Inside Golf March 2016 by Inside Golf

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Issue 128 // MARCH 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au

New eries G-S ubs cl

> LEGENDS OF THE GAME A tribute to Dan Cullen

> CLUB OF THE MONTH The marvellous Moonah Links Resort

> CELEBRITY SWINGER From the airwaves to the fairways, Kerri-Anne’s a hit

CORPORATE GOLF LIFT-OUT

> TOP TIPS Mark Allen’s basket drill for better connection

Top courses and services for a great corporate day

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is How back! a new mental approach is helping Aaron Baddeley return to form

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Going beyond the red, white and blue Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

f you flick through any number of marketing brochures, websites and even course reviews in golf magazines like this one, you’ll doubtless have seen courses promoting the fact that they have “multiple tee boxes to suit golfers of all abilities.” And while some of these clubs simply have the standard threetee combination of the red /white / blue, a growing number of others (mostly the new courses, or forwardthinking established clubs) are taking a further step of adding colours like yellow (juniors/social) and black (“Tiger” tees). But how often are these extra tees really used? When it comes down to the weekly comp, players generally play off the same old tee markers. Week-in, week out. Red for the women, white/blue for the men. Beyond the occasional “Black Marker” challenge, there is rarely any variety from that. A few years ago, the US PGA launched their innovative TEE IT FORWARD campaign (supported by the great Jack Nicklaus), which encourages all golfers to play the course at a length that is aligned with their average driving distance. If you are a senior player or a beginner, for example, then you are encouraged to steer clear of the Tiger Tees, and instead play from the forward markers, etc. This not only aims to speed up play, but also boosts enjoyment of the game for those players who struggle

with the longer courses (and who are happy to put their ego in check.) By playing from a more appropriate teebox, more golfers would potentially be hitting approach shots with, say, 6- and 7-irons instead of hybrids and long irons. This could result in a more enjoyable round, with fewer overall shots, shorter distance travelled on each hole, and maybe even fewer lost balls. This makes perfect sense, and should be implemented at clubs across Australia. Every course in the country has (or should have) ratings for each set of tee markers. So why can’t golfers compete in the occasional (or regular) “mixed tee” competitions, and all play from any tee box we want? Seniors and beginners with limited distance could play from the forward tees, while the low markers would play from the tips. The ratings and handicap system (as well as Slope, etc) should, in theory, level the playing field. So why can’t players simply pick their teebox prior to a comp, get their daily handicap for that tee box, and then compete in a single competition against the field? In order for this to succeed, we would need to A) change our mindset, and B) become “colour-blind” when it comes to tee boxes. Many men would never consider hitting from the “Red” tees; but they would likely have no hesitation in playing from this “second position” if the markers were simply a different colour, and/or named something that ties in with the course or region (e.g. Barnbougle Dunes has tees with names like Forrester, Melaleuca, Marram, etc). So, if a senior or a beginner wants to play from the tees in the forward/first

wORld class

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position, a “colour-blind” teebox would let them do so without any stigma/ embarrassment. If a woman player wants to challenge herself from the middle or back positions, then by all means, let them have a go. I understand that not all clubs have the software or technology in place to run this type of “mixed” event, nor do they necessarily have members willing to eschew tradition. And not all courses have enough distance between their markers for this to work. And there are doubtless little details that need to be addressed. But as I’ve said many times in this column, if golf wants to survive (and thrive), then clubs need to start thinking outside the (tee) box. And as we Australians are generally a very creative and intelligent bunch, I’m sure that clubs out there can find a way to make this work. See you on the fairways,

Winner of multiple Australian Golf Media Awards -- including “Best Column” for his monthly Starters Box –Group Editor Richard Fellner is a member of the Australian Golf Writers Association and the Golf Society of Australia, and he is a regular guest on many Australian “sports talk” radio shows.

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Does your club run multi-tee competitions like the ones mentioned above? Then drop us a line and tell us all about it. Or if you have any groundbreaking ideas that you’d like to see covered/addressed in this column, then share it with us! Email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au. LINKS HOPE ISLAND

IN THIS ISSUE:

6 12 16 22 24 28 31 34 45 46 50 54 55 61 62 64 65

NEWS IG BUSINESS GENERAL MANAGERS COVER STORY: Aaron Baddeley ON TOUR AMATEURS

Golf Travel LIFT-OUT: GOLF ON THE NSW CENTRAL WEST

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TOP CLUBS AND SERVICES FOR A GREAT CORPORATE GOLF DAY

*Please contact each course in advance to secure your tee time booking prior to the date of play. You must also present the Golf Pass within the date specified at each course for redemption, which entitles you to 18 holes of golf for one person including motorised cart. Subject to tee time availability. Terms & conditions apply. Pass cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Not redeemable for cash in part or whole. www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

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www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner PO Box 360, Nunawading, Vic 3131 P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk Contributors: Bill Colhoun, Larry Canning, Henry Peters, Denis Dale, Karen Lunn, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorburn, Richard Nizielski, Steven Jeffress National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 | E: megan@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 | E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Australia/New Zealand Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Cover Photo: Felix A. Marquez It’s official: 41,200 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: April 2015 to September 2015.

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Olympic golfers unfazed by Zika concerns

ears about the mosquito-borne Zika virus spreading across Latin America has given some athletes preparing for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro cause for concern. Kenya notably made headlines last month when it threatened to pull its elite runners and other athletes out unless it got assurances they would not be exposed to the virus outbreak. And the U.S. Olympic Committee told U.S. sports federations that athletes and staff worried for their health should consider not going to the Games. But according to a report by Reuters— following a canvassing of golf professionals at recent tournaments—Olympic golf hopefuls are not concerned by the situation, and many still plan to travel to Brazil in August when golf returns to the Olympics after an absence of more than a century. “We’ve travelled all over the world playing golf,” stated world number 14 Brandt Snedeker. “We’re used to being in different climates and different areas with many different concerns, not just the Zika virus or whatever it might be, so we realize the dangers when we do travel. “We have this sort of concern when we go to China every year with smog alerts, we have it when we go to Singapore, Thailand, India or any other Asian country,” said Snedeker. For Argentine world number 34 Emiliano Grillo, the Zika virus gave him a sense of deja vu. “Where I’m from, we’ve got another

The Olympic Golf course in Rio de Janeiro mosquito virus (Dengue fever) which is pretty similar,” Grillo said. “Everybody is making a deal about the Zika virus just because it’s something new. The same thing happened when Dengue fever popped up in Buenos Aires for a couple of months and everybody made a huge deal about it. I am not scared of it.” Though the World Health Organization last month declared Zika an international health emergency that could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas, symptoms are typically mild. Health officials are most concerned by Zika’s potential link to microcephaly, a birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. Pre-Olympic trials are scheduled in Rio before August, and the IOC notes that the Games will take place during the winter months when a drier, cooler climate reduces the presence of mosquitoes and the risk of infection.

The Open brings £140m benefit to Scotland In a clear sign to governments that hosting golf events can bring significant return, a recent study found that the 2015 Open Championship in St Andrews delivered £140 million of economic benefit to Scotland - the largest amount ever achieved by a golf event in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The study, commissioned by the R&A, shows spending by visitors to Scotland for the tournament generated £88 million – nearly double the £47.5 million in visitor impact achieved in 2010 when the event was last held at the Old Course. A further £52 million in marketing benefit was realised thanks to the exposure gained by St Andrews and Scotland being broadcast to more than 500 million households worldwide, according to separate research carried out by Kantar Media Sport Intelligence. The economic impact assessment, carried out by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, estimates that Fife alone benefitted to the tune of around £52 million, and suggests there is a “St Andrew’s effect” that has seen visitor numbers to the Old Course exceed all previous years. Total spectator admissions over the course of the championship were 237,024, with 93,000 unique spectators. There were 26,400 spectators from overseas - 28 per cent of the total, compared to 20 per cent in 2010. In addition, more than two thirds of the total visitors and 80 per cent of visitors from the UK said they expect to return to Scotland within one year thanks to the positive experience they had.

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Murphy elected as USGA’s 64th president D iana M. Murphy, of St. Simons Island, Ga., was last month elected to serve a one-year term as the 64th president of the United States Golf Association, which together with The R&A governs the game worldwide. As president, Murphy assumes the leadership of the more than 300 professional staff and nearly 1,200 volunteers who serve on more than 30 USGA committees. “Although golf will always face challenges, the great golfers – such as Bob Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and my dear friend Louise Suggs – had one trait in common: they were optimistic about their games and the game,” said Murphy after her election. “It is a time for all of us, together, to be positive about golf and act accordingly.” Murphy has been formally associated with the USGA since 1996, when she began a 12-year tenure on the USGA Membership Committee. She joined the Executive Committee in 2011,

and has chaired several committees, including the Championship (2015), Commercial (2012-13), Compensation (2014-15), Finance (2012-14) and U.S. Senior Amateur Championship (2014) committees. She was elected treasurer in 2013 and vice president in 2014 and 2015. Murphy, 59, is the managing director of Rocksolid Holdings, LLC, a private-equity firm focused on small business and real estate in the Southeast. She is also managing

O’Malley warms up for Europe

Peter O’Malley drives his way towards his first Legends Tour victory. PETER O’Malley returned to his old stomping ground recently and walked away a winner. The 50-year-old, who grew up honing his skills at Sydney’s Pymble Golf Club, played in the club’s inaugural Legends Pro-Am and romped home with a four under-par 68. Peter Fowler, a five-time winner on the European Seniors Tour, and David Hando finished runners-up. O’Malley, a Pymble Golf Club member, was a popular winner. In the 1970s, POM, as he is affectionately known around the globe, was invited to join the club’s junior program and that’s where he began his journey towards a career in the play-for-pay ranks. “I have very fond memories of Pymble,” O’Malley said. “It’s a great feeling to come back and be able to win my first Legends Tour event here. It’s amazing.” A fresh face on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour, O’Malley will join Fowler and Mike Harwood on the European Seniors Tour later this year. A winner of three European Tour events, O’Malley played five senior tournaments in 2015 and finished 44th on the money list.

director of the Georgia Research Alliance Venture Fund, which supports the state’s public and private research universities. Past appointments include managing director of Chartwell Capital Management Company, a privateequity firm in Jacksonville, Fla., for 11 years, and senior vice president of The Baltimore Sun Company for 15 years. She is the second woman in the association’s 121-year history to serve as president, following Judy Bell, who was president in 1996 and 1997. •

$220,000 raised for sick kids thanks to Premier’s Cup The Australian golf industry united last month for the inaugural Premier’s Cup which saw over $220,000 raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital. Hosted by the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Daniel Andrews, Melbourne’s corporate world joined politicians, Professional golfers and celebrities at Victoria’s most prestigious golf club, Royal Melbourne, for the charity proam. The all-star line-up included football personalities Sam Newman, Robert DiPierdomenico, Dermott Brereton and Jonathan Brown, former Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett and television presenter Shura Taft, all showed their golfing prowess on the Melbourne Sandbelt. The day, which was run in conjunction with the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC), provided a great networking opportunity between Members of Parliament, corporate participants and representatives from the golf industry. Logie Award winner Gary Sweet was part of the winning team, along with Anthony Karam, Peter Darmos and Ralph Garcia who were playing on

behalf of Crown Resorts. 50 teams, made up of high profile Australian companies, teed it up at the championship course with each group paired with ether a celebrity, Member of Parliament or a PGA Professional. 2015 Oates Vic Open champions, Richard Green and Marianne Skarpnord, joined a host of PGA Tour of Australasia winners including Matt Griffin, Peter O’Malley, Michael Long and David Mckenzie, who each gave their time to play. A Gala Dinner and auction toasted a highly successful day which saw a number of fantastic items up for auction, including the ultimate Open Championship package, U.S. Open experience, golf with the Premier and Geoff Ogilvy, plus a number of golf memorabilia pieces. All proceeds from the day will be directed to The Royal Children’s Hospital and make a difference to the lives of thousands of sick children and their families. The final cheque will be presented by the Hon. Daniel Andrews as part of The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal campaign on March 25, 2016.

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

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Long, Hall and Oates a winning combination

ichael Long played one of the most miraculous golf shots seen in the history of the Oates Vic Open to win the men’s title at 13th Beach Golf Links last month.

Georgia Hall and Michael Long show off the silverware.

After shooting a final-round 3-under 69, Long ended regulation play tied for the lead on 13-under 275 with playing partner Matthew Millar who closed his round with three birdies. Playing the par-5 18th hole in a suddendeath playoff, it took just one trip for Long to be declared the winner, courtesy of an incredible shot from out of the reeds to within eight feet of the hole. A resulting birdie was enough for victory and the $45,000 winner’s cheque. Naming it “a shot in a hundred” Long said the chip ranks in his top-10 best ever career plays. A lofty title, given Long has been a Tour Professional for 26 years. Finishing in a tie for third place were Aron Price and Scott Strange on 11-under 277. On the women’s side, England’s Georgia Hall claimed her second professional victory after shooting a four-round total of 11-underpar. The 19-year-old from Bournemouth emerged victorious by a single stroke after a day-long battle with defending champion Marianne Skarpnord from Norway and young Danish star Nanna Madsen. Hall was notably delighted with her win. “I am over the moon. I have worked really hard over the winter and to win my first event of 2016 is amazing. I played really well all week and stayed patient when I needed to.

Ko rumbles to third NZ Women’s Open victory World number one Lydia Ko won her third ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open in impressive style last month at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch.

next five hours there would be a total of 52 further aftershocks. The initial quake was the 9th largest earthquake in Christchurch’s history.

Holding a one-shot overnight lead from French rookie Justine Dreher, Ko fought off early challenges in the final round by American Amelia Lewis and Dane Emily Pedersen, before cruising to a 2-shot victory over Korean amateur Hye Jin Choi, Englishwoman Felicity Johnson and Nanna Madsen.

As was the case in 2015, Ko shared her victory with the huge galleries who had come out to watch her play. And in a remarkable display of class and generosity, she announced that she would be donating her entire tournament prizemoney to help New Zealand in some way.

But the big story of the day wasn’t about Ko’s victory. Just 11 minutes before Ko and playing partner Dreher were due to tee off for their final round, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck just 10kms from the course and had both locals and international visitors in a panic for the 30-second duration of the quake. Over the “Winning the Olympic youth medal in Sydney was great, and winning my first professional event on the LET Access Tour in 2014 was amazing but this really is a dream come true to win an event like this with such a strong field of professionals.” Pre-tournament favourite Karrie Webb shot a 5-under-par round 68 to finish in a tie for 11th place, while compatriot Whitney Hillier and amateur Yu Sand Hou from Chinese Taipei both shot 6-under-par rounds of 67, the lowest of the day. The Oates Victorian Open has grown in popularity over the years, and is one of the real success stories in Australian Golf. This is due in part to both the unique format of men and women playing concurrently, as well as the support of numerous sponsors, especially naming rights sponsor Oates. Oates is an Australian company supplying professional quality cleaning products for the home and industry for over 80 years. The Oates range is currently comprised of over 1300 products with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, product development and quick and easy, effective cleaning.

Ash Hall claimed victory at last month’s Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship courtesy of a chip-in birdie on the first playoff hole. Starting the day six shots off the lead, Hall posted 2-under 70 to be in the clubhouse at 11-under the card for the tournament. Watching on as tournament leader David McKenzie had a horror finish—a doublebogey on the 17th and bogey on the 18th—Hall found himself tied for the lead at the end of regulation play. Playing the 18th at Huntingdale in a sudden-death playoff, a spectacular chipin birdie from five metres behind the 18th proved enough for Hall to claim victory.

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March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Ko dedicated the win to her good friend and mentor former New Zealand Golf President Patsy Hankin who had passed away suddenly last year.

Hall wins Victorian PGA in playoff

Lakelands Golf Club

“I have discussed this with my family and my team and this is something that we all want to do. We will seriously think about the best way that we can use this money to help New Zealand.”

It was an emotional win for Hall who had to come back to PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School to earn status at home after he also lost his card on the Web.com Tour at the end of last year. With this win Hall earned $16,500, Official World Golf Ranking Points and a start in the ISPS Handa Perth International. Finishing a shot outside of the playoff on 10-under 278 were Matthew Millar, Anthony Houston, Matthew Griffin, Tim Hart, Adam Blyth and Stephen Leaney. Rounding out the top-10 on the leaderboard with a score of 9-under the card were Todd Sinnott and Brad Shilton.

