attract the best field in Australia this summer by world rankings with its full status on the LPGA Tour and prizemoney of US$1.3million. The tournament is a tri-sanctioned event between the LPGA, LET and ALPG tours.

‘Super Club’ concept a bold move

Eagle Ridge sold to Melbourne family

Mornington Peninsula’s Eagle Ridge has been sold for an undisclosed sum to a Melbournebased family, following a multi-year sale campaign by The Russo family, owners of Eagle Ridge since 1995.

Huntingdale Golf Club, Patterson River Golf Club and the Sandhurst Club, after extensive preliminary investigations, have advised that the clubs will enter into a Heads of Agreement to merge all three entities under the one Huntingdale Golf Club Group (HGCG) brand.

“The scope for complementary tourism infrastructure on the site is excellent,” said Russo family representative Andrew Davies. “Whilst that kind of investment is not part of the plan for our family, the new owners can build on the strong base we have created and, together with our terrific management team and staff, they can take Eagle Ridge to the next level.”

groundbreaking move by three of Melbourne’s top-ranked golf clubs to establish a ‘super club’ could shine a light into the future of club golf around Australia.

The proposal is aimed at securing the long-term future of each of the respective clubs and to create a financial environment it is believed will see the combined group become a significant force in Australian golf. It comes at a time when more than 50% of Victoria’s golf clubs are reported to be under financial stress, mainly due to declining memberships. Under the proposal, Members of the combined group will have access to 63 holes of golf, outstanding clubhouses, plus other recreational offerings now demanded by a rapidly changing market. As well, the sale of excess land at Patterson River will enable the formation of a significant future fund with solid annual cashflows, to protect the clubs and preserve them for future generations. Current privileges will be retained but post transition will be enhanced. Members of each club will be given specific access to their designated golf course(s) commensurate with their membership category and limited access rights to each of the other golf courses. All members of the combined group will have unlimited use of the clubhouses, practice facilities and other non-golf facilities at the each of the three sites. Huntingdale Golf Club captain David Parton said “This merger will further strengthen our iconic brand in Australian golf, provide ongoing benefits to our membership and will create

Huntingdale Golf Club operational synergies across three sites that will generate significant additional annual cashflow and secure our future indefinitely”. Patterson River Golf Club President, David Healy, said the merger would “give our members an unparalleled opportunity to access a super club concept...and more importantly would provide generational protection for existing and future members.” The Sandhurst Club Chairman, Kevin Greaves, said the merger provided a unique opportunity for Sandhurst. “It brings together the most critical ingredients – Branding, Capacity and Capital – to ensure survival and prosperity in what is a tumultuous period in the golf industry.” Extensive due diligence will now be undertaken, with the assistance of independent expert advice, after which a detailed proposal for the merger of the three clubs will be presented to the respective club memberships for approval, most likely in early 2016. For further information contact: Stewart Fenton, General Manager of Huntingdale Golf Club on (03) 9579 4622 or manager@ huntingdalegolf.com.au; David Healy, President, Patterson River Golf Club on 0414 847 682 or mail2david@optusnet.com.au; Julian Murray, CEO of the Sandhurst Club on (03) 8787 7011 or club@sandhurst.com •

The new owners live locally in Melbourne, and will take formal ownership of the business in March. They plan to be involved closely in the business, working with longstanding General Manager Wayne Lucas to develop a plan for the future success of both the golf and functions divisions. Redeveloped by Nick Russo, and then taken over by daughter Katie and son-in-law Andrew on Nick’s death in 2007, Eagle Ridge has remained buoyant in the changing tides of the Australian golf industry and Andrew is proud of the contribution the family has made. “Making the decision to sell was one of the more difficult choices we’ve made, but it’s the right time for us and we’re happy to be leaving Eagle Ridge in good hands.” The new owner’s plan for the business is to continue all operations, keep all staff, and continue to grow the business and build on its success in the functions industry.

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Longest Golf Day to fight cancer Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

The annual Federal Amateur Open was played at the Federal Golf Club in Canberra last month, with aspiring NSW golfer Austin Bautista winning the event in convincing fashion.

ancer Council Victoria is daring all Australian golfers to take on its annual golf event, The Longest Golf Day, in a bid to play 72 holes in one day and raise money to fight cancer.

Bautista, from the Bonnie Doon Golf Club in Sydney, shot a blistering 16 under the card through his four rounds and finished 9 shots ahead of Round One leader and overall runner-up Dylan Perry.

On December 21, golf clubs and courses across Victoria will participate in the one-day challenge to complete four rounds of golf.

“I knew I was hitting it well, and if I could get the putter working things would turn around,” Bautista said after Round Two.

Spokesperson for Cancer Council Victoria Stephanie Hargeaves says The Longest Golf Day is open to anybody who can assemble a team of either two or four players to tee off on December 21 at their local golf club or course. “Individuals and clubs can take on their own fundraising as they see fit,” Hargreaves says. “The event is getting stronger each year. Four clubs participated in the event in 2014, and this year we aim to have 30 clubs on board.” The Longest Golf Day was pioneered by MAB Managing Director Andrew Buxton in the early 2000s as a challenge between mates to play 90 holes in one day. Buxton, a very keen golfer and selfproclaimed endurance-junkie, took his idea to Cancer Council Victoria in 2013 to turn his challenge into an official fundraiser. “In the beginning, we did it just for the sake of it,” Buxton says. “Every year since, we’ve played four or five rounds on the last Monday before Christmas.” Since Cancer Council Victoria’s involvement,

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Pancakes power Bautista to Federal Amateur Open victory

The Longest Golf Day has been scaled back to 72 holes to appeal to more golfers and philanthropists alike. Last year’s event had only 20 players and raised more than $8,000. Cancer Council Victoria has set the fundraising goal for this month’s The Longest Golf Day at $50,000. More than 29,000 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer each year.

provide prevention programs and to support residents affected by cancer.” One in three Victorians will develop cancer by the age of 75. “With the average golfer spending approximately four hours in the sun for every round of golf played, golfers are one of the most at-risk communities for skin cancers in Australia,” Hargreaves says.

Cancer Council Victoria’s CEO Todd Harper says The Longest Golf Day is a critical part of the organisation’s mission to fight the disease that touches everyone.

“Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70 and 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year.”

“The Longest Golf Day helps raise awareness about the work we do in the community,” Harper says. “The money raised ensures we’re able to fund research,

To register your team for The Longest Golf Day, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/ event/longestday2015 or call Stephanie Hargreaves on 03 9514 6111. •

In the presentation following his victory, he attributed his success in the tournament to a relative preparing blueberry pancakes for breakfast over the three days of the event. Bautista spent his younger years growing up in California and says although he has tried, he can’t shake the accent. The 18-year-old has plans of turning professional and hopes for a long and successful career in the game. The Federal Amateur Open is a World Amateur golf ranking event that continues to attract the country’s brightest amateur talents. This year the event attracted a record number of entries and included players from Malaysia, Thailand and New Zealand. A large contingent of juniors also played. The 2016 Federal Amateur Open will be played over the first weekend in November 2016.

news

2016 Rules Changes David Bonsall, Chairman, Rules of Golf Committee, The R&A

Frank Gal

Director of Rules – Golf NSW

he R&A and the USGA announced the publication of the 2016 Rules of golf on 26 October. Details of the announcement and the full text of the new Rules can be accessed from the home page of their relevant web sites (www.randa.org and www.usga.org). The new Decisions are also available in PDF format on these sites. In this article I will summarise the key changes and the effect they will have on your playing of the game. Ball Moving After Address At present under Rule 18-2b, if you address the ball and it subsequently moves you are automatically deemed to have caused the ball to move and will incur a penalty of one stroke and must replace the ball. In 2012, a tight exception was introduced covering situations such as the wind moving the ball, in which case there is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. Rule 18-2b has been withdrawn from the new code and if your ball moves after you address it, the question that must be answered is, did you cause the ball the move? If the answer is yes, you incur the penalty stroke and must replace the ball; if the answer is no, there is no penalty and you play the ball from its new position. If it is unclear what caused the ball to move, there is a new Decision (18-2/0.5) which gives guidelines to Committees to assist them in making a ruling based on all relevant information and the weight of evidence. Incorrect Score Card Currently, if you return a score for any hole lower than actually taken for any reason, you are disqualified. A limited exception has been added in the new code stating that, if the only reason you returned the lower score is that you failed to include a penalty stroke/s you did not know that you had incurred, you will no longer be disqualified. However, your score will be amended to add the penalty under the Rule that was breached plus an additional penalty of two strokes for the score card error. For example, if you failed to mark your ball in the rough before lifting it for identification on the fourth hole and failed to include the penalty stroke in your score for that hole, the score for that hole is amended by adding the penalty stroke and an additional two penalty strokes (three penalty strokes in total). In a stableford competition the one-stroke penalty for failing to mark the ball would be added to your score for the fourth hole, but the

additional penalty of two strokes is applied by deducting two points from your total score for the round. Artificial Devices or Equipment A breach of Rule 14-3 currently attracts a penalty of disqualification. You would be in breach of this Rule if, for example, you use a training or swing aid such as an alignment rod or a weighted headcover during the round.

The R&A and USGA websites provide detailed advice on the various methods of gripping a club which are allowed and prohibited under the new Rule. The R&A’s guidance document to assist committees with the implementation of the new Rule is also available on the Golf Australia website – www.golf.org.au/ www.golf.org.au/randaanchoringdocument www.golf.org.au/randaanchoringdocument randaanchoringdocument Rules Clarifications

Under the revised Rule, the first use of such a device would only attract a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss-of-hole in match play rather than disqualification. The penalty for a subsequent breach, however, will continue to be disqualification.

The above amendments are by no means the only changes to the Rules to take effect on 1 January, 2016.

Distance-Measuring Device Local Rule

This rather complicated Rule (even for referees) deals with the situation where your ball is played from a water hazard, but you either fail to extract it from the hazard or it comes to rest out of bounds or in an unplayable position outside the hazard.

Under the current Local Rule for distance-measuring devices, you are in breach of the Local Rule if you use a device which has any non-conforming features on it (such as the ability to measure slope, wind speed or temperature or to provide advice on club selection) even if the feature is not accessed or used during the round. Under the new Local Rule you would only be penalised if you actually use the non-conforming feature itself. Please note that distance measuring devices may only be used in competitions where the local rule is in effect. Prohibition on Anchoring The prohibition on anchoring the club while making a stroke was announced in May, 2013 well in advance of the Rule change. Under new Rule 14-1b, you may not anchor the club either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.” The new Rule applies to all levels of golf, including amateur competitions, social golf and professional golf. Note that there is no prohibition on the use of long putters or belly putters. Any currently conforming club can be used. The club must not be directly anchored to the body with the club or the gripping hand, or by creating an anchor point. So, if you continue to use your long putter, it is simply a matter of taking the gripping hand away from the body during the stroke.

The following are a couple of less significant but very helpful amendments. Rule 26-2

The Rule has been restructured to make it easier to understand the options available under the Rule. Rule 3-3 This Rule allows you to play a second ball in stroke play if you are doubtful of your options. The essence of the Rule has not changed, but it has been restructured for clarity. The Rule is now split into two sections. Rule 33-a deals specifically with the options and procedures available to the player. Rule 33-b provides guidance to the Committee on how to determine the player’s score. You will notice when you receive your copy of the new Rule Book that, unlike in previous editions, there is no end date. The cover simply states “Effective January 2016.” The governing bodies are currently undertaking an extensive review of the rules with the aim of significantly simplifying them and modernising the language used. This new revision may take effect prior to the usual cycle of four years. The full text of the Decisions and new 2016 Rules of Golf can be accessed from www.randa.org and www.usga.org

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

inside golf business

Organic golf course for sale

Centennial Parklands and Clublinks Management Pty Ltd have announced that Clublinks will manage the facilities and marketing of Sydney’s Moore Park Golf for the next five years with provision for a further five year extension.

USTRALIA’S only organic golf course is up for sale.

Originally created to provide a place for recreation while preserving the environment, Kabi Organic Golf Club (KOGC) at Boreen Point in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, has matured into a challenging and picturesque golf course.

“The public tender process saw 34 parties register interest,” said Kim Ellis, Executive Director, Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands. “We believe this interest can be attributed directly to the substantial investment in facilities and services by the Trust, and the outstanding customer service and management of the facilities by Clublinks over the last six years”.

Designed by renowned golf course architect Graham Papworth, the golf course is a scenic 25-minute drive from famed Noosa Beach. As one of the world’s first fully certified organic golf courses, KOBC is completely different from most golf courses world-wide. Native vegetation plantations surround the golf course on all sides and a mixture of native trees and orchards divides the fairways. Hook your tee shot here and you could find yourself among non-indigenous fruit and nut trees. Then again, a slice will see your ball sailing towards herb and spice gardens. The new, full-length Orchard 9 complements the original 18-hole layout (par-54), which makes it a 27-hole facility. The golf course is no pushover. There are many challenging holes ranging from 100 to 200 metres, which means you can give all your clubs a good workout. Water carries, trees, bunkers, wetlands all have to be negotiated before reaching the superb putting surfaces. When Papworth designed the course, he catered for all levels of golfers. “It’s not too easy for the proficient player while the average golfer can get around it and enjoy it,” he said just after completion.

Clublinks to manage Moore Park Golf

Kabi Organic Golf Club in the Sunshine Coast hinterland This provides golfers with variety in a unique setting amongst fruit trees. The trees play a role and are considered hazards. There is also natural rough, which provides a habitat for many species. And the natural wetlands and water courses allow KOGC the privilege of being water selfsufficient. The clubhouse is a relocated Queenslander and is steeped in local history. It has all the facilities with two commercial kitchens, bar, restaurant seating for around 150 people and a pro shop. The upstairs balcony provides a pleasant outlook over the golf course and

conservation areas. The property is 300 acres (121ha) with 120 acres (48.5ha) of forest forming a buffer zone. All of this area is devoted to the conservation of the native flora and fauna. The course is offered for sale with Peter Douglas of Ray White Rural on a walk-in, walk-out basis. “The property presents in magnificent condition and is a credit to the owner and staff,” Mr Douglas said. So, if you think you would like to own your own golf course and get back to nature, breathe fresh air in pleasant surroundings then call Peter Douglas of Ray White Rural on (07) 3231-2222 or mobile 0407-172-101. •

“Clublinks have delivered exceptional results in facility utilisation whilst setting golf industry benchmarks nationwide for the quality of our golf product and business marketing. We are confident this will continue and look forward to working with the Clublinks team.” Clublinks’ CEO, Anthony Lawrence, expressed his organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement at Moore Park Golf: “Clublinks is thrilled to have won a very competitive Tender. We understand the importance of Moore Park Golf to Centennial Parklands and the community, and we are honoured to be entrusted with management for a further five years.” Moore Park Golf is Sydney’s home of public golf. Each year, it has in excess of 15 million balls hit from its driving range and 56,000 rounds of golf played across its 18hole public golf course. Clublinks services a stable of 30 sport and leisure clients.

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inside golf business - from the ceo

A thrilling finish in store

Putting Adelaide back on the golf map

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

he Australian PGA Championship is an exciting end to the PGA Tour of Australasia season, with a quality field of domestic and international talent taking on Graham Marsh’s $10M redevelopment of the course at RACV Royal Pines Resort. It’s wonderful to have Brandt Snedeker join us on the Gold Coast along with defending champion Greg Chalmers who is accompanied by a host of former Australian winners including Peter Senior, Daniel Popovic, Robert Allenby, Peter Lonard, Nick O’Hern and Craig Parry. This year has seen the Australian PGA Championship enter an exciting new phase that will reignite the Gold Coast as a top golfing destination for domestic and international golf fanatics. A new co-sanctioning agreement with the European Tour elevated the championship to the richest tournament in Australia in 2015; with an improved strength of field through a greater depth of international players from Europe and South Africa. Plus, it enables the tournament to reach more than 500 million television viewers globally. Our million dollar hole is something we’re incredibly excited to introduce, a feature not seen in Australian golf since the early 80s, giving Professionals the opportunity to make a million dollars by hitting a holein-one on the 16th during the final round. However, it isn’t just the Pros having a good time on course. The Australian PGA Championship provides a great week of entertainment for the entire family. This year we introduced a free Kids Day at RACV Royal Pines Resort with hundreds of kids getting the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including player autograph signing sessions, a selfie stage, MyGolf hitting bays and golf lessons, face painting, jumping castle, prizes, Dreamworld wildlife, music, games and

Golf Australia was delighted recently to announce Adelaide as the host city for next year’s ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. In conjunction with the South Australian Government, we also revealed the city – and three of the country’s most revered tournament venues – would host the next three editions of what has become one of the country’s premier female sporting events. And in terms of a world-ranked field, you could make a strong case that this is the best annual golf tournament in Australia – regularly drawing more than half of the world’s top 100 players. roving entertainment. While over on the newly remodelled 18th green, our Ladies High Tea will take place overlooking the new layout. Over 150 ladies will gather, including key members of the corporate world, social set, professional golf circuit and local Gold Coast community, to listen to an array of guest speakers. The week also sees Australian golf join other national sports in honouring its best and fairest with the inaugural Greg Norman Medal, an award that at long last provides Australian golf with an opportunity to celebrate Professional success on the world stage. The winner will be determined based on annual success in Australia and overseas across all Professional tours and Greg himself will be in attendance to present the medal to the first ever winner. To complement the Greg Norman Medal, are a series of National Awards presented during the gala function with five national awards honouring Vocational and Tournament Professionals, both male and female. Finally, prior to the Australian PGA Championship, the Holden Scramble Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast will deliver all the atmosphere and competitiveness of a professional tournament. From the Welcome Dinner under the stars to the Theme Night and Gala Presentation dinner it is a great way to end the 2015 Holden Scramble series. Congratulations to all competitors and the year’s winning team. •

We think Adelaide will be a great venue, not only because of its pristine courses, but the enthusiasm shown by all parties involved – the government, clubs and state association – to host the event. In The Grange in February, Royal Adelaide in 2017 for its 125th anniversary celebrations and then Kooyonga in 2018, we have three host clubs that are the perfect fit for the tournament – they each have wonderful golf courses and will provide a great theatre for the championship. These clubs see the Open as a real positive and are all right behind it. I’m sure we’re going to see some great championships in the city with at least three years locked in and an option for an extension. The LPGA Tour has been a major contributor to the growth of the event and I’m sure they and their players will enjoy Adelaide and playing on these amazing courses – and they’ll doubtless enjoy the hospitality of the city as well. In some ways it’s been a long time coming, but it’s something we’re very excited about seeing eventuate. Adelaide has been off the map for a couple of years as a major tournament host, but when the world sees such a quality field at such tremendous venues, I’m sure this will cement South Australia’s reputation as golf tourism destination. Premier Jay Weatherill and the South Australian Government have been terrific and have seen this as being a great event for the state to attract. The fact that it has become such an important women’s event, not just in golf but all of Australian sport, is critical and we applaud the government for wanting it in Adelaide. We’re sure the public and South Australian corporate world will support the event and make sure it continues to grow from strength to strength.

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 97 for a complete list of fitting days this month

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

from the ceo

2016 ALPG Pro-am schedule announced Sarah Oh at last year’s Moss Vale Ladies Classic

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

t is that time of the year again! The 2015-16 ALPG Tour season officially teed off at the Anita Boon Pro-am in Auckland last month. The event was played at the North Shore Golf Club, where some of the leading ALPG professionals competed for the prizemoney of NZ$40,000. The proam was an official 2015-2016 ALPG Order of Merit event and started the qualifying process for the 2016 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open and the other major events (Results not available at press time). The opening event of the 2016 ALPG Club Car Series and Pro-am schedule will be the Moss Vale Ladies Classic, the longest-running pro-am on the ALPG schedule! The pro-am will be held at the Moss Vale Golf Club in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW. Last year’s event saw Sarah Oh shoot a course record 9-under-par 64 to edge out Sarah Kemp by a single shot. It is a testament to the GM Jason Harwood, Club Captain Robyn John, professional Rob Kennedy, Moss Vale GC board and club members that the pro-am continues to go from strength to strength. In 2016 we will be once again playing a 36-hole event on 7th and 8th January for a purse of $30,000. From there we head 5km down the road to the Mt Broughton G&CC where we will play another 36-hole event on 9th and 10th January. We are excited about the prospect of returning to Mt Broughton which is one of the tougher courses we play on the tour, it is truly a championship course where the cream tends to rise to the top at the end of 36 holes. For the amateurs it is a tough course, it is easy to see why the pro-shop is very well stocked with golf balls! In 2016 we will be playing for a minimum purse of $30,000.

We then head to a very familiar venue for the ALPG, the beautiful Oatlands Golf Club just outside Parramatta. Home for nine years to the Bing Lee Fujitsu NSW Women’s Open, Oatlands is a championship course with a reputation for some of the best and most tricky greens the professionals play on all year. The players love coming back to Oatlands each year, in 2016 we will be playing a 36-hole pro-am for $30,000 rather than a 54-hole tournament and I am sure we can expect another quality field. Thanks again to Lionel Lee and his family for his continued support of the ALPG. Bing Lee not only sponsor this

pro-am, they are the sponsor of the ALPG’s Youtube channel and our ALPG National Women’s Golf Clinics which we launched in early 2015.

the course, it can also be one of the windiest golf courses in Australia so it could be a real test for the ladies if the breeze gets up!

From Oatlands it is a short drive up the Windsor Road to Baulkham Hills to Castle Hill Golf and Country Club where we will play an 18-hole pro-am for a purse of $25,000. Castle Hill are a great friend of the ALPG, we have been working together for a couple of years now in an attempt to bring a major international women’s tournament to Sydney.

Following the completion of our 2016 major tournaments (and a wellearned week’s break over the Australia Day weekend) , the Club Car Series picks up again at McLeod Country Golf Club in Brisbane for the Brisbane International Pro-am. The pro-am will be played over two days on the 1st and 2nd March with day 2 the professional individual event being played for a purse of $30,000. Our friends at McLeod Country Golf Club hope that the pro-am will prove to be a stepping stone to bring a major women’s professional tournament to Brisbane sometime in the future. The commitment of the team at McLeod was obvious for all to see earlier this year when the ALPG visited McLeod CGC for the first time in more than 40 years. The club’s rich history is indeed in very good hands.

Unfortunately as is the case with many women’s sports, government have not been as generous with funding as they are to our male counterparts but this is something that we hope will change in the near future! We just need to keep knocking down doors! The General Manager at Castle Hill CC, Melissa Ellis, was recently named GMA NSW Club Manager of the year. Melissa is a great advocate for women’s sport and in particular women’s golf, and she is not one who throws the towel in easily! For the past two years our friends at Castle Hill Renault have been kind enough to supply us with a brand new Renault Koleos to drive around our NSW Pro-ams so a big thanks to them for their ongoing support. Across the M2 we then travel to the beautiful Pennant Hills GC for the 2nd Pennant Hills Golf Club ALPG Pro-am. Last year was the ALPG’s first visit to Pennant Hills, and the players were blown away by the hospitality shown to them by the club and its members. It was a great event with the eventual winner American Beth Allen edging out ALPG stars Stacey Keating and Su Oh in a playoff for her first professional victory. I know that everyone is looking forward to returning in 2016 where the players will be playing a 36hole event on 21st and 22nd January for $30,000. After Pennant Hills, the ALPG heads to the spectacular Long Reef Golf Club on Sydney’s northern Beaches for a new event, the inaugural ALPG North Shore pro-am to be held on 25th January. For those of you who have played Long Reef before you will know that it is easy to get blown away by the incredible scenery and views from

The final event of the Club Car Series and the ALPG tour pro-am series will be the BWAC Employment and community Services pro-am at the spectacular Yamba G&CC on the Northern NSW Coast. This will be the third edition of the pro-am and without doubt it is one of the most popular venues for our members and visitors with its pristine beaches and holiday atmosphere. The course itself at Yamba is truly of championship standard. The pro-am will be played on the 4th March for a purse of $20,000 after which the winner of the 2016 ALPG Club Car Series will be crowned. We look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events in 2016. If you are interested in playing in any of our pro-ams please contact me at karenl@ alpg.com.au. If you want to be in the running to win some great prizes throughout the year, go to our website http://alpg.com.au/friends.php and join our “Friends of the ALPG” It costs nothing to join! Follow us on our Facebook page “Australian Ladies Professional Golf Official”; our Twitter page @ALPGTour or our BingLee Youtube channel “GameOnALPG” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS

Tru-Turf rolling nicely David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HAT do St Andrews, Augusta National, Pebble Beach and Royal Melbourne have in common?

They all use Tru-Turf greens rollers to produce perfect putting surfaces. The Gold Coast-based company has revolutionised the way greens are cared for and even has the US PGA Tour singing its praises. Mind you, it wasn’t always smooth rolling. “When my wife and I started the company 30 years ago people and the industry were hesitant about changes,” said Tru-Turf managing director Ray Dufty. “As a manufacturer it was a hard slog trying to convince people we had a great product that could improve golf greens. It wasn’t until Dr Tom Nikolai from Michigan University got behind the rolling of golf greens through many years of study, in which Tru-Turf helped support. “He took it out, preached it and told superintendents at seminars ‘if you aren’t rolling your greens you are going to get left behind’.” Today, Tru-Turf is rolling along nicely and for the past 12 years has had a close working relationship with the US PGA Tour and its tournaments. “It came about through a PGA agronomist who saw our machine working on a golf course in Hawaii,” Ray explained. “He said to the superintendent who was preparing for an event ‘what are you going to do with that toy?’

“After the superintendent demonstrated the greens roller’s capabilities, the PGA agronomist recommended the PGA Tour use Tru-Turf products to prepare greens at their tournaments. “It’s a serious tool because it’s compact and light and doesn’t have those big, awkward rollers to produce a smooth, true surface on the green. “The lighter the machine the better the result because it has the least amount of compaction issues and is ideal for superintendents.” Tru-Turf sold its first electric greens roller in the US to Augusta National – home of the US Masters. They now have four, Royal Melbourne has six electrics and St Andrews “has a shed full of gasoline models”. Tru-Turf products are used in more than 50 countries including Australia, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South America, South East Asia and USA. “There are many golf courses that use them and never get a mention for the great job they do,” Ray said. So, what are the advantages Tru-Turf greens rollers help prevent? “There is less disease, better ball roll, no

creases, no irregularities, less mowing, less soil compression, less stress on the grass and healthier greens,” Ray explained.

because of the pure putting surfaces they produce, but they receive fewer complaints from club members.

“Anyone looking for a way to improve the greens can learn a lot from how they do things at Augusta, Pebble Beach, St Andrews and through university research.

Club golfers rarely praise superintendents for pure greens but if there’s a hint of unevenness after the ball leaves the putter face, the poor old superintendent ends up in the firing line.

“At the world’s finest courses, near enough is not good enough.” For the record, Tru-Turf products were used to roll the greens at Royal Melbourne for the Presidents Cup.

Well, many superintendents the world over are resting easy safe in the knowledge their Tru-Turf greens rollers are keeping members happy, with healthier smoother greens and, more importantly, keeping them off their back.

Ray said good results were achieved through the lightweight design and precision engineering.

For more information, contact Tru-Turf on (07) 5594-7199 or visit the website www.truturf.com •

“Ordinary greens rollers are designed around a 36-inch roller,” he said. “When a 36-inch roller meets a curve or variation in a grassed surface, there are two likely outcomes. “The ends of the roller exert far more pressure on the green than the centre does leaving uncompressed ‘slow’ patches in the greens or the ends dig into the grass wherever they make contact, causing channels, lumps and other irregularities in the playing surface. “Tru-Turf machines feature much smaller 22-26-inch rollers in separate heads, each independently pivoting, which follow and manicures a green’s contours far more accurately, producing a perfect, even surface. “The low weight of a Tru-Turf roller makes for a highly maneuverable machine. “The joystick system delivers much better control than the steering wheels used in other machines. In fact, the greater leverage provides a power steering-like level of lightness and precise control particularly when rolling grained greens.” It seems superintendents using Tru-Turf greens rollers are more content not only

Champion secures Volvik distribution Champion Sports CEO, John Harriss last month announced that Volvik inc. has appointed Champion Sports Pty Ltd as the exclusive sales and distribution rights for Australia commencing January 1st 2016. These distribution rights will cover the full range of Volvik product lines. Champion Sports’ Adelaide-based warehouse will be the dispatch point for all Volvik golf balls & accessories along with Bushnell rangefinders & GPS units, Bolle Golf Sunglasses, SuperStroke Grips, and newly appointment distribution of Marki pens and accessories. All trade enquires can be directed to Champion Sports sales and admin team at sales@championsports.com.au Note: We wish to advise that the photo on page 21 of last month’s issue is of Damon Selwyn and not that of David Burton. We apologise for any confusion.

“Kabi” AustrAliA’s only cErtifiEd orgAnic golf coursE “A living breathing garden of Eden” 125 hectares set amongst a wildlife conservation area combined with fairways of organic fruit and nut trees. • Designed by internationally renowned Graham Patworth • 2 hours from Brisbane • 20 minutes from Hastings Street, Noosa Heads • 27 holes carved and combined with the nature and topography of the land • Fully equipped clubhouse overlooking the course • Fully operation with equipment and staff in place

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS

Survey reveals social golfers are active players, spenders

recent survey by The Social Golf Club (operated by Clublinks) has dispelled a few long-held myths about Social Golfers being miserly, inactive players who eschew joining private clubs or getting handicaps. The survey, which was conducted online in October across The Social Golf Club’s database, received over 600 dedicated respondents (84% of which reside in Melbourne metro areas, with 58% currently playing in a social group) and provides a fascinating insight into this emerging group of golfers. Three key findings that stood out within this group of social golfers were: 1. Social golfers play a lot of golf 2. Social golfers contribute significantly to the wider golf economy 3. The majority of Social golfers are members of private / semi-private clubs Key learning #1: Social golfers play a lot of golf

How many times per year does your organised social golf group play? 12% 15% More than 10

1– 2 3– 5

46% 27%

6– 10

Key learning #2: Social Golfers contribute significantly to the wider golf economy Respondents indicated that their love of the game goes beyond just a round of golf. They do a lot in and around golf. They are very active golf travellers, involved in organised social groups and regularly utilise driving ranges and golf professionals to improve their game. Significantly, 81% have travelled more than 50 kilometres within their home state to play golf. 50% have travelled interstate and played golf in the last year, while 25% have travelled overseas and played golf.

The survey respondents represent the more committed social golfer highlighted Which of the following have you done in the by the frequency of rounds played. 54% of past 12 months? (Multi answer question.) respondents are playing golf more than twice a month and 65% of respondents indicated 100 100% the primary reason they don’t play more 90% 81% 80% often is simply due to a lack of more time. 80% 80 58% of respondents have played with an 67% 70% 64% organised social group in the past 12 months, 60% 60 and 46% of organised social golf groups 50% played more than 10 times a year. How many times did you play a round of golf in the last 12 months? 3%

3% 1– 3 4% 4– 6

More than 40

27 – 40

14%

7– 12

25%

13– 26

Key learning #3: Many social golfers are members of private / semi-private clubs

Where is your handicap currently held?

The survey results also help to dispel the 100

myths and views of social golfers held by many traditional golf clubs. There has been a view that social golfers are uneducated golfers who do not hold handicaps, and whom have no respect to club traditions and etiquette. These results indicate otherwise. These golfers are incredibly committed to the game. 74% have an official handicap with 53% of those holding their current handicap at a private / semi private golf club. In fact, 57% of respondents are playing the majority of their rounds at private / semi-private golf clubs.

What type of facility do you play most of your golf rounds at?

Do you currently hold an official GA (Golf 20

0 No

26% 74%

Yes

Public course - green fee play only, no members

24%

19%

16%

Private club members only, no green visitor play

41%

Semi-private club - members, with green fee visitor play allowed

The committed social golfer cannot be ignored

0With many clubs trying to attract

58% 50%

46%

41%

10%

32%

25%

Travelled Played in an to play golf official golf and stayed competition overnight or longer

Golf Club, RACV, GSM, Social Golf Australia, etc.