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100-year storm batters Geelong’s Queens Park

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

ueens Park Golf Course in Geelong has endured severe flash flooding which brought down several large trees and left parts of the course and the practice range completely submerged. Geelong was battered by a freak storm on the afternoon of January 27 with rain and high winds leaving a multi-million dollar damage bill across the city, submerging cars in flooded streets and wreaking havoc at Queens Park. “We lost trees on most holes, they ranged [up to] 60-metre high trees,” said Queens Park head professional Aaron Rayson. “We had one on the second hole, it’s a big, old tree that purely uprooted so the whole of the

roots came out about four or five, six feet deep.” “Our first hole is a 280-metre par-four and it’s a dogleg left up the hill and on the corner, there’s a big, old elm tree and that one got attacked pretty hard as far as the wind and it might have got struck by lightning but we’re not 100 per cent sure. It stayed up but a lot of the big limbs came flying down.” According to the Bureau of Meteorology, two months worth of rain fell in the space of one hour. Damage to Queens Park’s 18-hole course was cleared and it didn’t lose a single day of business. “We shut it that afternoon at about three o’clock and it was closed for the remainder of the day,” Rayson said. “Ground staff and some emergency guys from the council came in the next day and helped clear stuff out the road so we didn’t’t have to close it.” The fast clean-up ensured Queens Park Golf

Club’s 56th annual four-day tournament - the Annual Open Meeting in mid-February - was not affected. All golfers playing at Queens Park on January 27 had enough warning ahead of the deluge and left the course before the storm hit. “We had pretty heavy rain and then the storm came second so the rain frightened them away thank God,” Rayson said. He said it’s the most severe flooding he’s seen in his seven years at Queens Park but admits the course is often overrun by floods. “We’re surrounded by the Barwon River so if we have heavy rain over a few days, the river comes up over the golf course down the back nine but not in that quick succession. That generally happens at least once a year. They reckon that was a once in a 100-year storm that we had so hopefully it doesn’t happen for another 100.” •

Tee it up for the 2016 City of Orange Golf Championships Golf registrations for the 2016 Landrover City of Orange Golf Championships are now open, and if past attendance is any indication of future numbers, then you’d better sign up soon to ensure your place at this great event. The event is played across three golf courses in Orange over the October long weekend, and features great prizes and fun. At last year’s event, over 160 men and women from over forty golf clubs across NSW and the ACT were represented. In that event, Alison Seib took out the Ladies Scratch with a 235 total, with Tracey Wood of Camden Lakeside coming runnerup. James Conran, with a three-round total of 1-over, 209, was triumphant in the Men’s, with Rob Parfett closely lurking on 210 and Dean Turner a further shot back taking out third place. The event saw a few minor changes from previous years, with B and C Grades in both men and women being played through an Individual Stableford format, which saw participant numbers increase in these divisions. “This is why this event gets bigger and better every year”, Chairperson of Golf Orange, Guy Chapman states. “Plus the fact that we have a major competition where both sexes can play alongside one another and get to meet so many other keen golfers.” Registrations for 2016 are available through www.golforange.com.au and are limited to the first 200 nominations, with an entry fee of $95 per player. This includes all three rounds of golf, prizes totalling $6,000, along with complimentary nibbles and beverages at the presentation on the Monday evening at Wentworth Golf Club.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

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Rabbit-proof fence an Australian first for Curlewis Golf Club

Curlewis rolls out cool golf

outhern Victoria’s iconic Curlewis Golf Club has initiated an Australian first with the installation of a rabbit-proof fence circumnavigating the entire course. The installation forms part of an ongoing series of improvements to the Curlewis golf course and clubhouse facility which has seen the club catapult in national course ranking status from 88 to 78 in the last six months. Such improvements have also ushered in an unprecedented influx of new members to see Curlewis attain the enviable status of fastestgrowing golf club in Australia.

Originally developed by US snowboard addict Don Wildman, GolfBoard is best described as a fusion between a skateboard, classic golf cart and a Segway. New to Australia, Curlewis is the only club in south western Victoria to have gained access to GolfBoards and they are now available for hire from the Pro Shop.

Costing in excess of $50,000, the recently completed installation spans 3.9 kilometres around the boundary of the golf course and is the first such installation in Australia. The fence comprises wire netting along the existing fence lines which curves onto the ground to approximately 30cm – essentially rabbits are thwarted in any attempt to dig into or under the netting. Curlewis Golf Club Director David Sharp said the rabbit-proof fence was already reaping significant benefits to the course, the golfing experience and player enjoyment. “Rabbits cause a lot of damage – they scratch, they dig holes and apart from spoiling course aesthetics, their activity can create ongoing hazard and safety issues for players and grounds staff alike,” Mr Sharp said. “Not only that, rabbits are a huge threat to hundreds of endangered native plants and animals - competing with animals for food, devouring native plants, destabilising native habitats and damaging the soil to boot.” “Land owners have an obligation to control

Curlewis Golf Club continues to reinvigorate golf with the initiation of GolfBoard, an exciting concept taking the international golf scene by storm.

Curlewis Golf Club Manager, Brenden Caligari said GolfBoard was a most exciting and enjoyable way to experience the Curlewis golf course. “They are fantastic fun, easy to learn and can be mastered by just about anyone in a few minutes,” he said.

Photo by Reg Ryan rabbits. As a golfer I hate them and as a farmer I detest them.” Mr Sharp said he had implemented a rabbitproof fence at the family’s Leura Park Estate vineyard several years ago and the results had been phenomenal. “Warren systems and holes under and around vines were diabolical and causing a lot of problems for vineyard staff walking around but also driving machinery up and down the vine runs. The installation of a rabbit-proof fence has meant that we have been able to systematically destroy their warren systems and repair the damage.

This has seen improved soil conditioning and stronger, happier vines as well as vastly reduced day-to-day operational issues for the vineyard team.” Viewed as the ‘emerald’ of The Bellarine with its undulating fairways and state-of-the-art water reclamation plant which ensures top playing conditions all year round, Curlewis Golf Club welcomes new members and green fee players. Located 15 minutes from Geelong, 1345 Portarlington Road, Curlewis Golf Club is open 7 days. Inquiries and bookings can be made by calling 03 5251 2534. www.curlewisgolf.com.au

“GolfBoard offers golfers the chance to experience the natural undulation of the fairways in a whole new way – don’t think it’s just for a younger demographic either, the young at heart are loving GolfBoard as well!” Mr Caligari said not only would GolfBoards introduce a hip new angle to a classic round of golf, they would be an exhilarating new option on offer for corporate golf events as well. “Here at Curlewis, we are really tailoring golf days with events and activities designed to suit the clientele with the main emphasis of course being on fun and team building. GolfBoard will add yet another dimension to the fun component!”

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A ‘remarkable’ re-opening for Latrobe

elbourne’s Latrobe Golf Club celebrated a historic moment for the club in January, with the re-opening of their new “signature” 7th hole, following a two-year renovation project.

Over 300 members attend the re-opening celebration under their historic English oak tree near the new 7th green and the renovated 8th and 13th tees. Roberto Colanzi (Mayor, City of Yarra Council) cut the ribbon to officially open the event, which was followed by Pennant Captain Matt Sellars pitching a ball across the lagoon onto the new green, where 3-year-old Xavier Mansfield putted the ball into the hole. As the ball dropped into the hole, the crowd erupted with applause. The evening featured plenty of food, beverages and dancing to the music of 60’s rock-and-roll band The Substitutes. The renovation began in 2013 when Melbourne Water advised Latrobe that works were required to replace a section of the Alphington Sewer pipeline that ran through the golf course. The club immediately realised that the project would equate to two years of disruption to the course. When coupled with industry-wide decline in membership, the Board decided to get on the front foot, and developed a strategy to “Rebuild, Renew and Remodel”. Beyond just the physical remodelling of the course itself (much of the initial design work was developed by Superintendent Scot Irving), the club embarked on rebuilding other aspects of the club, including the membership, junior programs, pennant program, clubhouse and more. “With the enthusiastic endorsement of members, we changed our constitution and membership categories to recognise the changing needs of younger golfers,” explains David Gorr, Club President. “This strategy has seen 140 new members

come to Latrobe in the past calendar year. We even have a small waiting list. Most importantly the majority of these new members are under the age of 40. This bodes well for the future of Latrobe.” Latrobe also formed a strategic alliance with the Yarra Bend Junior golf program that is developing tomorrow’s future champions and introducing youth to the great game and healthy lifestyle golf offers. Latrobe now has two short courses specifically made to cater for this program. The Board also made a commitment to Pennant. As a result of this focus, the colts, men’s and women’s teams were all promoted, winning two Pennant flags in the process. The Pennant teams got involved with the Junior Development program last year, and this will continue into the future. “This is another part of recognising Remarkable Latrobe’s role with its local community and the important

role we at Latrobe can be a part of in assisting today’s and tomorrow’s young,” Gorr states. With the next step of their Rebuild, Renew and Remodel strategy, plans are being drawn up to provide a makeover for the interior of the clubhouse. The bulk of the work is expected to be done over the next 12 months. Overall, the entire project has been truly “Remarkable” for the club, and they are well positioned for a bright future. “We set out to achieve a premium outcome for members, and the results speak for themselves,” says Gorr. “The new green and lagoon has turned the 7th into our signature hole and coupled with the new 13th and 8th tees and our magnificent oak tree, this corner of the course is visually as good as it gets. In years to come, members will continue to marvel at the stunning impact of the rock work that has become such a significant feature of our course.”

Emu Park GC now 18 holes FOLLOWING the opening of two new holes, Central Queensland’s Emu Park Golf Club became the latest golf club in Australia to expand to an 18-hole layout Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga, Michelle Landry MP and Livingstone regional council mayor Bill Ludwig officially opened the final two holes on Saturday, January 30. “It’s been a long-time dream for the club and it has now come true,”

said club president Barry Fulton. “It’s a major event in the club’s history.” All invited officials spoke glowingly of the work done by the club and volunteers to repair major cyclone damage to the golf course. “Despite the damage inflicted on the course by Cyclone Marcia early in 2015, the club has recovered magnificently,” Fulton said. Emu Park Golf Club is now looking to attract a number of Central

Queensland championship events that organisers stipulate must be played on an 18-hole layout. Emu Park Golf Club takes to seven the number of golf clubs in Central Queensland that have 18-hole layouts. The golf club, just a seven-iron from the heart of the town, is well-known for its friendly, casual atmosphere and well-presented fairways. www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS

Backbone behind the beauty on King Island

fter only three months of operations, Cape Wickham Links has already made a huge impact, ranking 5th in Australia and 24th in the world.

The rugby league community gathered at Lakeside Golf Club Camden recently to support one of their own. Some of rugby league’s finest, including Brad Fittler, Braith Anasta, Brett Kimmorley, Steve Menzies, Nathan Cayless, Tim Brasher, Mario Fenech, Terry Lamb, Greg Alexander Craig Gower and many more showed off their golfing talents for the Lakeside Kurt Drysdale Cup. Australian Idol Shannon Noll was also on hand to support a great cause.

Located on King Island, Cape Wickham was a project designed by renowned golf course architect Mike DeVries, with assistance from Darius Oliver as developer and golf course owner Duncan Andrews. Due to the prior history of Turnpoint’s involvement in the project and their intimate knowledge of the site, Programmed Turnpoint was awarded with the construction of the course. Construction was no an easy feat. It took an experienced and determined team with the right tools to tackle the challenge of constructing a golf course amongst one of the most rugged and isolated geographic environments in Australia. Before any construction could take place, Programmed’s first challenge was the relocation of the native seabirds. Littered with 40,000 burrows, Cape Wickham is home to a colony of Short-tailed Shearwater. To minimise disruption to wildlife, Programmed staff manoeuvred through the uneven landscape to strip vegetation, clear any holes and relocate bird nests while the Shearwater were in winter migration. Additionally, a crucial factor for any golf course is sufficient water supplies, and this presented a major challenge to this water scarce island. A dam was dug out as a temporary measure, with several locations sourced to supply the dam before an irrigation system was finally built and established. Once fully functional, major earthworks, shaping of the land and grassing could begin. Working closely with the architectural team, Programmed’s expertise in golf course shaping

Rugby greats support Lakeside Kurt Drysdale Cup

and flexible approach resulted in the delivery of Cape Wickham’s ultimate shape. Despite the abnormally windy and wet winter conditions, the Programmed team showed great dedication and willpower, rebuilding green sites and fairways which were repeatedly blown or washed away. Harsh elements of the seaside such as wind and salt spray meant careful water management was required for the seeded areas. In order to safeguard the grass, conditions were regularly reassessed and programs were readjusted. Buffeted by the same brutal climate conditions, staff showed constant care in keeping the grass wet by always moving sprinklers around to protect the germinated grass from drying out. Another issue arising from the remoteness of King Island included the lack of skilled local labourers, limited resources and a weekly ferry as the main mode of transport, which posed considerable logistical implications. Due to inadequate equipment on the island, a construction and building kit containing

necessary equipment such as hyrdroseeders, rollers, mowers, dozers and excavators had to be freighted over. Programmed also ensured the right people were sourced for the project from their large pool of skilled staff in their own workforce. Most of these people stayed on site and were present seven days a week for the entire duration of the project, only occasionally going home due to the site’s remoteness. In spite of everything, the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff truly deserves recognition and praise. Envisioning a seamless integration of golf and nature, Programmed Turnpoint’s devoted staff and course construction skilfully guided by the design team laid the foundation that turned the dream of a world class golf course into a reality. For more information on Programmed Turnpoint’s golf course construction and maintenance services, visit www.programmed.com.au, 1800 620 911 or email marketing@programmed.com.au

On June 7th last year, Kurt Drysdale was injured in a simple innocuous tackle that left him a quadriplegic. His family has been left with the financial burden that his condition now requires. The management of Lakeside Golf Club and Wests Leagues Campbelltown have a long history with rugby league, and generously provided the day to help the family for the long road ahead. With great support from the club industry a full field hit the course in glorious sunshine for a memorable day. There was a slight twist to the format, where groups of three players were paired with a Legend. The Legends played in a single stableford competition whilst their three partners played a three-man ambrose. The Legends were permitted to putt only if required. All the talk prior to tee off had Braith Anasta as favourite. He did not disappoint, having a score of 40 points off a handicap of 3. However he was outdone by former Australian and St.George Graeme Wynn with 43 points off 19. A great day had by all in support of Kurt Drysdale with over $28,000 raised.

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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS

Thinking outside the square restaurant, gymnasium, swimming pool and tennis courts.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

“We also have a leisure program that includes kids learn to swim, daily exercise classes, personal training and learn golf classes.

HE golf industry is not in decline.

It is simply changing shape, according to one of the game’s most innovative and creative leaders.

“The clubhouse has an urban grocer, which encourages people to come and get their morning coffee, bread, milk and newspaper.

James Cooper, Managing Director of Avid Sports Management (ASM), doesn’t believe in the notion golf is less popular than it was a decade or two ago.

“The more time people spend at a golf course the more they may be inclined to use the facilities or even get out on the golf course.

“People tell me golf is not as popular as it used to be, but we try prove that wrong every day,” said Cooper, who operates Golf Central at Brisbane Airport, Club Mandalay in Melbourne and the Qantas Golf Club. “At Golf Central we have a driving range, the Cleveland Scoring Centre and mini-golf course that is busy and not necessarily with hardcore club golfers.

James Cooper is thinking outside the square. solutions to the golf industry,” Cooper said. “We see truly effective management as finding the right solution for all our clients.”

“We have first time and casual golfers going to Golf Central on a regular basis to have a hit and a bit of fun. Children are also lining up to have their birthday parties themed around golf and to learn the game.

The company’s expertise is helping clients capitalise on business opportunities and looking to create alternative revenue streams.

“People are still interested in golf so it’s more about trying to capture that market and demographic.

“We were engaged to bring the Natadola Bay golf course to life. We did this by developing the Natadola Bay brand and overall long-term business plan. We successfully opened the Natadola Bay in June 2009 and we continued to manage the course up until 2014,” he said.

“Mini-golf is a different form of golf and it’s an opportunity to get people into the game.” A 20-year PGA of Australia member, Cooper established Avid Sports in 2003 after working with IMG where, as director of golf for Australia and New Zealand, he was overseeing facilities such as The Dunes, Moonah Links, Links Lady Bay and Kennedy Bay as well as a number of design projects with Stuart Appleby and Karrie Webb. Cooper also managed Hyatt Regency Coolum, Pelican Waters and Laguna Quays and held senior management positions with Accor Hotels. “Avid Sports prides itself on thinking outside the square to deliver industry leading advice and innovative management

One of ASM’s first projects was the impressive Natadola Bay Golf Club in Fiji.

“It is exciting to see Natadola Bay recognised as the great golf course that it is and to see the plans we put in place now culminating in an International golf event putting the facility on the world map.”

Sports, we try to foster the game of golf as much as possible and strive to create pathways for people to play golf through Golf Central, the Qantas Club or by what we do at Club Mandalay,” he said. “We have created a company that provides good services to people playing golf and we encourage more people to play golf including seniors, ladies, kids and people in the corporate sector. “We are known as a company that thinks outside the square and one that bridges the knowledge gap between developers and golf courses. “We come up with some cool concepts and ideas that are outside of golf’s typical boundaries.” According to Cooper, Club Mandalay is unlike a traditional golf club.

Cooper’s been described as an energetic and innovative leader who has the ability to create and shape the golfing environment and has an impressive record of developing and managing world-class facilities as well as innovative projects such as Golf Central and the Qantas Golf Club.

“At Club Mandalay we worked hand in hand with the developer and clubhouse architect. That appeals to golfers and the broader community at large. “

“As a second generation PGA professional, golf runs thick through my veins. At Avid

In addition to the Thomson Perrett-designed golf course, the clubhouse includes a bar, café,

The Mandalay clubhouse opened in July last year and has quickly become a favourite to the entire community.