An equal mix of these

Link) handicap?

30%

Hit balls at a driving range

At a Private / Semi-private golf club

20% 20

Travelled more than 50 kilometres within your state to play golf

53% 36%

100 NB: Handicap only program includes providers such as The Social

32%

Handicap only program

11%

40%

00%

At a golf club based at a public golf venue

Played as part of an organised social golf group

Travelled interstate and played golf

Bought Had a golf Travelled a Great lesson overseas and Rounds / from a Club played golf Scoopon / of PGA Groupon / Professional Cudo type of golf deal

the active golfer to their course, this survey clearly indicates that these committed social golfers, and organised social golf groups, represent a market that should not be ignored. They are a significant, active and contributing part of the golfing community and can add immense value to a club, both in membership and pay-for-play revenue. For more information on this survey and its findings, please contact Anthony Lawrence, CEO, Clublinks. alawrence@clublinks.com.au

100 80 60 40 20 0 THE ONLY GREENS ROLLER ENDORSED BY THE PGA.

A fast, ﬂawless playing surface. No creases. No irregularities. www.truturf.com

60 80 40 60 20 40 0 20

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 | December 2015

INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS

Meet globetrotting GM Mark Holland “The way golf is enjoyed in Asia is quite different compared to the way it’s played back home.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

“In Australia, all clubs have weekly competitions, but there is far more social play, at least here in Bali,” said Holland who plays off a “modest 20 handicap”.

N the mid-1980s, Mark Holland quit professional tennis to start a career that has led to managing some of the best golf clubs and resorts around the world.

So is he a better tennis player than a golfer?

For the past 30 years, he has plied his management skills in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi and Kuwait), Singapore, Korea, Indonesia, Macau, Fiji and Australia where his most recent role was general manager at Links Hope Island Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

“Most definitely,” he said. “I played for the Great Britain junior team and for England at senior level and played the Wimbledon Qualifying a couple of times. I wish I had learnt golf at an earlier age.”

“I was at Links Hope Island for just on four years and it was fantastic,” Holland said.

Still, he can boast playing against players of the calibre of former Wimbledon and US Open champion Stan Smith.

“Prior to that, I was the GM at Brookwater Golf Club for almost five years.”

Since moving to Bali, Holland has had to adapt a management style to fit the culture.

Born in England, Holland’s first foray in golf management in Australia was with Troon Golf.

“I have worked in different places and each place has a different requirement,” he said.

“I joined Troon Golf as operations director in Brisbane overseeing their properties, including one in Fiji, as well as getting involved in a few other international projects.”

“In a place like Bali, we are work with our staff to implement good training programs. English training and sound operational processes to ensure things run consistently.

Bali National Golf Club general manager Mark Holland shows off the 2015 Renovation of the Year Award from Golf Inc. “Now our children are older – 19, 22 and 25.

When Hyatt Regency Coolum opened in 1988, Holland was appointed director of recreation.

“We have always travelled and we always thought when the kids were older that if the opportunity to go overseas arose we’d take it.

Today he is general manager at Bali National Golf Club – a first-class facility the equal of any top resort.

“So, rather than the kids telling us they are going overseas to live or study, mum and dad have gone. We have lived in Indonesia (Bali) before so it’s a good fit.

For Holland, travel has always been par for the course so when it came to moving his family (wife Jayne and three children) around the globe to further his career it wasn’t an issue.

Holland lists Singapore, where he worked at The American Club, as one of his favourite working destinations. “Both our girls were born there and it’s a comfortable place to live,” he said.

“When we left Abu Dhabi our son James was ready for high school so we came back to Australia.

“In Bali, we have an abundance of staff that are welcoming and their attitude and passion is excellent, but my job is to get the skill level up to an international level,” he explained. “In Australia, payroll and the cost of staff is so expensive that the managers end up doing a lot more of the work because often there is no-one to delegate to.

“We knew what to expect and most importantly the project we have here is world-class.”

“Initially, it was very easy moving around with children because we always had home help in the countries we lived in, but it became more difficult when they got older,” he explained.

I ask Holland what is the difference between managing a golf club in Australia compared to one overseas.

“The medical facilities and education are very good.”

“As an example, when I was at Links Hope Island we had 10 golf course maintenance staff who maintained the course to a very good level. In Bali, we have almost 100. So in Bali, you can afford to have more labour because you can’t afford some of the machinery that you may have in Australia.”

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“The emphasis is very much on a good personal level of service in all parts of the club.” What advice does he have for GMs wanting to work overseas? “If there is an opportunity to advance your career in different countries there are advantages to working internationally,” he said. Holland says he is excited about the future of golf in Bali – especially Bali National Golf Club, which boast seven five-star two- and three-bedroom villas overlooking the 18th hole. There are plans to build more villas and an on-site hotel within the next two years. • FOOTNOTE: Inside Golf recently visited Bali and will have an extensive feature on golf in the January 2016 edition of Inside Golf Travel Magazine.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS

Forging a new direction for club design We chat with Chris Voshall: Golf Club Engineer - Mizuno

How did you get started in golf club design? I began as a club test engineer, which is a dream job for a “golf dork” like me (laughing). I was an engineer in college, and I got hired to run our test facility. In 2005, I designed my first club, a putter. It was the ugliest club you’ve ever seen (smiling), but it was awesome. Next I went on to irons; that’s my passion, designing forged irons. Since then, I’ve been designing a good portion of our product line. Our western world design office is in Atlanta, and there we design everything that’s sold globally. It’s really fun to be on the front end of the design. We’re such a small team that we have a big role in getting it to mass production after that...working with the vendors, working with the factories and travelling to Asia. I’m also our liaison between the R&D team and the tour team, so I get to take all of our prototypes out. We do a lot of one-on-one testing with the pros. What’s that like, working with the pros? Everyone is so different. Luke (Donald) knows what he likes. He’s not a tinkerer; he doesn’t like to change. He’s more than willing to help and test and do everything, but he knows how far stuff goes, and he’s not looking to change anything. So working with him is a little different to, say, working with Charles Howell. Charles is a notorious tinkerer where, if you can show him a half

a yard difference, he says “great, let’s try it”. Stacy (Lewis) is somewhere in-between. In terms of testing, they’re all great because they’re so dialled-in to what feels right and what performs right that they give the most raw, honest feedback, and that’s what you need. You don’t want someone saying “it’s great”. You want someone who’s going to tell you what’s bad. You need that negativity to actually drive you towards a better design. So working with them is really helpful. Tell us about the design process We typically work about two and a half years in advance. The new line that’s out right now, I haven’t thought about it in well over a year. Right now, I’m deep into the 2017 line, getting that ready to go. But with, say, JPX850 driver, that was something that was years in development. It’s something where we really wanted to see if we could push the boundaries of adjustability; how we could do it in a simple way, and in a more meaningful and easier to understand way. And the 850 forged, there were six years of predevelopment on that club, because we were using a new material; the 1025 boron material. That material came about because we knew that there were certain forging limitations, and since forging is what we do, we were looking for a way to overcome those limitations. So we’ve been searching for the right material and the right processes

for about six years. So, it’s a big, long process, but it’s really cool to see something come to market that was once a sketch on a pad of paper. To turn it into a final product is really great and rewarding. Working so far in advance—do you find it a bit frustrating? Absolutely. Every year we feel that we have really exciting things, but then we have to find something more exciting, so there’s no rest. But you’re right, every year it’s a lot of hard work. It’s exciting to see everything come, but then I want to tell you about the next stuff, because it’s even better stuff. It’s always improving. It’s one of those things where you have to be “in the moment”, but deep in my head it’s like “wait till you see what’s coming next”.

What are the current trends in golf and designing? There’s a couple of troubling trends I see in the industry. One of the trends that’s been playing out over the last few years is that the story has gone from forgiveness to distance. Distance is all you read about any more. It used to be, “this club’s so easy to hit”, and now it’s “this club goes this far”. The issue with that is how people are getting those extra distances. For example, you’re seeing club spec go longer, you’re seeing lofts get stronger. When you do those two things, that’s troubling because you’re obsoleting long irons and bringing in the need for more short irons. But the longer length is the troubling one; as you go longer length, you need to keep swing weight so that the club

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doesn’t feel too heavy. But a longer length needs a lighter head to keep swing weight. A lighter head gives you less mass to play with around the perimeter. So hopefully the industry will go back to more a focus on forgiveness and not just raw distance. To tie in with that is the trend of custom fitting. People need to be custom fitted. There’s no excuse not to at this point. It doesn’t cost any more, and it helps you. The average guy who wants to hit it further is the same guy who comes “over the top” with his swing, and a longer golf club makes him come more over the top. So this is going the opposite to what he should be doing. If anything, he should be going shorter. Hopefully, one of the trends is less of a push on distance and more of a push on what’s right for you. So that’s something that Mizuno is really focusing on—distance plus forgiveness—and how all that can be custom fit for you. What is it like working for Mizuno? We’re a 109 year-old company based in Osaka, Japan, so we’re very much established in the way we do things. The culture itself is awesome. We’re a group of actual golfers. I’ve met engineers from other companies who are great engineers, but they’re not

golfers, they don’t know what they’re looking for or what looks good on a head. That’s why Mizunos always look good, they always feel good. I’m a scratch player and I’m well down the line of good players at Mizuno. So, the culture itself, it’s a golfers’ company, so it’s really fun in that aspect. The heritage of the Japanese in the development of everything, our handshake agreement with our forging factory, it’s something that you don’t really get in other companies. In terms of technology for design, how have things changed? The biggest jumps I’ve seen, in terms of design, are on the sound and feel side. When I designed that first putter, I knew how it was going to perform, I knew what the MOI was going to be, how it was going to perform off mis-hits...but what I didn’t know was how it was going to sound or feel. It’s very difficult to simulate, especially a multi-material club. Today, we have become really good at designing sound, whether it’s from an iron or a driver. You see that in the industry too, we’re not alone in that. If you look at when square drivers were coming out, they all sounded bad. Now there are big drivers of similar geometry that sound great. So I think there’s been a big learning curve and understanding of how clubs are going to

vibrate and what that’s going to mean in terms of feel and sound. Do you adjust the head and shape to improve the sound? It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. I’ll use a couple of examples from the industry. Some of the big drivers that were really loud, they have lots of really flat areas on them. It’s easy to put a flat sole on flat ground to make a really expanded footprint. But if you think of the vibration of a flat area, there’s no reinforcement, so that flat area causes that loud, low-frequency vibration. So you’re now seeing clubs that are a lot more spherical, which is more of a self-reinforcing shape, so there’s been some change in that. It all depends on what you’re’ trying to do. The spherical is not as good in terms of boosting MOI. So in making a 5900 MOI driver, if the ultimate goal for this is for it to be most forgiving, sometimes you have to sacrifice a little on sound, or if it’s to be the best-sounding player’s driver, sometimes you have to sacrifice on forgiveness. Do you change the materials to change the sound? You can, and that’s where you’ll see a lot of composite drivers. They are almost making a comeback right now, there’s a lot of them out there. And that has an effect on dulling the sound, and making it more solid, as opposed

to hot sounding. You can do different things with materials, we do things with the actual geometry, and then, when you look at the inside of a modern driver, the rib structures are really intricate now. We can very precisely dial-in a frequency that we want to hit for a driver just by where we put a rib and how tall that rib is. Finally, what are you most excited about right now? The exciting stuff is when you kind of flip something on its head. Like a forged golf club. When you’re buying a forge, you’re buying it for feel, and that’s because the process hasn’t been there to make it forgiving or make it hot. So, when we’re able to come up with a new material that flips what you think you know and changes it to where you don’t have to just have a hot cast club to be hot, it’s cool that you can also have a forged one. When you can ‘change the dynamic of a way of thinking’ is when stuff really excites me. For players’ models, for example, for so long, we were designing them to be not forgiving... just because we had to hit head sizes. But if you can bring in multi-material and get everything right in the head size and use multi-material to make it more forgiving and make it do different things that aren’t expected from a player’s model, it’s exciting. •

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on tour

Rumford reigns in WA B

I can see the light, says Baddeley IS Aaron Baddeley, who has a new coach, on the way back?

rett Rumford completed a miraculous recovery by winning the TX Civil & Logistics WA PGA Championship seven months after he faced a life threatening health scare.

He certainly indicated he was starting to find form after opening with an eightunder par 64 at the Sanderson Farms Championship in the US last month. He went on to finish T4 for the tournament.

In March, Rumford found himself in a South African hospital having 30 centimetres of his small intestine removed due to an apple causing a blockage.

The two-time Australian Open champion worked with Tiger Woods’ swing coach Chris Como, but mid-year switched to Scott Hamilton.

“What I have been through has been pretty horrendous all year,” said Rumford.

Hamilton urged Baddeley, 34, to go back to basics.

“After surgery there was a good 10-11 weeks where I didn’t touch a golf club. Even chipping alone, I couldn’t hit a chip for 10 weeks. “Seven weeks ago I had shingles for six weeks, so I have had very large periods of the year where I haven’t picked up a golf club.” Last month, he won the TX Civil & Logistics WA PGA Championship at Kalgoorlie Golf Club, his first tournament since The Open in July. “Surprised really, I wasn’t expecting much this week to tell you the honest truth. The golf course lent itself to good scoring, there were plenty of birdies out there and I putted well the first three rounds,” added Rumford. “It’s been a really funny year and certainly the preparation hasn’t been anywhere near where what I would have expected to go out and win a championship.” Rumford started the day with a four shot lead and in a taxing day on course he managed to hold on to shoot 1-under 71 and win the title by two shots with a tournament total 16-under 272. “Today was a tough day; it was a different wind so it was a completely different golf course. It made things a little bit interesting but it was just a strange day for me. Golf can

give you everything one day and then it can just completely turn on you.” “It was hard to get any momentum, it’s amazing when you are hitting all the shots and you are clear you don’t even notice it.” “I have been preaching patience all week but that was patience on a scoring level, today was just patience on a ‘what is actually happening here?’ It was quite bizarre.” While Rumford was never caught in the lead there were moments where he was put under pressure by his playing partner Daniel Nisbet who just didn’t have luck on his side. “You never take it for granted; it’s never done until it’s done,” added Rumford. “When I was on the 18th green with two putts and a two shot lead you start to think it’s fairly safe, but even still you have that little voice in the back of your head that says don’t four-putt it.” Playing two groups away from Rumford, Daniel Fox fired a superb 6-under 66 to finish outright runner-up on 14-under the card.

“Very pleased, I have been putting plenty of hard work in. It’s more of a mental battle for me a lot of the time,” said Fox.

“I’ve changed my swing a couple of times, looking for some consistency with my ball-striking because I’ve always had a good short game,” Baddeley told the PGA Tour’s Rusty Hampton.

“I was just really patient this week, I had a couple of times where I hit bad shots and I didn’t allow myself to react too much, I just kept on with the plan and executed it pretty well.

“I’ve always been one of the better putters on tour.”

“I thought 8-under would be a good total for the day. I thought if I can do that they I get one shot better off than Brett was when he started the day,” added Fox who started the final round seven shots behind Rumford .

Still, he never really lived up to expectations.

“Giving a quality player, like Brett, that many shots head start it is pretty tough to mow him down. But to finish basically in front of everyone else I was pretty stoked with that.” Ed Stedman also made a final day charge firing 7-under 65 to finish tied third with Daniel Nisbet on 13-under 275. Aaron Pike rounded out the top-5 with a final round 3-under 69 but will be left ruing a bogey and double bogey on holes 6 and 7. •

Baddeley has had some success winning seven times – three times on the US PGA Tour and four internationally – in 15 years.

“I found little spots of (consistency) and then it would disappear,” Baddeley said. Since working with Hamilton, Baddeley is starting to see the light thanks to his coach’s simplified methods. “I feel probably the most relaxed, comfortable, positive I’ve been with my golf in five, six, seven years,” Baddeley said. “I’m just in a really nice spot right now. “Overall, I’m very pleased and feeling very comfortable with where I’m at.”

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tour talk

Foursomes fun and Fiji breezes

Photo: Courtesy of the PGA of Australia.

with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

arrived back to the sunny Gold Coast after the 30-hour trip from St Andrews, Scotland. As I’ve mentioned before it’s the part of professional golf that a lot of people don’t see. Travelling long hours and jumping time zones is tough. I arrived at my house around midday and then had to give the washing machine a work out.

My next event was the Queensland Foursomes Championship at Sanctuary Cove, the Palms Course. It is played over 36 holes in one day. I was partnering my coach Ben Campbell, the head Professional at Southport Golf club and it’s a day you can be sure there will be some laughs and sledging. Benny must have thought after the first half dozen holes, ‘I can’t believe this guy plays for a living!!’ I hit it right then left, then right again. I just blamed it on the jetlag. I think my playing partners believed me! I came good into the 2nd 9 and we signed for a two-over-par 72, which wasn’t too bad considering where I hit my partner in the first few holes. The 2nd 18 holes, we combined nicely and signed for a 1-over, 71 and finished 7th which wasn’t too bad for a couple of average guys having a crack at life! I now had five days off before heading to Fiji to defend my Fiji International title. I try to mix these days up with some practice and some time off. Due to my busy schedule, staying fresh was a must. I flew over Monday afternoon and got a shuttle to the beautiful Intercontinental Resort at Natadola, where they put Peter and me up for the week. It was a great feeling returning to Fiji for the first time since I had won. The Fijian people are so nice and my new name was ‘Mr Steve’. Pete certainly didn’t let me forget about the

extra attention I was receiving being defending champion. We played a practice round Tuesday, then the ProAm Wednesday. I must admit it was a little distracting as everywhere I walked, people would say hello and ask if I was going to win it again. I had to keep my mind in the present, which is difficult when you’re continuously being reminded of winning. But on the other hand, how many times in your professional career do you go back to an event as the defending champion? For us grinders, not very often. So I enjoyed it. The first day I was off at 7.05am with Nick Cullen and Vijay Singh. The wind was blowing about 50km per hour with gusts up to 70. Vijay looked at me on our 1st hole before we had hit a shot and said “what are we doing here!” The wind was out of control! Pars were going to be a bonus. I felt like I played very average and signed for a 4-over 76. I made my way into the lunch room after my round and had several guys say, good round mate. I thought to myself, ‘good round?! What are these guys talking about?’ But as the day ended I found myself in a tie for 10th spot so maybe they were right! The second round was much like the first with unbelievably strong winds. I was off at midday so in the morning, Pete and I just watched the scores getting worse and worse. By the time I teed off I was running about 5th and joked with some other Pros that we should just stay indoors, as it seemed the best way to move up the leaderboard. Once again I felt like I played average and shot 6-over for the day, which had me on 10over after two days. Now, you might think 10-over isn’t very good. But let

me tell you, the conditions were the toughest I had ever played in, added with one of the strongest golf courses in the world, suddenly 10-over’s not that bad! By the way, the cut was 14over which was nearly a record in professional events around the world. I really enjoyed my couple of days playing with Vijay. As usual, I always try to pick the brains of great players and was able to suck out a little information that will help me in the future. A man who has won three majors and over 35 events worldwide must be doing something right! The wind was still there in the 3rd round, but had dropped from what it was in the first two. Unfortunately as in the first couple of rounds my game was just a little off. I wasn’t hitting it close enough and wasn’t holing any good length putts. I shot 1-over which had me in 19th position which, for how I felt I had played, wasn’t too bad. A good final round could see me jump up into the top 10 which would mean a good defence of my title. The magic that I was hoping would turn up the last day didn’t, and I was off to an average start, 3-over after 7 holes. But I didn’t give up. I fought all the way to the end, holing a bunker shot on the 72nd hole for a birdie to get me back to even for the day, and 11-over for the event, tied 18th. In reflection it was a great week. I played very average and still finished 18th which shows me that my game has improved. Years ago if I had played bad, I would have missed the cut. Also to be treated like a king for a week was pretty cool. When Matt Kuchar putted in on the last for the victory I turned to Pete and said “well I’m not even the defending champion now”. His response was gold, he said never mind mate, they still love you in Rockhampton!! Good golfing. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

legends tour

Harwood eyes Champions Tour

ormer European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia Professional Mike Harwood has had a stellar season on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour and has put himself in good stead to gain a start on the Champions Tour, with the chance to tee it up at the Insperity Invitational in May 2016.

USPGA Champion Wayne Grady and British Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch are among a star-studded cast of players who will tee it up at a new event set to showcase the glimmering Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Masters Golf Tournament—a new four-day Pro Am to be held at the Noosa, Peregian Springs and Twin Waters Golf Clubs from December 15th through December 17th—has also attracted multiple Tour winners including Roger Davis, Mike Harwood, Peter O’Malley, Ossie Moore, Terry Price, Anthony Gilligan and Richard Backwell.

The Victorian’s win in October at the NSW/ ACT PGA Seniors Championship brought his tally up to 11 wins from 40 starts for the season. His form has also seen him rise to the top of the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit, leading fellow Victorian Tim Elliot and New South Welshman David Merriman. If Harwood’s form continues and he maintains his position on top of the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit, he will have the opportunity to tee it up on the Champions Tour and the opportunity to play alongside the likes of Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh and Miguel Angel Jimenez. The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit winner receives a start on the Champions Tour, thanks to their exemption categories for the Australian senior tour. The Champions Tour, which is run by the PGA TOUR, hosts a series of tournaments annually in the United States and the United Kingdom for those on the over 50s circuit and many of whom have been the PGA TOUR’S most successful golfers. A number of Australian Professionals have played on the Champions Tour in recent years including David Merriman, Tim Elliott, Peter Senior, Steve Elkington and Peter Fowler.

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

New ‘Masters’ to showcase Sunshine Coast

“The Masters is expected to attract in the vicinity of $300,000 in direct, additional tourism revenue to the region and we will be working to grow over the coming years to attract more and more golfing visitors,” said Declan McCollam, Peregian Springs Golf Club CEO.

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

All professional golfers playing in the event are playing on the PGA Legends Tour, the fastest-growing tour in Australia. The final day will be held at the Twin Waters Golf Club where the top 30 players from the previous three days will play for a bonus $20,000 in prize money in addition to the $60,000 played for on the previous three days. Tournament places for amateur golfers are still available at all three venues and players are encouraged to contact the participating golf clubs. More: Declan McCollam at dmccollam@ psgc.com.au or 07 5471 5471.

trainees

Pitty flies Pennant Hills flag in PGA Trainees matchplay win was created by the 2015 trainee committee of Alex Pitty (Pennant Hills) Josh Rindfleish (The Australian) Jen Schulenburg (Bayview) Lachlan Foulsham (Killara) Matthew Voglis (Bonnie Doon),” Kelleher said.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

YDNEY’S Pennant Hills Golf Club’s Alex Pitty has capped a marvellous final year of his PGA traineeship by making history as the first winner of the Inside Golf NSW/ ACT Trainees Matchplay Championship.

“The idea was driven from their receiving many requests from fellow trainees wanting to play a matchplay style event.

The 2015 Trainees Captain of the Professional Golfers Association’s NSW/ACT Division, Pitty beat Royal Sydney’s Michael Smyth 4-3 in a high quality final at Monash late in October. Pitty, who collected $1200 for his win, was well under par after an eagle and three birdies, when he clinched the match on the 15th hole. On paper he had teed off as the underdog as, despite having plenty of interclub pennants matchplay experience as an amateur, Smyth is a former NSW Amateur Championship matchplay title winner and was captain of the NSW team in the amateur interstate matchplay series. Pitty teed off to a brilliant start to go one up with an eagle at the testing par-5 first hole, but then lost three holes in succession. However, in a cut-and-thrust match he won the next five holes to reach the turn three-up. Such was the attacking flavour of the 18-holes final, the first hole to be halved came at the 12th, but Pitty then held the lead to clinch it on the 15th green. While not having a national amateur InsideGolfAd_PTSEvolution.pdf 1 career—although becoming a State squad

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

member after only taking up golf seriously at Wyong Golf club eight years ago—Pitty has shone as a PGA Trainee, scoring consistently well in the trainees’ weekly tournaments. In 2014 he finished second in the 72-hole PGA Futures Championship, the trainees’ national title, and a few months back was fourth in the 72-hole NSW/ACT Trainees Championship at Riverside Oaks. After graduating as a PGA Member this year, he intends to fully test his game in PGA proams and major tournaments in 2016. “The final against Michael, who also had three birdies, was a tough test, as had been most of the matches we had to play to reach the decider,” Pitty said. The PGA of Australia’s Corinne Kelleher, the NSW/ACT Member Services Coordinator and also a PGA Member, who supervises the Trainees program, is hoping to expand the event in 2016 and have up to 64 players competing. “This year’s event, believed to be the 4:05 PM Division’s first matchplay title in a decade,

4/6/15

“Two Trainees, Nick Simpson, of Monash Golf club, and Scott Barsby, from Muirfield, were the main organisers and, crucially, were able to gain the much-needed financial and media support of Australia’s most-read golf magazine Inside Golf. “Marco Zirov (Eastlake GC) was the surprise of the tournament. He was seeded 21 but defeated players seeded 12 Jason Butt (Wyong Golf Club) and 4 Steven Slappendel (Muree GC).” And the good news is that Inside Golf’s Publisher Sam Arthur has agreed to support the event in 2016. “When Scott, a valued former Inside Golf staff member, and Nick approached us to help them tee off the matchplay we were happy to assist where we could,” Arthur said. “Matchplay golf historically is where the game began and Inside Golf was pleased to be able to assist the PGA Trainees in reviving the championship in the NSW/ACT Division. “We will have more discussions with the PGA as to how we can assist in building on this year’s success in 2016, maybe by providing monthly progressive updates of results,” Arthur added.

2015 NSW/ACT Trainees honour roll The Inside Golf matchplay final coincided with the final weekly NSW/ ACT Trainees strokeplay event for 2015 at Cromer Golf Club, after which the annual awards were presented, including the following: 2015 Order of Merit Winner: Josh Ingram (Eastlake GC) 2015 Champion of Champions: Josh Ingram (Eastlake GC) 2015 Rookie of the year: Andrew Thompson (Monash CC) 2015 Trainee Pro-Am of the Year (joint winners) Bayview GC trainee Jen Schulenburg and Twin Creeks Country Club trainee Courtney McNeil 2015 Female Trainee player of the year: Aliza Huff (Chatswood GC) Low rounds of the year: Jonathan Painter (Avondale) 7-under at Terrey Hills; Josh Rindfleish (The Australian) 7-under at The Coast GC

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amateurs

Tee off for your ACGC Golden Ticket

ith so much excitement around the regional events for the 2015/16 ACGC series, it’s easy to lose focus on the big prize at the end of the tunnel that all these golfers are competing for. The 2015/16 Championship Final promises to be the biggest and best yet as more regional events churn out the best amateur pairs from around Australia. Golden Tickets have been printed and are waiting patiently to be awarded to the regional event champions. What does a Golden Ticket represent? An allexpense paid trip that will offer total relaxation, great golf on a Championship course, and a chance to play against and make friends with golfers from all parts of the country. As in years past, the Championship Final will be held at the gorgeous RACV Royal Pines Resort. Smart, contemporary and set on a world-class golf course, RACV Royal Pines Resort offers everything needed for a sun-kissed holiday at Surfers Paradise, Queensland’s most famous stretch of coastline. ACGC champions will be whisked from their home state to the sparkling coastline, which is when the fun begins. A welcome night cocktail party kicks things off, and golf starts the next day. Lunches and dinners are a chance to get to know your fellow champions, while relaxing and enjoying all the resort has to offer. The trip culminates

after the two tournament days with a lavish Gala Presentation Dinner complete with great food, wine and entertainment.

“A fantastic evening that was enjoyed with great service, fantastic food and just a wonderful experience.”

But don’t just take our word for it...here are some words from last year’s champions:

There are still plenty of opportunities to win your Golden Ticket to the Championship Final with over 50 regional events scheduled at golf clubs around Australia. To book a spot in an event, visit www.acgc.com.au to view regional tournaments being held near you. Any golfer with an eligible handicap can enter, with a special discount given to state auto club members.

“The event was absolutely brilliant and took the whole tournament to a very elegant and memorable conclusion.” “Top event. Feel very honoured to have been part of it. Love to win our regional again next year!”

UPCOMING ACGC DATES STATE

EVENT

DATE

McLaren Vale

5/12/2015

VIC

Queens Park

6/12/2015

Wannero

8/12/2015

TAS

Devonport

13/12/2015

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

VIC

Yallourn

10/01/2016

VIC

Lang Lang #2

15/01/2016

Mount Gambier

17/01/2016

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

VIC

RACV Healesville

30/01/2016

Meadow Springs

5/02/2016

NSW

Fairfield Golf Club #2

7/02/2016

VIC

Cohuna

13/02/2016

West Lakes

14/2/2015

TAS

Royal Hobart

14/02/2016

NSW

Corowa

14/02/2016

Belair

19/02/2016

VIC

RACV Torquay

21/02/2016

Port Kennedy

24/02/2016

VIC

Lakes Entrance

28/02/2016

McCracken

11/03/2016

VIC

Kingston Links

12/03/2016

VIC

Garfield Golf Club

13/03/2016

VIC

RACV Cape Schanck

15/03/2016

NSW

Casino

20/03/2016

VIC

Morwell

03/04/2016

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

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www.acgc.com.au 30

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

juniors

Sub-teen star’s big future The NSW PGA Teaching Professional of the Year in 2008, he gets particular pleasure from the success of his prodigiously talented young clients such as Jeffrey and another amazing sub-teen star Sophie Yip, who at 10 is also making international attention. She finished very well placed at the IMG titles in San Diego this year also.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

HE global golf spotlight has been shone on Australia this year, led by Jason Day’s ascension to the world number one ranking, and the news we will stage the 2016 World Cup.

“Young golfers require a special method of just not learning how to swing but how to enjoy the game,” Whittle says.

Other Aussie golfers—professional and amateurs, men and women, young and old— have shown that, per-capita on potential golf talent we can match it with any country.

“My approach always is ‘fun first’ and then we take small steps towards any long-term goals. “The kids need to enjoy what they are doing without external pressure, otherwise they might burn out and even quit playing golf.

A brilliant unsung example of this—and one of our best junior displays this year — was not a headline-grabbing trophy win, but the performance of a small 11-year-old Sydney boy: Jeffrey Guan of Bexley Golf Club. Jeffrey, who is coached by one of Australia’s leading golf coaches, Sydney’s Glenn Whittle, was pipped on the final green in the “Boys 10 years” division of the IMG World Junior Championship in San Diego in July. Jeffrey doesn’t hit it as far (about 175m) as his rivals (average 210m). He weighs in at only 40kg, and stands just 148cm tall, but he shot a final round 58 (four-under) with a bogey at the last, for a six-under total (62,60,58). India’s Shubham Jaglan (60,59,60) sank an 8m birdie putt at the final hole to win. The IMG World Junior Championship in San Diego is the world’s most prized junior title, attracting 1200 children from more than 20 countries and is the event at which Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Adam Scott and Jason Day first made global news. Whittle, a reputable PGA Member for over 20 years, has a unique background in junior

Reaching for the top: Jeffrey Guan points to his outstanding score in San Diego golf coaching and recognises extraordinary talent. He was Head Coach with Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) for six years, then spent five years with the PGA of Australia as The National Coaching Director and six years as Head Coach with the NSW Institute of Sport. He realised Jeffrey was a natural talent three years ago when the boy’s father Ken, a Member at Bexley Golf Club brought him in for a lesson. It didn’t take that talent long to show up on the scorecard after Jeffrey (although only 4) was allowed to join Bexley and in his first competition, playing off 36, he had 49 stableford points – that’s 13 under his handicap. And playing in his age group with JNJG, he had five wins from five starts and was named Player of the Year for 2012. He then played in the 2013 IMG World Junior titles, qualifying

and finishing 20th at his first try. In 2014, playing off six, he was ranked as having the lowest handicap in Australia for a 10-year-old and that year won the club Junior Championship (for boys under 16) and finished fourth in the A Reserve Club Championship against all aged men. Now aged 11 (his birthday was in July) he is playing off a 6 handicap. In what must have been a shock to his adult rivals Jeffrey played as the reserve in the club’s Major Pennant team, winning two of his three matches. Whittle, Sydney’s only specialist putting coach, particularly loves helping club golfers and has guided many elite players including the current NSW PGA Champion Lincoln Tighe, 2014 New Zealand Open winner Jordan Zunic, former NSW Amateur Champion Michael Smyth and international USLPGA player Julia Boland, to name a few.