“Avid Sports, has built an impressive reputation of working with golf course owners, course architects, committees and members to develop golf businesses that optimise their operating opportunities. They have the capabilities to develop a management model tailored to each individual facility and ensure that facility is promoted well and generates as much revenue as possible.” Cooper says pessimists argue that people, particularly golfers, are time-poor but he doesn’t buy it. “There are people who say they are timepoor, but when you look at the research they are going from playing a five-hour round of golf on a Saturday to spending same time cycling or in front of their device. “Saying people are time-poor is an easy excuse, but it may not necessarily be the core of the issue. “Today, golf is more about delivering what people are looking for and tailoring that experience. Golf just has to work harder at winning their time. “Golf courses are big facilities, many of which are located in the heart of the town or city. Operators need to look at innovative ways to better utilise the space they have at their disposal, whether that be inside or outside. “For example, regularly at Golf Central you will see early morning boot camp or at Club Mandalay we have organised mum’s and bubs walking tours around the golf course.” More: www.avidsports.com.au •

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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS - people

A new era for Eastlake

Octogenarians (and above) take note: there is now a golf tournament just for you!

Steven Barr

ed@insidegolf.com.au

Harrington Waters Golf Club, a small club at the mouth of the Manning River on the NSW North Coast realised that almost 10% of their members were in their 80s and still playing golf two or three times a week, as well as turning up at working bees and cooking club BBQs.

or nearly 25 years, Murray Watts has been an ongoing presence at an Executive Management level at some of Sydney’s most prestigious Golf Clubs. These two-plus decades exemplify Murray’s brilliance as a golf administrator, guaranteeing unheard of longevity at golf’s ultra-competitive club-land. Murray has faced more menacing business headwinds than a mid-winter round of golf at Royal Troon.

With this in mind, they decided it was time to encourage their OBEs to continue to be active. So they had a medal struck and held a presentation night to reward these octogenarians. They soon after sought permission from Golf Australia to run an OBE Australian Championship.

Murray has a managerial history with The Australian Golf Club (where he played a hands-on role as the then CEO of the club working in conjunction with the AGU and PGA of Australia to present the 2004 Centenary of the Australian Open). Murray was also the General Manager at Killara GC in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs and General Manager at St. Michael’s GC. Murray’s tenure at The Australian, Killara and St. Michael’s saw club profits in the black and membership numbers rise while other clubs struggled to attract players. Murray’s objectives have always been to encourage junior membership programs, thus ensuring future “fresh blood” for the clubs. Murray also understands and acknowledges that in golf’s difficult climate of uncertainty, a unifying business approach is not only productive but a crucial component to golf’s ongoing success. Starting in January, Murray has returned to where it all began, Eastlake Golf Club at Daceyville in Sydney. Murray is overjoyed to be taking up the new appointment of GM at

The OBE (Over B****y Eighty) Australian Championship

his beloved Eastlake. Murray has always had a close affinity with the popular Sydney club, initially joining as a junior recruit in 1980 and since then has had a long association with Eastlake. Murray’s new managerial role at Eastlake is founded on the cornerstones of his business beliefs; one of mutual respect meets responsible commerce. Murray is the prodigal son returned. Murray’s high-speed priority at Eastlake is to position the club as the “centre of gravity” for members and visitors. With Eastlake

being geographically close to Sydney’s CBD, there are untapped opportunities to develop markets. Spotlighting the club and course to international tourism as well as encouraging local communities to embrace the new and refurbished Eastlake course layout are early initiatives. Murray also has a new mandate from members to update and renovate the clubhouse, and when combined with several creative redesigns to the course, it all bodes well for Eastlake under the new stewardship of Murray Watts.

The event will be held from the 12th to 14th April over 27 holes, with three consecutive days of nine holes. There will be a welcoming ceremony on the Monday 11th and River Cruise on the Manning River during the time players are not on the course. The Manning Great Lakes Skin Cancer Clinic and the Accommodation Houses and Caravan Parks of Harrington and Coopernook are sponsors of the event. Harrington Waters boast couch fairways and fine 328 couch putting surfaces, and nice, flat walking conditions. The club welcome all players, men and women, to the event and to enjoy the great scenery and hospitality of the Harrington Crowdy Head Community. For more information: Phone 02 6556 0404, email hwgolfclubinc@gmail.com or www.harringtonwatersgolfclub.com.au

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inside golf business - general managers

GM Di Fisher a ‘royal’ first and Northern Golf Club before snaring the role at Royal Hobart.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Ms Fisher says she has a number of goals for the club including hosting a national event and raising the profile of junior golf in Tasmania.

ENERAL manager Di Fisher didn’t set out to create history in Australia, but she did when appointed the first woman boss of a “royal” golf club in the country … and arguably the world.

“Given that Royal Hobart hosted the 1971 Australian Open (won by Jack Nicklaus), it would be terrific if we could host a national event again,” she said. “I also have a real soft spot for junior golf and would like to see Royal Hobart become a leader in developing juniors.

Royal Hobart Golf Club broke with almost 100 years of tradition when it hired Ms Fisher and then tested her decision-making skills before she had even started work. “I was on the Spirit of Tasmania coming across from Melbourne when I received a call from club captain Robert Upton saying the caterer had resigned,” Ms Fisher explained.

“I think it’s sad that Tasmania could not field a junior team this year and had to combine with the ACT and Northern Territory.” History-making general manager Di Fisher.

When it comes to managing the club, Ms Fisher says she is “a good listener”.

“The club had always had contracted caterers, but I made the decision that we’d have a crack at doing it ourselves.

appointment after almost 100 years of male domination.

“We employed a chef and it has been terrific. The members have embraced the move and are supporting the restaurant.”

“The members have been terrific and welcomed me when I arrived,” she said.

“I always say I have big ears and a small mouth,” she said. “It’s about listening to your members and trying to provide them with the best services and golf course possible.

Ms Fisher’s next important assignment was to oversee the completion of the club’s $1.4m clubhouse refurbishment.

“A lot said they welcomed the change and looked forward to having a female general manager.

“As managers, we’d all love to be Augusta and I know some members do expect Augusta standards but that’s unrealistic.

“When I arrived the clubhouse’s top storey was an open shell,” she said.

“It shows that the board is very progressive and the fact they’ve appointed me to the role speaks volumes of the fantastic work they do.

“I like to think that good service is what attracts people to your club. We are in the hospitality industry and have to make sure our staff and services are top notch.

“I had to jump straight into that because we had a September 11 deadline, which was the day the Governor (Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM) was scheduled to open the new development. “We got there, but I think we still had wet paint on the walls when she arrived to open it.” Now Ms Fisher is working with the board on another important project – Royal Hobart’s centenary celebrations in April. “The club has been planning it for 10 years,” she said. “We have invited the 66 ‘royal’ clubs from around the world and many of those clubs will be attending along with the R&A. “It’s going to be a week of activities culminating in a centenary ball at Wrest Point Tasmania.” I ask Ms Fisher how the club’s 1077 members reacted to her

“If someone comes to the club, we must make sure they feel welcome and they want to join.”

“The job is a dream come true.” Born and bred in country Victoria, Ms Fisher is well-known in golf circles having represented Victoria at junior and senior level.

Ms Fisher is clearly passionate about her work and can’t wait to start work each day. “The best thing about my job is turning up at Royal Hobart every day and being paid for it,” she said.

She played pennant for Huntingdale Golf Club and was club champion at the Grange and Stawell golf clubs as well as Wimmera district champion. Ray Drummond spotted her talent and convinced her to move to Melbourne to further her golf. She did and he offered her a job in his Collins Place store.

“I get to contribute and there is nothing more rewarding than coming up with an initiative and seeing it come to fruition, especially when it benefits the club and members and generates income.” So, is Ms Fisher a workaholic?

“I migrated into golf administration working for Women’s Golf Victoria for 15 years as tournament manager.”

“Work is something I love and it may sound sad but it’s my social life as well,” she laughed.

Her first general manager’s post was at Gisborne Golf Club followed by a stint at Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club

“I am a single mum and family and work is pretty much it.” •

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inside golf business

$30,000 ProHandiskins to turbocharge Handiskins Bill Colhoun

individual hole for varying size vouchers, but if two tie the value jackpots to the next hole. So you may not play well for four tied holes and then grab a birdie and a four-hole jackpot skin.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

ANDISKINS, the hugely successful national event is set to drive to new heights in 2016 with the launch of ProHandiskins.

The highest prize money Nation Final winner overall in 2015 was 78-year-old Irene Goldsack playing off a 24 handicap who cleaned up with a record skin on one hole to virtually clinch the title in one fell swoop.

While the original Handiskins will see men, women, senior and junior club member winners from 2015 compete in May at their National Final at the world-class Hamilton Island for $10,000 in prizes and giveaways, now the Club Pros will play skins for $30,000 in cash the same week, from next year. ProHandiskins, which was created by Ken Francis and owner of Handiskins, Paul Edwards, is expected to attract more than 60 clubs across Australia to take part this year. Edwards is delighted with how the concept of Handiskins is being accepted by Club Managers and Club Pros, who have realised that not only does the event provide $1200 in funds for each club, plus increases in playing numbers, it has proved popular with golfers of all ages, gender and skill levels. “It has been a tough grind in the past two years but I am happy that Handiskins has been recognised as an honest and creditable competition that puts money back into a club’s pockets and excites its members,” says Edwards, a club golfer at Balgowlah Golf Club in Sydney’s Northern Beaches region. “We are now starting to see some serious progress and acceptance with the launch of ProHandiskins. Support from the club proshops and staff is growing and I am getting a better audience with clubs to discuss our exciting competition.” Handiskins’ simple yet exciting format

The Handiskins man: Paul Edwards, where it all began at Balgowlah Golf club

All four Club Finalists automatically win a Handiskins golf shirt and Bridgestone Golf Cap and an invitation to play in the National Final in May 2017 at Hamilton Island Golf Course, where he or she compete for $10,000 in prizes and giveaways plus a $30,000 hole-in-one prize.

has proved an amazing hit and has gained mainstream media interest and backing.

sponsors to be given wide exposure in each of the thousands of competitors’ gift bags.

Inside Golf has been a support sponsor from the start and the Handiskins event received a huge boost when Foxtel’s super-popular Golf Show aired a six-minute segment on its 2013 launch.

The concept is simply a win-win for all involved: Once a club agrees to stage a Handiskins event they need a minimum of 40 members to sign up to play for a once-only cost of $39 each, the club automatically gains $1200 to be spent by Club Final Skins winners in the proshop or clubhouse. And 10 percent ($4) from each entry goes to the Challenge cancer charity, which involves Tour star Jarrod Lyle.

Hamilton Island has provided superb value accommodation packages of $1299 twin-share rooms which include free golf each day (the Peter Thomson-designed course is rated in Australia’s top 15), all breakfasts, two dinners and some free dink sessions as well as the use of all its luxury amenities.

Members initially play five qualifying singles stableford rounds – which simply are overlaid on normal club competitions – and the best four total scorers (using the best three of their five rounds) qualify to play the Club Final Handiskins game for the $1200 in proshop or clubhouse vouchers.

Clubs such as Macquarie Links, Shelly Beach, Bayview, Balgowlah, Orange Ex-Services, Nelson Bay, Charlestown, Wagga, Thurgoona, Penrith, Dubbo, Parkes, Cowra, The Links Shell Cove, Everglades, Massey Park in NSW, Sandhurst, Rosebud, Devilbend in Victoria and Nudgee in Qld have all signed up for Handiskins events this year.

It’s little wonder that prestigious golf, travel and lifestyle sponsors jumped on board, including Hamilton Island, Drummond Golf, Peter Lehmann Wines, Bridgestone Golf, Barrenjoey Insurance and Blackmores health products. All of these have allowed Edwards to provide a gift bag, containing goods and offers from sponsors worth more than $30, to every club member who enters a Handiskins event at their club. Given the projected growth in popularity (Edwards is aiming to have about 200 clubs by 2020) the wide media exposure and the wide demographics of the competitors, several major companies are discussing becoming the naming rights sponsor. Edwards also is keen to gain more product

And each week as the progressive qualifying scoreboard appears with variations on the Handiskins and club websites, the battle is on between club mates, which adds to the fun. The simple format of the Handiskins Club Final is four players compete to win every

It’s fun all the way for the golfers, but the clubs’ proshops and clubhouses also gain revenue.

And the bonus for the Club Pros is that just by their club organising a Handiskins event, they automatically qualify for the $30,000 cash skins game at Hamilton Island. More: www.handiskins.com.au •

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inside golf business - from the ceo

Oates Victorian Open sets new benchmarks around the Creek Course in 4 over par 77 which left her in grave danger of missing the halfway cut. In round two, she had tournament organisers in a panic when she 3 putted the 17th hole of the Beach course to put her out of the projected cut line, but like the champion she is Karrie made a great up and down from left of the green for birdie to ensure she would be around at least for the 3rd round.

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

he Oates Victorian Open has been one of the real success stories of Australian Golf over the past five years and the 2016 edition certainly didn’t leave anyone disappointed.

For this year’s event for the first time there would be two cuts for both the men and the women, the first cut to 50 professionals plus amateurs and ties after 36 holes and a second cut to 35 players after 54 holes.

Since Golf Victoria made the bold decision to resurrect the tournament in 2012 with a new model which sees the men and women playing at the same venue, the event has grown each year and has now firmly established itself as one of the premier events on the Australian golfing calendar.

For the tournament organisers and sponsors you can only imagine them praying for Karrie to shoot a good third round and she did not disappoint them, shooting a 3-under-par 70 to ensure that she would play the final day.

Prior to the relaunch in 2012 the Women’s Victorian Open had not been played since 1992 when LPGA star Wendy Doolan won the title at Yarra Yarra Golf Club by a single shot beating a 17-year-old amateur from North Queensland by the name of Karrie Webb. The men’s version of the event has a much richer history, having first been played in 1957 when it was won by Ossie Pickworth at Riversdale Golf Club. Since then names such as Peter Thomson, Bruce Devlin, Gary Player, Frank Phillips, Kel Nagle, David Graham, Greg Norman and Ian Baker Finch have all been winners of this prestigious event. When Richard Green won the men’s event in 2015, the proud Victorian said that he has spent his entire career on a mission to lift the trophy that these great players had done before him. After the dramatic scenes in 2015 where Green and his newly-announced fiancé

The tournament was once again a huge success, massive galleries supported both the men and the women on the final day including Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who along with Oates CEO David Birch and Golf Victoria CEO Simon Brookhouse are largely responsible for the continued growth of the tournament. Women’s champion Georgia Hall Marianne Skarpnord created history by winning both of the events, it was hard to imagine how 2016 could possibly live up to that. However this year at the magnificent 13th Beach Resort at Barwon Heads we saw an event which had amazingly stepped up another level from 2015. The women’s field this year boasted 144 players from 28

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different countries including the great Karrie Webb. Wherever Karrie plays you can ensure a huge gallery following and when she teed it up at 7:30 on Thursday morning with a crowd of around 400 people watching you knew that this week would be something special. Karrie had some rust to dust off in round one after a break of two months, and struggled

Lorie Kane, who is a great supporter of Australian Golf and a multiple winner on the US LPGA Tour summed up the thoughts of many saying that more stakeholders need to embrace this tournament model : “All of golf should be watching this event and realising that this is an example of a model that really works. Even the Olympics should be using this model. Apart from the Canadian Open this is my favourite tournament anywhere in the world.” •

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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS - from the ceo

Australian summer of golf in full swing 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year, Matthew Millar, will return to Auckland to defend his title.

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

ebruary saw the PGA Tour of Australasia ignite for the 2016 season. In a six-week stretch of tournaments, the schedule opened with the Oates Vic Open at 13th Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads. This unique tournament provided a wonderful opportunity to watch both the men and the women compete side-by-side with the ALPG’s Women’s Victorian Open being played concurrently. From Barwon Heads the PGA Tour of Australasia ventured to the Melbourne Sandbelt for the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship. A host of Australian celebrities joined Tour Professionals and amateur golfers, in a format which is modelled on the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, at Huntingdale Golf Club. Professionals this year were vying for a boosted prize purse of $110,000; a rise that is in line with the PGA’s strategy of continuing to increase prize money across all tournaments. By raising our purses, we motivate playing opportunities for those across all entry categories and provide players valuable opportunities on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Making its way back on the 2016 schedule was the tri-sanctioned Perth International at Lake Karrinyup Country Club. It was wonderful to welcome back defending champion, Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, and a host of European Tour players including Victor Dubuisson and Louis Oosthuizen.

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf Australia partners Hechter Golf Australia has forged a partnership with world-renowned fashion label Daniel Hechter. GA’s high performance squad members and staff will be decked out in suits and other lifestyle fashion apparel when they’re representing Australia domestically and around the world. The label, which bears the name of its French creator, is revered globally as the first and still leading fashion house for “ready-to-wear” designer clothing. Peter Thompson, chief executive officer of the brand’s Australian licensee Expedition Apparel, said the partnership would continue Daniel Hechter’s already strong sporting links.

From Perth to New Zealand, the Tour heads to Auckland for the Holden NZ PGA Championship at Remuera Golf Club (3-6 March) and will see 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year, Matthew Millar, return to defend his title. Then it’s onto The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown for the BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open (10-13 March). The Tour will then return home to Australia for the Coca-Cola QLD PGA Championship (17-20 March), WA Open Championship (28 April-01 May) and WA PGA Championship (12-15 May). It was wonderful to see the Australian golf industry unite for the inaugural Premier’s Cup which saw over $220,000 raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

The day, which was run in conjunction with the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) and was a vision of the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Daniel Andrews, was designed to unite business and golf, by providing a great networking opportunity between politicians, corporates and the golf industry. Furthermore, to make a significant difference to the lives of thousands of sick children and their families. The AGIC looks forward to working with the Premier of Victoria to grow the event and make it a must attend event on business and golfing calendars. If you would like to be involved in the 2017 Premier’s Cup, please express your interest now at www.pga.org.au/premiers-cup •

“I am really excited to be associated with Golf Australia and, in particular, the young development squads,” Mr Thompson said. “The Daniel Hechter organisation has a long history of association with sports having designed the first Paris St. Germain football jersey.” Those ties, based originally on young designer Daniel Hechter’s love of soccer and other sports, have spanned around the world, from tennis to skiing and even to AFL club, the Fremantle Dockers. Daniel Hechter staff will conduct a deportment session at an upcoming GA high performance camp, working with athletes to help them progress along the pathway to professional golf from an offcourse perspective.

INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS - from the ceo

(Give) Back to the future: world-first program to fund tomorrow’s stars Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

t’s with enormous pride that Golf Australia can announce a world-first program to help develop our champions of the future.

The “Give Back” program means our new wave of elite professional golfers will help fund the next generation of Australian golf by giving part of their prizemoney back to the high performance and development pathways that helped make them successful. Each player since 2015 to have been in the Golf Australia national or rookie squads has signed a commitment to be part of “Give Back”. Once athletes reach a world rankings threshold – top 125 for men and top 50 for women – a small percentage of their prizemoney will be returned to high performance programs throughout Australia. This money will be reinvested into helping develop the future stars of the game. No athlete will be asked to give back until they are firmly established, nor more than the funds they received through the program when they were participants. There is no compulsion for players who don’t reach those benchmarks to contribute and endorsement deals aren’t taken into account. Money will only be given back once an

Golf Australia has taken the leading position in this space globally, but realistically it’s only been recently that amateur status rules have allowed for these things to come into being and deliberately changed to allow this.

athlete reaches his or her sixth year as a professional. This allows athletes time to establish themselves before the commitment begins. Not only do we believe this to be first of its kind in world golf, but also a first among major sports in Australia. And it’s a huge credit to all involved – particularly the athletes who’ve so readily agreed – because we think it’s a massive winwin for the Australian golfing industry. We’ve got to the point where we invest significantly in players and we think it’s vital that we build a culture in which players think it’s important for them to give back to the game – to pave the way for new players coming through and to make the game stronger. This is the first major step in that philosophy. We’ve put a lot of thought into how we structured the “Give Back” initiative – to make sure it wouldn’t be onerous on players, or have them struggle to meet any commitments. We’ve gone in deliberately low and our thinking is of building a culture of wanting to give back rather than put in place a Draconian program that forces players to give back more than they can comfortably manage at any time in their careers. We are quite sophisticated in terms of knowing how much money we invest into players and what the responsibility is for players to give back. But ultimately we hope this is just a starting

free freight

Cam Smith

And allow me to pay special mention and thanks to one of our shining young talents, Cam Smith, who’s shown his absolute commitment to the culture we are trying to create by generating a scholarship in his name.

point and that players will feel like they want to give back more as they progress through their careers. From our perspective, we’ve got to make sure we have programs that players think are worthy of investing into, whether they be game development or high performance programs, so there’s a responsibility on us to deliver them well. And we are conscious that we have strong relationships with players – and their parents – that are built through their formative years, so families are buying into the programs as well. We’ve seen that turn around in the past 5-6 years or so, and hopefully the players feel the same way. We think it’s a major step for golf – and something of which we’re very proud. It’s unique. It has been thought through very well and other countries in the world are already looking at what we’ve done and I’d expect a few of their golf programs to have their own schemes in the future.

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Governing bodies saw it as a really positive thing for golf because we are in an environment where our best players are earning more dollars each year and I think there’s a responsibility to put something back to make the game stronger in your country.

To his credit, Cam identified very early on in his professional career that he wanted to do something for young players and help them along. He’s now in a wonderful position that he’s been able to achieve some level of financial success and wanted to do something sooner rather than later. It’s commendable that he’s in a position that he’s able to do that and more that it’s the choice he has made. It will have a measurable impact on the opportunities for younger players coming through. In this first instance, Louis Dobbelaar is someone Cam believes would benefit from additional funding and has earmarked him as someone he’d like to receive a benefit from what he’s doing.

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cover story

Badds bounces back Since his breakthrough win in the 1998 Aussie Open over Greg Norman and Colin Montgomerie, Aaron Baddeley has been a major focus of our attention in the pro ranks. But the 35-year-old has had a tough go of it on the US Tour since his last PGA Tour win at the 2011 Northern Trust Open. Last season he made $439,925 and finished 157th in the FedEx Cup rankings, leaving him with conditional status for the 2015-16 season. But through six events this season, Badds had already made $380,897 thanks to two top-ten finishes, one the result of a sponsor’s exemption at the Farmers Insurance Open last month when he finished T8. This month, Badds discusses with Inside Golf how his mental game has improved since working with swing coach Scott Hamilton last July and how he can more easily disengage from golf when he’s with his family and friends. Garrett Johnston

@johnstongarrett

What’s it been like working with Scott Hamilton? It’s been great. I’ve been getting better every time I go and play golf. At CareerBuilder I finished 6th on strokes gained tee-to-green. I’ve never finished that high, not even sniffing that high, so it’s pretty exciting.

Has anything changed in your mental approach with him? I’m just more confident, more relaxed. Confident because I wake up and do the same thing every day with my swing. I’m not trying to find something or trying to figure it out. I’ve got it figured out. I’m just going out and playing golf and it’s been fun. I think Scott is good at picking out the key elements that you need to do. Of the guys he teaches, no one swings it the same. You

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cover story

Spectacular ViewS... Spectacular Value! Aaron Baddeley at last month’s Farmers Insurance Open. (Photo: Felix A. Marquez) would say he’s anti-method in that sense. A bit like Butch (Harmon). I think Butch has some similar characteristics where his players don’t know what to practice but Scott does that too and makes it super simple. Now I can go out there and play golf again. I don’t have to worry about making it super perfect. What’s an example of how you simplify things? I have three things that I work on and that’s it. One big thing and two little things. I just wake up and do the exact same thing every day. It’s just nice, you don’t have to try and figure out a different feel one week and a different feel the next. The swing starts to feel the same every day. It’s awesome. My bad move is my hips going toward the ball on the downswing, so that technically changes how the shaft on the way through the ball gets it up too high and the face gets very flippy. But if you keep your butt back, you’re basically keeping your levels. Keeping my levels and my tail back keeps my shaft consistent coming through the ball and lower which makes the face more stable and takes out all the timing elements. There’s so much timing taken out of it so it’s easier to keep hitting good shots. It’s great. So the big thing is keeping my head and my butt in position. The smaller things are getting my club on-line a little more at the top and hitting the side of the ball. You say that you’re more relaxed than ever? It was the best off-season that I’ve had in years. I could totally just chill out, I didn’t have to worry about looking at my swing on video or look at other swings or talk to my coach and say “Oh, what do you think about this? What do you think about that?” I could just get away from the game and enjoy the family. It’s been great, even mentally being relaxed you get a mental break and not just physically being away from the game. Just trying to figure it. Now, I don’t need to. I wake up, hit it good most days. It’s great. Do you travel much in the holiday/ offseason?

We were just at home in Scottsdale. We went to the snow in Flagstaff. We were just taking the kids to school, taking (son) Jeremiah to the golf course when he wanted to go, taking Jeremiah to soccer (practice and games). Stuff like that is just great. I could enjoy the family as opposed to being there but still thinking about golf because you’re still trying to figure it out. I can literally get away from it. How do you view expectations of Australian fans who’ve been following you since the late 1990s? You’ve had a bit of attention over the years to say the least. I think my own expectations are bigger than other people’s. I think a lot of people don’t really know where I’m at with my game at the moment. Just because I sort of haven’t played well for a couple years, I think people aren’t really sure where it’s at. So, big picture, I’d say the game is great. We can focus on areas of my game now where I can get better, so the big picture is instead of trying to figure it out I’m going to get better from this distance, because that distance is going to give me more birdie opportunities. Or, I can work on my putting so then I have more birdie opportunities in there. I can just see it where if you get a little momentum then all of a sudden it just snowballs and you’re going to be off and running, so I’m pretty excited. So do you feel differently about your game than you have in some time now? It’s just having that confidence now. People ask me “How are you playing?” and I used to respond “Yeah, it’s coming along”. Now I’m actually confident enough to say “Yeah, I’m playing good.” For me, that’s a big step because you don’t want to say you’re playing good, in case you don’t play good. You just sort of say, “Yeah, my game’s good and I’m just excited.” You got a new caddie in January, how has that gone so far with Chris Stroud’s former caddie John Limanti? Yeah, I’m pretty excited. I changed to John Limanti and he seems to get my game good and he’s quick and confident in his ability to pick clubs and read greens. And he’s a good

player, he’s a plus-2 handicap so he understands the game. I’m excited, we get on well. He likes to be healthy and work out and stuff. We have a lot of similarities in that sense. You fought pretty hard late at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines to not only make the cut but finish in the top 10. What do you make of the performance? I’ve done a few things before that caused me to just miss a cut and now it was nice to suck it up, finish strong to make the cut. It was great, especially around Torrey because one good round, especially on the South Course, goes a long way. So you want to be there for the weekend because you know if you find that one good round then you’re right back in it. It was nice to finish in the top ten.

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You’re not wearing any sponsors on your hat or bag. The only visible one is the OGIO on your shirt. What’s your philosophy on sponsorship at the moment?

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Well I absolutely want to get a win. I’m not in a great position with my status to get the ideal (sponsor) that you want so I’d rather play the clubs that I want to play, and then from there you can get in a better position to negotiate.

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That’s sort of the mindset. But at the end of the day, I’m going to play clubs I want to play because they are the tools. If you haven’t got the proper tools, then it’s hard to play your best golf. I’m playing with Adams irons, I’ve played those same heads for five years. They’re good clubs for me. I did some good testing with the drivers over the offseason (Note: Aaron played a PING Driver at Farmers, and an Odyssey putter). I’ll just play what I want to play because the more important thing right now is playing well, getting back to playing full time on the Tour, trying to get back in that winner’s circle. That’s the most important thing—if you play well then everything will take care of itself. I want to get back to fulltime status, play well, have some good finishes, and everything else will take care of itself. • Garrett Johnston is a golf journalist based in California. He covers the game on an international level for IG, New Zealand Golf Magazine, Today’s Golfer UK, and Golf World UK. www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

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on tour

Practice makes perfect saying that you want to play off 2 if you’re currently off 25 and don’t have a lot of time to practice.

with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

had a little longer break than usual due to a couple of injuries at the end of last year’s season. If you remember, I strained a rib at the Australian Masters and had to pull out mid-way through the second round and I also had a shoulder problem that had been annoying me for about six months. I saw a specialist and had an injection into my bursa, in my left shoulder. It’s better than ever now and I have been working my bum off to improve on my play from last year. I played a competition round at Southport Golf club a couple of weeks ago and one of my playing partners asked me how much he should practice if he wanted to improve his game. This is a great question for amateurs, and it depends on a couple of factors. Firstly you need to work out what you want out of the game. If you’re happy to just go out and shoot any score and enjoy yourself I would ask, why are you thinking about practicing? But if you want to improve your golf, I would then ask you, to what level do you want to achieve? This is an individual answer. You may play off a 15 handicap and want to get to 10. Or you may play off 10 and your goal is to get down to scratch? Secondly, you need to make sure that the decision you made on what handicap you want to achieve is actually realistic. For example, I know that there is absolutely no chance of me ever becoming a gymnast. I couldn’t even do a forward round at school and the splits are out of the question so it’s never going to happen! There is no point in

Once you answer these couple of questions, you will now have a plan or goal to strive for. Whatever you answered in the first two questions, the overall answer is fairly simple. The more you practice, the better you will become. If you’re playing once or twice a week, it’s not really enough golf to make massive improvements. If you can play or practice three or four times a week, I’m a firm believer that you will see improvements in your scores. Now I’m hearing some of the readers say, “but I work 50 hours a week, and the kids have soccer Saturdays and train twice a week”! I completely understand that life can get in the way of your golf, but practice doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stand on a range, pounding ball after ball. It can mean getting out the back yard after dinner for 15 minutes, practice swinging. Remember when you’re doing this, you want to do exactly what you would do on a practice fairway. Don’t get out there and wail away just digging up your back yard. Practice the movements you are trying to perfect. Which brings me to the next point: get a lesson. Practice is only good if you are working towards something. That may mean a technical change or it could mean working on your mental aspect through the swing. And by the way, reading golf magazines doesn’t count as a lesson. Everyone’s swing faults are usually different. Even if you look in a magazine or your best mate says that’s what I think, that’s what you’re doing, go and get a qualified golf professional to concur with your mate’s tips. This will give you the best chance of improving quickly. Would you learn to play the piano without a lesson? When I’m home practicing, I would see my coach twice a week to make sure that what I’m doing is actually helpful. If you stand out on the range for hours working on some wrong movements, you have probably wasted your time.

Another thing I do is when I have a large bucket of balls to hit, I separate the balls into groups of five. I will generally work on something different every five balls. The first five would be totally technique based, then the next five I will hit fades and draws. The next five I will go through my total routine as I would on the golf course. Maybe after that I would practice low shots out of the trees, hit wedges to different targets, drivers and maybe hit some high fades and draws. If you do this you know that after the practice

session, you have covered all the shots that you may get when you’re out in battle. I hope these couple of practice tips give you something to think about and help you improve your game. As we know it’s a tough game!! For me, I’m preparing for the great run that the Australasian Tour has coming up. We start in Victoria for the Vic Open and from there I have 6 out of 7 weeks, finishing in mid March at the QLD PGA. I have been focused on winning again this year so let’s hope the hard work will pay off! •

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March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

pga legends tour

Harwood claims back-to-back Tasmanian Senior Open titles

Weather postpones Mercer Seniors Classic Pro-Am

Michael Harwood, Peter O’Malley, David Mercer and Peter Fowler

ictorian Michael Harwood claimed his fourth Tasmanian Senior Open title last month after firing a 5-under 65 final round to secure a oneshot victory over Mark Tickle at Devonport Golf Club. Returning to Tasmania’s north coast to defend his 2015 title, Harwood backed up his opening round of 3-under 67 with a seven birdie round. Going into the final day, Harwood trailed overnight leader Tickle by two shots before carding the lowest round of the tournament for an 8-under total. Tickle pushed Harwood to the last hole in the second round but fell one shot shy as he posted a 2-under 68 to finish outright second. “I love coming back here, I love the course and I’m looking forward to next year already,” said Harwood. Club Professional Darren Spencer shot into contention on the final day after posting a 5-under 65, backing up his opening round of 69 to finish alone in third place.

Windy conditions in the first round made scoring conditions tricky, while the second round was picture perfect, a warm sunny day with light winds. The tournament suffered a blow before the first round with household name Rodger Davis unable to tee it up due to a back injury. Tasmanian amateur Robert Dyson fired rounds of 74 and 76 and a 10-over total to claim this year’s low amateur medal. With over 200mm of rain falling on the club over the days leading up to the event, the Devonport layout was in exceptional condition. Course staff worked late into the evenings to bring the course up to championship standard. Harwood’s win draws him to within $200 of Peter Fowler and the early leader in the race for the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit title. More: www.pga.org.au

MCLEOD BRISBANE’S BEST

While lightning and poor weather interrupted play at the recent David Mercer Seniors Classic Pro-Am at Killara Golf Club, spirits remained high by all players for the richest one-day Seniors Pro-Am event in Australia. A purse of $60,000 enticed some of Australia’s best senior golfers to take part in this prestigious event. The morning field of 100 amateurs and professionals teed off in hot and humid conditions. The leader in the Clubhouse was American Perry Parker, who shot a magnificent 69, 3-under-par. The afternoon field included 2015 winners Lyndsay Stephen from Western Australia and Simon Jagot from Sydney who tied for last year’s title. Also among the field were two former Australian Open winners from 1983 and 1986, Peter Fowler and Roger Davis as well as 1992 Scottish Open winner Peter O’Malley. Part of the PGA Legends Tour, the event is played in honour of David Mercer who has a long history with Killara Golf Club and served as the Club’s head professional from 1952-1996. The afternoon field included David Mercer himself. Unfortunately the weather turned quickly and at 5pm, lightning strikes held up the event. And by 6.30pm the worsening conditions caused the event to be postponed. Killara General Manager David Gazzoli expressed disappointment at having to postpone the event. “It was a wonderful day until the weather turned,” Gazzoli said. “Members and the professionals enjoyed the event, with much praise for the course and the event organisation. The event has been rescheduled for Wednesday 2nd November. For more information: www.kgc.com.au

Golfing Secret

McLeod Country Golf Club is a golf course that will challenge your entire golf game. Make sure you bring every golf club in your bag because you will be using them all. The golf course is challenging but also rewards good course management. You will enjoy every single hole at McLeod Country Golf Club. • 18 hole championship course • 15 mins out of Brisbane CBD • Fantastic golf course layout

61 Gertrude McLeod Crescent, Mount Ommaney Q 4074 Ph 3376 3666 www.mcleodgolfclub.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

on tour

Qld PGA grows into top event The PGA has assembled a strong field that will include Summers, Matt Millar, Michael Sim, Steven Jeffress, Daniel Popovic, Daniel Nisbet and Todd Sinnott, who turned professional last year after a stellar amateur career.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

INCE the PGA of Australia decided to move the Queensland PGA Championship to City Golf Club at Toowoomba on the Darling Downs, the tournament has bean-stalked its way into a top tournament.