✁

Please accept my/our entry for the COMMONWEALTH GOLF CLUB - OPEN DAY - FRIDAY 8th JANUARY 2016 Player 1 _____________________________

Player 3 _____________________________

Home Club ____________________________

Home Club ___________________________

Hcap ____

Golf Link Number ___________

Golf Link Number ____________

Player 2 _____________________________

Player 4 _____________________________

Home Club ____________________________

Home Club ___________________________

Hcap ____

Golf Link Number ___________

Golf Link Number ____________

I would like confirmation of the draw sent to me as follows:

❑ Email address (print clearly)______________________________________________________ ❑ Mail (name and address) _________________________________________________________

“Jeffrey and I play a lot of games with only short spurts of improving technique and always in a relaxed environment. Over the past couple of years we have spent countless hours, every two weeks, working on his technique and strategies to improve his consistency. “He is a good putter but he has done a lot of work to constantly improve. He is a quiet achiever who is very humble and most impressive as a person. He might be small now, but I believe he has a big future in golf. “I enjoy watching kids grow and mature and I hope I’m having a positive influence on their lives . . . not just on their golf. “What Jason Day’s coach Col Swatton has done is a great example of how much influence we as PGA coaches can have on players we work with on a regular basis.” The future of our game is in safe hands with PGA members like Glenn Whittle leading the way. •

W N O EALT M M GOLF CLUB

OPEN DAY Friday 8th January 2016

An opportunity for golfers with a Golf Australia handicap to experience a championship Sandbelt golf course.

_______________________________________________________________________ Payment Method:

❑ Cheque attached (please make payable to: Commonwealth Golf Club) ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard Card Holders Name: _________________________________________ Card Number: __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Expiry: __ __ / __ __

COMPETITION: STABLEFORD Great prizes to be won! SHOT GUN START AT 8AM

Card Holders Signature: _________________________ Date: ________

$110 per player includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, push buggy hire, competition entry, prizes and catering.

Commonwealth Golf Club Glennie Avenue, South Oakleigh VIC 3167 Ph: 9575 0444 | Fax: 9570 2587 Enquiries to: jane@commonwealthgolf.com.au

All proceeds go to the Commonwealth Golf Club Foundation

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Entries close: Monday 4th January 2016

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

OW that’s what I call a grand and inviting entrance!

The drive into Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club off Soorley Street at Tweed Heads South stretches to about 1500 metres, winding its way past the lush fairways and manicured greens of the West Course – first of two first-class 18-hole layouts. It takes about three minutes to reach the impressive three-level clubhouse plus mezzanine, which has facilities to match the quality of the West and River courses. It has a calming effect and on the cloudless Monday in November, I can’t wait to collect a scorecard and get to the first tee. The large, well-stocked pro shop and practice areas are abuzz with golfers preparing for the round ahead. That’s always a good sign, right? Members know and visitors soon find out just why people come here to play golf. “We have competitions every day and visitors are always welcome,” said golf operations manager Nicole James, a former tour professional. Many visitors envy the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club members because “they have two championship courses”.

The club’s entire 101 hectares is a dedicated nature reserve and last year both courses were ranked in Australia’s top-100 public access golf courses. All 36 holes offer great golfing challenges – relaxing but testing, gently undulating to flat, fairways guarded by groves of wellestablished trees and plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep golfers honest.

There are times when the members can’t decide which course to play – West or River – so they toss a coin.

A small rainforest in the middle of the River Course is home to an abundance of goannas and bird life, generations of which have happily shared their lush riverside habitat with golfers.

Visitors shouldn’t worry about a coin toss – just play both.

Some of the trips between greens and tees are through gorgeous rainforest corridors.

The West Course is slightly longer with a number of testing dogleg holes and water hazards.

What’s also helpful is each tee-box has large plaque indicating the length of the hole, index and a diagram of the hole. Tip: Study it carefully before reaching for a club.

For the record, the West Course has Bent grass greens while the River Course has 328 grass. Situated virtually on the Queensland/ NSW border, the club offers the best of both worlds – great golfing in one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. 34

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The first hole on the River Course, sonamed because of its proximity to the Tweed River, is an excellent par-5 that doglegs right. Placement is the key as there is a huge fairway bunker left at driving distance and a lake on the right.

Water crosses the fairway in front of the green and opens into a lake to the right of the green. Both courses are easy walking although there is a bit of a hike between the first green to the second tee and from the eight to the ninth on the River Course. Still, it’s a scenic stroll beside the Tweed River with Fingal Headland opposite. The yachts and houseboats have dropped anchor...and why not?

Both courses are especially inviting as they are devoid of housing – a much under-appreciated trait of member courses in general. The undulating greens vary in size and shape, but most tend to be on the large size. There’s the odd subtle break, but the greens roll pure so they aren’t that scary. The payoff is a trio of holes – six, seven and eight.

After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a lazy day or two overlooking a picturesque golf course?

The sixth is a par-5, tree-lined down both sides with a bunker at driving distance on the right. More bunkers guard the left side of the green and water on the right.

The second hole is a short (293m) dogleg left with a bunker at driving distance and trees left and right lining the route.

The 179m seventh is the longest par-3 on the course and is heavily bunkered in front and another trap back right.

“We have a number of dogleg holes and because the course isn’t back-breaking long (5946m for men and 5331m for women) strategy and course management is the key,” Ms James said.

The par-4 eighth is a dramatic dogleg right with two large bunkers at driving distance. A deep bunker guards the green on the right.

“Taking an iron or hybrid off the tee is the smart play on many holes. “It’s a thinking golfer’s course, but it’s also risk and reward.”

Another interesting trio of holes are 11, 12 and 13 – the signature hole. Gary Player said the 314m 13th was one of his favourite holes in golf after winning the 1981 Reschs Open.

clubs Don’t be greedy, take a par and move on. The par-5 18 leading to the impressive clubhouse has bunkers awaiting the second shot and around the green. Play smart and a par, and maybe a birdie, beckons. th

The West Course is equally impressive. It plays straighter, has its fair share of feature holes but a lot more water comes into play. It, too, opens with a par-5 but it’s the 174m third hole that grabs your early attention.

TIP: Only tee off after studying the map of each hole. It will save you shots ... and possible embarrassments.

It’s a picturesque hole with water left off the tee but it doesn’t come into play. The challenge is the diagonal green that has a large bunker left and right. The 480m par-5 fourth is a great challenge. A large stretch of water on the right from about 200m out can be intimidating.

It’s a tight hole called “The Shoot” because the tee shot comes out of an alley of trees. From the back tee, it can be daunting … and claustrophobic.

Still, the pick of the bunch is the par-5 18th heading back to the clubhouse.

The smart play is an iron off the tee. The green is perched on a rise with a steep embankment front, left and right.

It’s a picturesque hole and the elevated green is heavily bunkered and features the infamous Big Bertha trap – front and centre.

A round at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is a fraction of the cost of many Gold Coast courses and is available all year round. The savings made can be used to enjoy some of the other great facilities available at the club. There is a restaurant, bars and entertainment at the club seven-days-a-week.

FACT FILE Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South 2486 Tel: (07) 5524-4544 Website: www.cooltweedgolf.com.au Email: nicolej@cooltweedgolf.com.au

When all the features of Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club are taken into account – two outstanding courses, reasonable price and unbeatable location – it is easy to see why it is regarded by many as one of the best-optioned courses in the region. • Practice facilities: Short range with short game area and a long driving range plus two putting greens. Course length West Course: Blue 6018m; Red 5254m

Green fees: 18 holes $55. Nine holes $35 or mates rate $55pp – two players in a cart.

Slope (West Course) Men blue 129 – par 72, scr 72 Men white 128 – par 72, scr 71 Women red 128 – par 74, scr 74

Twilight golf (after 1pm): $35 walking or $50 in a cart.

Course length River Course: Blue 5946m; Red 5331m

Reciprocal club members: $20 outside of competition only. $12 to play in club competition.

Slope (River Course) Men blue 120 – par 72, scr 72 Men white 119 – par 72, scr 71 Women red 127 – par 73, scr 73

Public access: Seven days a week (Saturday after 1.30pm). Open days: Wednesdays and Saturdays and need to be a member’s guest. Professionals: Long-serving pro Russ Davis heads up the well-stocked pro shop and there are plenty of teaching pros to choose from including Rachel Hetherington, Randall Hollands-Smith, Ross Moodie, Matt Hancock and Julie Powell. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these well-trained PGA professionals can help improve your game. Lessons: From $50. Club hire: $30. Cart hire: $30. Pull buggy hire: $5. Shoe hire: No.

Membership: The club has 1500 members and men and women pay the same annual fee - $1514 for the use of 36 holes. Joining fee: No. Functions: Choose from a range of wellappointed venues to suit small, intimate gatherings to lavish gala affairs. There are acres of picture perfect settings with river and golf course views. The clubhouse offers a number of different size rooms to fit perfectly with your gathering, wedding, party or corporate function. Accommodation: Coolangatta & Tweed Heads GC and Mantra Twin Towns can arrange stay-and-play packages. Airport: Coolangatta Airport is eight kilometres (10 minutes) from the golf club.

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

gear

Going Mental!

WE TRIED IT> PRO GOLF IQ Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

80% or even 90% mental. The great Bobby Jones famously said that “Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course — the distance between your ears.”

e’ve done many “We Tried It” reviews in Inside Golf, but this product could very well be the most “overall game-changing” of them all.

One of the more insightful quotes, however, comes from the great Moe Norman in one of his YouTube Videos (thanks to Andrew Crockett for providing this little gem):

As a lifelong golf addict, I’ve taken hundreds of lessons by dozens of professionals, read thousands of instructional articles and watched countless videos and DVDs on swing mechanics and techniques.

“What a sad thing in the world that we are not taught the main thing in this world, it is between the ears. We are taught too much mechanics. Not enough about motor skills, manual dexterity, imagination, orientation, administration, enthusiasm, alert attitude of indifference, a strong disciplined response, progression of power, extension of the circle, the deltoid muscle on your left shoulder, the elasticity of your body, the axis of your spine, your left brain, your right brain, your kinaesthetic mind, your body mind…all this has something to do with golf.”

But despite all of that instruction over the 40+ years (or maybe even BECAUSE of it all) my handicap (and the consistency of my game) has gone up-and-down like a jumping bean on a trampoline. The one thing that I’ve seriously lacked over all of those years, I’ve realised, is a proactive focus on the mental aspect of the game. Sure, I’ve read lots of articles and a few books on the subject of Mental golf, but to apply it all on a practical basis is another matter altogether. And these days, like many of you out there, my extremely limited practise time is often relegated to “left brain” aspects like working on swing mechanics at the range.

So when Pro Golf IQ approached Inside Golf to do a review of their Mental Training product, I was keenly interested. This type of program is used by professional golfers across the planet, so I felt it was time for me, as a current 10-handicapper, try and take the next step in my game.

But we all know that swing mechanics is simply not enough. To succeed in golf, we need that mental edge.

The nagging sceptic in me, however, wondered: Does a mental-training audio program like this actually work? More importantly, would it work for me?

Some of golf’s greatest players and professionals have spoken about how golf is

The answer to both questions, I found, is a resounding yes.

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Pro Golf IQ program consists of a series of five audio sessions (as well as an introductory video, and some booster/enforcer sessions on Driving, Pitching and Putting). You simply download them to your computer and listen on your favourite device, smartphone, tablet, etc. You listen to one session three times a week via headphones, in the comfort of

your home. The system (which uses a unique process called Inter-hemispheric Synchronic Mediation (ISM) plus several other key techniques) teaches you how to get both the left AND right sides of your brain working together, while also helping you create ‘quiet time’ in your mind; which is critical to playing like a pro.

gear The sessions themselves are extremely easy to follow. You simply lie back, relax and let your imagination do the work. The beginning of each session helps get you into a deep state of total body (and mind) relaxation. Through a series of deep breathing exercises, mental imagery, and subconscious cues and tones, you soon find yourself in a deep (almost hypnotic) state. It is here where your mind is most open to suggestion, imagery and mental training. Once you’re deeply relaxed, you begin to learn about using left brain/right brain techniques on the course. The left hemisphere of your brain, for example, is used for gathering all the analytical information for your shot (i.e. yardage, wind, elevation changes, swing strength/power needed, etc), while your right hemisphere (the creative/artistic side) is then used to gather the necessary resources to execute the shot (i.e. using your motor skills, reactive movements, etc). The audio sessions in Pro Golf IQ teach you how—via a series of “warm brain/cool brain” visualisation exercises—to clearly activate each hemisphere of your brain in order, prior to your shot. This “balanced brain” technique allows you to then switch everything off for a split second while you execute your swing (and thus eliminate the usual chatter in your head during the swing!). As you progress through the sessions, you gain more insights, techniques and training for the different shots and situations you’ll encounter on the course. So, how did this work for me? Armed with a few early sessions under my belt (er, skull?), I took to the course. On the very first tee, following a few of my newly-learned breathing and visualisation techniques, I noticed an immediate difference. Gone was the usual first-hole

“cluttered brain” and muscle tension. I was calm, relaxed and in a near Zen-like state. My tee shot launched straight down the middle; thus beginning one of the most stress-free rounds of golf in recent memory. Throughout my round, I found myself playing some of my finest golf in years. Instead of the usual “scrambling struggle” of recent rounds, I instead felt, for the most part, in total control of my game. And best of all, without all of the usual swing-thoughts sapping my energy, I finished my round feeling more energetic than usual. (Note that I had not adjusted any other aspect of my game—the only difference was my mental sessions with Pro Golf IQ.) And this wasn’t just a one-off. Subsequent rounds (and audio sessions) have found me reclaiming some of the form that I felt had abandoned me long ago. I’ve now been playing in “The Zone” more often than not. In short, this system has done exactly what it promised, and has completely changed my game, just like it has done for thousands of other golfers worldwide. And though I’ve not yet completed all the sessions at time of writing (and my game is by no means in perfect order yet—I am seriously looking forward to the Putting IQ session to help solve some flatstick woes!), I can honestly say that this program is making a massive difference in my game, and I can’t wait to complete the series. The Pro Golf IQ system is normally priced at $219 (which is a great value, considering the benefits of transforming your game). Inside Golf readers, however, can get it for just $97 for a limited time. (Visit www.progolfiq.com/insidegolf for the special price.)

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www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

Christmas

Gifts for golf lovers

Whether they’re naughty or nice, Have a hook or a slice, Or simply can’t get off the tee, Every golf lover will squeal with glee, With a great golf gift under the tree!

Here are some of our favourite picks this year

TomTom Golfer GPS Watch TomTom’s Golfer GPS watch acts as your personal caddy for over 34,000 worldwide courses which can be updated daily. The Golfer offers helpful course intel like the distances to the front, middle and back of the green, precise distances to hazards, doglegs, lay-ups, a green view (with hazard warnings), and includes a digital scorecard. The Golfer sports a 10hour battery life, large screen display and if it rains, no worries – the Golfer is water resistant to 50 meters. When you’re not in golf mode you’ll have battery life, which is fully rechargeable, more like a regular digital watch. Includes all the must-have functions, and for non-techies, the one button userfriendly navigation pad makes this a must have to improve their game.

QWIK FOLD Neon 3 wheel buggy Featuring the QWIK FOLD Patented easy-tofold and unfold technology that takes 1 second to open and close, the Neon 3 wheel buggy includes a scorecard holder with built-in compartment and drink holder, height adjustment, push-on/push-off foot brake system, performance low-profile wheels and precision ground bearing wheels for the smoothest ride. Choose from black with white wheels, white with pink or charcoal with orange. www.shark.com.au Sporte Leisure: 02 9693 5777

www.tomtom.com/sports/golf

RRP 0 $239.0 AUD

RRP 0 $299.0 AUD

Imperial Powered by Coolcore® hats Introduced in January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, the new line of Imperial products was one of the most successful launches in Imperial’s nearly 100-year history. The Imperial Powered by Coolcore® collection consists of nine headwear styles, over 50 SKU’s, and ranges from caps and visors to small fit and sun protection hats. Coolcore® provides a cooling solution that extends beyond traditional moisturemanagement fabrics or evaporative cooling technologies that typically rely on chemicals. It’s 100% free of chemicals, polymers, gels, crystals or phase changing materials,

The Pill

ensuring all Coolcore® benefits never wash out or degrade. And, Coolcore® fabrics deliver three distinct functions, including moisture wicking, moisture transportation to accelerate drying, and regulated evaporation for a cooling effect.

World’s leading Putting Aid that will only roll honestly if hit correctly. All golfers will get immediate feedback if they pull or push the putt. If hit improperly, The Pill will lean, roll off line or tumble wildly. It’s the only practice device designed to be played all the way to the hole.

www.peterwrightgolf.com

GolfBuddy WT5 GolfBuddy’s feature-rich WT5 takes you one step further in the wearable GPS range. With a slimmer design and a more comfortable fit to your wrist than its previous model, you can fully utilize Dynamic Green View and moveable pin placement features with simple pressand-hold buttons. The GolfBuddy WT5 is a fully functional digital wristwatch with a rechargeable battery.

RRP 5 $219.9 AUD

GolfBuddy CT2 Compact Pocket GPS

The GolfBuddy CT2 has a versatile design that fits in pockets, clips onto belts, clothing, towel rings, or any other part of your golf gear. The CT2 comes with a full range of functions including Hazards, GPS Tracking, Dynamic Green Pin Placement, Auto Course/ Hole Recognition. It also comes pre-loaded with GolfBuddy’s entire Course Library of over 38,000 golf courses. It has a waterproof casing and is available in White/Blue or White/Lime. 38

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

R $299 RP . AUD 95

GolfBuddy LR5 laser Rangefinder

This product will improve every golfer’s putting and handicap if used correctly. Great for chipping and out of bunkers. PGA Tour Players like Sergio Garcia, Jason Day, John Senden, Phil Mickelson and Danny Lee–as well as coaches Denis McDade, Dale Lynch and Butch Harmon School all use or have used the PILL. www.thepillgolf.com.au Peter@thepillgolf.com.au 0408 330 800

GolfBuddy continues to expand its line by introducing a new laser rangefinder. The LR5 is a compact and easy-to-use device weighing just under 200g and featuring three different scan modes: standard, scan and pin. The LR5’s scan and pin mode is used with just one click. Standard mode: Provides distance to the target; Scan mode: Continuously scans for 10 seconds to shows distances to varying targets; Pin mode: Continuously scans for 10 seconds to shows distances to varying targets; the LR5 will display the distance to the closest target. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

RRP 5 $399.9 AUD

AP PUTT ERFECT ING A ID

christmas gear

GOLFSCREEN

Coolcore offers the Coolest Towel

A custom-built golf product to enhance your golfing experience, Golfscreen is designed to ensure you get maximum protection, easy application, non-slip performance.

Coolcore provides a cooling solution that goes beyond traditional moisturemanagement fabrics or evaporative cooling technologies that rely on chemicals or polymer crystal treatments. The result is a technology that will keep you cooler, drier and more comfortable on the golf course. Coolcore’s cooling material innovation has undergone over four years of lab and field testing and recently became the first US Company to receive the “Innovative Technology” recognition from the world-renowned Hohenstein Institute recognized globally since 1946 for its market leading testing systems serving the textile industry. Coolcore consists of a patented combination of chemical-free blended yarns that deliver three distinct functions, wicking – to move sweat away from your body, moisture transportation – to avoid saturation and accelerate drying and regulated evaporation – for cooling effect. Add the Coolcore Chill Towel to your golf collection for that extra comfort on the course during the warmer months. With the added benefit of being up to 30% cooler lower surface temperature, zero cling and non-saturating, chemical-free, zero degradation overtime and providing you with sun protection of UPF 50+, there’s no need to miss out on a day on the course during the sometimes unbearable conditions of the Australia summer. 03 8562 6688 Website: www.coolcore.com.au Email: info@coolcore.com.au

adidas Solid Jersey Polo

RR $70.0 P AUD 0

Looking for a winning combination that will give you an impressive look with a comfortable fit? This solid jersey polo is well suited to any setting, with a modern cut, rib-knit collar, open-hem sleeve and classic adidas® design. Features Rib-knit collar, open-hem sleeve and Contrast adidas® brand mark on left sleeve. www.adidasgolf.com.au

adidas SP Stripe Polo

RRP 0 $60.0D AU

The contrasting stripes on adidas’ Sports Performance Stripe Polo may look traditional however, the performance is anything but. With its fast-drying 100% Polyester jersey fabric, anti-roll, rib-knit collar, an open-hem at the sleeve, this goto golf polo was made for every occasion. Anti-roll, rib-knit collar, Open-hem sleeve, Contrast adidas® brandmark on left chest. 100% Polyester www.adidasgolf.com.au

Callaway Apex Hybrids Callaway’s new Apex Hybrids have a look that appeals to better players and Tour Pros, and are designed to transition perfectly from your irons. They feature a longer, more iron-like blade length with the traditional CG of an iron, and provide a neutral CG bias for the controlled ball flight and workability better players desire. Callaway has taken its Forged Face Cup for high ball speeds and fused it with the company’s Internal Standing Wave for versatility. The Forged Face Cup is made from Carpenter 455 Steel and designed for increased ball speed at every impact location so that both centre hits and off-centre hits achieve faster ball speeds. The Internal Standing Wave positions RRP the weight so that Callaway engineers could move the CG where better players want it, delivering versatility and precision in a hybrid. At Retail: Early December www.callawaygolf.com.au

RRP $29.95 AUD

The Putting Buddy laser training aid The Putting Buddy is a unique training device specifically designed to teach the user to keep their head still during the putting stroke. The Putting Buddy attaches to your cap, hat or visor and emits a red laser beam onto the golf ball. By focussing on keeping the laser dot on the ball while putting, the user (at first) will be amazed at how much the head moves (affecting the quality of the stroke.) With continued practice with the Putting Buddy, this head movement will be greatly diminished until keeping your head still will become second nature (thus making many more putts.) The Putting Buddy can be used indoors or outdoors and was recently demonstrated by Ossie Moore on The Golf Show. The unit is small and compact and can be carried in the golf bag or pocket for practice anytime the opportunity arises. Available from On Course Golf shops, Pro Shops, Drummonds, Golf Clearance Outlet & The House of Golf or online at www.thegreenjacket.com.au or www.oncoursegolf.com.au Trade sales enquiries to (03) 9873 2189 or email sales@rbgolf.com.au

Golfscreen has been developed and produced in Australia to the highest standards, specifically for the tough Australian Golf Environment. Features 50+ SPF rating for extreme protection on the course, Gol Sweat-resistant formula that Rangefscreen fr won’t run into your eyes, $6.95 om 4-hour water resistance and easy application for wet or dry skin. The non-greasy formula is specifically chosen to ensure your grip is not compromised, while light materials are used to keep your feel at its best. Designed to last up to 3 years in your golf bag. All formulas are designed to suit all skin types, including sensitive skin. With lip balm, golf lotion, roll on and spray, golf screen gives you total golf protection. www.sporte-leisure.com.au Sporte Leisure: 02 9693 5777

BLS Battery Reviver The average life expectancy of a Golf Cart battery is 3-5 years. Lead sulphate or crystal build up on the battery plates can make batteries unserviceable in a matter of months. Carts slow down, won’t travel as far and the battery charger has to work harder to get a charge into the batteries. BLS Battery Reviver is a simple, easy-to-use solution to extend battery life. The Battery Reviver uses a square wave that excites the lead sulphate crystals that form on the battery plates and causes them to dissolve. This restores the voltage to the batteries and also restores the sulphuric acid back to its original strength. Simply attach the Battery Reviver to the battery or battery bank and forget it. It also keeps lead sulphate from forming on new or near new batteries, thus extending the life of your batteries, and keeping them at top efficiency. It can also be used to restore “dead,” sulphate-ridden batteries to a like new condition. www.batteryreviver.com.au 1300 852 433

RRP $49.95 AUD www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

christmas gear

Perfect Socks Perfect Socks was started in 2011 by Sherrill Sibun, a life-long golfer who represented New Zealand in 1959. Frustrated at not being able to buy woollen golf socks that would withstand 18 holes and keep her feet comfortable, she decided to make her own. First they had to find the perfect yarn to use. It is a mixture of 70% Merino wool and 30% Cashmere. This provides all the benefits of a natural fibre that wicks away the moisture from the foot. The cashmere means the sock is super soft and most importantly, comfortable to wear. The design of the socks includes the latest fine toe seam, arch support, cushioned sole and reinforced heel and toe. www.perfectsocks.co.nz

Lightgrip® Golf Training Glove

The Swingclick Golf Training Aid The Swingclick Golf Training Aid is one of the top new swing trainers in the market. It was recently nominated as one of the BEST NEW PRODUCTS at the ING Media Conference in the USA and has been a best seller in golf swing aids on Amazon in the USA, Canada and UK this year.

LIGHTGRIP® is designed to light up when golfers grip the club. Two lights glow brightly to show grip pressure. Light colours indicate very light, light, medium or strong grip. Because tension is the biggest killer in golf, Lightgrip® with its light feedback produces instant grip pressure adjustment and amazing results. Lightgrip® is the fastest way to improve and get a feel for the right golf grip. Suitable for all levels.

RRP $59.00 + POSTAGE AUD

www.lightgrip.com.au 0422 253 751

The Swingclick is a simple, user-friendly device that develops golfers’ tempo, rhythm, timing and consistency. The Swingclick straps easily to your forearm and alerts you with three clicks: at the top of the backswing, at impact and upon completion of the follow-through. The secret to great rhythm is finishing your backswing and the key to finishing your backswing is knowing where the top of your swing is, on a consistent basis. The Swingclick will help you with both. You can practice with the Swingclick on the range or in real-time on the course. Finally, golfers have an affordable, effective swing training device that can provide lasting improvement and significant results by mastering the elusive concept of timing and rhythm. www.swingclickgolf.com

T Stroke

R $39. RP 0 AUD 0

A stroke of genius! Alignment, Rhythm & Connection; the A-R-C of putting. The T-Stroke promotes the correct alignment of the forearms and shoulders ensuring that your stroke moves squarely along the intended target line. Used regularly (works great with PutterWheel) you’ll build a reliable stroke that performs under pressure. www.planeswing.com Code . Use 15% off for me IGTS imited ti ) L ( ffer. o

Deck your balls with fun and folly this Christmas.

Protect your arms from the sun without the hassle of sunscreen or hot long sleeves Try Icerays armsleeves 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+

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

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.

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

christmas gear

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015 www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

christmas gear

RR $14.9 P AUD 5

RRP 5 $69.9 D AU

NEXBELT The unique Nexbelt is taking Australia by storm. All Nexbelt products come in one size, and can be cut down for a perfect fit. The ratchet system allows the wearer to easily adjust the belt for comfort, and reduces the amount of wear and tear when you position the buckle. Also, inside the buckle of every Golf Series belt is a hidden ball marker. These belts are not just for golfers. The Classic Series is sure to have the perfect belt for the office or for everyday wear. The buckles and straps are interchangeable, so a single strap can smoothly transition from the office to the golf course simply by changing the buckle. Lyle Apparel proudly donates $1 from the sale of every belt, and $20 from the sale of every Leuk the Duck belt, to Challenge – supporting kids with cancer.

PlaneSWING A better swing in minutes. Stop coming over the top. Stop slicing. Stop getting trapped on the inside. There’s no quicker fix than PlaneSWING. The World’s #1 Swing Plane aid, PlaneSWING gives instant understanding and results through feel. This life-long investment ingrains a powerful and repeatable motion on your ideal swing plane. The unique PowerSLIDER creates lag and the dynamic position at impact that a roller cannot. www.planeswing.com

www.lyleapparel.com.au

RRP 0 15 $65-$ D AU

MARKi 68” Double Canopy UV Umbrella A large, 68-Inch windproof double canopy design, the MARKi umbrella features UPF 50+, Premium 190T Pongee fabric, Durable fibreglass shaft and ribs, Unique 3 tone colourway.

Knowing that ‘Identifying your golf ball’ is clearly stated in the ‘Rules of golf’, MARKi Permanent Golf Ball Markers allow golfers at any level to mark their ball with a durable, wear & water resistant ink. A fantastic Christmas gift for the golfer who has everything

Available at all Golf Professional Shops & Retail Shops throughout Australia. Distributed by Champion Sports.

sales@championsports.com.au

The PowerSTANCE Stop swaying now and build a solid base. PowerSTANCE aids balance, alignment and weight transference, dramatically improving ball flight, distance and accuracy. Use it at home and on the range. It adjusts for long game, driver, and short game, pitching. Note the raised right foot pad to help keep the weight within the shoulder width.

Code f. Use r 10% of fo d time IGPS imite ) (L ffer. o

www.planeswing.com

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

5 $29.9 Just uding incl very deli ere in anywhtralia. Aus

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

MARKi Permanent Golf Ball Markers

PutterWheel A revolutionary training aid that will transform you from a three-putt plodder into a flatstick phenomenon. Highly engineered, it replicates the size, weight and feel of a golf ball and improves posture, stroke and alignment. It can be taken and used anywhere. It actually makes practicing effective and fun! Works great with T-Stroke. You’ll hole more putts. www.planeswing.com

IGPT Use Cod f (Lim or 20% e ited off. offe time r.)

GolfKnickers – a world leader in traditional golf apparel Starting out of his garage in 2001, President Joe Parisi has made it his passion to bring golf back to its roots and invite others to play the game the way it was meant to be played. Parisi, who comes from a family of tailors, stresses the idea of quality in every product. Each knicker (or Plus Four) comes specially tailored for each customer and are pressed for the ultimate comfort. GolfKnickers.com offers 49 plaid colors and 20 different solid colors in microfibre or cotton fabrics for all sizes. They also offer multiple items to complete any golf outfit, including; golf caps, golf shirts, over 120 different argyle socks, 20 different solid socks, belts, and bow ties. Golfknickers.com is the perfect website for any occasion from golf outings, weddings, special gatherings, tournaments, or even Footgolf. RRP: $69.95 – 189.95 Website: www.golfknickers.com Email: email@golfknickers.com

Shipping availab Austra le to lia.

Code f. Use r 20% of fo ime IGPW imited t .) (L ffer o

christmas gear

Wilson Staff C200 Irons The Wilson Staff C200 iron is designed to dramatically improve player distance and accuracy. Wilson Labs, the innovation hub at Wilson Sporting Goods, Co., engineered these irons for the Crossover (C) player whom Wilson Golf defines as a mid to high handicap player seeking distance and accuracy, but in a more playable, midsize offering. At the core of the C200 clubs is cutting-edge, proprietary, patent-pending FLX Face™ Technology. This technology minimizes the contact points between the body and thin face. In fact, 76% of the thin face is actually free from the body of the iron, allowing for maximized face flex upon impact. These voids, known as Power Holes, are literal holes that go completely through the head and provide the space for the face to flex. They are then filled with a TE031 Urethane to provide outstanding feel for the game improvement player. RRP: $139.95 Per Iron (Steel) / $149.95 Per Iron (Graphite) www.wilson.com/en-au/golf

PowaKaddy Freeway Range As the best-selling brand in over 50 countries worldwide and with over 30 years of proven innovation, PowaKaddy lead the way with cutting-edge designs fused with the latest technology to deliver the perfect combination of performance, reliability and user friendly functionality.

The complete range is backed by a comprehensive peace of mind, 2 Year Warranty on the buggy and a 5 year pro rata Warranty on the Lithium Battery. The FW5 and FW7 models both come standard with a USB charging port plus Automatic Distance Function.

Top of the range FW7 EBS (Electronic Braking System) has 3 levels of progressive braking ideal for hilly golf courses.