Make no mistake: these players have the credentials to shoot low numbers. Popovic won the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum in 2012, Jeffress captured the inaugural Fiji International in 2014 and Millar was voted the PGA Tour of Australasia’s player of the year at the recent Greg Norman Medal Awards.

Under the direction of Broc Greenhalgh, State Manager PGA of Australia (Qld Division), the tournament has increased in prizemoney, improved its strength of field and exposure to the local communities.

Sim is a four-time Nationwide Tour (Web. com Tour) winner and played alongside Tiger Woods in the final round of the 2009 US Open.

First played at City Golf Club in 2009, the tournament now boasts prizemoney of $125,000. When the Queensland PGA rolls into town March 17-20, the field will notice a few subtle changes to the golf course.

Golf fans are in for a treat because these pros are seriously good players. “The course is not overly long and even with narrower fairways and fast greens the scoring will be hot,” Webb said.

The first hole has been lengthened and the 18th hole strengthened and for the first time the course will be wireless. Wireless? 2015 Queensland PGA Champion Ryan Fox (Photo: City Golf Club)

“It’s exciting for the golf fans when the players are scoring birdies and eagles.”

Yes, remember when 2014 winner Anthony Summers was leading while standing on the par-3 15th tee and needed three tee shots to reach the green after his first two strikes went “ding” and “clunk” as they hit powerlines.

carry over the hazard, which is five metres short of the green.

Well, those powerlines are now underground, which means the players have clear vision of their target.

“The other change is to the 18th hole. We have put in a fairway bunker down the left side of the fairway at driving distance.

As part of the PGA’s grow the game strategy, children from a number of local schools will arrive at City Golf Club for junior clinics and a behind-the-scenes tour of the championship.

“The first hole has been lengthened by 75 metres to 390 metres for the pros and the new green has been moved across the creek,” said City Golf Club’s golf operations manager Andrew Webb.

“This might encourage the professionals to hit an iron or a three-wood off the tee and that will give them a longer shot in.

For golf fans, this tournament is going to be a lot of fun and a must-watch as the pros get serious coming down the stretch.

“Normally the pros hit driver to 100 metres out, but we have narrowed that area with a bunker.”

The great thing about this tournament is you can watch and learn from close range.

“Now the players will be faced with a water

Of course, the excitement starts with the pro-am on Wednesday, March 16.

See you there! •

Vics capture Blind Golf Interstate Challenge IN February, the Yass Golf Club hosted the 22nd Interstate Challenge between blind golfers from New South Wales and Victoria. Each team consisted of six members with the five best stableford scores to count. The Vics just got over the line with 151 points to the Two Blues’ 150 to hold onto the Don Hogg Memorial Shield that they won in 2015. The Vics’ score was boosted by David Blyth’s 40 points, giving him the Don Hogg perpetual trophy for the individual event. David is a B1 totally blind golfer on a handicap of 51. Doug Sloan, President of Blind Golf Victoria, accepted the shield on behalf of the team, and he thanked the Yass Golf Club for hosting the event and allowing the use of its facilities. He also thanked the caddies for supporting their respective player in the event. Sponsorship opportunities are available to anyone wishing to offer charitable support to the blind golf community. Also, blind golf is open to people of all ages and is a perfect avenue for those club golfers who are experiencing some sight loss to stay involved in our great game. Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 which relate to how much sight a player has. B1 players are totally blind. Anyone wishing to learn more about either playing blind golf or caddying for a blind golfer may contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731. They may also go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com.

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March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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The Holden Scramble: Bigger than ever in 2016

ast your mind back to 1992. The VP Commodore was the latest Holden on the road, Shane Warne made his Test debut for Australia, the West Coast Eagles became the first non-Victorian team to win the AFL Premiership, Paul Keating was the Prime Minister of Australia, and one and two-cent coins began to be withdrawn from circulation. It was also the year that the Holden Scramble was born, with 17,000 golfers teeing it up across 200 events in what has become an iconic event on Australia’s golfing landscape. Teams that proceed through to the Regional or State Final will team up with their PGA Club Professional for the chance to qualify through to the Holden Scramble Championship Final on the Naturally Refreshing Sunshine Coast.

It’s fair to say a lot has changed over the past quarter of a century, the golf industry included, but one constant has been the ongoing development of Australia’s premier pro-am teams event. In 2016 the Holden Scramble celebrates its 25th Anniversary and an exciting new chapter in the event’s extensive history. “The PGA of Australia is extremely proud of the success and longevity of the Holden Scramble and the position the brand holds in the Australian golf industry,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia. “The Holden Scramble continues to cement itself as Australia’s largest and most successful pro-amateur team’s event and this could not have been achieved without the support of PGA Professionals, Holden Dealerships and of course the participants across the country at the local event stage.” “The relationship we’ve formed with GM Holden has assisted the PGA in growing the game of golf at grass roots level in all corners of Australia and we greatly appreciate the support they have given us over the past 25 years.”

The upcoming season will also see the One Millionth Participant grace the fairways. To mark this momentous achievement and thanks to Delta Air Lines the PGA is giving away an experience of a lifetime to this lucky player and their three teammates. Each player will each receive return flights to the United States, accommodation, and tickets to the TOUR Championship by CocaCola on the PGA TOUR, the final event of the four-tournament FedEx Cup playoff. Who knows where the One Millionth Participant will come from, but there is only one way to be certain you’re a contender – sign up to your nearest local Holden Scramble Event today! A new online system has been implemented into the Holden Scramble and

will streamline the entry process and increase the interaction participants have with each event. One significant feature of the system is its integration with Golf Link, allowing participants to enter an event by just entering a surname, Golf Link number and an email address for each team member. This system will also provide greater interaction with the Holden Scramble website covering event specific information, leaderboards and hole-by-hole statistics so teams can see how they compared to others in their field. The Holden Scramble is a fantastic opportunity for golfers across Australia to participate in the fun and excitement of an event at their local club.

The Championship Final is the golfing experience of a lifetime, with four days of golf, social activities and the opportunity to play with a Tour Professional. In 2015 Rod Pampling, Ashley Hall, Dimi Papadatos and Daniel Popovic were just some of the Tour Professionals who joined those competing in the final round. This season, participants can join in the fun for $39.50 per person, which includes a Callaway Cap tee gift valued at $35.00. The Holden Scramble continues to bolster itself as Australia’s largest and most successful pro-amateur team’s event with participation averaging 37,000 annually, making it one of the most recognised brands in Australian sport. Be part of history, get your team together and find an event near you www.holdenscramble.com.au •

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amateurs

ACGC stay and play with RACV Resorts

UPCOMING ACGC DATES

Lauren McGregor

Champion Events

he 2015/16 series of the Auto Club Golf Championship is now well into 2016 and the Championship Final is clearly in sight. Events are filling up fast as May approaches, making for larger events and tougher competition. This ACGC series has been different from previous years by opening it to all Australian golfers, regardless of Auto Club membership. However, the spirit of the Tournament remains rooted in the values of the Auto Clubs and the benefits to the Auto Club members continue with discounted registration fees. The Auto Club commitment to the game of golf in Australia remains as one of the cornerstones of the ACGC. RACV in particular is quite involved with ACGC by hosting regional events at four of its Resorts. Not to mention the Championship Final is held annually at the RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland. Some of the most popular events of the series are held at the RACV Resorts, including Healesville, Torquay, Cape Schanck, and Royal Pines Resort. Through holding regional events and the Final at one of the RACV Resorts, the ACGC Committee has come to see the immense value in the “stay and play” approach to golf. There is one RACV Resorts regional event

STATE

EVENT

DATE

McCracken

11/03/2016

VIC

Garfield Golf Club

13/03/2016

VIC

RACV Cape Schanck

15/03/2016

NSW

Casino

20/03/2016

NSW

Tura Beach

28/03/2016

VIC

Sanctuary Lakes

31/03/2016

Seaview

01/04/2016

VIC

Morwell

03/04/2016

NSW

Cobram Barooga

09/04/2016

Port Augusta

10/04/2016

McLaren Vale

16/04/2016

Mount Gambier

24/04/2016

NSW

Coomealla

24/04/2016

TAS

Kingston Beach

29/04/2016

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

RACV Cape Schanck still left on the calendar at Cape Schanck. We at ACGC recommend making a mini vacation out of your regional event registration. Book in and enjoy the gorgeous amenities offered at RACV Resorts, have a practice game of golf before the event and relax afterwards with a massage or nice dinner. This way, you don’t have to win the event and qualify for the final to enjoy a golf holiday! The event at RACV Cape Schanck will be played on the 15th of March. Check out

the RACV Resorts websites for information on booking a stay: http://www.racv.com. au/wps/wcm/connect/racv/resorts/ RACV+Resorts. RACV Cape Schanck certainly has an exciting future as one of Australia’s leading golf resorts. They are currently underway on a large scale renovation and expansion project, scheduled to be completed in 2018 and costing about $135 million. The payoff is expected to be huge as golfers from all

over Australia will flock to the seaside resort located at the southern-most tip of Victoria’s glorious Mornington Peninsula. Throughout the renovations, Cape Schanck remains open and continues to offer champion level golf on their beautiful 18-hole course. There are still plenty of opportunities to qualify for the Championship Final at regional events around Australia. To find or register at an event near you, go to www.acgc.com.au. •

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www.acgc.com.au 30

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

juniors

Another winning junior initiative

IX Brisbane golf clubs with a penchant for junior golf are doing their bit to grow the game.

THIRTY Australian kids have qualified to represent Australia in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships, which will be held at prestigious Pinehurst North Carolina, in August this year.

Starting soon – teams of eight boys and girls from Pacific, Wantima, Virginia, Brookwater, Nudgee and Ashgrove golf clubs – will play in the Brisbane Junior Interclub Challenge.

“It is the pinnacle of junior golf events world-wide and we are thrilled that we are able to send such a strong field” said U.S. Kids Golf Managing Director Kevin Wallis.

Last year three clubs – Pacific, Wantima and Virginia – competed in the inaugural challenge, which achieved remarkable success.

In 2016, 15 kids qualified and travelled to represent Australia alongside 1442 other kids aged between 5 and 14 from 56 countries around the world.

Little wonder three more clubs have jumped aboard.

Since then, U.S. Kids Golf Australia has run over 40 junior tournaments nationally with an average of 50 kids participating.

Juniors with handicaps ranging from low single-figure markers to high handicappers will compete in the stableford competition. “There was so much interest amongst the juniors and the golf clubs last year that we decided to expand it to six clubs this year,” said Peter Johnstone, president of the juniors at Pacific Golf Club. “Last year we had strong support from Ken McKay, junior coordinator at Wantima, and Brett Maxwell, the professional and junior coordinator from Virginia Golf Club. “This year there is going to be three north side teams and three south side teams. “The north side teams will play each other and the winner will play against the winning south side team in a grand final later this year. “The south side teams are Pacific, Brookwater and Nudgee although Nudgee is strictly not south side, but that’s how it’s going to be played out. The north side teams are Wantima, Ashgrove and Virginia golf clubs.”

Record numbers of Aussie Kids qualify for US World Champs

“We have seen a huge increase in the number of kids wanting to get involved with our tournaments over 2016” said Wallis. “And to double our representation at the World Championships from 15 to 30 in a year is a product of this”

Mark Barber watches the outcome of his approach shot. Johnstone said the challenge was introduced to give juniors the opportunity to represent their clubs.

“We are still half way through our Summer Tour Series which is also a qualifying pathway so it is very likely that we will end up with over 40 qualifiers from all around Australia,” Wallis proudly added.

“It was really about kids who don’t get the chance to represent their club in formats like pennant,” he said. “It gives juniors a chance, in a less-formal way, to put on the club shirt and represent the club.

This would place Australia in the top three countries with the highest number of competitors at the Championships.

“We play it as stableford on a handicap basis because that keeps kids with different abilities competitive. “Usually, we put the kids with the lower handicaps together and those with higher handicaps together.” It’s a good initiative and one that will encourage junior growth and maintain juniors’ interest in the sport.

Benny McLaughlin lines up a putt during the Brisbane Junior Interclub Challenge. “It’s about trying to get as many kids interested in golf and gives them added reason to join a club or, if they are already junior members, to continue playing.” •

“U.S. Kids Golf worldwide has a mission of helping kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and to encourage family interaction that build lasting memories. Parents caddy for their children and the event is very family orientated, as are our local tournaments,” Wallis said For more information: www.uskidsgolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Moonah Links Resort Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

eaturing two world-class golf courses and practice facilities, high-quality accommodation, delicious food and beverage options and extensive resortstyle facilities, Moonah Links Resort on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is the perfect location for a weekly round of golf, a quick golf getaway for two, an annual “Boys golf weekend” or an extended golf holiday.

Just one hour from Melbourne’s CBD, the facility is one of Inside Golf’s favourite locations, and we have played numerous rounds on these two amazing courses. This month, we take an in-depth look at this marvellous resort. THE PAST The land on which Moonah Links Golf Course was constructed was once owned by Melbourne Corporate lawyer Bill Leslie and his wife Virginia. The original property was named MOONAH after the centuriesold trees that dot the landscape. On the 467 acres were 120 cattle and 25 acres of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. (Some of the original stockyards are still visible on the Open course.) The property had become redundant to family requirements as the sandy soil was not ideal for the growth of vineyards. In addition, it was determined that the local coastal couch would be more suitable for a golf course. At the time, the Australian Golf Union (now Golf Australia) was searching for a site to set up as the official Home of Australian Golf; a facility to host the Australian Open, house the Australian Golf Museum and establish a world-class Golf Academy. The AGU thought the lay of the land at MOONAH was perfect for this purpose and they asked five-times British Open winner Peter Thomson—of golf course architect firm Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett—to design the course. The rest, as they say, is history. 34

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

THE PRESENT The par-72 Open Course, designed by Peter Thomson, was the first 18-hole golf course built and prepared for a national championship. At 6783m it is one of the longest courses in Australia. Thomson designed this course wanting the golfer to plot their way around, thus a good teeshot is critical to avoid difficult approach shots or an almost certain three putt. Most greens are well-guarded but you’re assured to enjoy a consistent putting surface every time when you’ve found them. The Australian Open was held twice at Moonah Links Open Course. In 2003 it was won by Peter Lonard and in 2005 by Robert Allenby. The course was also host to the Moonah Classic. It has won numerous awards, including Number 1 Best Conditioned Golf Course in Australia (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011). The par-72 Legends Course was designed by Ross Perrett in conjunction with the Australian Golf Union and opened in November 2003. In contrast to the challenging Open Course, the 6315m (5708m for women) Legends course offers a more “friendly” golfing experience to players of all capabilities. The Legends course has won the

hearts of many golfers in recent years, and it is an absolute beauty. Perrett has stated that he put his heart and soul into this design (and we reckon he also had plenty of fun doing it). That enjoyment certainly rubs off on golfers who can’t resist booking it again. The holes take you on a journey through a beautiful parcel of land with large greens and plenty of bunkers positioned to catch drives and wayward approach shots. But overall, it provides a relaxing and enjoyable round of golf for anyone who plays it. Like the Open Course, the Legends has also won numerous awards, including Number 2 Best Conditioned Golf Course in Australia (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011). Open to social play 7 days a week, Moonah Links is a pay-to-play facility that also boasts a growing membership base. There are currently 5-day (Bronze) and 7-Day (Silver) membership categories, while junior and intermediate memberships are also available. Accommodation and hospitality at the resort is well suited to groups of most sizes, with 96 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, restaurant, spike bar, extensive banquet and conference facilities, day spa and other recreational facilities such as a swimming

pool and tennis courts. The facility is also home to the Moonah Links Golf Academy. Internationally regarded as one of the foremost elite training venues in world golf, the facility has played host to Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport elite player development programs. The Moonah Links Golf Academy features a full complement of teaching equipment and facilities, including an indoor hitting bay and video coaching room, full driving range with three separate tee areas, short game area complete with three bunkers, large undulating putting green, pitching tee of up to 80 meters, fairway bunker and driving tee. In addition, there is a fully-equipped gymnasium designed and developed to provide golf-specific programs, Lecture theatre, Physiotherapy treatment rooms, a varied and comprehensive range of food/ beverage/catering options and packages and dormitory style accommodation facilities for up to 38 guests. Perfect for the annual mates weekend or group golf getaway. THE FUTURE Moonah Links Resort is currently starting a new chapter in its already storied history.

clubs In August last year, it was purchased by Peninsula International group from the previous owner (The Handbury Group) who had owned the property for 10 years. The sale represents a landmark occasion for the resort, as the new owners hope to develop Moonah Links into a world-class facility, while still respecting and maintaining the prestige of both courses. Among the future plans for the resort are the establishment of an internationally-rated six-star hotel which includes three-bedroom apartments suitable for groups, families and more. All told, the future looks extremely bright for Moonah Links Resort, and we are confident that this already spectacular facility will go from strength to strength well into the future.

FACT FILE Moonah Links Resort Peter Thomson Drive Fingal Vic 3939 www.moonahlinks.com.au

Green Fees: From $50 Public access: Seven days a week Practice Facility: Driving range, short game area and practice putting green.

Slope Ratings: Open Course Men Black 144, par-72, scr 77 Men Blue 135, par-72, scr 75 Men White 133, par-72, scr 72 Ladies Red 135, par 72, scr 75

Legends Course Men Black 141-par 72, scr 74 Men White 137- par 72, scr 72 Ladies Red 128- par 72, scr 74 Membership: Bronze membership starts from just $148.30 per month Joining Fee: None

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Moonah Links Resort Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal 3939 T: (03) 5988 2047 W: www.moonahlinks.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

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Stylish $3 million upgrade at Pacific Dunes

The artist’s rendition of the $3 million Golf and Country Club

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

ACIFIC Dunes, already rated one of NSW’s top courses, has boosted its upmarket standing as a high-quality residential golf facility to a new level with the opening of a $3 million Golf and Country Club venue this month. Ideally located in Port Stephens—about a two-hour drive north of Sydney—Pacific Dunes has always boasted a championship course, which currently is rated at number 54 in Australia. Now, with the completion of the stylish, high-technology Golf and Country Club it also can proudly boast to be one of Australia’s best

places to play, dine and live the golf lifestyle. “The completion of the highly-anticipated new venue offers a modern facility for members, residents and the public to enjoy fresh and seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, a bar, special events and a new Golf Shop,” Pacific Dunes’ General Manager, Kurt Linde said. “With a number of large golf events, weddings and private functions already booked for 2016, the new venue will serve as the perfect solution for formal and corporate events, accommodating up to 200 guests.” He said the new-look venue would not only be a “stunning modern facility” for golfers, residents and the public but it would also be one of the most environmentally advanced buildings in the Port Stephens region.

“As well as the style and comfort, we are equally excited about the environmentally sustainable design features of the building that will significantly reduce energy consumption and long-term operational costs of the facilities,” he said. The Golf and Country Club’s environmentally-sustainable design features of the building are to significantly reduce energy consumption and the long-term operational costs of the facility. For example, the building’s air conditioning system incorporates a geothermal heat pump system, which involves the use of 80m deep bores, delivering an approximately 60 per cent saving in energy use, compared with conventional systems. The heating of the venue’s swimming pool

and hot water for the building is also linked to the geothermal system for increased energy efficiency. And a 30kw solar-powered photovoltaic system, connected to an onsite energy storage system, is being utilised to offset building energy usage. An outstanding feature of the Golf and Country Club will be the new restaurant, The Greenhouse (www.greenhouseeatery.com.au), which is contained within the purpose-built venue and will offer seasonal fresh food. Ingredients for The Greenhouse’s seasonal menus are sourced straight from the kitchen garden and from locally based farmers and fishermen. For more information, phone (02) 4916 0500, or visit www.pacificdunes.com.au •

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March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

veterans

Greens (and reds) to challenge Veterans “We are looking forward to not only good weather, but good courses, and a great environment. We’d be very disappointed if people didn’t come and thoroughly enjoy the whole package.” With the help of sponsorship, the cost of the week is kept as low as possible.

Brian O’Hare

brian@australianseniorgolfer.com.au

For the full week, which includes registration and welcome BBQ and drink on the Sunday, 4BBB on the Monday, three rounds of championship golf (with a rest day on Wednesday) and a Gala Presentation Dinner at Morphettville Racecourse on the Friday evening, the cost is just $325.

LDER golfers from across Australia will gather in the Adelaide hills in November for a national veteran golfers championship staged “dangerously close” to some significant wineries. The event is the Australian Veteran Golfers Union (AVGU) National Championship, which is always a great week of competition and socialising that rotates annually around the states and territories. Whilst some participants kept a wary eye for crocodiles during the championship last year in Darwin, Adelaide’s cellar doors might actually pose a more clear and present threat to many. What will be the 27th running of the AVGU National Championship will take place from November 6th to 11th at three top golf courses in The Vines of Reynella, Flagstaff Hill and Blackwood. The championship is open to male golfers aged 55 and over and their partners, with the SA event looking to be particularly couple-friendly. The tournament includes four rounds of golf for all participants with the men playing 54 holes of championship strokeplay in three grades and the women playing stableford events in two grades. Whilst there’s keen interest for the low markers in fighting it out for the overall scratch title and the chance to become a national champion, handicapped grades keep golfers at all levels involved with lots of prizes and trophies on offer. Tournament director Brian Nankivell and his organising committee from the South Australian Veteran Golfers Association are confident they will provide a great product. “We’re playing at three very picturesque courses in the southern foothills of Adelaide about 20 kilometres south of the city and about 20 kilometres north of the McLaren Vale wine

Brian Nankivell, Tournament Director, and wife Vera growing district,” Nankivell said. “So it is wonderfully located, the courses are all in a radius of about 10 kilometres and there will be plenty of accommodation in the vicinity for all of those coming from interstate.” “We’re reverting to the three grades and making sure the ladies are well accommodated as well.” Nankivell said registrations were coming in at a steady pace, particularly from the more distant states in Queensland and Western Australia, and they were confident of attracting more than 350 participants overall. “We certainly want to keep the grades at the different courses but having said that we will do everything we possibly can to ensure that people traveling together, whether they be groups of men or partners, that they are not inconvenienced in terms of which course they are playing at,” he said. “We are going to try and get that together as much as we can, and most people are alerting us on their entry forms to those requirements, sharing carts etc, and we will certainly be making every effort to do that.” The organising committee was also “excited” by the cooperation being shown by the three courses involved, and arrangements were being made to ensure issues such as catering, course management and access to carts would be optimal. “November usually is perfect weather down here, in the mid 20’s,” Nankivell said.

Apart from the world famous wineries, there are plenty of other tourist attractions in Adelaide and beyond and plenty of varied accommodation including boutique hotels, apartments, seaside resorts, heritage cottages, hostels and caravan parks. As for the overall AVGU National Championship title in 2016, there is a looming matchup between defending champion Tom Harold, who had an obvious home town advantage when he won last year on debut at his home Darwin Golf Club course, and former three time winner from Ballarat, John Ciezki. Ciezki first competed in the championship in 2012, winning the Mornington Peninsula edition before making it three in a row in Canberra (2013) and Western Australia (2014). Ciezki couldn’t make the Northern Territory event in 2015 but was determined to recontest in Adelaide. Harold, now a regular at Australian senior order of merit amateur events, was delighted by the challenge. “You bet!” he said of defending his title at the time. “I can’t wait. Come on John, bring it on!” And that’s the thing about the AVGU National Championship. For many it has become an annual pilgrimage and if you stick with the program, sooner or later you have visited every state and territory in what is a very large country. Along the way you’ve played some top golf courses, made strong friendships, forged rivalries – and had some great fun in the process. Brian O’Hare is the founder and editor of Australian Senior Golfer, a website and online magazine providing news, information and entertainment for golfers aged 45 plus. Australianseniorgolfer.com.au

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

legends

Australia is Gilligan’s island again David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

OURING professional Anthony Gilligan spent 20 years plying his trade in Japan and he continues to visit the Land of the Rising Sun despite quitting the tour. “Generally I go back to Japan in January, but not to play golf,” he said. “We (family) go there to ski because the snow is great, it’s close to home and is relatively inexpensive compared to other snow holiday destinations.” Gilligan, a regular on the Australian, Asian, Japanese and Canadian tours from the 1980s until the mid-2000s, has decided to settle down on the Sunshine Coast after spending the past four years playing the Japan Seniors’ Tour.

won the Holden Classic and had two or three runner-up finishes in Japan. “It was a standout year, but the mid-1990s was when I played my best golf,” said Gilligan, who won tournaments in Canada, Japan and Australia.”

“I won’t be going back to Japan to play golf,” the 53-year-old said. “I’m going to play some events on the Legends Tour in Australia. “I played a couple of Legends Tour events late last year and it was great to catch up with the other players like Wayne Grady, Ian BakerFinch, Peter Senior, Rodger Davis and some of the other guys.

Gilligan has long been considered one of the game’s gentlemen. He built a solid career out of being a steady player rather than a flamboyant ball-striker, which is why the thick rough that lines the fairways never struck fear into his heart.

“I played steady golf and I am happy with my game, but I’m not as serious as I used to be. I enjoy it and still manage to shoot under-par most days.

That’s because he avoided the rough most of the time.

“I also have the teaching academy at Twin Waters Resort, which Grant Field runs so I will teach a little and continue to do corporate events there.”

“I made a career out of being consistent – shooting round of 69-70-71-72,” he said. “At the height of my career eight- or nine-under par was winning tournaments.

In case you have forgotten, 22 years ago Gilligan upstaged the likes of Mark Calcavecchia and Greg Norman in the Shark’s own tournament – the Greg Norman Holden Classic at Royal Melbourne.

“I never consistently shot low numbers. I was down the middle, on the green and steady and consistent in most areas of the game.” A few years after Sydney-born Gilligan joining the play-for-pay ranks, he had the choice of playing in Europe or Japan.

Gilligan fired a final round 67 to beat the Shark, Calcavecchia and Paul Moloney by two shots.

“I went to qualifying school in Europe and Japan, got a conditional card to play on the European Tour and a full-playing card on the

“Yes, 1994 was a good year for me because I

OF MEMBE

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I ask Gilligan if he had his time over would he take a different path. “No,” he said. “I had a fantastic time in Japan. I played for 15 years on the regular tour and met some great people. “I was never the best player there, but I did manage to win over there and have a good time. “In 2005, I quit for six or seven years when my kids were young (seven and four) because I didn’t want to miss watching them grow up.

“I always admired Terry and if I could have achieved what he achieved I would have been a lot happier.” Brian Jones, a winner of 21 professional tournaments, is another player Gilligan respected. “Brian Jones is the most underrated golfer Australia has ever had,” he said. “He won 12 times in Japan against very good players like Isao Aoki, Jumbo Ozaki and Tommy Nakajima. Then all the Americans used to come to Japan and he beat them on a regular basis.” Gilligan says he has never fallen out of love with the game of golf. “I knew from an early age what I want to do and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he said.

“Then I went back and played on the seniors’ tour when I turned 50 in 2012.”

“I still enjoy the practice and love getting out there and competing.”

Gilligan told Inside Golf Terry Gale had a huge influence on his career.

Away from golf, Gilligan enjoys spending time with his family.

“Terry Gale was my hero,” he said. “He won tournaments on every tour he played, but I saw him organise his schedule around his

“We live on the Sunshine Coast and have a beach lifestyle so we are very lucky up here,” he said. •

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“The European and Japan tours were very similar when it came to prizemoney and tournaments and the US wasn’t that far ahead so I was comfortable in Japan and stayed there.”

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troppo tour

Justin time to go ‘Troppo’ again David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

GA tournament coordinator (Queensland Division) Justin Maker is readying his trusty Ford Territory vehicle for another lengthy trek across Queensland and northern New South Wales. With the popular Queensland Sunshine Tour about to tee off, Maker has the task of hosting tournaments from Cairns in Far North Queensland to Grafton in northern NSW. To do that, the former touring professional must crisscross Queensland, northern NSW and even venture into Papua New Guinea to oversee the set-up of tournaments. Maker’s been in the role for six years and estimates he’s driven more than 250,000 kilometres and spent hundreds of hours behind the wheel to get to the various destinations Still, he enjoys the challenge and will soon be on the road again along with 60-80 professionals, who qualify for tournaments through an exempt category based on how well they have played over the past 12 months.

You remember the song. “On the road again; “Goin’ places that I’ve never been; “Seein’ things that I may never see again; “And I can’t wait to get on the road again. “On the road again; “Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway; “We’re the best of friends; “Insisting that the world keep turning our way; “And our way is on the road again.” Yep, that’s Justin Maker and his band of touring professionals. Inside Golf caught up with Maker, who lives on the Gold Coast with his wife and two young children aged four and one. In this interview, he reveals the joy and benefits pro-am tournaments bring to many regional towns and the role amateurs play. Before we get on to your work and the Sunshine Circuit, tell readers the Justin Maker story.

“My odometer tells me I do around 45,000 kilometres a year.”

I was born at Gracemere, a small town outside Rockhampton. I set my sights on being a touring professional, but my career only lasted three years. I turned pro in 2007 and quit in 2010 due to a bad wrist injury. I managed to win three tournaments including the $100,000 Capricorn Classic in 2009. It was a strong field and I was lucky enough to beat Peter Senior by two shots. In 2004, I won the Aichi Open in Japan when he was an amateur.

Perhaps Maker will have country singer Willie Nelson belting out his 1980 hit song On the Road Again while he’s heading for his next whistle-stop.

Now you have the task of hosting 45-plus Troppo Tour events worth more than $1m this year. What can professionals and golf fans expect?

“I do a lot of kilometres,” Maker said. “The drives are mostly late at night or early in the morning and can be lonely but I’m lucky I have Bluetooth in the car.

Justin Maker tees off during his playing days on the Troppo Tour. We have a number of exciting things happening this year. We are looking to reinvigorate the Cairns tournaments. We are positive we can do this and get other clubs to rejoin the pro-am schedule. Grafton came aboard last year and we are exploring the opportunity to host events at Tenterfield, Moree and places like that. It’s all about promoting golf and what the PGA does for golf. Can you give us a breakdown of the prizemoney? The prizemoney ranges from $11,000 to $150,000. It seems the regional areas and mining towns love hosting pro-ams.

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Yes. We have such a huge impact in the regional areas because they don’t usually have access to PGA pros so it’s like a Road Show that goes through these communities. The people in these communities get to sit down and chat with the pros so there is a real buzz in town. It’s really exciting to go to these areas and see the interaction between the pros and the locals. The pros enjoy the mining towns’ swing of events, don’t they? The best thing about the mining towns and the regional areas are the people. They open their arms when the pros hit town and the hospitality is second-to-none. It’s amazing. It’s a lot of fun and that’s why so many pros go back every year.

troppo tour environment. You don’t get that opportunity in other sports. Do you always have enough amateurs to fill the fields? No. If anyone wants to compete in proams all they need to do is get in touch with their local golf club or host club and put their name on the entry list.

Before making his mark on the US PGA Tour, Marc Leishman honed his skills on the pro-am circuit. What’s the accommodation like in these towns? Most host clubs offer billet arrangements, but many pros will share a hotel room. A few pros will take a caravan or trailer and camp at the golf courses. It’s different but they enjoy it and the mining town clubs embrace having them onsite because they are such welcoming people. What’s it like hosting events in Papua New Guinea? Along with the mining towns, it’s one of the highlights. Every time you go there, you realise how lucky we are in Australia. The little things we take for granted can affect and change someone’s life. For example, many locals don’t have watches and live in villages. I give them a tee time and wonder how they know what time it is, let along getting to the course to tee off on time. The Troppo Tour has long been a steppingstone to world tours for many young pros, hasn’t it?

While we (PGA) continually try to get more tier-one and tier-two tournaments there are so many great young golfers cutting their teeth on the Queensland Sunshine Circuit and other pro-am circuits. Marc Leishman and John Senden used the circuit as a stepping-stone and now play in the PGA Tour. Steven Jeffress is another player reaping the rewards both domestically and internationally. Before them, Ian Baker-Finch, Wayne Grady, Rod Pampling, Peter Fowler and Peter Senior used it as a springboard to overseas tours. Amateurs play an important part of a proam’s success. What do they get for their money? The entry fee can be as little as $20 to $25 and that includes the round with a touring pro and lunch. That professional could be someone they see on TV and because the amateurs have played alongside them, they can follow their career. It’s a unique experience being able to play with a professional athlete in a competitive

What are the dos and don’ts for amateurs playing a pro-am? First, they need a handicap. They need to be courteous to the pro because the professionals are playing for their livelihood. So, switch off the phone and don’t play with the phone during the tournament. Talk to your pro and ask them what they would like you to do or not like you to do. It all comes down to communication. What are the advantages for a club to host a pro-am? There are many advantages. There is the potential to introduce new sponsors and corporates to the club. A pro-am assists with revenue and budgetary items throughout the tournament. More importantly, it’s promoting golf and the golf club. It’s also a member benefit because it’s introducing members to a new and unique tournament. There are so many ways we can interact and have community engagements whether through junior clinics or in regional hospital visits. There are so many different things you can incorporate in the day and that’s the benefit of hosting a tournament. Pro-ams play an important role in a professional’s life. Hopefully, the experience will give them the chance to play well and go on to bigger and better things. Also, a lot of friendships are built between club members and professionals due to the experience. What part of your job do you most enjoy? I enjoy meeting so many wonderful people. In my role, I meet hundreds of people at each

Justin Maker. tournament – some directly and some indirectly. What don’t you enjoy? The weather when it interrupts tournaments. When storms roll in there can be 200 players expecting you to make a decision about whether to play or not. That can be daunting. It’s amazing to hear some smaller clubs have supported the Troppo Tour for more than three decades. This year Dysart Golf Club will celebrate its 38th consecutive pro-am. It’s an amazing effort for a club that has nine holes and around 30 members. Howeston Golf Course in Brisbane is another great supporter. This year will be their 37th successive pro-am. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

women

Betty isn’t resting on her laurels

The lifestyle choice for over 55’s If you’re looking for a new lifestyle close to the sea which allows you to remain active with security and freedom then look no further than Geelong’s Bellarine Lakes Country Club. Bellarine Lakes Country club opens its 9-hole private golf course to its residents and guests, teeing off the first official 9-hole and 18-hole competitions last month.

etty Dalgleish has set numerous milestones in her 73 years of playing golf. She took up golf at the age of 9 borrowing her father’s hickory golf sticks; joined Royal Hobart Golf Club at the age of 21; won the Australian Amateur Championship at the age of 39; and turned professional at the age of 40. Today, at age 84, she has set herself another goal – to play to her age.