PowaKaddy is distributed and serviced in Australia by E.L.K Golf. www.powakaddy.com.au

KING F6 Driver

KING F6+ Driver

The F6 Driver is Cobra’s longest and most forgiving adjustable driver, featuring simple front or back CG adjustability to maximize distance through optimized launch and spin. A moveable 10g weight piece allows you to choose between two discrete settings (Front CG or Back CG) to maximize distance and driving performance. Other key features include a Forged 8-1-1 Titanium E9 Zone Face Structure including a Speed Channel®, Myfly8® Technology with Smartpad® and a New 8-1-1 Titanium Construction. The KING F6 Driver comes in three colours (Glass Black/ Blue Aster/White Pearl) and comes with the Matrix Black Red Tie 60Q4 shaft which is available in both right and left handed options (L, A,R, S & X flexes). www.cobragolf.com.au

All three models come with the Lightweight fast folding Power Frame, whisper quite motor, and modern sleek styling.

The new Powakaddy freeway range consists of three models FW3, FW5 and FW7 boasting the latest in technology and Euro styling including the exclusive Plug and Play Battery Connection System which means no more messy wires. Just drop it in and you’re ready to go.

The Worlds CoolesT sporTs ToWel

The F6+ is Cobra’s longest and most adjustable driver, featuring five position front to back CG tuning that allows you to optimize ball flight and maximize distance through adjusting your launch and spin.

• 30% cooler • Chemical free • Dries soft & machine washable

New, revolutionary CarbonTrac™ Technology replaces the heavy titanium track structure typically needed for an adjustable sliding weight system. This new design saves weight and allows for a moveable 18g weight piece to be repositioned along the track to optimize CG setting. Other Key Features include a Forged 8-1-1 Titanium E9 Zone Face Structure including a Speed Channel®, Multi-Material Construction with Next Generation T.O.P. Technology and Myfly8® Technology with Smartpad®.

Stay Cool All Day!

The KING F6+ Driver comes in three colours (Glass Black/ Blue Aster/White Pearl ) with the Matrix Black Tie 65M4 shaft and is available in both right and left handed options (R, S & X flexes). www.cobragolf.com.au

Once wet, the towel’s surface temperature lowers by up to 30%, keeping you feeling cool & refreshed all day.

RR $599 P .0 AUD 0

RRP 00 $499. AUD

Available at your leading pro shop or online at

: in store 5th 1 er decemb 5. 201

www.coolcore.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

christmas gear

Cobra Max Driver

Puma Golf’s Titantour Ignite Golf Shoes

R $399 RP . AUD 00

The COBRA® MAXTM Driver is Cobra’s longest, easiest to hit driver featuring designs that help to deliver easy high launch complemented with a draw biased ball flight. With a large address, low-profile head with a thin face and slight offset, golfers with slower swing speeds will be able to play much more consistent golf.

TITANTOUR is back with game-changing updates that will have your feet begging you to get out on the course. Featuring the new IGNITE foam –a revolutionary material that provides higher energy return than any other golf shoe, superior step-in comfort and stable cushioning—plus PWRCOOL technology powered by Outlast to absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort; and Puma Golf’s new Epic Performance Last; this shoe will provide you with ultimate comfort, fit and performance that you didn’t even think was possible. Titantour Ignite is made from premium materials; including a full-grain leather upper, heavy gauge thread and a dual density TPU outsole, providing long lasting quality and durability. 60-day comfort guarantee and 2 year Waterproof Guarantee.

Other key features include a Forged E9 Zone Face Structure with Speed Channel®, Low CG Design, Offset Hosel Structure for a high draw biased Ball Flight. The Max Driver comes in Glass Black with Strong Blue, with the Matrix White Tie 55X4 shaft and is available in both right and left handed options (L, A, R & S flexes)

RRP 5 $189.9 D U A

In store: December 15th 2015. www.cobragolf.com.au

Callaway 300 Laser Rangefinder Give the golf lover in your life pin-seeking precision in a sleek, sophisticated design. The exclusive Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T.) lets golfers lock onto the pin from up to 300 yards away, ensuring accuracy even when trees and other objects are in the background. Scan the landscape to acquire distances to multiple targets, like greenside bunkers and water hazards.

IGNITE Golf Shoes R $399 RP .0 AUD 0

With a modern silhouette and profile design, this shoe takes inspiration from classic golf footwear, using a combination of sporty and premium materials that will take your shoe game to a new level. Full length IGNITE Foam midsole guarantees an extremely comfortable ride; the new Epic Performance Last provides increased comfort, fit and performance; and its full grain leather upper provides long lasting durability and quality. The TPU outsole compound provides excellent performance, grip and abrasion resistance on all surfaces; and its unique GripZone Traction design with 39 strategically placed hexagons provide multi-directional traction, while 24 chevron shaped lugs increase traction where it’s needed most. 60-day comfort guarantee and 2 year Waterproof Guarantee.

RR $159. P 9 AUD 5

www.CallawayDMD.com Phone 03 5277 3944

GOLF CLOTHING FACTORY OUTLET QUALITY GOLF CLOTHING AT BARGAIN PRICES!

UP TO 70% OFF RRP*

Tops Brands include: Calvin Klein Golf Green Lamb – Dwyers & Co Cutter & Buck – Cross – Hollas Second Skin – Sunice With a large and changing range of Golf Polos, Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts, Capris, Knitwear, Wet Weather gear & accessories etc you are sure to find something to enhance your game!

INSTORE SHOPPING ONLY

Trading 7 days a week ~ Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm, Closed Public Holidays

176 BOUNDARY ROAD, BRAESIDE VIC 3195 (03) 9588 1779

www.golfclothingfactoryoutlet.com.au

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

christmas gear

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

christmas gear

IZZO Swami GT

Niblick Vines Golf Shoe Introducing the new Niblick Vines Golf Shoe – Niblick has over 100 years perfecting comfort fit technology. Revolutionary SHEILD system Microfibre is an ultra lightweight material designed to shield your feet from the weather while giving superior breathability. This revolutionary material is easy to clean and super soft. Wide fitting for superior fit and comfort. Newly-designed low profile sole unit brings the foot and ground closer together for better stability. 12 month waterproof guarantee. RRP: $109 Sporte Leisure: 02 9693 5777 www.niblick.com.au

RRP 00 $109. AUD

Sureshotgps Hero 150X Sureshotgps have designed the Hero 150X to cater to the needs of beginners, allowing you to become comfortable and experienced during your time on the course. It is also suitable for an experienced golfer just looking for the basics.

Sureshotgps Hybrid Golf Watch GW3

R $139 RP .0 AUD 0

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS parmaker OUTLET

R $299 RP .0 AUD 0

IZZO Swami 4000+

Then, simply log in to your Swami GT account and instantly see how you did. All stats of your game are recorded, calculated and displayed.

RRP $279.00 AUD

Sureshotgps Hero 350X The versatile Sureshotgps Hero 350X delivers all the benefits an golfer needs while also monitoring your physical fitness on and off the course.

R $229 RP .0 AUD 0

This Sureshotgps Hybrid Golf Watch GW3 is a little powerhouse device that features a high-tech odometer, tracking speed and distance as well as calculating calories burned while using the programmed modes to walk, run, cycle or play golf. It comes preloaded with 28,000 Australian, New Zealand and International golf courses so you can see live, accurate distances to the green with a flick of your wrist. It boasts a range of different features for improving your golf game including live distance updates to the front, centre and rear of the green, as well as individual shot distances, auto hole and course recognition software and even a built in scorecard. www.sureshotgps.com 1300 644 523

Tracker Tags are inserted into the end of each of your clubs. These tracker tags work together with the GPS technology to transmit and track data from every shot during every round on your Swami GT – without any manual inputting.

Provides distances to the front, centre and back of the green and also it provides the distances to the front and back of bunkers, water hazards and doglegs. It is equipped with auto-hole advance and shot distance measurement. The lithium-ion battery holds a 10-12 hour charge and it comes with a oneyear warranty. Preloaded with more than 30,000 worldwide course maps. No computer downloads or an annual subscription - just charge and play.

You can ensure the most accurate and real information is loaded onto all Sureshotgps products due to their clever mapping technique. While most GPS companies rely on satellite imaging to develop and create maps, Sureshotgps uses a network of experienced golfers called “pro mappers” who walk the course using advanced technology to generate maps. Now you can really play like the pros standing exactly where they stood on the course and improve your game. www.sureshotgps.com 1300 644 523

Works as a traditional GPS to provide you instant, accurate distance for each and every shot. But thanks to NFC (Near Field Communications) technology, it can do so much more.

Improve your strength, stamina and speed using the new Hero 350X and see results in your golf swing. The multisport mode provides cycling and walking functions where you can monitor distance walked and ridden, calories burnt and even duration of a round while out on the green. This handy and compact device is the perfect tracking tool for more than just golf. www.sureshotgps.com 1300 644 523

R $349 RP .0 AUD 0

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

The number one selling golf bag in the USA and Canada for 14 consecutive years is back in Australia and just in time for Christmas. Check out

www.australiangolfsupplies.com.au for the full product range and to find your local stockist.

Reward your golfer with the ultimate bag in golf. AUSTRALIAN MADE • BUILT TO LAST

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

christmas gear

That’s My Ball and Tin Cup The Rules of Golf state that every golfer should put an identification mark on their golf ball. That’s My Ball offers golfers quick and easy ball identification tools. TMB ID stamps are highly durable and allow you to quickly and easily identify your ball. They also stock Tin Cups, stainless steel stencils direct from the USA. Give a purposeful and long-lasting gift this Christmas and present a friend or family member with an ID stamp or Tin Cup. RRP from $14.95 (ID stamp stock designs) or $25.95 (Tin Cup stock designs) + postage. www.thatsmyball.com.au 03 9434 6770 or 1300 445 054

Pro Golf IQ Mind-Coaching Program Gift Voucher If the golfer in your life regularly comes home from the golf course feeling cranky because they lose focus and concentration during their round, then this powerful video/audio program will get their mind into the optimum shape to play the best golf of their life. Easy to use from the comfort of home, Pro Golf IQ provides relaxation and the same mental skills used by the world’s top pros. Available as a gift voucher. www.progolfiq.com/gift or email pete@progolfiq.com

The RAKE Wedge Series from PNP Golf

SX1 Point N Putt Putter from PNP Golf

Keep getting stuck in bunkers and long grass? RAKE it out. Pros and amateurs alike are lowering their scores and enhancing their enjoyment around the green with the RAKE Wedge series from PNP Golf. These wedges feature a unique Dual Bounce Rail Design which makes them truly revolutionary clubs. The large rail bounce means they are the best wedges available to easily pop out of sand traps and comb through thick grass without getting stuck or twisting the club. The club heads also utilise an advanced OnSet Leading Edge which enters the hitting area earlier than a standard wedge. The edge design creates a more shallow pathway, making it easy to launch a more accurate shot.

Be deadly on the green with pin-point accuracy. It’s no secret that alignment is the main factor in making putts. If you are not properly aligned to the hole, you must make a subconscious correction in your stroke to square the face at impact. The SX1 Point N Putt Putter from PNP Golf features a patented visual alignment system called the Directional Pointer. The silver pointer is in stark contrast to the matte black body and the green grass beneath, providing an easyto-see focal point. All you need to do is point the Directional Pointer to your intended line. This simple method of “pointing” is easier and more accurate than “squaring” for most golfers. It assures you are lined up to the hole and mentally frees you up to make a confident putting stroke. No more facing up and guessing!

$169 RRP .00 AUD ea

www.pnpgolf.com/au

SHIP FREE all PING on order s

RRP 0 $189.0 D AU

R SpeciaRP: $219 l for Insideoffer reader Golf only s: $97

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

christmas gear

TaylorMade 2016 Golf Balls

TaylorMade M1 Driver Following more than two decades of advanced research and development, TaylorMade Golf, makers of the No. 1 driver in golf, have developed a multi-material combination of titanium and a seven-layer carbon composite crown to unlock their longest driver and most fittable product line in company history. In M1, engineers have created a line of drivers, fairways and Rescue® clubs designed to provide golfers with more ball speed, forgiveness and distance in TaylorMade’s first-ever “unmetalwood” family.

TaylorMade Golf Company, the second most played ball brand on the PGA TOUR with three Tour staff professionals currently in the top ten in the Official World Golf Ranking, have announced the release of its 2016 golf ball line-up, highlighted by the new Tour Preferred X, Tour Preferred and Project (a). With these three models, TaylorMade’s new line-up provides exceptional feel, performance and spin around the greens. The new Tour Preferred X ball (5-layer construction, 87 compression) features a new thicker re-engineered Soft Tech cast urethane cover for more greenside control and the same LDP™ 322 dimple pattern found in the Tour Preferred. Similar to its predecessor, the Tour Preferred X delivers low spin off the tee, low iron ball flight but with more greenside spin, as preferred by the best players in the world. TaylorMade Tour Professionals who play the Tour Preferred X include Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and 2015 PGA Champion Jason Day, along with dozens of others. The new Tour Preferred ball (4-layer construction, 80 compression), features TaylorMade’s next-generation SpeedMantle™ inner layer, comprised of a material that is more than 65% softer and more flexible than the previous generation’s mantle. The development of the new mantle has allowed engineers to create a softer feeling ball, while still maintaining the performance characteristics of the original Tour Preferred golf ball. The new Tour Preferred golf ball provides higher launch and more spin for long irons while maintaining the same distance off the tee and greenside spin as the Tour Preferred X but with a softer feel. The new Tour Preferred still features TaylorMade’s proven

Soft Tech™ cast urethane cover, the company’s softest and most durable cover to date, and Low-Drag Performance Aerodynamics (LDP™), a 322 dimple pattern that provides distance off the tee and a penetrating flight through wind that tour players prefer. The new Tour Preferred is designed for players of all swing speeds looking for a softer tour performance golf ball. The new Project (a) (compression of 70) is designed specifically for the competitive amateur player to promote more spin and improved performance where needed most: 30 yards and in. As amateur players generate nearly 50% less spin than players on tour, Project (a) is specifically designed to deliver more spin on mid irons, short irons and shots around the green, resulting in enhanced control and increased scoring opportunities. The new Project (a) features many of the same technologies as featured in the original model, including REACT™ core technology for more distance on long shots. The new Project (a) also retains the proprietary Soft Tech™ cast urethane cover, TaylorMade’s softest and most durable, to provide higher greenside spin, softer feel and improved durability. Soft Tech is the same cover used on both Tour Preferred models. RRP: Tour Preferred/ Tour Preferred X ball: $74.95 RRP: Project (a): $54.95 www.taylormadegolf.com.au

Every golfer’s swing is unique, and as the industry leader in product innovation, TaylorMade answered the challenge in delivering more performance to players of all skill levels with the introduction of M1 and its multimaterial construction (driver and fairway); delivering more speed, high launch, low spin, and increased ball speed protection. www.taylormadegolf.com.au

RRP 00 $749. AUD

RealXGear Xtreme Cooling Products RealXGear’s range of Xtreme Cooling Products will save you from the heat this summer! Simply by wetting their products, they go cold and stay cold – the RealXGear cooling towels and collars will stay cold for up to 6 hours. To reactivate, run them under the tap again. No refrigeration is needed. They can be kept in your golf bag after use ready to keep you cool again on your next round. And they are machine washable. The RealXGear range includes cooling towels, collars, visors and hats. At an affordable price, they are a must to keep you cool on the golf course this summer and a perfect stocking filler for Christmas. Available at all good golf shops. www.realxgear.com.au

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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US Kids Golf Yard Club Give beginners the right start to make learning the game of golf FUN! New in 2015, Yard Club is a super-lightweight club designed with an oversized head that provides more hitting area. This allows the player to get the ball in the air. It also features a special moulded training grip for learning proper hand position and grip.

Golf Clothing Factory Outlet: Great Christmas gifts for golfers

Available in 9 sizes and packaged with three limited–flight training balls, it is designed for the beginning player to use in the backyard or at the range. Can hit real golf balls too. www.uskidsgolf.com.au 0498 988 455

The Greg Norman Protek Pique polo

RRP 5 9 $59. D AU

Built for golf, it is made from 100% microfiber polyester. It features a fine pique texture to wear on and off the golf course. Moisture wicking technology keeps you cool. The Greg Norman Protek polo is easy care and requires little ironing making it perfect for your next golf trip. UPF 50+for your protection on the course. Sporte Leisure: 02 9693 5777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

Callaway Chrome Soft One of the biggest sellers this year through On Course Golf stores is the Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball. The perfect gift for any golfer! Chrome Soft is the only ball that has the SoftFast Core with low compression and the Tour Urethane cover. You don’t have to choose between feel and distance anymore.

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Looking for something special for the golfer in your life this Christmas? Golf Clothing Factory Outlet can help you with a range of quality Men’s and Women’s international brands of golf clothing at greatly reduced prices. Mens Polos $40 each or 2 for $70 – Mens Shorts $50 each (RRP $79.95) or 2 for $90 . Golf Clothing Factory Outlet has been providing quality men’s and women’s international brands of golf clothing at greatly reduced prices for over nine years. Trading from Bay Road, Sandringham for 7 years, the outlet moved to its present location in Braeside in April 2014. Enjoy up to 70% off RRP from top brands include Calvin Klein Golf, Green Lamb, Dwyers & Co, Cutter & Buck, Cross, Hollas, Second Skin and Sunice. With a large and changing range of golf polos, pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, capris, knitwear, wet weather

gear and accessories, you are sure to find something to enhance your game. Trading 7 days a week, Golf Clothing Factory Outlet is open Monday to Friday 10–5pm, Saturday 10–5pm and Sunday 11–5pm. Closed Public holidays. Mastercard, VISA and Eftpos accepted. They will be trading up until 5pm Christmas Eve and reopen on January 4th, 2016. With ample onsite car parking and a large comfortable air-conditioned interior – the staff at Golf Factory Clothing Outlet look forward to welcoming you. GOLF CLOTHING FACTORY OUTLET Street Address: 176 BOUNDARY ROAD, BRAESIDE VIC 3195 Phone: 03 5988-1779 Website: www.golfclothingfactoryoutlet.com.au

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR INSTORE REDEEM AT LOCATIONS AUSTRALIA WIDE www.oncoursegolf.com.au

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social golf feature

The Social Network Clubs across Australia are going Social! Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Howlong Golf Resort

ocial Golf in Australia is, in a word, booming. What was once a small (and often disdained) segment of the golf arena has now become the majority player in a flourishing industry, with the words “Social Golf” becoming the hot buzzword at many clubs.

offering official Golf Australia handicaps, professionally-run events, golf tours and more. Courses and private clubs have also cottoned on to this highly lucrative market, with Howlong Golf Resort a shining example of a club being on the leading edge of the wave. These clubs are successfully welcoming social golfers with open arms, and are being rewarded with a healthy bottom line in both their green fee revenue, and food & beverage numbers.

Social Golf numbers have outpaced the private clubs in terms of growth over the years, as time-poor families and individuals have changed their habits when it comes to playing this great game of ours. This has led to the establishment of many highlyrespected Social Golf Networks and clubs. Social Golf Australia led the way in this regard back in 2006, and they have now been joined by other professionally-run organisations/ groups throughout the country, with many

This month, Inside Golf features many of the country’s forward-thinking clubs, groups and services that are now enjoying the bounty created by the growing trend of Social Golf.

OF MEMBE

R IPS

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

a picturesque water carry. All par-5s offer excellent risk and reward options with small greens ready to test even the most experienced short games for those not positioning their ball for the best lines to attack the hole. An extensive fleet of motorised carts and hire equipment is available from the Pro Shop with excellent value green fees including afternoon, senior and twilight rates for under $30. Following the round, the clubhouse invites golfers to enjoy a cold drink and meal in the sports bar with TAB and live sports events, plus a verandah area always popular for a casual cold one. Revolutionary new membership packages,

• 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

JOIN TODAY O

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

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

social golf feature

Amstel Park Golf Course

including access to both Amstel Park and Ranfurlie, are now available from just $500. More information: Amstel Park Golf Course 1000 Cranbourne Frankston Rd, Cranbourne VIC (03) 9788 8200 www.amstel.org.au proshop@amstel.org.au

Ranfurlie Golf Course Amstel Golf Club’s Ranfurlie Course continues to mature and remains firmly entrenched in this country’s elite course rankings. This private golf course now welcomes group bookings midweek and Sundays and offers elite facilities both on and off the course. The generously wide couch fairways offer plenty of forgiveness off the tee, but strategic bunkering and design philosophies inspired by Melbourne’s sandbelt courses ensures golfers are challenged when taking

non-preferred lines from tee to green. It’s these principles that make Ranfurlie a true challenge, but also a fair risk and reward equation for all golfers. The firm bent grass greens always roll true and the excellent variety of short holes are often regarded as a highlight. Groups can take advantage of the spacious clubhouse areas capturing panoramic views of all 18 holes and the city skyline on the horizon, and catering packages are available at very affordable prices. Special group rates are available for 12 players or more. Ranfurlie Golf Course should be considered one of the premier venues of any social players’ schedule. More information: Ranfurlie Golf Course 825 Cranbourne Frankston Rd, Cranbourne 3977 (03) 9788 8288 ranfurlie@amstel.org.au www.amstel.org.au

Ranfurlie Golf Course

Rosebud Country Club WITH 36 holes of championship golf, bowls, a light-filled clubhouse with bistro open from 7am, 7 days, TAB and onsite four-star accommodation, Rosebud Country Club is the golfing jewel on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Its two 18-hole courses offer a contrasting experience. The North course, which has hosted two national championships, is framed by large pine trees while the South boasts wide fairways and large greens. The golf shop has a wide range of golfing equipment and apparel, while Teaching professional Matt Bolton operates the Bolton Performance Golf which caters for group and individual lessons. Golfers that are staying on the Peninsula during the summer months should consider the option of a 3-month flexi-pass or 20-Round Pass. The clubhouse is one of the finest in the region. Large windows provide a superb

view of the course and there’s a choice of bistro meals throughout the day, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. More information: www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au (03) 5950 0800.

Fairways Resort Overlooking Rosebud Country Club, the 4-star Fairways Resort enjoys an enviable location, with a secluded bushland setting that’s only a few minutes from the seaside village of Rosebud. In-house guests are entitled to favourable green fee rates on Rosebud’s two courses. With onsite golf, bar and bistro, Fairways Resort is an ideal place for a Mornington Peninsula social golf escape. Fairways Resort is just minutes’ drive from many of the region’s other top visitor attractions, including 15 local golf courses within a 5–15 minute drive. The Peninsula

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social golf feature

Anglesea Golf Club

Rosebud Country Club Hot Springs, with its indulgent mineral baths, is just down the road as is Point Nepean National Park with its magnificent walks and ocean views. With 39 generously-sized guest rooms, all with king size beds, private courtyards, LCD television and inverter climate control systems, Fairways Resort is also perfect for groups— there are several larger 2-bedroom and twin suites, while superior rooms include the executive Suite and Spa Suite. More information: www.fairwaysresort.com.au 1300 363 349

Anglesea Golf Club With the completion of Melbourne’s ring road, Anglesea Golf Club is now only a little over an hour’s drive from the top of the

Westgate Bridge. The Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m, Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of elevated greens that require plenty of thought when selecting your club. There are only 42 bunkers throughout the course, which have been likened to sandbelt bunkers. When coupled with eucalypt tree-lined fairways, the result is a stimulating round. There is also the everpresent resident population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which number approximately 300. Look out for Anglesea’s forthcoming summer membership special that runs from the 1st December: “Receive 15 months for the Price of 12”. Memberships available for 7-Day, Junior, and ages 18-25.

The club now has a dedicated 6-bay driving range and hire balls: 40 balls for $7.00 or 80 balls for $12.00. The perfect way to warm up before your game! The Club also has group discounts. Visitors are welcome to the clubhouse 7 days a week, and the bar is open daily from 10.00am til late. The Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Bay Views Golf Course (formerly Rosebud Public Golf Course) Formerly known as Rosebud Public or Carrington Park Golf Course, Bay Views Golf Course has undergone a major transformation to now realise the full potential of this spectacular venue!

Green fee players and social groups are welcome: 18-holes $50.00, 9 Holes: $30.00. Juniors: 18 Holes, $25.00, 9 Holes $15.00. Motorised Hire Carts: $40.00.

It’s easy to be mesmerised by the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, Bass Strait and the southern Mornington Peninsula, but the course layout and conditions complement the scenic vistas to provide an unforgettable golfing experience.

More information: Golflinks Road, Anglesea Vic 3230 Clubhouse: 03 5263 1582, Pro Shop: (03) 5263 1951 www.angleseagolfclub.com.au info@angleseagolfclub.com.au

Now under new management, course conditions are thriving with the rolling Santa Ana couch fairways and slick greens relishing the additional investment and are consistently presented in excellent condition all year round. New concrete path networks

Exceptional Membership Options Premier Corporate Golf Venue Located only 15 minutes south of Brisbane CBD

430 Pine Mountain Road, Carindale QLD 4152

Phone: 07 3343 0888

Email: events@pacificgolf.com.au

www.pacificgolf.com.au 56

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

social golf feature

Bay Views Golf Course have been created, a larger fleet of motorised carts is available for hire, plus the renovated clubhouse now offers a large alfresco deck to enjoy a cold beverage after your round. You can even enjoy a self-cooked barbeque on the deck. For those groups who love to BYO food and drinks, the existing

picnic facility remains in place with complimentary electric barbeques, shelters and the ability to bring your own alcoholic beverages. This means groups can choose to enjoy the best of the both worlds. Providing great value for money, competitive green fees, flexible starting options and an enjoyable

challenge for all golfers, the all new Bay Views Golf Course is a must play course on every social golf calendar. More information: 1 Elizabeth Dve, Rosebud 3939 (03) 5981 2833 golf@bayviewsgolf.com www.bayviewsgolf.com.au

Moonah Links 2016 sociaL Group offer Make two bookings for your Social Group between May and September 2016 And receive Green Fees for just $65pp including motorised carts!* To book call 03 5988 2080 and quote ‘Inside Golf Social Group Offer’

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

St Andrews Beach Golf Course The Mornington Peninsula is often regarded as Australia’s premier golf destination, and St Andrews Beach is regularly considered the cream of the crop in the region. Welcoming public and group bookings 7 days a week, St Andrews Beach doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other venues, but provides an amazing composition of holes and consistently impeccable course conditions that leave an everlasting impression. And you can enjoy a refreshment before or after your round with the licensed Pro Shop providing light snacks and seating in the undercover alfresco deck.

St Andrews Beach is popular with a wide range of groups, including interstate and local golfers taking advantage of the naturally draining soil composition providing firm playing surfaces even in the depths of winter. It ensures golfers don’t have to trudge through the sloppy conditions presented at some local courses; even motorised carts aren’t a problem at any time of year. And with the Peninsula Link motorway connecting the Mornington Peninsula with metropolitan Melbourne, it’s never been more accessible. Groups of 12 players or more are invited to take advantage of an exclusive winter special in 2016, with

groups receiving a 20% rebate on golf and carts for rounds played in June, July and August 2016 (conditions apply). Bookings must be received before January 31 to access this special offer.

*A minimum of 12 players required per booking *Single Tee Starts only

For more details on playing at one of Australia top 10 courses including the exclusive 2016 Winter Group special, contact St Andrews Beach today. More information: 209 Sandy Rd, Fingal (03) 5988 6000 bookings@standrewsbeachgolf. com.au www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

Moonah Links Resort T: (03) 5988 2080 E: sdoodson@moonahlinks.com.au www.moonahlinks.com.au

social golf feature

Gardiners Run

Gardiners Run Located just 35 minutes east of the Melbourne CBD, Gardiners Run Golf Course provides golfers of all abilities with an aesthetically stimulating yet highly playable layout, sure to impress golfers of all ages and abilities. On the doorstep to the Yarra Valley, Gardiners Run Golf Course has been architecturally crafted by Pacific Coast Design, taking full advantage of the gentle sloping contours of the countryside site terrain, to create a golf course that features golfing holes of individuality and character. Warm up prior to your round with their state-of-the-art, world-class practice facilities or take a lesson from their PGA golf professional. Featuring a 90m wide mixed use (couch and synthetic) tee on their 250m long driving range, a short game pitching green and challenging yet sizeable putting green, Gardiners Run Golf Course’s facilities will

ensure that every golfer has an experience to savour. A central hub to all your needs, return after your round to enjoy food and drink on the alfresco deck, overlooking the signature 18th hole green. Is your company looking at having a corporate golf day? Let Gardiners Run organise your next big event! Social group bookings are welcomed Sunday-Friday – they offer a discounted green fee rate for groups of 12 players or more. They can also organise some food options to satisfy your post round hungers while you sit and chat about how you played and what could have been. Give them a call to make your booking and see what everyone has been talking about. Have some fun at the Run! More information: 132 Victoria Road, Lilydale 3140 (03) 9739 7522 www.gardinersrun.com.au

Members $20.00, Non Members $30.00 RESULTS 13th Nov 2015 WiNNER - M. Kim Runner Up - S. Sialaoa Next Best - A. Johnson Best Gross - N. Trezise N.T.P 3rd - K. O’Connell N.T.P 6th - S. Blood N.T.P 12th - N. Cho Approach 11th - S. Blood Approach 17th - B. Kirkwood

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Club Mandalay

Club Mandalay Club Mandalay is the latest golf course to be added to an already impressive portfolio of courses designed by 5 times British Open Champion Peter Thomson and his architect firm Thomson Perrett. The course is located in Melbourne’s North just off the Hume Highway in the new suburb of Beveridge in the heart of the Mandalay Estate and currently ranks number 56 in Australia’s top 100 golf courses. The golf course is a little different to the traditional Thomson Perrett design, particularly the bunkering. Their traditional rolling fairways and elevated greens feature prominently. However, there is not a pot bunker to be seen, replaced by more ‘MacKenzie style’ bunkering, with intimidating white sandy faces that glare at you as you strive to hit the perfect shot.

The par-72 course measures 6,285m off the back tees and offers stunning views and a golfing experience which will be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. The par-3s are all challenging but spectacular at Mandalay. Especially the 173m 11th, which features a large dam on the right and hitting to an undulating green which is surrounded by bunkers. It’s a hole that can’t be taken lightly. To complement the magnificent golf course is the brand-new, state-of-the-art Clubhouse which opened at the end of July 2015 and features a restaurant, bar and café which is open to the public and is the perfect place to take in the superb views of the course whilst enjoying a beverage or a bite to eat after your round. Social Club Green Fees from $35 per person on weekends. (12 or more players required to receive $35 per person rate on a weekend.) Motorised cart hire $30 per round and must

social golf feature

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

social golf feature

Flinders Golf Club be booked prior to your round. More information: Club Mandalay 430 – 450 Mandalay Circuit, Beveridge Victoria 3753 (03) 9037 3700 www.clubmandalay.com.au/ info@clubmandalay.com.au

Flinders Golf Club The lovely and picturesque Flinders Golf Club is an 18-hole seaside beauty built along an amazing stretch of land overlooking Bass Strait. Though it may seem a bit detached from the other well-known Mornington courses, in reality it’s only 15 minutes away

from the Cape Schanck area, so it is well within reach for a social group weekend or casual round. The great Golf Architect Dr Alister Mackenzie was so impressed with the course during a visit in 1926 that he was quoted as saying that Flinders was “equalled by only one other natural course, which is in California.” (He was referring to Pebble Beach.) Flinders is arguably one of the more underrated courses on the Peninsula. While it isn’t long by any stretch, it still has plenty of bite. A handful of the par-4’s are easily drivable, yet if you are even slightly offline you can forget about par, as you’ll be contending with deep bunkers, tall trees and any number of ball-grabbing

5 MEMBERSHIPS, 1 LIFESTYLE.

shrubs or hazards. The par-4 fourth, the club’s signature hole, is a short but spectacular hole named The Coffin. Originally a par-3, it was redesigned into a par-4 by Mackenzie, who moved the green back and behind the “Purgatory Ravine”, thus transforming it into one of the most memorable holes on the Mornington Peninsula. In truth, all the holes on the course are special. Each with its own unique ocean view, character and challenge. But the real test at Flinders is on and around the splendid greens – which are always in fantastic condition. Ultra slick, deceptive, undulating and creatively contoured, these greens roll extremely true, yet the breaks and pace can

be almost impossible to read correctly. Thus, your approach shots have added importance at Flinders. Overall, Flinders is a fantastic, fun and challenging course. And the members and staff are all top-notch, friendly and welcoming. Perfect for social groups or a casual day of golf, Flinders is a great venue that doesn’t disappoint. All this, and the green fee is still under $50. Book your social group now and mention Inside Golf to receive a dozen Callaway golf balls. (Minimum 12 players) More information: www.flindersgolfclub.com.au (03) 5989 0312

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.