Bellarine Lakes offer larger-than-typical resort-style villas and has one conveniently located on the Bellarine Highway, Geelong, only a short drive to the beautiful Victorian beaches and Geelong inner-city.

Betty started playing golf in her home town of Hobart. After school she would borrow her father’s golf clubs and have a hit on the local public course. In 1952 she joined Royal Hobart Golf Club. With her smooth swing and dogged determination she soon won the club championship, and then went on to represent Tasmania in the Australian Amateur Championships through until 1962.

The enviable resort style living facility has and will include; a four-rink bowling green, tennis court, hobby workshop, gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor solar-heated lap pool, alfresco dining and a beautifully-appointed community clubhouse which houses a cinema, billiard room, craft room, medical room, library, fully-equipped kitchen, club bar and even indoor carpet bowls.

After moving to NSW to improve her game, Betty joined Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club. She then represented NSW, and was also selected to represent Australia, up until 1970. In 1963 Betty became the first golfer to hold all state titles at one time. In another remarkable achievement she held five course records, including a three-under par at The Lakes and a two-under par at Ryde-Parramatta. On 1st September, 1971 Betty turned

The village is managed by friendly staff and offers a growing and active over-55 population new lifestyle choices and fabulous resort-style facilities and amenities.

pro. Until that time, there were no pro competitions for women’s golf In Australia. Sponsors for women’s golf were not easy to find. Betty recalls that many other accomplished women golfers of the time were hopeful of turning pro, but were worried about being left in limbo - not able to compete in amateur tournaments and not having pro competitions to play in. As Australia’s first resident female professional, Betty paved the way for other elite female athletes. It took courage to take the leap to professional golf, but Betty’s strong desire to continue to improve her game won out. Soon sponsors came on board, and other players turned pro the following year. Betty won Australia’s first

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women’s professional tournament winning $600 out of a $3000 purse. Betty was made a life member of the ALPG in 1983, and today proudly shows off her ALPG membership card – number “7101” Today Betty isn’t resting on her laurels. She has set herself the goal of playing to her age. Each week Betty plays in the ladies competition at Ryde-Parramatta, and she has been knocking at the door of her goal, recently scoring 86. Betty knows it’s a matter of patience, eliminating those couple of bad holes and staying positive. She believes she’s capable of shooting her age. And with the same determination she’s shown throughout her life, we do too. Good luck, Betty! •

Cycling, fishing, aqua aerobics, walking groups, dining and theatre events are simply a few of the wonderful social activities the residents enjoy. Visit www.countryclubvillages.com. au for more information. Free call 1800 255 578. Or contact Lifestyle Consultant, Carolyn McIntyre on 0447 495400.

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#CROSSTHELINE

From the airwaves to the fairways, Kerri-Anne’s a hit Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Comfort Powers Performance.

he’s long been known as Australia’s ‘daytime TV Queen’ after many decades as a mainstay on network television talk shows, but Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s down-time is becoming increasingly occupied by chasing a white ball around a golf course.

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Since being elected to the board of Golf Australia (GA) - the governing body of amateur golf in Australia Kennerley’s interest in the game has spiked. She plays off a handicap of 15 as a member at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney. “I play Sundays with my husband and that’s sort of the only game he plays, but every chance I can get, I just go out for a couple of hours, go for a walk by myself or go in the comps,” Kennerley says. “Saturdays I play at Macquarie Links in Sydney, which is a fabulous course. It’s more of a corporate course outside of Sydney.” The Brisbane-born TV personality took up golf about 15 years ago; persuaded by her sister to give it a go. She admits golf was the first sport she ever played. Kennerley went to the US as a 19-year-old where she spent several years in the New York cabaret scene. After Kennerley returned to Australia, many roles on daytime television programs followed, most prominently her decade-long stint as host of Network Ten’s Good Morning Australia. Her interest in the game is what inspired Golf Australia chairman John Hopkins to approach her about the prospect of joining its board, which Kennerley recalls with amusement. “I was surprised because I thought when the chairman introduced himself, I thought he was looking for somebody else and he said, ‘I want to talk to you about Golf Australia, being on the board,’ and I said, ‘no, who are you actually looking for?’” Since joining Golf Australia’s board, Kennerley has felt compelled to make golf more appealing to women. “I would just like more women to get involved with golf because it is such a good sport mentally, not bad physically. Making it more accessible to women and getting their interest up is important. I can’t play on a Saturday at The Australian but it is now one of the very few clubs where

Kerri-Anne Kennerley is aiming to make golf more appealing to women. I can’t. I’d prefer to be able to play Saturdays but also, as a female, I don’t pay the same membership fees either.”

they want to do it together so they’re not embarrassed and women love a chat and want to sit around and have a coffee afterwards.”

Kennerley is also involved with promoting Golf Australia’s Swing Fit program, which is targeted at female beginner golfers who may be hesitant to enter the male-dominated golf club and golf course scene.

A fashionable and forward-thinking individual, Kerri-Anne can bee seen sporting Cobra Puma golf equipment on the course (see photo above), much to the delight of Cobra Puma Golf’s Head of Marketing, Michael Angus, who commented on the successful relationship with Golf Australia and Kerri-Anne:

“For a 10-week course, it’s a very nominal fee, they turn up once a week, they’re given a seven-iron and a mat so they do some exercises that are golf friendly and that keeps them ‘swing fit’. “They learn another aspect of the game every week and everybody gets together to have coffee. Women want to try it together because they feel intimidated about the sport so

“We are delighted to partner with an industry partner like Golf Australia, and having Kerri-Anne using our equipment definitely helps to push our game enjoyment message, and really allows us to help grow the game of golf within the ladies market,” he stated. • www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

new gear

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oval pattern to increase friction and help get the ball rolling faster. White Hot RX putters will be available in several tour-proven head shapes: #1, #2, #7, #9, 2-Ball V-Line, Rossie and the new V-Line Fang, combining the technology and shape of the #7 with the popular V-Line mallet for improved alignment and accuracy.

Golfknickers.com is the only place you’ll find quality, traditional golf apparel. They have over 60 Argyle Sweaters with matching socks, plus six new sweater patterns for the upcoming season. And with 20 different colours of Golf Knickers combined with over 100 Argyle sock patterns, your outfit combinations are almost endless. Golfknickers.com also provides a diverse selection of traditional plaids that come with matching caps. Whether you are outfitting the family, the office for an upcoming tournament, or trying something new to stand out from the rest of the crowd, Golfknickers.com is the perfect website for any occasion. RRP www.GolfKnickers.com $69.95 – $189.95 March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Superhot 55 Golf Ball Designed to deliver distance from tee to green and reduce hooks and slices, Callaway’s new Superhot 55 Golf Ball has a low 55 compression that makes it feel incredibly soft. The ball’s aerodynamics promote low drag and optimal lift to keep it in the air longer with a strong flight, so you get distance off the driver and all the way through your short irons. The Superhot 55’s soft mantle and cover system work together to create low spin, which reduces hooks and slices for a more controlled, straighter ball flight, while soft-feeling 55 compression allows you to compress the ball at impact.

The complete range is backed by a comprehensive peace-ofmind, two-year warranty on the buggy and a five-year prorata warranty on the lithium battery. The FW5 and FW7 models both come standard with a USB charging port, plus Automatic Distance Function. PowaKaddy is distributed and serviced in Australia by E.L.K Golf. www.powakaddy.com.au (03) 9795 1743

New Chrome Soft Callaway has taken a ball that redefined golf ball performance and improved it to deliver more ball speed off the tee, more control from your scoring clubs and incredibly soft feel. The new Chrome Soft features the company’s proprietary Dual SoftFast Core, which is engineered for fast ball speeds and delivers low spin for players who need spin reduction to optimize their launch conditions off the tee. With its low compression, the new Chrome Soft allows golfers to compress the ball on iron shots for long, straight flight, while delivering amazing feel around the greens. The four-piece construction, mantle layer and Tour Urethane Cover combine to deliver even more control throughout the bag, especially with scoring clubs from 100m and in. Callaway’s optimised HEX Aerodynamics makes the ball flight even better in all conditions.

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Phil Mickelson worked directly with Callaway wedge designer Roger Cleveland to evolve the Mack Daddy PM-Grind wedge and create the new Mack Daddy PM-Grind Matte Black Wedge. Mr. Cleveland took a Mack Daddy 2 Wedge and grinded out the high toe shape, which Mickelson tested it on Tour until the look and performance were exactly what he wanted. The resulting Mack Daddy PM-Grind Matte Black Wedge has an original shape that lets you be aggressive in your short game, with more surface area and 39 percent more groove area stretching across the entire face. A high toe moves weight higher in the club, making it easier to hit shots out of the deep rough. The club’s unique design allows golfers to accelerate through the ball on every shot and get up and down from anywhere—on flops, bunker shots and out of the thickest rough.

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.

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

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Odyssey took its legendary White Hot insert—the standard bearer in feel for more than 15 years—and combined it with a dual layer, injected molded insert that has a softer core. The resulting White Hot RX putters are designed to provide the ultimate in speed and feel. The oval pattern on the urethane insert that was used to create quicker, more pure roll in Odyssey’s Metal-X and Odyssey Works models has been implemented into the White Hot RX line, combining the speed and roll of the urethane insert with nextgeneration White Hot feel. A textured clearcoat on the striking surface works with the

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new gear

>NEW NIKE GEAR

VAPOR FLEX 440 DRIVER

Available in April

The new Vapor Flex 440 driver is a breakthrough in head construction. More than 60 percent of the club is built from carbon fibre reinforced RZN, an extremely light, yet strong material that Nike uses in both clubs and golf balls. The New HyperFlight face produces extreme ball speed across the entire face for better performance on off-centre hits. FlexFlight technology features a RZN tube with a highdensity weight on one end — flipping the tube allows golfers to further optimise launch conditions by impacting launch angle, spin rate, forgiveness and workability. FlexLoft 2.0 technology gives the golfer five lofts at three face angles for a total of 15 different settings and optimal ball flight, more distance as well as enhanced workability.

Vapor Fly Hybrid Vapor Fly and Fly Pro Drivers Distinguished by its bold blue crown with iconic Volt colour in the Compression Channel, the Vapor Fly Driver has three key technologies that add up to fast ball speed, high trajectory and less spin: Flightweight Crown, which features a 30 per cent reduction in crown weight, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and higher MOI for higher launch, less spin and more forgiveness; a new HyperFlight face produces extreme ball speed across the entire face for better performance on off-centre hits; and a Re-engineered Compression Channel, which enables a springboard effect to amplify performance on misshits. FlexLoft 2.0 gives the functionality of five lofts at three face angles for a total of 15 different settings and optimal flight, more distance as well as enhanced workability. The Vapor Fly Pro Driver utilises all of the above in a familiar 460cc pear shape head to create a strong trajectory with low spin. On the inside, the club has been finely tuned to help athletes like Rory McIlroy perform at the highest level.

Vapor Fly and Fly Pro Irons

The Vapor Fly irons feature three unique RZN-enhanced, game-improvement constructions pushing weight lower and toward the perimeter for consistent, high and longapproach shots with tremendous feel. The Vapor Fly irons feature Modern Muscle technology that balances the centre of gravity in the centre of the face to optimize stability, energy transfer and feel for consistent performance and shotmaking; Lightweight RZN material enables more mass to be distributed lower and deeper for higher ball flight. The combination of a variable thickness, flexible Nexcor face supported by a stiffened, Flybeam-reinforced chassis delivers increased ball speed, with less penalizing mishits for longer, more consistent shots across the entire face. For the Vapor Fly Pro Irons, engineers set out to create a set of irons that launch the ball higher and farther, offering forgiveness with more workability. In addition to the above, the Vapor Fly Pro irons feature: Hollow RZN cavity long irons (4, 5) which feature a metalwood-style construction with FlyBeam reinforcement for superior distance and forgiveness; RZN pocket mid irons (6, 7, 8) utilize Nike’s proprietary RZN material to redistribute weight to combine stability with refined feel; RZN cavity short irons (9, P) also feature RZN material in the cavity of the irons to enable shot-making creativity.

The Vapor Fly Hybrid was completely redesigned for 2016. Working with Nike athletes such as Francesco Molinari, Nike Golf engineers created a hybrid with a refined, tour-driven profile to maximize versatility and shot making. Features a Flightweight Crown, New HyperFlight face, Re-engineered Compression Channel, and FlyBeam Reinforced Covert Cavity Back that dramatically stiffens the chassis while redistributing weight to the heel and toe for maximum impact efficiency, tuned acoustics and forgiveness.

RZN Tour Ball

Featuring a four-piece urethane cover design, the RZN Tour ball utilises four key components for more yardage and a softer feel.

Vapor Fly Fairway Wood

The Vapor Fly Fairway Wood uses Nike’s tour-authentic chassis with upgraded technology to drive performance. Utilizing the same technology found within the Vapor Fly drivers, the club features an extremely thin and light Flightweight Crown to move weight lower for a higher launch angle, with less spin. Three models with an innovative new FlexLoft Fairway hosel allow for lofts from 14 degrees to 20 degrees, at a standard or upright lie angle for a tour-level fit. The FlexLoft Fairway hosel offers the unique ability to adjust loft and lie angle independently, offering six individual settings in each of five models to achieve optimal flight, more distance and enhanced workability.

Nike Lunar Control 4 Shoes

At more than 120 MPH, Rory McIlroy’s golf swing is one of the most powerful on the professional tour. His ability to attack the ball with velocity while maintaining control over his swing arc requires strength and a strong base. This insight played a major role in the development of the Nike Lunar Control 4, which is designed to provide that ultimate base. Nike Lunar Control 4 leverages Nike innovations, developed across a variety of sport platforms, to meet McIlroy’s needs – and those of golf athletes at every level of the game. Dynamic Nike Flywire technology provides lateral support in the midfoot, while a new, robust external heel counter helps lock the foot in place through McIlroy’s swing. The upper is reengineered of a lightweight microfiber that provides a soft, unrestricted feel. The tongue has been redesigned to wrap ergonomically around the ankle and provide a natural break when walking. The same highperformance outsole and midsole from the Nike Lunar Control 3 continues to offer superior traction and cushioning. Available in two colourways for men (white/wolf grey, white/bright crimson).

Made with the newest iteration of RZN material, RZN 4.0, the blue centre core is not only softer but also 10 percent bigger than the previous generation. This gives the ball what amounts to a bigger engine, thus unlocking faster ball speeds.

GEAR NEWS

The core utilizes Speedlock X technology. It features deeper grooves and a X-shaped surface pattern, which creates 26-percent more surface area than the former generation to allow better energy transfer through the ball and ultimately provide more distance and faster ball speeds. Surrounding the core, the Speedlock Mantle and its Speedlock grooves help engage the cover of the golf ball for greater spin on shorter shots with high-lofted clubs.

Ruffels joins Nike Tour staff

The ball’s Flight Suit cover features visible technology: 344 dimples and 13,558 micro dimples. To achieve longer ball flight, engineers utilized advanced aerodynamics by adding the micro dimples, strategically spread across the cover of the ball, which help facilitate improved lift and drag properties, especially at the end of the ball flight.

The son of two professional tennis players, Ruffels was born in the United States and moved to Australia at a young age. In 2014, at the age of 15, he won the Australian Boys’ Amateur and became the youngest player to win the Riversdale Cup. Additionally, he earned top-25 finishes at the Australian Open in both 2013 and 2014.

The RZN Tour ball will be available in two versions: Black for lower-spin distance and Platinum for mid-spin control.

What’s in Ruffels’ bag:

RZN Speed

The RZN Speed golf balls are three-piece balls designed for ultimate forgiveness and softer feel. The same Speedlock X Core technology from the RZN Tour ball helps maximize energy transfer for faster ball speed and ultimate forgiveness, while a softer RZN formulation provides a softer feel without sacrificing distance. The RZN Speed ball will be available in two versions: Red for longer carry and White for softer feel.

Nike Golf recently announced the addition of Australian athlete Ryan Ruffels to its roster.

• Driver: Nike Vapor Fly 9.5-degree • Fairway Wood: Nike Vapor Fly 3-wood 15-degree • Irons: Nike Vapor Fly Pro (3), Nike Vapor Pro Combo (4), Nike Vapor Pro (5-9) • Wedges: Nike Engage 48-degree, 52-degree, 56-degree, 58-degree • Putter: Nike Method 001 • Ball: Nike RZN Tour / Platinum

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

new gear

WE TRIED IT!>

PING G series Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

ast month, Inside Golf ventured down to the Melbourne Golf Academy to testdrive the new G-series clubs from PING.