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

social golf feature

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social golf feature

Peppers The Sands Torquay

Peppers The Sands Torquay Peppers The Sands Torquay is a short drive from Melbourne, taking around 1 hour with no traffic lights and highway for the majority of the drive to the famous surf coast village. With options available for Stay and Play and great group rates for the social groups and travelling holiday makers, this course offers wonderful features and championship level facilities that will excite you and your golfing friends from start to finish. Designed in 2004 by Stuart Appleby, the course winds through the beautiful Sands estate before emerging on the coast line and travelling to Point Impossible where an amazing view of the Bellarine and Surf Coast beaches can be enjoyed as you tackle the hardest holes on the course. Upon return to the clubhouse the fantastic Hanners restaurant and Alfresco dining area allow for a relaxed meal and an enjoyable drink while overlooking the golf course and surrounding coastline.

Group rates and stay and play options are available by contacting the golf operations team. More information: Peppers The Sands Torquay (03) 5264 3307 golfops@thesandstorquay.com www.thesandstorquay.com

Moonah Links Resort One of the premier golf resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two world-class championship golf courses, each boasting superior course conditions which assure year-round playability. The Open Course is a true test of golf. Designed to host the Australian Open, the course is long, challenging and full of riskreward situations. It is a visually stunning course that offers some of the most amazing scenery around, and some of the bestconditioned greens in the area.

The Legends Course offers the perfect complement to the Open Course. While equally stunning in both design, scenery and conditioning, the Legends Course gives golfers of all levels a setting that is fun and challenging. Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf. Moonah Links Golf Academy, located adjacent to the resort, is the perfect accommodation option for social groups of all sizes. Featuring a large Main House and two separate villas, the facility is an affordable option for large social groups, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 38 people. The Moonah Links Golf Academy was a purpose-built golf training facility to embrace and improve some of Australia’s now world-class players. Geoff Ogilvy, Mat Goggin and Jason Day are but a few of the names who have all passed through elite

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

development programs at MLGA. Best of all, it is now available as a comfortable and fun accommodation option for golfers of all levels. Inside Golf has stayed at the Moonah Links Golf Academy on a number of occasions (including many “Boys golf weekends”), and we can attest that it is one of our favourite places to stay, as it has all of the amenities for a truly fun trip with the gang. The Main House features a fullyequipped kitchen for self-catering—with multiple refrigerators, ovens, large BBQ area, full-set of cookware, plates and utensils...the works. This is ideal for those groups who like to cook large meals for the boys—from a BBQ cookup to more intricate Masterchef-inspired delicacies. The large dining table lends itself well to group meals, where golfers can chat and share their stories of a great day on the course, or plan their strategies for the next day. The meal done, golfers can catch the footy or the golf on Foxtel, or battle it out on the

Social Club Paradise Social groups and players are welcome 7 days a week

• Fleet of 25 carts available • Terrific Tuesdays only $15 all day • Twilight golf every day - starts at 2pm • No competitions - social golfers welcome • Corporate and social group packages available • $28pp for 18 holes with a cart - Mon - Fri (12pm-2pm) Visit our website...Facebook us...or call 02 4256 3055

532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au 62

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*Bookings required, conditions apply.

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Moonah Links Resort pool table, foosball or air hockey tables. The Academy’s two villas—separate to the Main House—feature multiple rooms (twin and triple-share available), with a shared kitchenettes and refrigerators, as well as comfortable sitting rooms and patio areas. There is also plenty of dedicated parking for groups of most sizes. For a limited time, Moonah Links are offering a sensational deal for social groups. Make two bookings for your Social Group of 12 players or more between May and September 2016 and receive Green Fees for just $65pp including motorised carts! To book call 03 5988 2080 and quote ‘Inside Golf Social Group Offer’ More information: Moonah Links Resort (03) 5988 2034 www.moonahlinks.com.au

Morack Public Golf Course Tucked away in the suburban streets of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and just moments from Eastlink is Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range – one of Melbourne’s most popular public courses. Set amongst a tranquil setting of native flora and fauna in Vermont South, Morack offers all the facilities social and competition golfers could ask for including 18 gently undulating and picturesque holes, an interesting course layout and a fine array of holes to provide a tempting challenge for golfers of all abilities. Morack also boasts a modern fleet of motorised carts and extensive path and drainage works have resulted in significant course improvements in recent years. Visiting groups are well catered for with a complimentary electric barbeque for postgolf catering and a relaxed atmosphere to relive highlights of their round and visiting players are welcome to enter regular Saturday competition events for those with

Morack Public Golf Course

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

an official handicap. Coupled with a high-quality, full length driving range that features 20 indoor / outdoor bays and an extensive pro shop fully stocked with all the latest equipment, it’s easy to see why golfers have considered Morack a favourite destination to play or practice for nearly 40 years.

Located on the Bellarine Peninsula – just 15 minutes from Torquay or Geelong-Thirteenth Beach Golf Links features two spectacular 18-hole golf courses: the Beach Course (designed by Tony Cashmore) and the Creek Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore). The Beach Course, much of which winds through spectacular foreshore sand dunes, is true links style while the Creek Course is in a parkland setting, not unlike the courses on Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt. Both courses are built on sand-based sandstone structure, and the facility’s southern boundary abuts 2.1 km of the famous 13th Beach surf beach.

Public are welcome 7 days a week with the driving range open until 8pm midweek and 7pm weekends and public holidays. More information: Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range Corner Morack and East Rds, Vermont South 3133 (03) 9801 4479 Morack@golfservicesmanagement.com.au www.morackgolf.com.au

Thirteenth Beach is the home of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Men’s and Women’s Victorian Open, joining a long list of famous clubs on the Melbourne Sandbelt to have hosted this event. The Beach Course is widely acclaimed as one

BLUEMARKER

CHALLENGE 18th DECEMBER • This Single Stroke event has been running since the mid 80’s. • Champion of Champions is open to all past monthly winners. • Time sheet will be either a 7.30am or a 12.30pm shot gun start

$30

ITORS FOR VIS S $13* R MEMBE does

“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”

*Price e cart d not inclu

$49

*Conditi

Visitors welcome

Bookings essential

18 HOLE PACKAGE FOR 2 INCLUDES TWIN SHARE ELECTRIC MOTORISED GOLF CART HIRE AND LUNCH ons appl

*Conditions apply. Not available during competition, Saturday play and Sunday before 12pm and peak periods.

LIKE US

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footy commentator David Schwarz says: “Membership at Thirteenth Beach is the best golfing investment I’ve ever made. It’s simply awesome. I can’t stop raving about the place!” About 1000 members agree with him! More information: Phone: (03) 5254 2922, email: info@13thbeach.net, or visit www.13thbeach.net

Warrnambool Golf Club Warrnambool is a classically-designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes. Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it makes for an ideal destination for the dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers. The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. It is perhaps this aspect which shaped the game of Warrnambool’s most famous golfing export, Marc Leishman, to the level of success he now enjoys. Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

of Australia’s Best 20 courses. The key feature of the Beach Course is its wonderful set of par-3s. Starting at the brutal 180m 3rd hole to the dainty yet sinister 113m 16th, the par-3s of the Beach Course offer golfers of all levels a true test of their iron play. The 7th and 12th are spectacular holes, nestled in natural sand dunes. The Creek Course has continued to grow in

stature since its opening in 2004. The course is characterised by gently undulating couch fairways, huge, deep bunkers filled with yellow sand, and firm true greens surrounded by interesting bumps, swales and hollows, all closely mown. There is also plenty of greenside bunkering that helps form the slopes of the putting surfaces in the best traditions of Melbourne’s Sandbelt much

STAYPLAY

CITY GOLF CLUB & CITY GOLF CLUB MOTEL TOOWOOMBA

Toowoomba

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admired by Faldo. In addition, there is plenty of water on the course, with hazards on the 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes. Both courses are irrigated with recycled water supplied by Barwon Water from its nearby Black Rock treatment plant. This allows them to be green and lush all year round. Former Melbourne AFL champion and SEN

The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed the staff to present the course in immaculate condition. In addition, the club has launched a unique moniker for a trio of their most challenging holes—starting from the short par-4 4th and ending on the slightly uphill dogleg 6th. Borrowing from the location’s proximity to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast—up to18

social golf feature

Warrnambool Golf Club ships have found their resting place within 2km of the club—Warrnambool Golf Club has named this menacing trio of holes as “Shipwreck Bend”, with the warning that these holes can easily “wreck” a good round by players of any level. Standing on the tee of the imposing 4th hole (complete with a ship’s anchor guarding the tee box), one must be sure to avoid the large waste bunker on the right side, lest you be faced with either a lost ball, or a very difficult approach shot. Similar hazards are apparent on both the 5th and 6th holes, as finding the fairways is paramount to success on these holes. There are many holes along the course which offer risk/reward options, stunning views and challenging golf. In fact, the quality of golf on this course goes beyond the typical “country course” feel, and the course would not feel out of place among many of Melbourne’s great golfing areas, notably the Mornington Peninsula. So if you’ve never played at Warrnambool, we recommend you be sure to add it to your list. A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly

staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs. More information: Phone the Pro shop on (03) 5562 8528 Club House (03) 5562 2108 email golf@wgcinc.com.au www.wgcinc.com.au

Curlewis Golf Club One of Australia’s more iconic and enjoyable golf courses, Curlewis Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, has recently begun a new chapter in the club’s history. Following the recent purchase of the club by Bellarine locals David and Lyndsay Sharp (of Ladcom Pty Ltd - owners of Leura Park Estate, Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Flying Brick Cider Co.) the couple have begun rolling out a host of course and club house improvements with the goal of establishing a new benchmark in regional golfing experience. Australian golf course designer Michael Clayton has been secured to initiate and oversee the activation of a contemporary course Master Plan, while the clubhouse is set for a major renovation, with

Curlewis Golf Club accommodation planned in the near future. The early effects of the plan are already being felt, as the interior decor of the clubhouse is already sporting a fresh, new look, which makes it a warm and welcome area for pre or post-round drinks, or to sample the food from their recently updated menu. In addition, the club has seen an influx of new members, with a boost of 65 members joining over the span of two months. Junior golfers are also flocking to the course, with a recent junior clinic selling out quickly. Just 10 minutes from Geelong, Curlewis Golf Club currently boasts a 6150 metre Par-72 course with naturally undulating fairways, large contoured greens and a challenge for the serious and social golfer. With its views towards the bay, undulating fairways and natural vegetation, Curlewis Golf Club is also dearly loved as a haven for wildlife. Curlewis’s risk and reward design has been compared with some of Melbourne’s famous courses. The opening short par-5, and the following two short par-4’s would not be out of place on any of the best courses on the Melbourne Sandbelt. In 2013 the course was ranked in Ausgolf’s Top 50 Public Access

courses while in 2014 Curlewis was ranked in Golf Australia Magazine’s Top 100 courses. As such, Curlewis is a must play when visiting the Bellarine. The course’s signature hole is the Par-3, 139m 8th hole. This beauty features a twotiered, elevated green than can be tricky if you land the ball in the wrong area. It also has deep bunkers on the front, left and right of the green. If you miss the green, and also miss the bunkers, your ball will run anything up to 15 metres into the surrounding gulley leaving a very tricky pitch. The licensed clubhouse has a fully-serviced bar and can be hired for corporate and private functions, with the dining room comfortably seating up to 120 guests. The Curlewis Staff are also available to provide information on the range of membership categories. Green fees are $35 on weekdays, $47 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday. Discounts are available for group golf bookings. More information: Phone (03) 5251 2534 www.curlewisgolf.com.au

FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP ONLY ALSO INCLUDES:

QUALITY GOLF SHIRT (RRP $50) KEY RETURN GIFT PACK (RRP $50) RULES OF GOLF BOOK

www.australiangolfnetwork.com.au

COMPETITIONS EVERY DAY DISCOUNTS AT OUR HOME COURSES PLUS MUCH MORE! www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

social golf feature tees (slope 144, scratch 74), the members blue tees (slope 134, scratch 72) through to visitor-friendly white tees (slope 127, scratch 68), Yering Meadows is the ideal choice for enjoyable golfing for all abilities. Formerly known as Croydon Golf Club which was founded in 1925, it is the most established club in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and it is the second most established golf course in the area. Yering Meadows is the only golf course in the Yarra Valley to feature in the list of Top 100 Public Access Courses for 2015 (twice). With stunning views across the Yarra Valley and Christmas Hills and a warm & friendly clubhouse, ensure that you have Yering Meadows on your “must play” list. Visitors are always welcome at Yering Meadows, and social golf is available throughout the week. You are also welcome to play in weekend or weekday competitions. There are extensive practice facilities including a full-length driving range, pitching and short game areas and warm-up nets. Staffed by 3 PGA professionals and 2 trainees, the pro-shop is stocked with the latest in golfing equipment and apparel, and house a large fleet of electric carts. Group packages are available including accommodation, winery tours, hot air ballooning, joy flights and even skydiving or rifle shooting for the more adventurous.

Yering Meadows Golf Club

Yering Meadows Golf Club Nestled among the walnut groves and waterways, the three composite par-72 courses at Yering Meadows (Nursery, Valley and Homestead) provide a blend of holes with widely varying challenges – from the

bunkering and contours of the legend couch fairways, the pin placements on the large but true bent-grass greens, to the water crossings that feature throughout, Yering Meadows is a real “risk versus reward” experience. Play it safe if you like, or take it on at your peril!

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 66

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Opened in 2008, recent refinements to this picturesque 27-hole layout provide improvements in both cosmetics and playability. The courses offer varying levels of difficulty depending on the tee markers being played. From the championship black

Green fees: Weekends $65.00, Weekdays $55.00 discounts for group bookings. Cart hire $40.00 More information: 178-180 Victoria Road, Yering VIC 3770 Office: (03) 9738 9000 Pro-shop (03) 9738 9001 www.yeringmeadows.com.au ym.reception@yeringmeadows.com.au

GenYgolf, Join Australia’s Only Social Golf Club for 18-40yo’s “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

social golf feature

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club

QUEENSLAND

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club The Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers a uniquely challenging course layout, embedded within a tropical landscape of century-old cabbage palms and paperbark trees. Gently undulating fairways require accurate shotmaking from uneven lies, while numerous bunkers and pristine lakes demand calculated shot-planning. The strategic and

innovative bunkering makes scoring from 100 metres out particularly challenging. Sand is held up the face of these visually spectacular bunkers, accentuating the course’s magnificently manicured and creatively demanding greens. This distinctive layout reinforces the need for precise approaches while presenting a variety of play options. It comes as no surprise that this Ross Watson-designed jewel is in the top 100 list of public golf courses in Australia. His designs ensure every hole offers visually astonishing

layouts that keep each shot interesting and reward smart play. Watson, a renowned and highly respected golf course architect, was responsible for the redesign of Royal Sydney Golf Club and has created many other masterpieces such as Magenta Shores and Kooindah Waters, to name a few. The Palms Golf Course boasts many standout holes, such as a par-5 with water and clever bunkering, which instantly places pressure on the golfer to keep the ball in play. The par-3 holes undoubtedly attract

Have Fun at the Run

critical acclaim and require excellent shotmaking skills. Finally, the 17th and 18th are spectacular finishing holes, leaving golfers with an astounding lasting impression of one of Australia’s finest courses. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club welcomes casual golfers and visitors, and offers a number of open golf competitions for those seeking a little added pressure. The private club is also allowing leisure round access to members with an official club handicap. Take advantage of Sanctuary Cove’s

yarra valley’S beSt value memberShip 5, 6 oR 7 day and CoRPoRatE oPtions and thE nEw LadiEs PRoVisionaL MEMbERshiP now aVaiLabLE

For more information visit:

www.gardinersrun.com.au

Social GroupS and corporate dayS welcome. let uS orGaniSe your next biG event. Green Fee diScountS apply For GroupS over 12 playerS.

Call now (03) 9739 7522 132 Victoria Road Lilydale 3140 | For more information contact Gardiners Run Golf Course | P (03) 9739 7522 E manager@gardinersrun.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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Peregian Springs Golf Club Christmas special, by becoming a VIP Golf Pass Holder. For $299, you will receive two rounds of 18 holes of golf on The Palms Golf Course, a $50 golf shop voucher, a $50 food and beverage voucher, 50% off driving range balls at The Palms Driving Range, and Sanctuary Cove will maintain your Golf Link handicap for 12 months. You will also enjoy 7-day discounted green fees of $75 per round as a card holder, and $90 per round for each of your guests, both prices inclusive of shared electric carts. As a bonus offer, if you purchase a VIP Golf Pass before 31 December 2015, you receive a bonus round of 18 holes of golf on The Palms Golf Course valued at $150.

More information: Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove 4212 (07) 5699 9000 www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au info@scgcc.com.au

Peregian Springs Golf Club Peregian Springs Golf Club is located in the heart of Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunshine Coast between the beautiful beachside communities of Coolum and Noosa. Originally opened in 2003 as a Private Members Club comprising of a large residential development the Peregian

Springs Golf Club is now open for everyone to enjoy. Designed by Adam Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father Phil Scott, the par-72 layout measures 6170m from the Championship Tees. Water comes in to play on some holes including the Par 3 12th hole which most rate as the courses signature hole.

A full-length grass and synthetic tee practice facility is available prior to play as well as a chipping and putting green and fully stocked golf shop with the latest from the leading manufacturers in the industry. Three PGA Professionals are on hand to help with advice on your game and to assist with any equipment requirements.

The course can best be described as a native Australian (Parkland) course with large gum trees bordering the fairways and an abundance of native birds and lizards greeting you along the way. Club CEO and PGA Golf Professional Declan McCollam said that the club has undergone

Howlong Golf Resort

many changes in the past few years and for anyone that is visiting the Sunshine Coast it is a must-play course.

The clubhouse is open seven days per week and has two bars and a function area as well as a gym, locker rooms and showers available to all golfers.

Play & Stay Packages starting from a CRAZY $88 per person! 5 Star Apartments available from November this year! Luxury accommodation at an amazing price.

Stay, play, relax... be entertained at Howlong on the Mighty Murray. Golf Club Drive, Howlong, NSW 2643 T: 02 6026 5321 E: enquiries@howlonggolf.com.au www.howlonggolf.com.au 68

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

2011 Junior Club of the year

2012 Golf Australia Centre of the Year

2014 Clubs NSW Highly Commended Award

PEREGIAN SPRINGS

social golf feature

GOLF CLUB

A Noosa Golfing Destination

INSIDE GOLF SPECIAL

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.

â&#x153;

Expires December 31st 2015

The SchweppeS peregian SpringS LegendS Tour pro am wedneSday december 16Th 2016 featuring, ian baker finch, Wayne grady, Mike Harwood, Terry Price 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 www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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Links Hope Island The club hosts the Schweppes PGA Legends Tour Pro Am each December as part of the Sunshine Coast Masters Tournament. This year sees the return of former major winners Ian Baker Finch and Wayne Grady to the event as well as over 120 amateurs. Peregian Springs Golf Club is a Troon Golf facility, “The world leaders in upscale golf course management”. More information: www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

Noosa Springs and Links Hope Island For a limited time, two of Queensland’s iconic golf courses, Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs have joined forces to provide golfing enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a round on each and save. Links Hope Island, a short drive from the centre of Brisbane and recently voted the number 1 public access golf course on the Gold Coast, is the perfect destination for a day

Noosa Springs

trip to challenge your game with friends or to relax after a morning business meeting. The impressive Thomson Wolveridge-designed layout, recently touted by Ernie Els as his alltime favourite golf course is complemented by a luxurious and expansive Mediterranean style clubhouse with restaurants and private meeting rooms overlooking the golf course and an aquatic driving range. Noosa Springs is located approximately 3 kilometres from one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations Noosa Heads and the world famous Hastings Street. Enjoying a reputation as a premier golf and spa resort, the championship Noosa Springs golf course is complemented by luxury onsite accommodation, an award-winning restaurant, one of Australia’s largest spa facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with heated swimming pool. Ideal for a relaxing getaway with friends, family or boutique conference, Noosa Springs has something for everyone. For a limited time golfers can purchase a

round at each course for the special rate of $199 (saving up to $70). An ideal gift, passes for this offer can be pre purchased at either golf shop or by contacting Links Hope Island More information: (07) 5530 9000 Links Hope Island (07) 5440 3333 Noosa Springs

Pacific Golf Club Pacific Golf Club offers Social players a memorable golfing experience due to the challenging golf course and picturesque surroundings. Players are presented with lush fairways, rolling greens and a championship golf course which is beautifully landscaped and wrapped around the foothills of Carindale. Pacific is just 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, but provides a natural and relaxed setting away from the bustle of city life. The Golf staff are experts at delivering every amenity needed for your group to have a golfing experience second to none.

Pacific Golf Club Whether it is a regular golfing game with friends or a structured fixture with the Social Club, Pacific Golf Club offers a challenging course and a friendly clubhouse atmosphere for all players. Sitting on the hillside above the course, the Clubhouse presents the perfect setting for players to enjoy a cold beer or scrumptious meal while reminiscing about their golfing prowess from the day’s play. Pacific Golf Club offers all the experience of its 78 years as the staff provide you with a fantastic golfing experience. There are many ways to experience the Pacific tradition. To sample this magnificent course at its finest, take part in the monthly Black Snake Challenge, or simply make contact with the friendly golf and Pro Shop staff to book a social round. Social Play, Adult and Junior golfing memberships are now available for all levels and offer great opportunities to get your children involved in a socially fun outdoor sport.

OPEN 7 DAYS 1345 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis, Bellarine VIC P 5251 2534 E manager@curlewisgolf.com.au www.curlewisgolf.com.au / Curlewis Golf Club 70

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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Lakelands Golf Club

Noosa Golf Club If you are looking for a reasonably priced, but exceptionally presented golf course, then look no further than Pacific Golf Club. More information: Pacific Golf Club www.pacificgolf.com.au (07) 3343 0888

Noosa Golf Club Enjoy the beauty of Noosa Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course in a natural bushland setting with an abundance of local wildlife at your side. Families of kangaroos laze in the sun and koalas can be spotted snoozing in the trees. Unlike players, the koalas actually like being in the trees! The course is said to be very forgiving with 6000+ metres of easy walking and wide fairways. Over the past 18 months, many course improvements have taken place, with fairways regrassed, bunkers upgraded and new drainage works – all leading to the course being in the best condition ever. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to play in competitions or you can play socially seven days a week. Available times vary depending on the day. For those on holiday, green fee cards or temporary memberships are available at reasonable prices. Their golf professionals offer lessons from beginners to advanced and can help you with equipment hire. Looking for some retail

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

game of golf?

Lakelands Golf Course today.

Noosa Golf Club celebrates the camaraderie of golf with the best value green fees, membership and hire charges on the Coast.

Lakelands Golf Club includes a full-length driving range which is open to the public, two practice chipping and putting greens, full clubhouse with shower and locker facilities available to the public, as well as a fully-licensed bar and restaurant to help you wind down after your game.

More information: Lakelands Golf Club 100 Lakelands Drive, Merrimac QLD 4226 (07) 5510 6507 www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au proshop@lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

More information: Noosa Golf Club 46 Cooroy Noosa Road, Tewantin, Qld (07) 5447 1407 www.noosagolf.com.au admin@noosagolf.com.au

With onsite units for rent at Signature Apartments and numerous hotels within 5-10 minutes, as well as the popular Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise locations, Lakelands Golf Club is situated perfectly in the heart of the Gold Coast.

City Golf Club

therapy? The pro shop is fully stocked with an extensive range of clothing and equipment. Dine with mountain and fairway views at Legends Bistro, serving dinner from Tuesday to Friday and open every day for lunch.

Lakelands Golf Club As social golf is becoming a greater part of the golfing community, Lakelands Golf Club has managed to go with the times and partner up with a number of Tour Operators and website promotional partners in order to best deliver to keen golfers chasing the best value for money. Lakelands pride themselves on maintaining the best conditioned golf course possible throughout the year. With multiple tee ground options to suit all levels of golfers, generous landing areas from the tee, the near perfect golf course setting and amazing outlook from the Clubhouse, what more could you want when going for a Social

Every month from February through November, Lakelands host a Black Tee challenge for the men to test their skills in a stroke event, as well as a bi-monthly Lady Bear stableford event, which are both open to the public. Whenever you are in the heart of the Gold Coast you should take the short 5 minute drive from Broadbeach to Lakelands Golf Club where you can experience the knowledge and excellence that the world’s finest golfer, winner of eighteen majors, brings to golf course design. The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus has designed over 150 golf courses on five continents. It took twenty-five years for Jack Nicklaus to find the perfect location for his first signature golf course in Australia… so experience

Looking for a game of golf in Toowoomba? Then drop in and play at City Golf Club, the best course on the Darling Downs and host of the QLD PGA Championship since 2009. Enjoy a social round on their magnificent 18-hole golf course 7 days a week (subject to times and availability). Motorised carts and hire equipment available, see their professionals in the pro shop for all your golfing needs. Even better, grab a group of mates and enjoy a play and stay deal at their adjoining City Golf Club Motel. Green fees: $22 for 9 holes, $30 for 18 holes. Group discounts apply, enquire at golf@ citygolf.com.au or phone (07) 4636 9070. More information: City Golf Club 254 South Street Toowoomba (07) 4636 9000 www.citygolf.com.au golf@citygolf.com.au

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City Golf Club

NSW Calderwood Valley Golf Course IT’S little surprise that Calderwood Valley is so popular with social golfers. Nestled in the picturesque valley only 50 minutes drive from southern Sydney and 20 minutes south of Wollongong, the course offers a relaxed friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Each of the 18 holes has stunning features, combining clear creeks, native plant species, wildlife and magnificent scenery with the Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop. The course is always immaculately presented with well contoured fairways and true greens. The completion of some wonderful

upgrades on the course is sure to make your next round more appealing and challenging. With no competition days, the course is available to the public 7 days a week. Calderwood welcomes social players, groups, charity and corporate days. Groups are welcome to use the BBQ area and carts can be booked in advance. The golf shop carries a good range of great value golfing products, clothing, hire equipment, accessories and snacks. The offer a fleet of 25 carts, twilight golf from 2pm every day, Terrific Tuesdays are only $15 all day. Social group packages available, Senior and uni/TAFE discounts on weekdays. Their weekday deal is only $28pp for 18 holes with

Calderwood Valley Golf Course a cart – 12-2pm. Visiting golfers and social clubs are very welcome at Calderwood and you will be treated like the valued patron you are. Be sure to book ahead and speak to their friendly staff, who are sure to make your next visit memorable. More information: Calderwood Valley Golf Course 532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park, NSW 2527 (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au admin@calderwoodgolf.com.au

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

Blue Mountains Super Saver Golf Pass There is something new and exciting for the golfers of Australia. The four golf clubs in the Blue Mountains (Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Leura and Blackheath) have come together to launch the Blue Mountains Super Saver Golf Pass. The Golf Pass is available to all golfers Australia-wide to enjoy the spectacular Blue Mountains area as a golfing destination, the only golf destination in a world heritage area where you can play 72 different holes of golf. The Blue Mountains boasts one of the best climates in the world for sightseeing, adventure and golfing experiences. The

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 | December 2015

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Blue Mountains Super Saver Golf Pass

Eastlake Golf Club

natural wonder of the world heritage Blue Mountains can be seen in all four of the golf courses. Springwood Country Club has a welcoming layout with beautiful views over the course to the city of Sydney. Wentworth Falls Country Club with its tree lined picturesque fairways and Leura Golf Club with extraordinary views over the Jamison Valley are both peaceful and friendly while Blackheath, the highest of the course, has lush fairways with magnificent gardens.

If there’s one thing you’ll undoubtedly take from a round at Eastlake Golf Club, it’s that quality golf courses are built on the foundations of a collection of unique and challenging holes – and Eastlake certainly fits that bill. Eastlake Golf Club is open to the public with a private desire to become one of Sydney’s most respected courses, and is open to all levels of golfers. While Eastlake’s more vaunted golf neighbours grab the headlines, this Eastern Suburbs gem goes along in an inconspicuous fashion as one of the city’s best value-formoney courses. The course is set within Sydney’s Botany Wetlands and is designed on two narrow strips of land characterised by sandy soil, wetlands and flat sections mixed with undulations.

The Blue Mountains Super Saver Golf Pass can be purchased online which give you a round of golf at each of the four courses for only $99.00. Valued at over $160 this is a great saving. Players purchase their golf pass on line at www.wfcc.com.au/golf/bm-golf-pass and the pass is valid for a 6 month period. More information bluemountainsgolf@gmail.com 0414 571202 www.facebook.com/bluemountainsgolf

From the opening 270 metre par 4, players are challenged off the tee to make key decisions. While not overly long, the course’s key strength lies in its subtle changes in elevation and deceptive placing of hazards.

Eastlake Golf Club The four-hole stretch from six to nine is definitely the best of the course and brings into play the numerous bunkers and water hazards that guard the greens. It also opens up views over Botany Bay, the airport and the CBD. The back-nine offers a mix of short and long holes that will test golfers’ ability to manage their round, including the new 17th hole, which is Eastlake’s signature hole. The golf club has been host to the Australian Golf Writers Championship in 2010, 2011 and 2012, as well as many other notable events including the Australian Junior Championships and its role as a qualifying venue for the NSW Open. Social Clubs are welcomed at Eastlake and early tee times are still available on Sundays. Bookings for 2016 & 2017 are now being accepted. The cost is $47 per player; carts $45 per cart and Eastlake has a fleet of 30 carts. More information: For Social Club bookings please call Karen on (02) 9663 1374 Ext 4.

Cypress Lakes Resort Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts continues to prevail as one of Australia’s top golfing destinations. Golf enthusiasts and aspiring golfers from all over the world flock to the Hunter Valley to experience playing one of Australia’s most picturesque 18-hole championship golf courses: Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club at Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts. Consistently ranked among Australia’s top resort courses, the course offers magnificent panoramic views across the Hunter Valley’s hinterland and iconic vineyards, set against a spectacular backdrop of Brokenback Mountain. Unveiled in 1992, Cypress Lakes Resort’s course was designed by Steve Smyers of Florida and has continued to uphold its reputation as a leading golf destination ever since. The course is home to abundant native Australian wildlife, manicured greens, over 60 strategically located bunkers and an

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

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

MAN1033

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

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Cypress Lakes Resort exhilarating 6,467m par 72 course that is as challenging as it is breathtaking. The course reduces to 5,520m from the white tees and 5,216m for the ladies. As part of the significant course infrastructure upgrades that were completed in 2014 by Oaks Hotels & Resorts, Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club recently welcomed a new club car fleet complete with the latest Visage GPS system, which enables golfers to select the right club and conveniently order beverages and refreshments at the touch of a screen. For golfers wanting to extend their Hunter Valley visit and make it a golfing getaway, Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers 126 well-appointed onsite villas overlooking the course and hinterland. The Resort is also continuing with its extensive refurbishment schedule, with all one, two, three and four bedroom villas currently receiving significant upgrades. The resort’s new-look conferencing and events venue, The Marquee, and outdoor

swimming pool have meanwhile been unveiled, joining the already refreshed golf course. The hotel lobby is also earmarked as part of the program and will be completed in early 2016. In addition to its championship golf course, the 100-hectare property also boasts a range of deluxe leisure facilities, including three swimming pools, tennis courts, fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, spa and two restaurants, Bodega Restaurant open for dinner and Bodega Bar open for all-day dining. More information: 15 Thompsons Road Hunter Valley www.cypresslakes.com.au Accommodation reservations: 1300 886 091 Golf Enquiries: (02) 4993 1899

Liverpool Golf Club Liverpool Golf Club boasts one of Sydney’s finest and most challenging layouts. Located at Lansvale in Sydney’s western

Liverpool Golf Club suburbs, it’s just 10 minutes off the M5 and only 35 minutes from the CBD. The quality of the Liverpool course has been recognised time and again by being selected as the host venue for the Australian PGA, the NSW Open (twice) as well as a qualifying venue for the Australian Open for the past 10 years. Being situated at the intersection of the Georges River and Prospect Creek, this hidden gem provides players with the ideal opportunity to enjoy a round in a tranquil and secluded setting, without the distraction of traffic or surrounding houses. Players of all standards will be challenged by the 6,332 metres as well as the river and natural lakes that ensure water is in play on 14 of the 18 holes. Although it is an ideal walking course, Liverpool has 40 modern electric carts, all with state of the art GPS, eskies and rain covers. Social players can take advantage of special

pricing packages by becoming a Social Golf Affiliate for only $6 per year ($10 for 2 years). In addition to the playing packages, Social Golf Affiliates are also entitled to member discounts at the Bar and on all their Pro Shop purchases. All players receive a $3 discount voucher which can be used at the bar on the date of issue. While the course is open to social play on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the club does allow social play at limited times on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday subject to availability based on competition fields. Social play has never been more affordable at Liverpool and by becoming a Social Golf Affiliate, a range of playing options will become available with the promise that players will want to return again and again to this challenging course. Current rates: Mid week: 2 Players in a cart $64, 4 Players in a cart $120. Weekend (subject to availability): 2 Players in a cart $105. All players receive a $3 bar discount

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 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.

Join from 1st December and receive 15 months for the price of 12

7 DAY MEMBERSHIP $1050 Price includes affiliation fees, insurance and gst – no joining fee applies

Green fees $50 for 18 holes $30 for 9 holes Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October

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 | December 2015

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Strathfield Golf Club voucher.

play 18 holes before dark.

More information: Liverpool Golf Club Hollywood Drive Lansvale 2166 www.liverpoolgolf.com.au (02) 9728 7777 For Bookings call the Pro Shop on 02 9727 2422 or email scott@liverpoolgolf.com.au

The price is more than reasonable with green fees before 2 pm being only $40 and after 2 pm they are reduced to $30. For visitors who have a handicap, Strathfield have open days on Mondays and Fridays open to both members and visitors. Bookings for social golf can be made up to a week before your tee time. Motorised carts are available for hire.

Strathfield Golf Club Strathfield Golf club welcomes social golfers with open arms. They are ideally positioned for social golf seven days per week as with a one tee start all competitions have completed hitting off by 12.30 and social golf can commence immediately without players having to wait for the traditional “crossover”. On Tuesdays and Thursdays this time is brought forward to 10.30 a.m. so even in the shorter winter days social golfers can still

More information: Strathfield Golf Club Pro shop: (02) 9642 8642

Howlong Golf Resort Nestled alongside the picturesque Murray River and only 20 minutes from the regional city of Albury/Wodonga, the recently re-named Howlong Golf Resort is one of the finest courses in the area. Situated in the heart of the Rutherglen wine and

Howlong Golf Resort food district, it is ideally located for anyone wanting to partake in one of the many local delights while on their golfing trip away. The modern clubhouse features all of the dining and leisure facilities that you expect from a modern, friendly club. Choose to dinein or alfresco on the deck, while enjoying the service of the attentive staff. With wide open windows and your choice of two restaurants, Howlong GC offers panoramic views over the gardens, lake and golf course. Currently Howlong Golf Resort has the largest membership base in Australia with a large number of remotely based members who enjoy the low fees and the quality course, accommodation and clubhouse facilities when they visit. Howlong hosts a number of major tournaments including the Murray Masters, Top of the Murray Classic and Grazing the Greens which attracts hundreds of members and guests to the area each year. The famous full golf membership remains

at $99 for those members that reside more than 50kms away, let them maintain your handicap for you! Once you join the Howlong Golf Resort as a Remote Member the service does not stop there – all new Remote Members can utilise a free night’s accommodation in one of their 25 studio rooms or put the value towards the cost of a stay in the new apartments. Not to mention you will continue to receive amazing accommodation offers, wine specials, discounts in the club house on all food and beverages and first preference to the amazing golfing tournaments Howlong host. Accommodation options at Howlong have been kicked up a notch, with four new twobedroom/two-bathroom, luxury apartments. Add to this the current offering of 25 rooms on the course, and golfers will have plenty of options to stay and play. The club also features two bowling greens, Keno and TAB, sports bar, live entertainment and weekly raffles and promotions.

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 76

www.dormiehouse.com.au

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.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

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Ocean Shores Golf Course Howlong Golf Resort is highly recognised by Golf Australia as a leading force in Junior Golf programs, receiving the 2011 Jack Newton Junior Golf Junior Club of the Year award, MYGolf Centre of the Year for 2012 and was recently received a Highly Commended award in the Clubs & Community Awards 2014 & 2015. More information: Howlong Golf Resort Golf Club Drive, Howlong NSW 2643. (02) 6026 5321 enquiries@howlonggolf.com.au. www.howlonggolf.com.au

Ocean Shores Country Club Located just north of Brunswick Heads, only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay, the Ocean Shores Country Club is set on a hilltop boasting spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean and the Koonyum Ranges.

the 5th green measuring 1100 square metres. The lush fairways and pristine greens are set amongst natural flora and fauna with a background of bushland and sparkling lakes making it one of the most spectacular golf courses in Australia.

The golf course was designed over 40 years ago by the team of Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge which comprises six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s with the longest being 556 metres.

Visitors with a club handicap are welcome to play in the Clubs competitions. Or if you are looking for a social game it would be best to take advantage of their Mid-week Package for $49 per player which includes 18 holes of golf, hire cart and lunch.

The course has many unique features with the foremost being the enormous greens with

The last Friday of each month players from all along the coast attend the Clubs Blue Marker

Challenge to test their skills. Play to or better than your handicap in the ‘’Bluey’’ and you receive a dozen golf balls. The Pro Shop have all the latest in golfing technology and equipment to enhance your game along with golf lessons with the Clubs Pro Chris Graham. Members and guests also have access to the Club’s bowling greens, bistro, full bar & gaming facilities, function rooms and courtesy bus. More information: Ocean Shores Golf Course (02) 66 801 008 www.oceanshorescc.com.au

Play The Sands Torquay this Summer! We are open to the public for the first time since being built in 2004

SOCIAL GROUP RATES Social golfers welcome 7 days Green fee: $75 walking or $95 with cart

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE SERIES Test yourself from the back Sunday 6 December

8-16 players: $60 walking or $75 with cart

Sunday 20 December

17-32 players: $55 walking or $70 with cart

Sunday January

33+ players: $40 walking or $50 with cart *Prize packs are provided for all groups and competitions available for all groups * Stay and play options available

Sunday 27 December Sunday 10 January Sunday 24 January Final: Sunday January 31 Great prizes! Sponsored by Bushnell and Ping

For more info & bookings contact: ph 03 5264 3333 or email golfops@thesandstorquay.com and mention Inside Golf | www.thesandstorquay.com www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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Moss Vale (Dormie House)

Moss Vale (Dormie House) Moss Vale golf course is regarded as one of the prettiest and challenging courses in country NSW and while you are only 90 minutes’ drive from the Sydney CBD, you will feel like you’re a world away in the relaxed and peaceful Southern Highlands.

The 18-Hole Championship Golf Course is a par-71, 5805m (Mens tees), and Par -73, 5300m (women’s tees). A number of twists and turns, creek crossings and deceptive greens, make the course a true test. The creek which runs through the course has to be crossed 12 times during the round. From the

Bowral Golf Club

clubhouse, the Moss Vale layout appears hilly, but after the opening 5 holes, it levels out and heads into the quiet countryside.

Southern Highlands, Dormie House has a wide range of attractive “play and stay” accommodation packages on offer.

Moss Vale Golf Club was founded in 1902 and designed in its current location and layout by Carnegie Clark. The current course record is 66.

More information: Contact Robert on (02) 4868 1503 proshop@mossvalegolfclub.com.au www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au You can also call Dormie House direct on (02) 4868 1 800 or visit www.dormiehouse.com.au

The environment is also the perfect location to work on all aspects of your golf game at the club’s two-day golf school, run by AAArated Australian PGA professional Robert Kennedy. There is also accommodation onsite at Dormie House.

Bowral Golf Club is an established club that provides not only a good golf course, but a social centre as well. Members are justly proud of their facility and they hope that you will find the nature of this club enjoyable. The Clubhouse provides a real club feel with plenty of historical items on show from 100 year old trophies to a world war one flag retrieved from a Turkish officer near Palestine in 1917, open fire places, an awarded chef, friendly members and staff. More information: www.bowralgolfclub.com.au

If you are after a golfing getaway to the

STRATHFIELD GOLF CLUB - CENTENARY DRIVE STRATHFIELD

LOOKING FOR A GOLF CLUB TO J IN?

NO JOINING FEE IN DECEMbEr

$107

*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 December 31 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 78

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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The Links Kennedy Bay

WESTERN AUSTRALIA IF you go to Western Australia to play golf, make sure The Links Kennedy Bay is on your list. It’s a wonderful golfing experience and one you won’t forget in a hurry. The Links Kennedy Bay might not have a large pretentious clubhouse, but what it does have is a true links golf course of the highest quality. Little wonder it’s been rated the third best public access course in Australia behind Barnbougle and Lost Farm in Tasmania. Chris Gray, the former Australian amateur champion and winner of many professional

events in Australia and abroad, said The Links Kennedy Bay, managed by Doug Bailey of Prime Golf, was “special and unique”. “To play The Links Kennedy Bay successfully you need to be able to control your ball by hitting it low and high when needed,” Gray said. “We get a bit of wind here so hit it low into the wind and high downwind. “The fairways are quite generous, but there are a lot of pot bunkers (115) so watch out for them. They are only small but they tend to swallow the balls up quite a bit.” Gray lists the par-4 fifth the toughest on

the course. It’s 417m from the black tee box, 410m (blue), 382m (white) and 355m (red). “There are bunkers down the fairways so it’s quite tight to get through those,” he said. The short par-4 12th (307m off the white tees) is a risk-reward hole. “You can drive it downwind, but there is trouble around the green,” he said. “Most people lay-up and wedge it in. “The par-3s are great and some of the best around. The 123m 12th named Wee Tap is a great hole. It only has a tiny green with bunkers and swales and can be tricky.” The beautifully manicured course, which

runs alongside the vast blue water of the Indian Ocean, is a delight to play off the white tees. Still anyone up for the challenge, mentally and physically, should play it off the tips. The cost is $50 walking or $75 with cart. Visitors are welcome to play every day and hungry golfers can take advantage of the club’s full menu. More information: The Links Kennedy Bay (08) 9524-5991 admin@kennedybay.com.au www.kennedybay.com.au

Home of the 2016

Victorian Open

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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lose a ball, this is the most likely place so pay attention. Around here, it’s common to see groups of kangaroos lining the fairways – but emus? Yes, we came across three emus not far from the clubhouse, which has stunning views over the golf course. A major highlight of any round at Sun City has always been the long sweeping breaks on greens, which seem to keep their line secret until just after impact of putter on ball. Another unique fascination is the length of many of its holes. They demand good use of every club in the bag, including the longest irons. If you arrive at Sun City and need to sharpen your game, check out the Jim Danas Golf Academy. The Academy facilities include an elevated grass driving range, a large practice putting green overlooking the golf course as well as a magnificent chipping and pitching area which caters for a vast array of shots. They also offer other services which include club fitting, repairs and alterations, as well as access to a large range of grips and shafts to suit any golfer’s needs. These services are all performed by a qualified and experienced professional. Sun City Country Club

Sun City Country Club Located 30 minutes north of Joondalup is Sun City Country Club, nestled between two unique local landmarks – the Yanchep Lagoon and the National Park. It’s one of WA’s best layouts and it’s just getting better courtesy of a multi-million dollar redevelopment. The Mike Clayton and Geoff Ogilvy design

team have completely redesigned nine of Sun City’s 18-hole layout, which feature some of their best architectural attributes – generous landing areas, clever bunkering and chipping areas around the greens. The transformation is amazing. Even golf officials and players from rival clubs say Sun City will match any course in the state once completed.

Rated in the top-100 in Australia, Sun City will undoubtedly improve its position in the years ahead. Still, work is on hold for now to give members and visitors a breather and the opportunity to play a par-72 championship course. A feature of the course is the lake between the ninth and 10th holes. If you are going to

Sun City is an easy-walking course, but carts are available for hire at $25 for 18 holes. A round will cost $40 mid-week and $50 on weekends. Larger groups and Corporate Events are able to be pre booked through the club’s Event Coordinator with packages that include Golf, Food and Beverages available. More information: Sun City Country Club 144 St Andrews Drive Yanchep Western Australia 6035 www.suncitycountryclub.com.au Golf Centre: +61 (8) 9561-1352

liverpool is a Championship par 72/73 Course – slope 139

host to nsW open (2005/06) and australian open qualiFier For past 11 years 35 minutes From Cbd

Here’s wHat you’ll get at liverpool: mid Week membership: • Monday & Thursday Comp days ($18 fee, includes $3 bar discount voucher) • Unlimited Social Golf – outside Comp times • $750 annually – less than $14.50 p/w. • Joining Fee $125

intermediate membership: • • • • • •

Open to men and women 21-36 Fastest growing category of membership Full member playing rights Annual subs $1170 and $610 men and women respectively Joining Fee only $125 All competition fees and green fees are included in the subscription - no more to pay

Flexible payment options, monthly, quarterly or halF yearly For more information about this offer, contact the General Manager on (02) 9728 7777 or visit www.liverpoolgolf.com.au Hollywood Drive, Lansvale NSW 2166 | Pro Shop: 9727 2422 | email:office@liverpoolgolf.com.au 80

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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greatrounds.com

Social Golf Australia (SGA)

SOCIAL CLUBS AND SERVICES Social Golf Australia (SGA) Australia’s largest and longest-running Social Golf network, Social Golf Australia (SGA) has long been considered to be innovators in the Australian social golf market. SGA founder Matthew Pitt says the idea for SGA formed in 2006 when he learned there were 700,000 social golfers in Australia. He and his pals were in that group but there were few options for social golfers to get a handicap and play competitions. After meeting with Golf Australia, it was clear to Pitt that there was an opportunity to offer handicaps and events for social golfers. Pitt qualified as an official handicapper, became a national handicap provider and started organising events for golfers around Australia.

“We decided to go with the name Social Golf Australia at a time when the words ‘Social Golf’ weren’t popular. In some circles there was an unfair stigma attached to being a social golfer. My wife Sally and I have always been social golfers and we decided to go with the name SGA even though many advised us against it,” says Pitt. A family business which started from a home office, SGA now has event managers around Australia hosting over 100 SGA Tour events each year. Today, SGA events feature over $75,000 of prizes thanks to major sponsors Srixon, Golf Clearance Outlet, Good Food Gift Cards, Heathcote Winery and Garmin. The SGA Golf Club has also provided handicaps for 1000s of Australian golfers. In 2014 SGA partnered with GOLF Link to be the official event manager for the GOLF

Link Race Series. SGA continues to go from strength to strength but, according to Pitt, SGA being an innovator and the first in the Social Golf market means very little.

us well for a decade and fostering a fun and friendly golfing community is important to our golfers and is what sets SGA apart.”

“Social Golf is the flavour of the month now and we have competitors jumping on the Social Golf bandwagon, some even imitating the model that SGA has been developing for years. That’s ok – it’s a free market and it gives golfers options.”

“It’s not important that we were the first - our priority is continuing to offer golfers an affordable alternative with flexibility and choice. We are a family business offering personal service and we want golfers enjoying the game and friendships built on the golf course. SGA offers an inclusive club culture that all golfers are welcome to share and enjoy. We think that approach has served

PLAY NOOSA.

Social Golf Australia (03) 5433 3213 0425 742 501 www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au Facebook: search SGA Tour & SGA Media

greatrounds.com Which courses are on your Bucket list? If you are a golfer you know the drill: you see a photo of a golf course and instantly your mind wanders off to a magical place convinced that you have superhuman ability on the golf course and the world is wonderful again. greatrounds.com makes these type of

Pay for one, get 50% off second Player during february.

46 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin QLD 4565

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

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U Choose Golf Holiday

dreams the norm for many Australian golfers. Each week courses such as Sanctuary Cove , Kooindah Waters or Southern are showcased to a huge band of avid golfers that are enrolled on greatrounds.com database. Simply by clicking on an image of one of their amazing offers, you can start to dream about your next game of golf. greatrounds.com allows you, with a few clicks of the mouse, to prepare your own bucket list. With an array of over 70 courses across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, the choice is expansive. Featuring resort courses that grace the pages of golf publications on a monthly basis to some of Australia’s best members golf clubs and hidden gems, you’ll experience something truly amazing and different every time you tee it up. www.greatrounds.com

U Choose Golf Holiday If you need a full-service golf travel specialist to take care of everything for you, then look no further than U Choose Golf Holiday. Owner-operators Sharon and Gary provide golfers with a professional and wellorganised golf trip – every detail carefully taken care of and nothing to do but turn up and have a great time. They take pride in offering good value and personalised service. Sharon, who looks after your trip from start to finish, will tailor a package, provide choices of accommodation, courses and optional extras all designed to suit your requirements and budgets. “It’s definite value for money with no hidden surprises,” she said.

Great Golf Getaways

U Choose Golf Holiday has been growing strong each year experiencing 80 per cent of loyal repeat customers, which speaks volumes about their quality service and attention to detail. U Choose Golf Holiday offers golfers the chance to experience the best destinations that Australia has to offer, like the Mornington Peninsula, Sydney/NSW, Gold Coast, West Australia, and the Murray River destinations. U Choose Golf 0418 713 620 sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au www.uchoosegolf.com.au

Great Golf Getaways Choosing the right destination, finding the best suited accommodation, selecting

golf courses, arranging flights and transport can be a daunting task. And where do you start? You can take the hassle out of organising your next trip by using the services of an experienced golf travel planner who can help you create the perfect tour to suit your travel plans and budget. Great Golf Getaways provides a range of golf travel services for social clubs, corporate groups and club golfers. They can assist you in planning monthly events and arranging stay and play packages to all the best golf destinations around Australia and overseas. According to Lee at Great Golf Getaways, the demand for social golf trips continues to grow and apartment-style accommodation is a popular choice where groups can enjoy socialising together. “Many of our clients plan annual trips to 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 InsideGolfDec.

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social golf feature

The Social Golf Club

different destination each year, and we also assist social clubs with planning their annual event calendar, including monthly and bimonthly golf events and group golf trips”. Great Golf Getaways 1300 124 220 info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au

The Social Golf Club In 2015 The Social Golf Club launched a pennant series to provide golfers the chance to form their own pennant team and compete in a Matchplay series. Culminating in a final at Victoria Golf Club in August, the inaugural series saw 18 teams entered. Over 120 golfers played matches on a variety of top 100 ranked courses throughout Melbourne during the series. “We were thrilled with the response to

this initiative,” says Anthony Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of Clublinks, who operates The Social Golf Club. “We saw a real gap in the market for golfers to get the same kind of competition golf experience that members of a traditional golf club enjoy. The feedback from participants has been hugely encouraging with many mid-handicap golfers commenting that they would normally not get an opportunity to compete in Matchplay competitions like this.” After such a successful launch, the team will be rolling out the next series soon. The pennant series is in addition to another successful competition that The Social Golf Club offers golfers. The Social Golf Club Majors offers golfers of all standards the chance to play some of Melbourne’s elite private courses including Huntingdale, The National, Commonwealth and Metropolitan. These events have both official handicapped

Australian Golf Network

and non-handicapped competitions, giving participants the opportunity to share in over $1,000 worth of prizes. This has also been warmly welcomed by golfers, with 500 participating in the 2015 series.

for Sunday morning group bookings. For those groups that do use this booking service, they can be rewarded with places in the annual reward day that The Social Golf Club hosts at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

The Social Golf Club also provides a loyalty program for organised social golf clubs that use its booking services. One of the features of The Social Golf Club that differentiates it from many of the other handicap providing social clubs is the ability to book a group’s social golf calendar across some of the best semi-private courses in Melbourne.

(03) 8320 5328 info@thesocialgolfclub.com.au www.thesocialgolfclub.com.au

“Put simply, social groups come to us with the dates they would like to play, and we book their rounds for them across our network of partner courses, at no additional cost to the groups” Lawrence added. In many cases, groups get access to tee times and discounts not normally available

Australian Golf Network Make your social round more fair and more fun! Whether playing against your sister for a beverage afterwards, or with a group of friends for big dollars and valuable prizes, unless everyone already has an official handicap there is always a question of if it’s a fair contest. How do you decide how many shots you give each other each week?

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

social golf feature Sure, you’re all adjusting your handicaps each time you play, but are you adjusting them correctly?

competition entry per month, all for just $169!

If you head to a new track do you adjust everyone’s handicaps differently depending on the difficulty of the course or which tees you play off? You should.

GenYgolf

For more details visit www.gsmgolf.com.au

GenYgolf is Australia’s only social golf club aimed at Australia’s next generation of golfers, and in 2015 it became one of Australia’s fastest-growing golf clubs, with memberships increasing by 330% over the past 12 months.

If you’re the one that gets given a few shots by his mates, it’s possible you’re not getting given enough. Or are you the one that has to give your buddies some shots and you think they’re getting too many? Put an end to these endless questions. Forever. There is now an easy and affordable way for you and your friends to all get official Golf Link handicaps, plus plenty of other goodies thrown in. The Australian Golf Network offers official handicaps nationwide (except in Perth where the related company Perth Golf Network operates) and the AGN’s growing quickly and changing the golf membership game for social golfers. This is thanks in part to offering handicaps at the most affordable rate around and with the most value considering the extra benefits you get in your membership pack. One of the great things in the pack is the Tee It Up booklet: shove it in your golf bag and never have an argument over the rules again… well, almost never. Plus there’s the extremely slick looking Key Return Gift Pack, including key tag / bottle opener which will help your keys find their way back to you if you ever happen to lose them. The pack also includes a golf shirt, discounts at the AGN’s great home courses, Rules of Golf book and some other gifts from AGN’s sponsors. You can check AGN out at their website then sign up for your official handicap online right away, it couldn’t possibly be easier for you.

GenYgolf Your pack and Golf Link card will arrive in the mail and you and your mates will be feeling comfortable betting more and more, and complaining less and less, in no time! www.AustralianGolfNetwork.com.au

GSM Golf Club Based out of public golf courses in Victoria, GSM Golf Club offers official Golf Australia handicaps, insurance benefits and partner green fee rates at selected venues for a low annual fee. Established following the discontinuation of the Golf Access program, GSM Golf Club provides golfers peace of

mind through personal liability insurance plus the opportunity to enter competition events around Australia from just $119. And as GSM Golf Club is based at the forefront of public golf, the membership is extremely popular with golfers taking the first steps towards competition golf and other forms of golf membership. Special green fee rates are available at most GSM courses including St Andrews Beach, Bay Views Golf Course and Amstel Park, plus members get access to exclusive retail, coaching and green fee deals throughout the year. For those wanting to receive even greater value, GSM Gold also offers an upgraded membership category providing over $350 in added value including a 2016 Golf Course Guide, $30 GSM Gift voucher, half price golf and cart voucher at each GSM venue, half price golf lesson and one complimentary

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When asked why GenYgolf was founded, Club President Ali Terai says “the traditional membership and the existing public golf offering wasn’t enough to excite our demographic. If the game of golf is to thrive we need to start building a community and platform where the game is accessible, flexible and enjoyable. The greatest part of GenYgolf is having hundreds of members who never knew each other before, who now play golf together every week.” The club focusses on providing their members with the best benefits in Social golf, which include a complimentary round of golf at each of Cranbourne GC, Yering Meadows, Eynesbury and Cardinia-Beaconhills, 28 fortnightly events at Victoria’s best courses, an official handicap, golf trips, ability to count social rounds towards your handicap, discounts at over 20 courses and a highly engaged social media platform. So where to from here for GenYgolf? “Our ultimate goal is to have every golfer in our demographic playing golf with us at some point during their golfing journey and we’ve got some exciting things planned for 2016.” Memberships start from $139. www.genygolf.com.au info@genygolf.com.au facebook.com/genygolf

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senior amateurs

SENIOR Amateur Denis Dale WRAP With ed@insidegolf.com.au Visitors take over in Victorian Senior Amateur

Medals awarded for the 2015 Australian Senior Rankings

he 2015 Australian Senior Ranking competition finished with the playing of the Victorian Senior Amateur Championships at Bright and Myrtleford Golf Clubs. This year there were 15 events played across Australia that included every state and territory.

Australian Senior Ranking

2015 Victorian Senior Amateur Championship winner – Greg Ellis. New South Welshman Greg Ellis (Forster Tuncurry) won the 2015 Victorian Men’s Senior Amateur played at the Bright and Myrtleford golf clubs in late October. A member at the Forster-Tuncurry Golf Club, located three hours north of Sydney, Ellis fired a great last round of one-over par 73 for a 54-hole total of 220 (five-over-par) to take the Men’s Championship by three strokes. The overnight leader, John Banting from Royal Perth closed with 78 to finish second. The final day was played in overcast conditions but without a hint of breeze. After steady play during the first two rounds, Ellis surged into contention with an outward half of 37 to take the outright lead into the final nine. An impressive birdie on the 15th and a run of pars to finish his round saw a happy Ellis claim the prestigious jug and record his first victory in a national senior ranking event. In celebrating his inaugural Australian Ranking win Elis commented, “I played really well, especially yesterday (at Myrtleford) around that tight course. I am proud to have won such an important title from a very strong field.” The interstate seniors certainly dominated over the local Victorians with eight of the top ten going to the visitors. Ross Percy and Bernie Bickerton were the only two Victorians to place inside the top ten. The Victorian Senior Amateur Handicap Championship, which is played concurrently with the stroke event, saw Trevor Pattinson (Albury) take the title after a final round nett score of 73 for a three round total of 218. The nine handicapper won by on a countback from Robert Angus (Cumberland NSW). 220 Greg Ellis (NSW) 78 69 73 223 John Banting (WA) 75 70 78 225 Tom Harold (NT) 77 73 75, Graeme Howland (NSW) 72 76 77 226 Steve Toyne (QLD) 78 70 78 230 Ross Percy (VIC) 79 77 74 ,John Neeson (NSW) 76 79 75, Bernie Bickerton (VIC) 76 76 78, David Limbach (NSW) 75 76 79, Robert Angus (NSW) 73 73 84 231 Chris Tatt (VIC) 79 76 76, Jeff Hasthorpe (VIC) 79 74 78 More: www.golfvic.org.au 86

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The new top-rated senior golfer in Australia is Victorian golfer Greg Rhodes. The Coomealla-based senior had a great year capped by his win in the Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Manly Golf Club. The 2014 ranking winner, Gordon Claney, was consistent all year and finished in second position ahead of NSW senior Stefan Albinski who was the top ranked senior in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013. 1. Greg Rhodes (Victoria) 2. Gordon Claney (Victoria) 3. Stefan Albinski (NSW)

Australian Senior Ranking: Over 65 Medals are also presented to the leading senior golfers over the age of 65. The clear winner of the 2015 title was NSW senior Vince Clark. A member at The Lakes Golf

Club Clark played some excellent golf throughout the year. His best results were third place in the Australian Senior Matchplay Championship, second place in the Grange/ Kooyonga Classic and joint third in the Tasmanian Senior Amateur. The second place medal went to fellow NSW senior Denis Dale with Queenslander Trevor Box close up in third place. 1. Vince Clark (NSW) 2. Denis Dale (NSW) 3. Trevor Box (Queensland)

Australian Senior Ranking: Handicap Most national ranking events include a handicap section with the two exceptions being the Australian Senior Amateur Championship and the Australian Senior Matchplay Championship. In this year-long competition only the best five results are counted. The winner of the 2015 handicap gold medal was Darwin-based golfer Tom Harold who clocked up quite a few frequent flyer points in his travels to play golf in the eastern states. Harold edged past NSW senior Darryl Hearsch in the very last event to win by less than one point. Victorian Barry Tippett was in third place.

Greg Rhodes – winner of the Australian Senior Ranking medal. 1. Tom Harold (NT) 2. Darryl Hearsch (NSW) 3. Barry Tippett (Victoria) More: www.ausoom.com

Australian Seniors miss out in 2015 Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur

ustralia has won the teams championship in the Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship four times in the past fives years. With a very strong sixman team selected that included Greg Rhodes, Gordon Claney, Ian Frost, Barry Tippett, Ian McPherson and Sal Ballard Australia were again the favourites when the players teed off at the Nanshan Hot Springs Golf Club near Qingdao, China in October this year. After leading after the opening round, Australia were a little disappointing on the final two days and were relegated to third place with New Zealand winning the team’s championship title from Japan. A great final round of two-under-par 70 by New Zealand’s Frank Borren was the highlight in a very strong team effort. The individual championship saw the runaway leader Eduardo Bagtas from The Philippines maintain his lead for a comfortable win over Frank Borren with another New Zealander Andrew McKechnie in third place. The leading Australian was Queenslander Peter King who finished in fifth place a stroke ahead of fellow Australians Stefan Albinski and Ian Frost. King and Albinski were not members of the official Australian team but did help the Australian Kookaburras to an easy win in a separate competition for the best International team. Other members of the Kookaburras were Darryl Hearsch, Denis Dale, Mike Peeck and David Mallet. Australian Peter McGregor won the Over 70’s medal with rounds of 77-77-86. 219 Eduardo Bagtas PHI 73 – 72 – 74 223 Frank Borren NZL 78 – 75 – 70 226 Andrew McKechnie NZL 76 – 76 – 74 227 Takashi Kamei JPN 77 – 76 – 74

2015 Australian Asia-Pacific Team: Greg Rhodes, Gordon Claney, Ian Frost, Sal Ballard, Ian McPherson, Barry Tippett. 228 Peter King AUS 80 – 74 – 74 229 Stefan Albinski AUS 79 – 75 – 75, Shingo Matsumoto JPN – 79 73 – 77, Ian Frost AUS 77 – 77 – 75 230 Michael Barltrop NZL 77 – 76 – 77

231 Greg Rhodes AUS 78 – 80 – 73 232 Shogo Tsujita JPN 79 – 76 – 77, Barry Tippett AUS 78 – 78 – 76 The 2016 Asia-Pacific Senior Championship will be played in Manila.

Coolangatta Tweed Heads win again The Coolangatta Tweed Heads club have won the 2015 Gold Coast District Golf Association Senior Pennants Championship and once again hold the John Goss Shield. In the final Coolangatta Tweed heads defeated Arundel Hills 5-1 to go through the season undefeated. The club has now won the senior pennants championship seven times, one more than the Sanctuary Cove club. The winning team consisted of Maurice James, George Spillane, Dave Marshall (Captain), Rod Dale, Joe Long and Phil Towle. Others to play in the team during the season were Len Korn, Dave Morrison and Mark Stephen.

Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club Senior Pennant Team: Maurice James, George Spillane, Dave Marshall (Captain), Rod Dale, Joe Long and Phil Towle.

people

Cancer survivor eyes pro ranks David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

F you ask 19-year-old Perth golfer Joshua Helm, he will tell you mountains are there to climb.

He’s already scaled a major mountain – one called cancer – and has set his sights on reaching the summit of another peak.

The $2000 scholarship to attend a one-year PGA program will allow him to receive elite coaching at a world-class facility. “I want to do a traineeship so when I complete the program I will pursue that,” he said. “There is a lot of work to be done, but I’m determined to get this qualification behind me.

“After being diagnosed with cancer I made the decision I wanted to be a professional golfer,” he said.

“It’s okay to talk about being a pro, but you need to dedicate the time and hopefully next year I can do that and get to be where I need to be. Who knows where it will go after that.”

A positive young man, Joshua, knows it’s another huge hurdle but he believes he has the tools and skills to succeed.

A strong driver of the golf ball, Joshua recently won a long-drive competition with a 315m drive.

He has made enormous strides after only taking up the game three years ago.

He says he’s working hard on improving his accuracy and his short game.

“On my 16th birthday my dad took me out for a round and I was bitten by the golf bug,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how far you hit it if you are not finding fairways,” he said.

“When I was 18 I joined Mt Lawley Golf Club so I could play in competitions and I won a junior championship in my first year. “During treatment (for testicular cancer) golf was the only sport I could play. “All that mattered was that I’d plug my earphones in, get down on the range and just practice. Rain, hail or shine – I was there. “The range was better than being in a hospital bed.” In January, Joshua, who plays off a five handicap, will move to Melbourne to attend the PGA Golf Performance Program. He recently received a Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship that will go towards fulfilling his dream.

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Joshua draws inspiration from Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald. “I have loved Luke Donald from when I started playing,” he said. “He’s the guy with a fluid swing and I have tried to imitate that. “I follow Rory on Instagram and his videos are inspirational. “On one of them he says, ‘people thought I got here from natural talent, but it’s not natural talent. It’s waking up at 5am for a gym session, going to long practice sessions, staying at the range until you can hit that shot, practicing until you have blisters on your hands – that’s how you get to where you want to be’.” Joshua said he couldn’t thank Redkite enough for their support.

A positive attitude is helping Joshua Helm fulfil his dream. “What Redkite has done for me and my family has been amazing and hopefully I will be on tour within the next couple of years,” he said. That positive attitude has helped Joshua in his recovery and his golf. “It doesn’t matter if you have a good or bad round as long as you have a positive attitude and take a positive out of it,” he said. “Recently I did a speech to a group of health professionals (doctors and surgeons) about young people going through cancer. “I told them it didn’t matter what you encounter in life as long as you take a positive attitude you never know where you can go.

“Things may look dull, but if you can find that positive and hone in on that then the world is your oyster.” FOOTNOTE: This year Redkite and Coles, which fully funds the scholarship program, have granted 38 scholarships to young Australians aged 15 to 24 years old who are living with cancer. In addition to the scholarships, Redkite has provided individual support to more than 355 children, teenagers and young adults in the first six months of 2015 through its Education and Career Support service that is funded by Coles. The program encourages teens and young adults to realise their dreams and pursue education, career and life goals that are sidelined when undergoing cancer treatment. •

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www.tikiman.co.nz www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

instruction

Taking Aim

Randall Hollands Smith randall@rhgolfrange.com.au

lignment and pre-swing routine is a part of golf instruction that is often overlooked, with not enough emphasis placed on its importance and role in achieving golf shots of a high quality.

Advanced players work hard on improving their golf swing, yet often overlook the importance of aligning to the target correctly. The club golfer even moreso overlooks the importance of alignment and greatly influences the swing mechanics that are incorrect. In both cases it means that it doesn’t matter how well they hit the shot; if they’re not aiming at the target correctly they will never hit the ball to the target. There’s an art to ensuring that you align yourself and your clubface squarely to the target. Good alignment all begins from a position behind the ball. See Photo 1 and 2. It’s in this position that you can begin to take dead aim at your intended target. Once in this position you should pick out an intermediate target. This could be anything from a piece of grass or an old divot… anything which is naturally occurring that helps form a straight line from the golf ball extending through your intermediate target and to your chosen target. I believe that most golfers pick an intermediate target that is too close to their golf ball. Try picking a spot that is a minimum 4 to 5 metres away from your ball as this will change your overall focus and

belief of where your true starting line will be. For the ease of the photograph I have used a wood cover. In photo 3 you can see that you should have moved into the ball to take up your address position. It’s here that many players make a critical error. Almost all club golfers that I instruct walk past an imaginary 90 degree angle at the ball and therefore aim well right of their intended target. Many golfers subconsciously realise this and automatically make several adjustments during the set up in an attempt to correct the mistake. By this stage they have lost any conection to the shot at hand. You must insure that you have correctly positioned the clubface squarely to the intended target line. It is during these processes that particular care is taken to insure that the leading edge of the clubface is perpendicular (square) to your intermediate target. Note that almost all new players and even more experienced players believe that the clubface should remain perpendicular to the target line well after the point of strike…But in doing so you reduce

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the effective rotation of your arms and shoulders after striking the ball and deminish your chance of hitting the golf ball at your target. Once you are happy with the position of both your intermediate target and have ensured the squareness of the clubface during this procedure you can now begin to align the rest of your body parallel to your intended target line. It is during this part of establishing your set-up that you should ensure that your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are all parallel to your intermediate target line. A simple drill is to practice setting up with a golf club on the ground pointing at the target. Picture 4 demonstrates a quick and easy way to ensure that you have correctly set yourself up to your intended target using the simple steps above. Once you have taken your full address position and feel that you are ready to hit the ball, stop and remove your left hand from the golf club and, while trying not to move your body position, point your left arm squarely to your body. Once in this position you can turn your head and look

down your bodyline. You should see your left arm pointing towards your intended target line and not directly at your target. If your arm is pointing to your target you have not positioned your body correctly to your target line. This is a quick and easy drill to assist you in your address routine ensuring that you line yourself up correctly to the target that you are trying to hit the ball towards. Checking your address position only takes a few moments, yet most people are in a rush to hit the ball and therefore pay they price of their ball not going where they intended it to go. Try this alignment process and I am sure that you will begin to hit more golf shots on target. 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 381 924, or Rachel on 0418 652 730, or email randall@rhgolfrange.com.au or rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com for further information. www.rachelhetheringtongolf.com

fitness

Rest key for maximum benefit

The Lady Members at Randwick Golf Club recently held another successful Charity Day with over 90 women from a range of clubs helping generate nearly $13,000 towards the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit of the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney. The Ladies have a proud tradition supporting charities with relevance to the local community and club members. Since 1994 RGC has raised in excess of $415,000 in support of charities including the Prince of Wales Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital, The Prince of Wales Foundation and charities working to support cancer services for women.

Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

eveloping a training program for an athlete is part science and part art.

These two elements are, for my mind, interchangeable in their level of percentage of importance, depending on the situation. However, there are some general rules, which are the convention for a training program and for good reasons. One of these rules is the need for rest between sets and repetitions. Rest periods during a training session are necessary to allow the energy system to recover for the next set. During high output muscle contraction such as when lifting in the gym, the main energy used is ATP stored in the muscles. Studies show, it takes 2.5 to 3 minutes for the phosphagen (Creatine Phosphate/ATP) stores to fully recover from a set of intense exercise. Depending on which element of fitness is the focus either we will require the energy system to be partially restored or to be as close to fully restored as possible. When training for muscle gain, studies have shown a rest period of around 60-90 seconds between sets is most effective. When this amount of rest is present, a greater amount of Testosterone and growth hormone are produced. The exact time will depend on factors such as; how many sets and how heavy the resistance or load is. As a general rule, the heavier the weight or the greater the

Charity days a hit at Randwick, Rosebud

reps, then the more rest is needed. Training for strength gains is very taxing to both your muscles and your nervous system so more rest is needed between sets. Failing to rest long enough will inhibit your ability to lift heavy on your next set-and will more than likely slow your recovery for the next training session. Generally, three to five minutes of rest between sets is needed to allow for sufficient recovery to prepare for the next set. Similarly to strength training, power training requires a fairly high work to rest ratio. Much like strength training, the energy system required for power development needs to be fully or as closely to fully recharged to produce maximum output. Again 3-5 minutes of rest between maximum efforts is needed. Whilst it may seem like you are wasting

time by resting between sets, if used correctly then the rest becomes an essential part of the training session. When you finish a set, keep an eye on the clock and be diligent about the rest period, making sure it is what you need for the training requirements. Being on top of all elements of your training will make your hard work pay off. Happy golfing. Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

The Randwick Ladies Charity Day is an annual event, held in the last week in August. All are welcome, so keep a look out on the Golf NSW events website for information about next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s date. In Victoria, Rosebud Country Club recently held their 43rd Cancer Council Victoria charity golf day. 200 participants participated in the day, which aso raised over $13,000. Dinner and a live auction followed the day, with local businesses providing a lot of support. Cancer Council Victoria has a long-standing golf program allowing clubs and companies to host a day and raise funds for Cancer Council. Over the years, Rosebud Country Club have raised over $430,000. These funds will help support the 30,000 Victorians diagnosed with cancer each year.

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Packages are subject to availability at time of booking and exclude all long weekends, public holidays and Xmas school holidays.

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Concord lift Eric Apperly Shield in thrilling play-off

Eccles wins NSW Open Victorian amateur Ben Eccles claimed the 2015 NSW Open Championship last month, securing the title after a week that delivered challenging weather conditions at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club. Eccles started the final round with a fourshot lead ahead of New South Welshmen, Peter Lonard and Clayton Bridges. Eccles, who hit the ball solid all week, fired a final round even-par 72 to finish on 19-under 269 to secure a three-shot victory over Rohan Blizard and Matthew Millar. This was Eccles’ first win on the PGA Tour of Australasia as an amateur. As he was ineligible for the prize purse, it went to Blizard and Millar as the leading Professionals.

The 20-year-old’s performance on the Greg Norman-designed layout had been nothing but consistent, appearing calm and comfortable during every round. Born in the United Kingdom, the Victorian surf coast resident has played a number of Professional events this season on the PGA Tour of Australasia, with his best finish coming at the Oates Vic Open in February where he finished tied for third. The last amateurs to win on the PGA Tour of Australasia were Jake Higginbottom, who made history in 2012 when he became the first amateur since 1956 to win the New Zealand Open, and Oliver Goss, who won the WA Open the same year.

Sue Fabian awarded Golf NSW Life Membership

oncord Golf Club has had a stellar finish to the 2015 Eric Apperly Shield season by taking out a nail-biting final against Monash Country Club in a suddendeath play-off at Pennant Hills Golf Club. The Inner-West Sydney team appeared to be slightly in front of their Northern Sydney opponents for most of the final, however the contest finished in a deadlock at three matches apiece, forcing the number one players from each team into a sudden-death play-off to decide the Shield Champions for 2015. Jason Hong (Concord) managed to make par both times on the 18th hole while Brayden Petersen (Monash) fell short, bogeying the par3 hole the second time around. Along the way to the Shield Final, Concord defeated the country qualifier, Duntryleague Golf Club in the first round of the play-offs. The

team from Orange put up a good fight but were outdone by the stronger Sydney team. The win against Duntryleague meant Concord had to face the 2015 Shield favourites, St. Michael’s in the semi-finals. The tail of the Concord team were able to get out to an early advantage against their more fancied opponents, securing wins in matches four, five and six. It took Concord’s Nick Watts to win a nail-biting match against Travis Smyth on the 18th hole to secure Concord’s place in the final. The Concord team performed exceptionally well all year, winning all four of their preliminary rounds, conceding just four individual matches in the process, and thoroughly deserve to be the 2015 Eric Apperly Shield Champions. More: www.golfnsw.org

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Paul Bramley, Peter Camilleri, Merv Christensen, Ian Cochrane, Michael Cullen, Noel Dick, Peter Garner, John Grills, Bruce Gurton, Scott Haley, Mark Hurley, Patrick Idquival, Tony Kennings, Kim Kyun, Jamie Lind, Pat Mackie, John McKinley, Dean Muller, Stuart Munro, Ian Murray, Steven Nye, Robert Paton, Alexander Peters, Rod Porter, Donna Rann, Jennifer Rowland, Warren Seggie, Brent Weiley, Dylan Westerman, and Diana Wilson.

STONECUTTERS RIDGE GOLF CLUB 12-15 NOVEMBER 2015

Golf NSW thanks its partners, sponsors, valuable volunteers and supporters for their contribution to the success of the NSW Open Golf Championship. www.nswopen.com 90

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ue Fabian, a founding Board Member of Golf NSW and proud member of Pennant Hills Golf Club has been awarded Life Membership of Golf NSW. She is a tireless volunteer, a powerful advocate for the game, a wonderful administrator, and a dedicated Board Member of Golf NSW. Mrs Fabian has been involved in golf at Club, State and National levels for almost 20 years. “I believe strongly that golf is a game to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities,” Mrs Fabian says. “…as a great sport, for the friendships it brings, and the community it builds.” Mrs Fabian began her involvement in golf administration as a member of the Associates’ Committee at Pennant Hills Golf Club in 1996. She became Secretary in 1997, and was elected President in 2000, a position she held until 2003. Sue was a voice for women’s golf through her involvement with Women’s Golf NSW (WGNSW), becoming a Council Member to WGNSW in 1997 and again in 1999 until 2003. She was elected to the Board as a Director of Women’s Golf NSW in 2004. Her leadership skills were quickly recognised; she was elected President of WGNSW in 2009 and led that organisation in the amalgamation of the Men’s

and Women’s Golf governing bodies in 2010. Sue is strongly committed to the vision of Golf NSW and worked tirelessly on the amalgamation of the Men’s and Women’s bodies, serving on several committees including the WGNSW/NSWGA Merger Steering Committee, and the Joint State Rules Committee. She was also Chairman of the Constitution Sub-Committee between 2005 and 2006. Her financial acumen and her ability to lead, and nurture, develop strategies and policies for growth of the game is highly regarded. “I believe governance must be open, consultative, accountable and strategic,” she says. Mrs Fabian has also worked tirelessly in the field of Secondary and Adult education specialising in Communication. She has shared this skill nurturing and developing the state’s talented WGNSW and NSWGA junior golfers at Talented Athlete Camps. At the time of writing, Mrs Fabian is the Deputy Chairman, and a founding Director of Golf NSW, positions she has proudly served in since 2010. She is also a Director of the NSW Golf Foundation, and the current Chairman of the Golf NSW Governance & Planning Committee.

golf queensland

Choi, McLeod too good in Qld Amateur Championship

fter last year’s Amateur Championships headed south of the border, 2015 would prove to be the year of the Queenslander. With three of the four semifinal combatants in both the Men’s and Women’s Amateur hailing from Queensland, hopes were high for local victories. The Championships were held at Southport Golf Club with the Top 16 from the Stroke Play contesting the title. The Women’s final was met by Robyn Choi and Karis Davidson after Choi found a formidable competitor in Sophie Cusack winning on the third extra hole in the semis while Davidson continued her dominance against Kirsty Hodgkins closing out the match 4/3. The afternoon final appeared to be heading Davidson’s way leading 3-up after 10. Not to be beaten, Choi went on one of the most remarkable runs seen in the Qld Amateur with five birdies to hold a one-hole lead going

down 18. Choi wasted no time in holing her putt for victory and the Women’s Amateur title. With the top four seeds knocked out of the championship on Thursday, the Men’s title was wide open. 2012 champion Jake McLeod took on South Australian Jack Williams, whilst in the other semi, Shae WoolsCobb battled Mitchell Smith.

Jake McLeod.

Choi and Jake McLeod.

Williams knew he needed a fast start, however McLeod made birdie upon birdie and with a par on the 14th, McLeod was through to his third Queensland Amateur final in four years. The other semi was a thriller with Wools-Cobb emerging a 1-up winner against Smith setting up the clash with Queensland team mate McLeod.

The men’s final was a fierce battle with McLeod holding a two-hole advantage after 14 which he extended on the 16th to claim the 3/2 victory. McLeod becomes only the second player in over 25 years to win the Queensland Men’s Amateur title on multiple occasions - the other player is World Number One Jason Day. More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

Michel, Davidson Stroke Play Champions

State Squad Member Karis Davidson took home the Women’s title with an even-par opening round followed by four-under par 68. Two shots back from 36 hole leader Jiwon Jeon, Davidson’s closing 36-hole rounds of 71 and 68 were enough to win the Championship by two shots to Jeon on 279.

he Men’s and Women’s Stroke Play Championship is a 72 hole tournament with the Men playing Arundel Hills Country Club and Women at Palm Meadows. This year it was Victoria’s Kyle Michel and Queensland’s Karis Davidson who took home their respective titles.

Western Australia’s Hannah Green finished in outright third after she fired rounds of 69, 69, 75 and 69 for a total of 282.

Michel’s fantastic opening round of five-under par 67 equalled the course record, only to be outdone by James Grierson shooting the new record six-under 66 on the second day. Blake Proverbs moved into contention after rounds of 71, 72 and 71 with Hills International’s Charles Pilon trailing with rounds of 73, 68, and 75. Michel secured his championship win with a birdie on the 72nd hole with a tournament

Not a member yet?

McLeod turns professional

Kirsty Hodgkins shot the tournament’s best score of six under-par 66 in the final round. Kyle Michel.

Karis Davidson.

finish of 285. An eagle for Pilon and birdie finish for Proverbs resulted in tied second place with Brayden Peterson one shot behind on 287.

The Champion of Champion’s event is run in conjunction with the Stroke Play and was decided over the first 36 holes. Women’s Champion Jiwon Jeon won with rounds of 69 and 67 with Men’s Champion Shae Wools-Cobb taking out the title with rounds of 69 and 75.

Outstanding Queensland prospect Jake McLeod has turned professional. McLeod, 21, played for money for the first time at the West Australian PGA Championship in Kalgoorlie in arguably the best form of his impressive early career. McLeod was well placed to start his professional career shooting rounds of 72-71-70-71 to finish four-under. The Royal Queensland member recently won his second Queensland Amateur Championship, becoming just the second person to do so in the past quartercentury after world No.1 Jason Day. The former Townsville junior was also super impressive against the pros in the recent Isuzu Queensland Open, storming home with rounds of 67-68 on the tough Brookwater layout to finish as low amateur and tied for fourth overall. The Queensland Academy of Sport Member has been a member of the state men’s team for the past three years, including the Interstate Series champion team of 2013. Queensland and national coach Tony Meyer has been impressed with McLeod’s ongoing progress. “Jake has shown a lot of improvement in the past few years and his results show that he’s ready to take his game to the next level,” Meyer said. “I’m confident that if Jake continues to work hard at his game, he has the capacity to become a successful international athlete.”

JOIN NOW! WWW.JUNIORGOLFQUEENSLAND.ORG.AU www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

events

What a celebration! Gold Coast World Masters‘ 20th year T

he Ladbrokes World Masters, Australia’s biggest and richest international tournament for club golfers, hosted its 20th annual tournament on the Gold Coast in the last week of October. Tournament organisers Go Golfing promised big things to celebrate the milestone and delivered the Gold Coast’s four best courses, 280 daily golf awards, $120,000 in prizes, nightly 19th Hole parties and glamorous welcome and presentation dinners. Many long-time participants rated this year’s Ladbrokes World Masters as the best ever. “ Great fun, from go to whoa.” (Lorraine Clark, New Zealand) “ A real treat to play The Pines at Sanctuary Cove.” (Laurie Littman, Melbourne) “ So many golfers and so well organized.” (Lanfen Hsieh, Philippines) “ The comedian was sensational.” (Tony Thomas, Brisbane) “ Magnificent prizes.” (Patrick Mullens, Gold Coast) winner of a return trip to the 2016 Ladbrokes Masters including accommodation, flights and $5000 cash from Ladbrokes. “ Loved the entertainment.” (Jenny Brooks, Melbourne) “ The Gold Coast World Masters is the highlight of my golfing year.” (Julie Pigram, Derby WA) For the first time, the welcome dinner was hosted under the stars at Mercure Resort Gold Coast. Festivities got underway with a lucky draw for a $10,000 Go Golfing travel voucher, won by Hiten Thakrar, of Indian heritage now living in Sydney and a member at Cromer. “I am still in shock, although my golfing buddies have plenty of ideas of where I should take them. The US Masters has always been on my bucket list and now I have a healthy deposit!” Renowned comedian Kenny Graham, whose stage persona is an affable drunk, had the crowd in stitches regaling stories that may well have been fact or fiction. According to tournament director Mark Hawley, the entertainment is a vital ingredient to fostering great fun and friendship among participants. “Comedy works well on the opening night. Guests relax, laugh and that sets the tone for the week. Sporting a different theme at the 19th Hole each night, the Beach Party and Country & Western nights were a big hit. Egg and spoon races, exercise bikes and blow up boat races in the resort pool sparked competitive streaks. Craft beer and wine tastings, golf trivia, karaoke and live bands each night – there was no shortage of entertainment.”

Parties aside, 600+ golfers teed off in the four-round Championship. There are 15 tournament divisions based on age and handicap. You play with different golfers each day, but always with golfers your own age and similar handicap. 92

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The four course rotation for all players was The Pines at Sanctuary Cove, Links Hope Island, The Glades and RACV Royal Pines Resort. While the tournament was celebrating its 20th year on the Gold Coast, this was the first time Go Golfing had been able to secure Sanctuary Cove’s private, members-only, The Pines course as a host venue. 57% of players rated The Pines at Sanctuary Cove as the best course they played, in spite of it having the lowest scoring average of 28.1 stableford points. Links Hope Island was the other standout course according to players with 35% rating it the best. The tournament boasts a prize pool valued upwards of $120,000 and 252 golf prizes are awarded to daily winners across the week. Championship winners received upwards of $700 in trophies and prizes, including latest release Srixon equipment, Golf Buddy GPS, Golf World gift vouchers and beautifully crafted necklaces were an added bonus for the ladies. Tournament sponsor Ladbrokes provided all participants with a free $25 bet on which state or country they thought the highest scoring player would come from. NSW and VIC were favourites, each retuning $100, while the payout on an ACT or Tassie win topped $350. Playing off 15, Ron Campbell from Castle Hill (NSW) scored 150 points, the best for the tournament, winning the Men’s 66+ B Grade and big cheers from those who punted on a NSW victory. Ladbrokes also offered a $5,000 cash prize for anyone scoring a hole-in-one during the Championship rounds. While the tournament has yielded 18 hole-in-ones, including three in 2012, none achieved the feat this year, although Perth’s Judy Rosser aced the 15th at Arundel Hills in the practice round and was awarded $500. The average winning score across the 15 tournament divisions was just 137 points this year, further proof that the handicapping checks and adjustments made by tournament organisers Go Golfing are delivering a level playing field. Mark Hawley was in high praise of the tournament committee: “We review the 6-month playing history of all players. Past

winners play off a reduced handicap. Players scoring consistently well have their handicap reduced during the tournament. We have undertaken a lot of measures to weed out the bandits.” Non-golfing partners attend all of the tournament dinners and nightly socials and this year enjoyed a high tea, river cruise with lunch, Italian and French cooking classes. Testimony to the event’s enduring quality, 91 golfers have now played in 10 or more of the Gold Coast World Masters while Glenn Dodds from the Sunshine Coast and Dennis and Lorraine Chidlow have never missed a year since the event started in 1996. Lorraine celebrated her 70th birthday during the tournament and Dennis’ collection of tournament shirts from every year added nostalgia to the 20-year event tribute displayed in the foyer of Mercure Resort. This is a tournament with some amazing stats. Tournament host Peter McCarthy from Gold Coast based Go Golfing has shared some fun facts about the events’ 20 year history: • 60,811 rounds played on the Gold Coast’s resort courses • An estimated 183,000 golf balls lost or hit into the water • $1.72 million in prizes including 8 new cars and 30 overseas holidays • 4 weddings (and no funerals) – 4 couples who met at the tournament have got hitched • 2 lawsuits resulting from golfers running down other golfers in golf carts (reportedly by accident)

Golf Fore A Cause, supporting Breast and Prostate Cancer Foundations were the beneficiaries from this year’s charity raffle. Go Golfing’s World Masters events have now raised more than $229,000 for cancer research. Planning is already underway for the 21st edition of the Ladbrokes World Masters Golf Championship which runs 23-29 October 2016. Lakelands will return as a host course and organisers are confident of finalising The Pines at Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island and the redesigned Royal Pines which reopens just in time for the PGA Championship early December. Australian Outback Spectacular, with a brand new production, will be the host venue for the welcome dinner. The gala presentation dinner will return to Jupiters Casino ballroom.

events According to Go Golfing’s managing director Peter McCarthy, settling on an event package that suits the tastes and budgets of 700 people is a challenge. “Some want 5-star, others are on a budget. In recognition of this, next year in addition to the standard Tournament Package we will offer a Premium Package option. This optional package will include VIP seating with premium wines and beers at the tournament dinners, Club access at the host hotel, high speed internet access and a decadent five-course degustation menu with matched wines.”

biggest organiser of events, tours and holidays for club golfers. Established in 1996, Go Golfing has an impressive portfolio of hosted golf tours as well as Masters (over 35’s) golf tournaments. In addition to the Ladbrokes World Masters these events include:

Go Golfing, recently voted Oceania’s Best Golf Tour Operator again in 2015 at the prestigious World Golf Awards, is Australia’s

For more information on Go Golfing tournaments visit www.gogolfing.net.au or freecall 1300 55 28 55.

0-15 Jan 2016 - Wrest Point 1 International Masters, Hobart 2-18 June 2016 - Centara World Masters, 1 Thailand -10 September 2016 – Accor Vietnam 4 World Masters.

Ladbrokes World Masters Golf Championship – Official Results 25-31 October 2015, Gold Coast Division

Position

Player

HCP Index

Ladies 35-55 A Grade

GROSS CHAMPION

Jennie Hewett (Manor Park, NZ)

10.9

Ladies 35-55 A Grade

WINNER

Sonia Swanepoel (Gladstone, QLD)

11.2

Ladies 35-55 A Grade

RUNNER UP

Judy Gibbs (Bundaberg, QLD)

Ladies 35-55 A Grade

THIRD

Kerry Paewai (Wantima, QLD)

Ladies 35-55 B Grade

WINNER

Ladies 35-55 B Grade

Stableford

Gross

134

347

132

11.7

127

17.0

124

c/b

Jackie van Bergen (Killara, NSW)

32.7

125

RUNNER UP

Ella Wong (The Australian, NSW)

19.1

122

Ladies 35-55 B Grade

THIRD

Mary Norval (Derby, WA)

27.7

121

Ladies 56-65 A Grade

GROSS CHAMPION

Maryann Elson (The Dunes, VIC)

5.5

115

343

Ladies 56-65 A Grade

WINNER

Lynne Bates (Gosford, NSW)

20.7

130

Ladies 56-65 A Grade

RUNNER UP

Moira de Vos (Avondale, NSW)

18.6

126

Ladies 56-65 A Grade

THIRD

Gwen Clutterbuck (Oxley, QLD)

12.3

123

Ladies 56-65 B Grade

WINNER

Colleen Wiltshire (Muttaburra, QLD)

31.2

134

Ladies 56-65 B Grade

RUNNER UP

Yvonne Starkey (Howlong, NSW)

29.9

130

Ladies 56-65 B Grade

THIRD

Kim Milne (Waitenate, NZ)

27.6

122

Ladies 66+ A Grade

GROSS CHAMPION

Val Smith (Surfers Paradise, QLD)

7.5

113

353

Ladies 66+ A Grade

WINNER

Shirley Kittelty (Titirangi, NZ)

20.0

130

Ladies 66+ A Grade

RUNNER UP

Joy Lawrence (Sawtell, NSW)

6.2

124

Ladies 66+ A Grade

THIRD

Mabel Crouch (Mildura, VIC)

14.8

122

Ladies 66+ B Grade

WINNER

Di Baker (Gayndah, QLD)

29.8

138

Ladies 66+ B Grade

RUNNER UP

Lorraine Clark (Huapai, NZ)

36.7

133

Ladies 66+ B Grade

THIRD

Marilyn Foale (Hervey Bay, QLD)

27.2

130

Men 35-55 A Grade

GROSS CHAMPION

Roy Hollick (Royal Auckland, NZ)

1.3

130

310

Men 35-55 A Grade

WINNER

Pete Robbins (Springwood, NSW)

4.9

133

Men 35-55 A Grade

RUNNER UP

Jaysen Taylor (Royal Perth, WA)

5.2

130

Men 35-55 A Grade

THIRD

Murray Young (Sunshine, VIC)

0.3

124

c/b

Men 35-55 B Grade

WINNER

Kevin MacDougal (Woolooware, NSW)

11.1

147

Men 35-55 B Grade

RUNNER UP

Daryn Kitchener (Virginia, QLD)

14.0

141

Men 35-55 B Grade

THIRD

Jamie Stewart (Mount Isa, QLD)

9.9

136

Men 35-55 C Grade

WINNER

Henk Swanepoel (Gladstone, QLD)

18.6

144

Men 35-55 C Grade

RUNNER UP

John Rattray (Palmer Colonial, QLD)

17.7

143

c/b

Men 35-55 C Grade

THIRD

Steve Osborne (Hurstville, NSW)

23.0

143

Men 56-65 A Grade

GROSS CHAMPION

Warren Howard (Wanneroo, WA)

4.3

143

306

Men 56-65 A Grade

WINNER

Kevin Bocos (Willows, QLD)

9.2

141

333

Men 56-65 A Grade

RUNNER UP

Michael Burke (Elanora, NSW)

10.2

140

Men 56-65 A Grade

THIRD

Bronte Daniel (The Grange, SA)

10.6

137

342

Men 56-65 B Grade

WINNER

Gary Morley (Muswellbrook, NSW)

14.5

144

Men 56-65 B Grade

RUNNER UP

Julio Laguzzi (Pacific, QLD)

15.0

141

Men 56-65 B Grade

THIRD

Robert Kelly (Kooindah Waters, NSW)

13.3

137

Men 56-65 C Grade

WINNER

Peter Hughes (Prospect Vale, TAS)

22.5

141

c/b

Men 56-65 C Grade

RUNNER UP

Russell Fisher (Belmont, NSW)

20.4

141

Men 56-65 C Grade

THIRD

Peter Seamons (Cabramatta, NSW)

19.5

139

Men 66+ A Grade

GROSS CHAMPION

Greg O’Brien (Albury Commercial, NSW)

1.7

127

318

Men 66+ A Grade

WINNER

Brian Ellevsen (Toowoomba, QLD)

9.5

138

337

Men 66+ A Grade

RUNNER UP

Richard Staines (Cairns, QLD)

8.9

135

Men 66+ A Grade

THIRD

Murray Davidson (Matamata, NZ)

8.9

135

336

5. R ussell Gordon (Willows, QLD) – $2000 Cash from Ladbrokes

Men 66+ B Grade

WINNER

Ron Campbell (Castle Hill, NSW)

15.0

150

Men 66+ B Grade

RUNNER UP

Brad Burke (Southport, QLD)

14.5

148

6. P aul Montie (Melville Glades, WA) – Noosa Springs 5 night package including golf

Men 66+ B Grade

THIRD

Richard Cook (Cromer, NSW)

18.8

141

Men 66+ C Grade

WINNER

John Mallett (Townsville, QLD)

107.0

143

c/b

Men 66+ C Grade

RUNNER UP

Jack Slattery (Rossdale, VIC)

108.0

143

c/b

Men 66+ C Grade

THIRD

Bill Kittelty (Titirangi , NZ)

114.0

143

c/b

Major Prize Draw Winners 1. P at Mullens (Glades, QLD) – 2016 Ladbrokes Masters, Gold Coast Package including accom + flights + $5000 Cash from Ladbrokes 2. L ynne Halberstater (Non Golfer) – 2016 Centara World Masters, Thailand Package including accom + flights 3. J ohn Rattray (Palmer Colonial, QLD) – 2016 Accor World Masters, Vietnam Package including accom + flights 4. K en Fergusan (Sun City, WA) – Wrest Point Masters, Hobart Package including accom + flights

7. K ristin Griffiths (Virginia, NSW) – Parkview Melbourne 5 night package including golf 8. R obbie Clegg (Maryborough, VIC) – Terrace Downs NZ 4 night package including golf www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

19th hole self-harming. The problem is, I then have to go to plan B to get home. Plan B usually involves my beautiful wife, who can suddenly turn quite unattractive when she pulls up outside the clubhouse with a look on her face similar to Linda Blair’s in the Exorcist. The conversation on the way home usually goes a little like this – “………….”.

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

his Christmas, I would love a driver that could actually drive me home. It’s no secret that I love a couple of beers after my rounds; mainly because these days, my rounds are usually so bad that I need some form of medication to prevent me from

Next, I’d love a voucher to see a golf physio, who actually has a semblance of compassion. Has anyone else seen a physio recently? My aging back (and even older front) recently decided to give up the fight and go into a series of spasms on the eve of an E-Z-GO Legends Tour event. I played 18 holes at Mollymook Golf Course during the NSW PGA Championship with a swing that must have looked like I had been shot with a Taser mid-way through. A half an hour later and I had my face wedged into a strange-looking cushion with a hole in the centre staring at the floor while a physiotherapist went about trying to unravel the damage 40 years of bad swings had left. Actually it was a good thing my face was pointing to the ground halfcovered with a towel. He couldn’t hear what I was calling him. Speaking of Tasers, surely by now someone has invented a laser rangefinder that can upset a competitor’s concentration during their swing right after his ball has hit another

tree and bounced back onto the fairway. Something similar to the phasers Captain Kirk used to fire at the Klingons. It used to make an absolute dog’s breakfast out of those poor ugly bad boys who already had foreheads that looked like a green keeper had run over them with a Toro bunker raker.

too willing to enlighten me on the physics of his tee. By the time he’d finished and I had nearly passed out through excessive nodding, it was time to take my position sitting in a golf cart modelled on a US Army Hum-Vee and talk up this tee. I’m sure it made for riveting radio coverage.

I would also like a “tee” that gives me 20 extra metres. Well, I reckon I’ve squeezed every millimetre out of new clubs and balls and failing the fact that some genius may have created a glove that that can increase my club head speed, the only thing left to try is a new tee. I remember once doing a radio piece on the Australian Golf Merchandising show at Darling Harbour and being told by the producer to find something gimmicky to talk up on air.

I kept the tee and couldn’t wait to see if it worked and my radio credibility hadn’t been permanently damaged. A couple of days later, I was at Mount Broughton Golf Course in NSW having a hit with two very interested mates and one slightly cynical one named Brooksy.

As you can imagine, there was no shortage of quirky devices scattered all around the convention centre but the one that caught my eye was sitting on the counter of a small stall stuck right back in the corner of the building. There was a bloke, who was the dead spit of Albert Einstein, sitting behind the counter promoting his new plastic tee which gave you another 7 metres. It looked like a small fluro weapon of mass destruction attached to a tooth brush. Albert looked pretty convincing, and when I explained what I wanted to do, he was only

All we want for Christmas is …

I tried my best to condense Doctor Einstein’s theory of relativa-tee (see what I did there?), placed my ball on the device and proceeded to hit a raging snap hook straight into a hazard. The tee, on the other hand, took off like a miniature sky rocket and flew a good 25 metres into the two-foot-long grass in front of the teeing mound. This was all the fuel Brooksy needed to come out with – “Wow Larry! You were right. That thing flew way further. Better keep in mind, you have 5 minutes to find it or you will have to go back and hit another one… Should we call the next group through?” Merry Christmas everyone and may Santa (not Brooksy), bring you some nice new tees.

The quick nine quiz THERE are 20 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine. How many can you get?

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

For Tom Watson galleries that appreciate fine shot-making and don’t scream “get in the hole” and other useless terms.

HRISTMAS is about gift-giving and as dear ’ol Santa suits up for another expedition around the globe, Inside Golf decided to issue him with a wish list.

Forgiveness for Dustin Johnson … maybe a little.

Of course, it would be remiss of us if we didn’t provide the noble gent, whose only verbal contribution to Christmas festivities is a rather bland “Ho Ho Ho”, with an additional list of requests.

10. A new tailor for John Daly and a victory or two on the Champions Tour.

The Inside Golf Team

Anyway, here’s just a few things we would like to see him bring to fruition in 2016. 1.

A major for Marc Leishman, who has been good all year.

2. A Green Jacket or Claret Jug for Jason Day. 3.

A short putter fitted with a laser beam for Adam Scott.

For Tiger Woods, a return to form and a healthy body that doesn’t break down every five minutes.

A caddie with a hide as thick as a rhinoceros for Robert Allenby.

A map of the world for Americans playing the US PGA Tour.

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

9. A sense of fulfillment for Sergio Garcia.

11.

For Gary Player, a contract to design and build his first golf course in Australia to add to the 300 he’s designed on every other continent.

12. For club golfers, a gift card that allows a free drop from divots in the fairway. 13. For Miguel Angel Jimenez, a box of the finest Cuban cigars and best Spanish red wine money can buy. 14. For the Augusta National hierarchy, real estate so they can lengthen the golf course in the lead-up to the Masters. 15. A membership increase for all Australian golf clubs. 16. Voting rights and a Saturday tee-time for the women at Royal Queensland Golf Club.

17. An increase in sponsorship and prizemoney for all Australian events. 18. A stop-watch and pair of running shoes for all players who can’t finish a round in less than four hours. Inside Golf doesn’t expect Santa and his partner Merry to achieve all those wishes in one yuletide season, but I’m sure you’ll agree, dear readers, five or six wouldn’t be too much to ask. I have a few other suggestions for you Santa. When Rory McIlroy’s not looking, can you hide his soccer ball. He’s needed on the fairways … not on the couch with his feet up. Santa, please arrange for Jason Day to come home and entertain Australian golf fans next year. Also, have a quiet word with Tiger and ask him to restrict his agonising face contortions after playing shots from difficult lies. And while you’re at it Santa, tell John “Wild Thing” Daly to stop throwing perfectly good clubs in lakes. Finally, arrange for car-park golfers to spend more time at the 19th hole. Add your own to the list dear readers and enjoy the Christmas season as it’s supposed to be celebrated. Merry Christmas and a bountiful new year.

1. Who is Australia’s top-ranked female golfer? (2 pts) 2. In error, a referee authorised a player to infringe a Rule of Golf. Is the player absolved from penalty in such a case? (2 pts) 3.

Who said: “The next time I cry about golf it will only be with joy. It’s not worth crying over golf for any other reason. After all, it’s only a game.” Was it Rory McIlroy, Jason Day or Jordan Spieth? (3 pts)

4. Which former US Masters and US Open champion is nicknamed The Duck? Clue: He’s South American. (3 pts) 5. Royal Troon in Scotland will host the 2016 Open Championship – true or false? (1pt) 6. Can you solve the following anagram – Sharp jointed. Clue: The American has been top of the pops. (3 pts) 7. Which country will host the 2019 Presidents Cup (2 pts) 8. In what year did Tiger Woods win his last major? (3 pts) 9. Which American golfer recently won the Fiji International? (2 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Minjee Lee; (2). Yes. A referee’s decision is final, whether or not the decision is correct; (3). Rory McIlroy; (4). Angel Cabrera; (5). True; (6). Jordan Spieth; (7). Australia; (8). 2008 – US Open; (9). Matt Kuchar.

Promoting golf club memberships We are all aware of declining golf club memberships and the resultant potential financial difficulties for the clubs. Also, there is less interest in our game for reasons such as competition from other sports, activities and attractions. Where do members come from? Some more mature members start the game late and then join a club, while others move into another club’s area and join. But a club’s future memberships will come from junior players, both male and female. How do we encourage youngsters to play golf and want to be part of a golf club? I think we need to understand what these kids like to do. I have seen them hanging around clubs a bit aimlessly after their game. We should consider providing them with an area in the club where they can just “chill” or listen to their kind of music, or watch TV/Video (Golf instruction CDs could be available) or access free WiFi to communicate with their friends. We could also provide games such as air hockey, foosball or other types of entertainment machines. After all, adult members have their bar area and gaming machines for their relaxation. If kids saw the club as a comprehensive fun place to play golf and “hang out”, there would be much more chance of them enjoying the whole

Letter of the Month

experience and remaining members into adulthood. They may then encourage their children in turn. Many adults will not join clubs but play socially at different courses. I believe that the free WiFi would help. This would allow easy communication with members’ businesses and social connections, and thus enable people to enjoy and stay longer in their club. This would also promote more use of the club facilities. I believe we need to think “outside the square” to address the declining club memberships around the country and to increase interest in our sport. Michael Gregora Editor’s Note: Good stuff Michael. We totally agree. Courses like Eastern Golf Club have implemented kids (and adults) games room into their clubhouse exactly for this purpose, while we also recently wrote about how Hungtingdale Golf Club’s free WiFi is helping boost membership and traffic in their clubhouse. We hope more clubs follow suit.

your voice

Get it with the etiquette Last week we filled a number of very fresh divots, some 200mm long and 60mm wide. Why can the hitter not see this? Are they blind or just ignorant? (I favour the latter). Surely there must be a way to ensure that players do the right thing...even if it means signs on every tee box and entry to the greens. Or big signs on carts. And don’t even get me started on bunkers. How can we make people more responsible and considerate? Paul A’Bell

As a resident and member of a Mornington Peninsula course, and on course 4 times a week, I am staggered and concerned at the lack of etiquette these days. On an average round my partners and I will replace or fill approximately 8 to 10 extra divots per hole, and repair at least 3 pitch marks—even if we have made none. We do it because we want the course to be in good condition for all to play and avoid the frustration of hitting shots from a 50mm deep hole.

Crossword > 1

9 10

13 14

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!

Curtains for curtains?

DSR must GO

So Luke Roolker does not like his fellow competitors being “protected from the elements” by curtains in their carts (Letters, Inside Golf November) and wants it ruled out somehow. In my opinion he is misguided on several fronts. Firstly, at a time when all clubs should be encouraging all of their existing members and trying to attract new members to participate in club competitions, they should not be making that participation less attractive to some (perhaps older) members. Secondly, he would have to concede that all players have to play their shots or stroke their putts whilst out of the cart (or out from under an umbrella) so, importantly, the conduct of the skill part of the game is already the same for everyone. Thirdly, using his logic a member with a very wellfitting rain suit, a large umbrella and a caddy to carry and keep his clubs dry would similarly be advantaged and would therefore need to be sanctioned as well. Fourthly, I don’t believe the concept of fairness as far as the elements are concerned can be legislated into the game because the weather conditions throughout a competition will be invariably be different across the competition field. It must do Luke’s head in if he plays his competition round in the rain and wind in the morning and then the afternoon field plays in calm sunny conditions! And finally, if (and it’s a big IF) there was some slight advantage to being a curtain-bound cart player then ultimately over time their handicap would reflect the advantage they enjoy and be reduced accordingly. Gary Parker

I’m writing this out of frustration with our handicapping system. We almost got it right with the courses being rated and personal handicaps being calculated on ‘form’ being top 8 from last 20 rounds. The DSR is creating a C-grade paradise out there, players shooting 10 or 12 under their handicap and having a great day out (which I have no problem with) are setting the DSR for the day for everyone. The DSR ends up 4 shots less than par and low markers who may have battled and scrambled to achieve a respectable score find GolfLink telling us we have shot 3 or 4 over handicap. The higher handicapper doesn’t get chopped much and the A graders stay the same or go out. My personal goal every time I play is to beat my handicap and try to get the lowest handicap I can; I have little interest in prizes. So the fact that each grade has its own comp is only about prizes; because at the end of the day the DSR affects everyone. WHY CAN’T WE PLAY TO PAR!!! The course has been rated for difficulty by a team that took years to get that information. Perhaps the rating should be adjusted for future events if scores are consistently below par. If that means we all have lower handicaps, so be it. This will encourage people starting out that they have a chance in a comp and bring back good quality A-grade players into the field for others to admire and watch. Neil Maddison

26 27

ACROSS

DOWN

Answers: page 99

1 Place to pick up a coach, say? (3,4) 2 Action of trying to hit a golf ball (5) 3 Regular Aussie commentator on the PGA circuit, Ian _____-_____ (5-5) 4 Period of instruction that could be needed to improve your game (6) 6 Performs (4) 7 Lead the way (9) 8 Final stages of chess that can be applied to any competition (7) 9 One who supports players on tour, but not golf players (6) 14 Melbourne-born player who won the 2002 Australian Open (5,5) 16 Multiple Major winner and golf commentator (4,5) 17 Paunch (3) 18 Made less in size (7) 19 Called up (6) 21 Really dislikes (7) 22 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2015 British Masters, Marcus ______ (6) 25 Winner of the Open Championship in 2012, _____ Els (5 26 Implement used to keep a bunker in good order (4)

1 Match in which one plays against the better shot of two or three players (4,4) 5 Loosely, the state that’s home to Australia’s oldest golf course (6) 10 Another name for a golf club (5) 11 Aussie winner of the 2015 Venetian Macao Open (5,4) 12 Winner of 14 Major Championships (5,5) 13 Open space (4) 15 Equipment needed to mark a scorecard, perhaps (6) 17 Succeed; arrive (3,5) 18 A glancing rebound or skip, such as that of a projectile flying low (8) 20 Avoided (6) 23 To strike (a ball) clumsily by hitting the ground behind the ball (4) 24 Golf competition (10) 27 Two or more people, on the same score, in front of the rest of the field (2-7) 28 Golf course (5) 29 Tee off again as a precaution (2,4) 30 Those at the nineteenth, perhaps (8)

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

calendar

Aussie legends love Byron Bay

HE legends are coming – the legends are coming!!!

Grab your cameras, binoculars and shooting sticks. That’s the message Byron Bay Golf Club in northern New South Wales is promoting as they await the arrival of golfing legends for the 2015 Australian Legends Schweppes Tour Championship from Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13. David Merriman will be returning to defend his 2014 Champion title as well as 2013 winner Peter Senior. Given Senior’s absence from the field last year due to shoulder injury and resulting inability to defend his 2013 win, the question this year is still can he win four from four at Byron Bay? Byron Bay Golf Club captain Peter Sinclair said preparations for the ninth consecutive 54-hole Legends Tour pro-am event were

close to being finalised. Boasting some of the strongest fields in legends golf in recent years, the event is shaping up as equally strong based on early entries and pledges from players. “With Mike Harwood, Ian Baker-Finch Peter Senior and David Merriman as the last four winners of the Tour Championship, the club is very proud of the calibre of golfers that have walked the lush fairways of the championship layout,” Sinclair said.

by glowing testimonials from Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Senior.

“The condition of the course over the years has received many favourable comments from the players, which culminated last year in the club’s course superintendent Shaun Cross winning the State Association Superintendent of the Year and National Association Excellence in Golf Course Management awards.

For amateurs not playing in the Byron Bay Tour Championship Pro-am there is a great opportunity to experience the course in tournament conditions by entering the Amore/Coastline Coffee Byron Bay Open 18hole Stroke Play event on Saturday, December 5th. The entry fee is $30 for visitors. To book a tee time, call the pro shop on (02) 6685-6977.

“Shaun’s national submission was bolstered

CALENDAR > DECEMBER

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

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

Having won the NSW PGA Legends Pro-

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.

Master of the Amateurs

WHEN: 6-9January, 2016 WHERE: Royal Melbourne Golf Club INFO: www.masteroftheamateurs.com.au The Australian Master of the Amateurs is the highest ranked Category A event in Australia, and is ranked by the R&A as the highest ranked Amateur Championship in Australia. Amateurs from around the world will go stroke for stroke against each other in this 72hole stroke amateur golf championship. The 2016 Australian Master of the Amateurs Green Jacket Champion receives an exemption into the 2016 Amateur Championship UK, Porter Cup USA, The Players Amateur USA, and The Dogwood Invitational USA.

Am of the Year in 2011, the club is keen to showcase its course and stage a fantastic legends tournament with a relaxed, holiday atmosphere in one of Australia’s iconic tourist destinations. For more information, contact the club on (02) 6685-6470 or visit the website www.byronbaygolfclub.com.au Byron Bay Golf Club is located at 62 Broken Head Road – approximately 3.5 kilometres south of Byron Bay’s CBD.

MARCH

NSW VETERANS STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS WHERE: Richmond, Penrith and Stonecutters Ridge WHEN: 21-22-23 March 2016 INFO: Chris Evans, Secretary, WSRVGA on 0413912888 Now in its third year in Western Sydney, the 54-hole State Strokeplay Championships are now also a Senior Order of Merit (SOOM) event and attracting the very best golfers (aged 55 years and over) from across the state. A rule change in 2014 means that all players can enjoy the final day of these Championships from the luxury of a cart, if they so choose. With significant sponsorship from Frasers Property Australia and Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers, the entry fee remains at just $99 for the three days of golf competition and this includes a luncheon on the final day at Stonecutters prior to the presentation of trophies. A full field of 144 players is anticipated.

GOLF NSW DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events

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 96

December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Date opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Singleton Golf Club 51 Boundary Street, Singleton NSW 2330 5th Qualifying Round 12th December 2015 Final 13th December 2015 Macquarie Links International Golf Club Macquarie Links Drive, Macquarie Links NSW 2565 5th Qualifying Round 5th December 2015 Final 12th December 2015

05-06-Dec-15 16-Dec-15

Event Men’s NSW Country Championships & Inter-District Teams Championship Women’s Medal Competition – STATE FINAL

Venue Wolongong GC Stonecutters Ridge GC

Men’s Vardon Events Date 12-Dec-15 12-Dec-15

Event The Grange Open Ryde-Parramatta Cup

Venue The Grange GC, NSW Ryde-Parramatta GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date 01-Dec-15

Event Cromer Seniors + SOOM Presentation

Venue Cromer GC

Women’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date 01-Dec-15

Event Cromer Seniors + SOOM Presentation

Venue Cromer GC

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

demo dates MIZUNO

Location

Day

mizuno.com.au

Date Time

New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Driving Range * Tuesday December 01 4 - 7pm Manly G.C * ** Wednesday December 02 8am - 11am Pambula Merimbula GC * Thursday December 03 10am - 3pm Power Golf - Alexandria * Monday December 07 2 - 5pm Goulburn G.C * Tuesday December 08 10am - 4pm The Australian GC * Wednesday December 09 9am - 1pm Royal Canberra G.C * ** Wednesday December 09 9am - 1pm Belconnen G.C * Thursday December 10 12.30 - 4pm Pittwater Golf Centre * Thursday December 10 3 - 7pm Oatlands GC * Saturday December 14 3 - 7pm The Ridge Driving Range * Wednesday December 16 4 - 7pm Roseville GC * Wednesday December 25 8am - 1pm Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex * Tuesday December 01 5.30 - 7.30pm Brisbane * Wednesday December 02 10am - 1pm Emerald Lakes Driving Range * Wednesday December 09 12 - 4pm Warwick GC * Thursday December 10 9am - 1pm Coolangatta Tweed Heads Friday December 11 3 - 5pm Victoria Kingston Heath GC * ** Wednesday December 02 10am- 2pm MGA Driving Range Wednesday December 02 4 - 7pm Royal Melbourne GC * ** Thursday December 03 10am- 2pm Royal Melbourne GC * ** Saturday December 05 10am - 2pm Cranbourne GC * ** Wednesday December 09 10am- 2pm The National GC * ** Friday December 11 12 - 5pm Centenary Park * Tuesday December 15 10am - 3pm Western Australia Busselton Friday December 11 10am - 2pm Capel Saturday December 12 10am - 2pm

TAYLORMADE Location

New South Wales / ACT Royal Sydney GC † * Australian GC † * Thornleigh Golf Centre » † * Avondale GC † * Muirfield GC † * Oatlands Golf Club † * Ryde-Parramatta GC † * HOG Coffs Harbour » † South West Rocks » † Wauchope GC » † Asquith GC † * Moore Park Driving Range † * Queensland Virginia GC † * Pacific GC † Royal Queensland † * ** Wolston Park † Indooroopilly † (ladies only) HOG Ballina † Tweed/Coolangatta » The Grand » ** Bribie Island † * Mcleod † 12pm Golf Central † * Hope Island † * ** Victoria Northern † MGA » Royal Melbourne † 2pm Morack † Centenary Park † Royal Melbourne † Victoria † Yarra Bend † Medway † Golf City Ballarat † Whittlesea † Growling Frog †

COBRA PUMA Location

New South Wales / ACT House of Golf Coffs Harbour House of Golf Ballina Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy Western Australia Joondalup GC

www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011 Day

Date Time

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Wednesday

December 01 December 02 December 02 December 03 December 05 December 07 December 08 December 09 December 10 December 11 December 14 December 16

9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 4.30 - 8pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 2 - 7pm 11am - 4pm 9am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm

Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday

December 01 December 02 December 04 December 05 December 08 December 10 December 11 December 12 December 16 December 17

1 - 5pm 10am - 12.30pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 7.30am - 9.30am 2 - 6pm 3 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 9.30am - 2am 9am -

Thursday Friday

December 17 December 18

3 - 7pm 2 - 5pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

December 02 December 02 December 03

10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am -

Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Saturday

December 03 December 04 December 05 December 10 December 10 December 11 December 11 December 12 December 12

3 - 7pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1pm 5 - 8pm 9am - 1pm 2 - 6pm 10am - 5pm 10am - 2pm

cobragolf.com.au

Day Date Time

Wednesday Thursday

December 09 December 10

2 - 7pm 2 - 6pm

Wednesday

December 02

4 - 7pm

Saturday

December 05

8am-12pm

CALLAWAY

Location

www.callawaygolf.com.au | callawaygolf.com/demo-days

New South Wales / ACT Maitland Professional Shop √ * The Vintage Golf Club √ * Drummond Golf Northmead Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club √ * Lismore Golf Club √ * The Australian Golf Club √ ** Northbridge Golf Club √ ≠ * Bayview Golf Pro Shop √ * Moore Park Golf House Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex South Australia Victor Golf Shop √ Victoria/Tasmania Melbourne Golf Academy Royal Melbourne Golf Club √ ≠ ** Royal Melbourne Golf Club √ ≠ ** Morack Golf Course √ ≠ Flinders Golf Club √ ≠ Commonwealth Golf Club √ * Centenary Park Golf Course ≠ *

PING

Location

Day

Date Time

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday

December 01 12 - 4pm December 02 8am - 12pm December 03 4 - 7pm December 04 12 - 4pm December 08 2 - 5pm December 09 9am - 1pm December 10 8am - 12pm December 15 12 - 4pm December 17 4 - 7pm

Tuesday

December 08 5.30 - 7.30pm

Thursday

December 03 9am - 12pm

Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Saturday

December 02 December 03 December 05 December 09 December 10 December 10 December 12

4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm

Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Day Date Time

New South Wales Monash Country Club ◊ * Tuesday December 01 Yass Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 02 Griffith Golf Club ◊ * Thursday December 03 Wagga Wagga Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 04 Cabramatta Golf Club ◊ * Monday December 07 Bayview Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday December 08 The Australian Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 09 Moore Park Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 09 The Links Shell Cove ◊ * Thursday December 10 Everglades Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 11 Ryde Parramatta Golf Club ◊ * Monday December 14 Pymble Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday December 15 Castle Hill Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 16 Avondale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday December 17 Terrey Hills Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 18 Queensland Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday December 01 Victoria Park Driving Range ° * Tuesday December 01 House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Wednesday December 02 Oxley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 02 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday December 03 Mcleod Golf Club ◊ * Thursday December 03 Noosa Tewantin Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 05 Ipswich Driving Range ° * Monday December 07 Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 09 Twin Waters Golf Club c/- Gripped on golf ° Friday 1 - 6pm The Grand Golf Club ° ** Saturday December 12 Victoria Kooringal Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday December 01 Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday December 02 Royal Melbourne Golf Club ◊ ** Thursday December 03 Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 04 Royal Melbourne Golf Club ◊ ** Saturday December 05 National Golf Club - Long Island ◊ ** Thursday December 10 Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ° Thursday December 10 Green Acres Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 11 National Golf Club - Cape Schanck ◊ ** Saturday December 12 Sandhurst Club ◊ * Thursday December 17 Devil Bend Golf Club ◊ * Saturday December 19 Western Australia Mount Lawley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 02 Wembley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday December 09 Marangaroo Golf Club ◊ * Friday December 11 South Australia Blackwood Golf Club ◊ * Thursday December 03 The Grange Golf Club ◊ * Saturday December 05

9am - 1pm 11.30 - 3.30pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 2pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 8am - 12pm 10.30am - 3.30pm 5 - 7.30pm 4 - 6pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 12pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 3 - 6pm December 11 3 - 5pm 1 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9.30am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 1.30pm

* 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 | December 2015

golf directory

Moonah linkS

Stay & Play

Benalla Golf Club

pp $215 From share twin eek w mid

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

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

Luxury One Bedroom Fully Self Contained Apartments @ the award winning Moonah Links Golf Course located on the Mornington Peninsula • • • • • • •

2 x 18 hole championship golf courses Restaurant and spike bar In house Day Spa Golf Cart Ride to nearby Hot Springs 5 Nights Accommodation (mid week) 2 x Green Fees Complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates on arrival

Contact Terry 0418

from

$110 # per person per night

507 334 or Alison 0403 573 132 for further details # Extra Fees apply for weekend stays

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

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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.

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.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 Male & Female Golfers & Non Golfers Welcome

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

The 9 day escorted golf tour is fantastic value. To ensure your trip is the luxurious and hassle-free experience you expect, numbers on each tour are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. The package price includes: • Airfares from Sydney • Transfers within Vietnam • Airport Taxes • Accommodation

• Golf carts • Caddies • Group dinner • Prizes

Twin Share $2,985 | Single $3,200 | Non Golfer $2,300

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

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www.kahmagolf.com

www.golfcoastgetaways.com.au

Packages

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

49 $ 131* p/person

Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.

Play Australia’s Finest Sandbelt Courses

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

• 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

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

110

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

Visitors

*Extra fees apply for Moonah Links, Sorrento Golf Club and The National Golf Club

*Conditions apply.

ROSEBUD MOTEL

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1869 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud West VIC, 3941

For further enquires and bookings P: (03) 5985 2041 E: rosebudmotel@bigpond.com W: www.rosebudmotel.com.au

Crossword Answers L L T A S S E R C P S C O T T H E S A S A O O D S A R N I S H G E T T H E U E A E T E V A D V F E O U R N A M E K A L R E R S L I N D E A I D R I N K E

I E N N D G E A M R E E D E N T E K S T R S For advertising call 1300 465 300

4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM. 3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$475

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

R E D U C E D

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

FROM

B U S S T O P

$545

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

www.insidegolf.com.au | December 2015

golf directory

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www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

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

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

*SUMMER 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

www.insidegolf.com.au

Aquarius R

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

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

Packages starting from: $499*pp / 2 Share $415*pp / 3 Share $395*pp / 4 Share

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

*Conditions apply

• Large Groups Welcome

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

“

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

SPECIAL OFFER

DON’T MISS OUT!

$219 - JUST $97

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

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads 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.

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December 2015 | www.insidegolf.com.au

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD For advertising call 1300 465 300

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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.

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golf directory

Play anytime - No waiting

Your chance to own a piece of golfing history

Authentic hickory ShAfted PutterS

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

Left and Right Hand *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

$25 each plus p. and p

MAKE GREAT XMAS PRESENTS

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

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

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

• 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 (Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

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

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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 | December 2015

101

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

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 ½ Days info@penrithgolffactory.com.au

Callaway Set + Bag + Odyssey Putter Package 8 Irons 1 Driver 1 Fairway 1 Hybrid 1 Bag 1 Odyssey Putter Includes 4 Covers

Cleveland 588 MT or TT

15º Loft, Regular Flex Includes cover Easy use model

Graphite Irons x 7 4 to Pitching Wedge Graphite Regular Flex Shafts

$455

Eagles & Birdies Stableford Bag 3.5kg

$159

$429

Srixon Distance

3 Dozen for

$39

$20

Srixon Soft Feel Yellow Srixon Distance

Sand Wedge Steel Ladies 5, 6, 8, P.W

$69ea $29 $39ea

Gap W, S W Graphite

*Superceded models

Srixon Deluxe Cart Bag

TaylorMade Sldr TP Stiff Driver Cleveland 588 TT Graphite Sand Wedge

$249 $39

Fairway Metalwood Titanium Head Driver Including covers

Lightweight 14 Way Bags

$99

Cleveland Waterproof zippers 2014 Model 14 Full Length Dividers Blue/White or Black

Srixon Airlite 2.9kg Black/Green /White only

$55

$449

$349

Callaway X-Hot Set $79 $89 $139

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

Burner 2014

Black Only

Game Improvement Models

6 - SW

$109

$329 Right Hand

Iron Covers

$79 $129

Eagles & Birdies Black Only Fits Right or Left Hand

$35

$59 3 - S.W

Set of 9

$249

$129

$349

Callaway X-Hot Pro Model

Regular Flex Right or Left Hand Wood 18º Loft Includes cover

$79 $79 $79

16º or 18º Hybrid Right Hand 15º 3 Fairway Right or left

$149

Golf Buddy Laser

13.5º Strong 3 Fairway Right Hand 9.5º Adjustable Driver Right or Left

Callaway Hex Black Tour Balls

Urethane Cover White or Yellow

5 Piece Urethane Cover

$39 Dozen

$49

$29 Dozen

Ladies Only TaylorMade Jetspeed Model

Driver 12º Loft Can be adjusted down to 10.5º or up to 13.5º Includes Cover & Wrench

$299

$549 $2 $99

Rubber grips Srixon or Cleveland

$149

Callaway Hex Chrome Ball

$219 $24

4 to Pitching Wedge Project X (5.5) Firm Steel Shafts Right Hand

Project X Stiff Graphite Shafts (6.0) Including Covers & Wrench (Drivers)

$259

Mens Black $799

$499

Easy to use

14 Full Length Dividers 6 Magnetic Pockets Putter Pit Cooler Pocket Black/Orange or Black/Green

Callaway X-Hot $15 Pro Irons (not offset)

$17 Aero Burner Pro 3 Piece $24 Project A 3 Piece $30 Tour Preferred Std 4 Piece $39 Tour Preferred X 5 Piece $39 Burner Soft

Graphite Shafts

Eagles & Birdies Magnetic Pro Bag

8º to 11º Loft $299 Adjustable Jetspeed 49grm Firm Stiff Shaft Includes Cover & Wrench

Range Finder

Ladies Callaway X-Hot Irons (6)

14 Way Top Divided Lightweight

60º Lob Right 56º Sand Right 56º Sand Left 52º Gap Left

Left Hand Only TaylorMade Driver

$749

TaylorMade Balls

Lightweight

TaylorMade ATV Wedge

$189

Dozen

$12

Cleveland Classic XL Rescue Hybrid

3 Dozen for

Black/Yellow only Full length dividers Cooler pocket

3 piece ball Long and soft HALF 3 piece quality PRICE! $144 for 144 Individually boxed balls

$189

$39

9.5 or 10.5 Various Shaft Flexes Includes Cover & Wrench

$109

Callaway HX Bite TaylorMade T8 Golf Bag

TopFlite Gamer V2 Ping G25 Mens 5

Full Length 14 Way divided External Putter pit $239 Rain Cover Cooler Pocket Black, Red, White Black, Black, White Black, Blue, White

Callaway X-Hot Sand Wedge

$399

$179

Black / White Black / Yellow Black / Red Black / Blue

Srixon Q-Star Callaway Forrester Individually Boxed 14 Way Bag

Titleist Velocity $ In-Store Cleveland Hybrid Iron TaylorMade R15 Driver Bridgestone E6 $24 588 Altitude Right Hand Fully adjustable Optima TS + $20 3 + 4 Steel Shaft $49ea White or Black $20 $18 $13

Srixon Carry Bag With Pop Out Legs

Mens Right Standard or + 1” Long Mens Left Standard or + 1” Long

2014 model

$249

3, 4, 6, 9, P.W Graphite

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA. Postage and handling any quantity

Ladies Graphite

Callaway X Hot 3 Wood

Srixon Q-Star White or Yellow

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

www.thegolffactory.com.au

7 Irons 2 Hybrids 1 Driver 1 Fairway 1 Putter Includes 4 Covers

$849

14 Full Length Dividers Cooler Pocket Internal Putter Pit Black/Orange or Black/Yellow

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

Tour Special Set + Bag + Putter Package

Mens Right Only

$99

XMAS SALE

each

Rescue Hybrid Number 5 25º Loft Includes Cover

$179

$69