We love testing PING gear, as there is always something groundbreaking, and this year was no exception. We started off with the new G irons. Sleek and powerful, these irons are heat-treated using a specialised process that makes them 40% stronger than traditional 17-4 stainless steel. By making them stronger, engineers can make the face thinner, lighter, and with more forgiveness. In addition, further advancements have resulted in a face that acts like a springboard—launching the ball into the air with extra speed. From the moment we hit these irons, we fell in love. A satisfying “click” sound was accompanied by a penetrating ball flight, with heaps of forgiveness and workability. These irons are truly spectacular! Shot after shot, we were giggling with delight at how much fun these were to hit. Next up was PING’s Crossover. An entirely new category of golf club. Not quite an iron, and not quite a hybrid, the Crossover fits right in the middle, combining the precision, workability and control of an iron with the ball speed and forgiveness of a hybrid. In essence, it launches like a hybrid, and spins like an iron.

ProGolf IQ:

Next were the G Fairways. Since many golfers struggle to hit fairway woods, the G Fairways have a lower lead edge that yields 12% higher face impact. So at address, the ball appears higher (and even bigger to hit!). A stronger and thinner face, as well as an improved structure in flexing, made the ball absolutely launch on impact. PING’s now famous Turbulators on the crown help with both alignment and aerodynamics, resulting in one of the easiest-to-hit fairways we’ve ever tested. We also love the fact that you can adjust loft up to +/- 1º with five settings.

Another interesting addition to the driver is the new Vortec Disruptor, which helps boost aerodynamics by reducing drag. Inspired by studying the effects of drag-reducing base flaps on 18-wheel semi-trailers, PING has reduced drag by 37% in the impact zone, yielding greater clubhead speed and ball velocity. And that means more distance, as we found when hitting these drivers. Like all the other G Series clubs, we found these drivers very easy to hit, with amazing gains in distance and forgiveness (even our shabby drives off the toe or heel still eked out good distance, straight down the middle.). There’s a reason why PING staffer Bubba Watson can smash his drives into the stratosphere, and we’ll bet that these drivers are certainly helping! Also like the G Fairways, there are two other driver models to help you dial-in the best tee shot for your game: The G SF Tec driver (which helps correct a fade by producing a right-to-left shot), and the G LS Tec driver, which features a centre of gravity that is

Apart from the standard, the fairways also come in two slightly different models: the G SF Tec (which feature a lighter swing weight, and higher lofts to produce right-to-left shot bend for right-handed players whose typical miss is to the right) and the G Stretch 3 which helps “stretch” your distance with its larger head, slightly forward CG, 13º loft, and reduced spin. True to their word, these clubs deliver when it counts.

extremely low for the player who desires low, stable spin with forgiveness. Overall, we highly recommend the new G series. No matter what your handicap or skill level, you need to give these clubs a test.

Last up was the big dog, the G Series Driver. Borrowing inspiration from the

Driving, Pitching and Putting modules

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Over the last few months, I’ve shared my thoughts on the ProGolf IQ mental training program. I’ve found this program to be one of the most beneficial game-changing “tools” I’ve ever tested. To recap, The ProGolf IQ program consists of a series of audio sessions that you simply download and listen to via your favourite electronic device. 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. I’ve also mentioned supplementary modules that are also available for the program. Recently, I reviewed the Enforcer IQ, which helps reinforce the powerful program into your subconscious. This month, I’ll share my thoughts on the final three modules: Driving IQ, Pitching IQ and Putting IQ. First up was Driving IQ. This module helps you develop a solid visual plan for not just finding the fairway, but for getting 48

Available in the 3 (18°), 4 (21°) and 5 (24°), the Crossover can be used from the fairway, rough or off the tee, and can fill those nervous long-iron gaps in any bag. So if you’re like many golfers who generally struggle to hit your long irons (our usual 3-iron is currently sitting in the Naughty Corner), the new Crossover could be just the ticket to reinvigorate your long game. They are an exciting, innovative addition, and will surely turn heads in the industry.

structure of a dragonfly’s wings, PING created a complex exoskeleton design which resulted in their lightest crown to date, saving eight grams while creating an intricate and stable structure. This helped drive the centre of gravity lower and deeper, which helps maximise distance and forgiveness.

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

your ball to land exactly where you want it. It teaches you how to examine the hole from the tee, rate the potential hazards that are in play (and subsequently shun them from your mind), and then visualise a positive ball flight. It also helps you relax, and develop a solid warm-up prior to your round; getting your mind “into the game” prior to the first tee. It effectively boosts your confidence from the tee, and can make a massive difference to your long game. Next was Pitching IQ. Pitching and chipping are among the most troublesome areas for many golfers. Whether it’s from 100m out, just around the greens or from a greenside bunker, many golfers are simply satisfied to “just get out of trouble” or “just get it on the green”. Pitching IQ helps you change that attitude to maximise every shot. It helps you remove any fear of the obstacles, empowering you to “swing to win” and pitch with confidence. Finally, as the old saying goes, you “Drive for Show, Putt for Dough”. The Putting IQ module helps you to eliminate the stress out of putting by giving you an established process to identify your preferred putting line and speed, and then firmly fix it into your mind. The exercise comprises the

visualisation of an imaginary “track” between your ball and the hole; the depth and shape of the track depends on the speed/line of the putt. By intensely visualising your putt prior to the stroke, you eliminate uncertainty and improve confidence. Putting IQ takes a bit more practice to master than the other modules, but it can certainly give the most benefit.

down the middle, while my pitching and putting were out of this world. With Stableford scores of 3-4-3-3 on my first four holes, I felt unbeatable. Throughout the round, I felt the benefits of the complete ProGolf IQ suite of products. And though my team only managed a runner-up finish (pipped at the post by a single shot!) I certainly felt like I had won.

So how did I go with these? Well, apart from my weekly comp, I had the opportunity to put all three modules into practice recently during a highly-intense competition: the Oates Vic Open Pro-Am. Now, I concede that Pro-Ams are generally laid-back and fun. But personal pride (and my competitive nature) means that I go into these events with my “game face” on.

I wholeheartedly recommend that if you are looking to boost your mental game when on the course (and enjoy a “Balanced Brain” approach that professional golfers employ) then give the ProGolf IQ and supplementary modules a serious look.

So, armed with these new tools, I took to the course. Gone were the usual first-tee “Butterflies”; instead, I had a relaxed and calm attitude, and proceeded to stripe my drives

(Note: Inside Golf readers get a 60% discount off the complete suite of sessions ($495 RRP). Just go to the special website link to get the ProGolf IQ program for just $194: www.progolfiq.com/insidegolf )

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legends of the game

PGA loses its oldest and boldest A tribute to Dan Cullen Bill Colhoun

As a golfer the lanky elegant swinging Cullen enjoyed amazing success at the start and end of his stifled tournament-playing career.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

USTRALIAN golf lost one of its true giants of the game with the death of the PGA’s oldest member Dan Cullen, DFC, in January, aged 101. Almost 210cm (seven foot) in his prime, Cullen literally cast a huge shadow on every aspect of professional golf – as a player, PGA of Australia President, Director and Chairman, a leading coach and a famous club professional, especially in golf’s formative years after World War II. When he died on Australia Day he had fulfilled a life of wonderful achievements not only in golf but as a husband, father and a national war hero.

He showed tremendous potential as a young pro in the 1930s in Western Australia and four decades later, aged 64, etched his name in world golf history by becoming the oldest player to qualify to play in the British Open – an achievement which stands today. Born at Bunbury in 1914, Cullen left school at 14 to start a PGA traineeship with Eric Alberts at the West Australian Golf Club Mt Yokine and worked seven days a week for 10 shillings ($1). After Alberts transferred to Cottesloe Golf Club in 1931, Cullen rode his bicycle 32 km to work and back every day, mostly on unsealed roads and often in darkness with no lights.

An international hit: Dan Cullen shows off his elegant swing in front of visiting champion US woman player Babe Didrikson-Zaharias in an indoor exhibition in Sydney in the 1940s. Picture by courtesy of the PGA of Australia.

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legends of the game At age 23 he became a PGA Member and promptly won the 1937 West Australian Open and backed up to win it again in 1938.

involved with the Professional Golfers Association, becoming a Director and the Chairman of the NSW Division from 1948 to 1960 and was President of the PGA from 1950-55.

As if to underline his world-class potential, in 1939 he beat rising South African superstar Bobby Locke in an exhibition match at Royal Perth.

Unlike today, golf club pros in those days were not all that well respected by some clubs and it was made clear to Cullen on his appointment as the Roseville Golf club on Sydney’s North Shore that he could not enter the clubhouse at any time.

So impressed was Locke , who eight years later beat Sam Snead in a similar contest in South Africa to launch his incredible 74-win career, including four British Opens, he told Cullen to head east to play in Sydney and Melbourne.

Dan soon changed that ruling and struck a blow for PGA pros, in his first week. He arranged to play in a club competition with the President and Captain and when at the end of the round they invited him in for a drink, he explained that he was banned from doing so. The rule was changed immediately.

Little did Locke know that Cullen already had plans in that direction, not simply to follow his golf passion but to be with his girlfriend Enid, whose family had moved to Sydney. The pair married a year later on Dan’s 26th birthday November 12, 1940.

After nine years at Roseville and a stint as President of the PGA of Australia Cullen became the Head Professional at St Michaels, right beside the sea in Sydney’s east at Malabar and it was here he really enjoyed life, mixing his work in golf with his passion for fishing.

Neither Cullen nor Locke could realise that early in the 1940s golf would come second in their lives as both would volunteer for duty in World War II, Cullen as a bomber pilot in the British Air Force and Locke in the South African Air Force. So it was that Cullen, who left school at 14 and always had an interest in flying, educated himself in mathematics and learned to pilot a Lancaster Bomber even before he had a licence to drive a car. He was to complete 32 bombing missions over Germany and France when it was estimated only one in four pilots survived 30 sorties. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for valour in nursing his badly damaged plane back from a mission to France, shooting down German fighter planes along the way. In 2014 Cullen also received the Legion d’Honneur Medal, the highest decoration in France, for his war service.

On course for fun: Dan and Eddie sampling the champagne golf that the St Michaels course offers. Cullen delighted in telling the story of the presentation of his DFC, which originally was to have been performed by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. However, typically, Dan wanted to share the ceremonial moment with his beloved wife Enid and family and friends back in Australia, so officials arranged for the new Australian Governor General Sir William McKell (a former boilermaker who became a Labor Party Premier of NSW) to do the deed at Government House overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Sir William noted in his speech before handing Dan his DFC that “Flying Officer Cullen’s crew had not only slowly flown their stricken aircraft home after completing their bombing raid, but also had shot down a German Fokker fighter plane”. After Dan accepted the DFC he whispered to the Governor General: “actually Sir William it was two Fokkers” and the GG, smiled and whispered in reply: “Sorry, Dan, but you’re only getting one Fokker medal”. After the war Dan became even more

Cullen curtailed his tournament play, and for 20-plus years was content to teach the St Michaels Members, who included some of Australia’s best golfers such as bricklayer Harry Berwick, who after playing overseas for Australia was invited to play in the US Masters as an amateur. There were a lot of Sydney’s leading amateur and professional golfers who benefitted from getting regular instruction in subtle sessions with Cullen. And from that mountain of talent Cullen uncovered a “diamond” when fellow PGA pro Eric Cremin brought a 15-year-old local Botany schoolboy to St Michaels and suggested Dan should take him on as a PGA apprentice. Dan got the boy to hit some shots and, after he hit only two balls, said: “You’ve got the

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legends of the game job” . . . the boy was Bob Stanton, who five years later beat US superstar Arnold Palmer in the 1966 Dunlop International at The Australian Golf Club, having won the German Open the same year. Stanton ignited a golf boom in Australia and went on to play at the 1967 US Masters and on the US Tour where he finished second to Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller in rich events but never won and admits to not realising his full golf potential. When a few years back Cullen was asked who he rated the best golfer of his long lifetime, he didn’t hesitate, saying: “I’ve seen nearly all the greats from Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen,

to Tiger Woods, but no-one swung it better than Bobby Stanton. He was a natural.” When told of this appraisal soon after Dan’s death, Stanton said: “Oh wow, that’s an extraordinary statement. That makes me feel a bit of an under-achiever in terms of what I did achieve.” Blessed with good health, Cullen never lost his golf ability and in the twilight of his career recorded some of his most notable feats which included regularly breaking his age when in his 70s and he still was playing off a single-figure handicap in his 80s and 90s at the tough NSW Golf Club at La Perouse and at the neighbouring St Michaels.

Dan the original Big Easy, says Eddie Emerson For about 60 years fellow PGA Life Member Eddie Emerson was a close friend and a business partner of Dan Cullen, following him as the Club Pro at St Michaels and later helped Dan and Enid develop their practice range – Cullen’s Driving Range. He has many happy memories of their long relationship: “I first met Dan at St Michaels Golf Club in the mid 1950’s, when competing at the New South Wales Assistant Professional Championships, which Dan , and his good mate Charlie Masters, personally staged each year, to promote young professional golfers in NSW. “Dan won many varied tournaments all over the world, but the one I always will remember was in Australia at Queensland’s Sanctuary Cove where in front of all his PGA Mates and aged in his 70s, he strode up the last to win the Australian Club Professional Championship. “One of his most enjoyable overseas tournaments was when Dan and his lovely

wife Enid would regularly venture to Britain to compete in an event of which dual British Open winner Henry Cotton, was the patron. “Henry always offered a prize of a thousand pounds to anyone who scored better than his age and Dan, then in his early 70s, regularly would pick up that prize each year and then take Enid on a nice holiday. “Dan always had time to lend an ear to everyone, even while playing and on his backswing. He had so much time on his backswing that he often would talk to you while completing it. He was the “Big Easy” long before Ernie Els...no wonder the numberplate on Dan’s car was EZY 000. “Dan was a person who loved life and the people of all countries and cultures who he met walking the fairways of the world. “I know I speak for thousands of golfers and anyone who met him when I say: Thank you Dan for your friendship, mate.”

Members $20.00, Non Members $30.00

St Michaels mates: Dan Cullen and Eddie Emerson in the club pro shop when Dan was off to develop his practice range.

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March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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legends of the game and he shot 84 on the par-70 layout, the same as Bobby Locke, while Ginn did better with 75. However the next day as Cullen later said: “At least I showed them I could play a bit by scoring 77 and shot par on the back-nine.” His 77 was better that day than Jack Newton and Sandy Lyle, who both shot 80 to miss the cut, and Nick Faldo only pipped Dan by one in the second round. Another career twilight highlight for Cullen at 87 was winning – with son Daniel Junior – the 2003 Dan Cullen Trophy – a two-ball ambrose hickory shaft clubs annual event staged by the Australian Golf Heritage Society (AGHS) at Long Reef.

Dan was honoured to be appointed the Patron of the AGHS, established by his good mate Tom Moore, and it was very fitting choice because there is no finer heritage in Australian golf than the name Dan Cullen. On a trip back to Perth to help celebrate the approaching centenary of the West Australian Open in 2014 Dan inevitably was asked the secret to his long life and good health. He put it down to wife Enid and family and a blessing he received from a down-at-heel Irishman during the war to whom he had handed a pound. The Irishman responded: “God bless you Sir and may the wood for your casket come from a tree that hasn’t been planted yet” •

Stanton fondly remembers Dan, his man

PGA Life Members: one and all: These 10 PGA Life Members joined Dan on his 100th birthday (front row, from left) David Mercer, Kel Nagle, Dan Cullen and Alex Mercer (back row, from left) Peter Hines, Eddie Emerson, Geoff Scott, Tom Moore, Bill Dunk, Col McGregor and Frank Phillips. In his 70s he beat many pros only half his age to win an Australian Club Pro Championship, which was played following the PGA Golf Show at Sanctuary Cove in the 1980s. But his finest achievement doubtless was his qualifying – at age 64 – to play in the 1977 British Open at Turnberry – the oldest golfer to do so in the modern history of the game. Typically, Dan had some amusing tales to tell of his amazing feat to qualify after shooting two rounds of 71, after which his Scottish caddie declared Turnberry would be

“no problem because I know it like the back of me hand”. They had to rush overnight from qualifying to get to Turnberry and while the caddie might have known the course well, he didn’t seem to know where it was and failed to arrive on time to drive Dan to the venue. Cullen got lost driving there and rushed to the first tee just in time to tee off with fellow Aussie Stewart Ginn. Dan carried his bag for nine holes until the caddie turned up, but the damage was done

BOB Stanton was Australian golf’s young superstar of the 1960s and 70s. From age 15 he was an apprentice PGA professional to Dan Cullen at St Michaels and by age 20 had won the German Open and had beaten Arnold Palmer in a playoff in the Dunlop International at The Australian Golf Club. Stanton always has appreciated the help Cullen gave him and provided this touching tribute: “Dan Cullen was my mentor and it’s sad to hear of his passing. “I was 15 and worked for Dan at St Michael’s Golf Club until I came out of my apprenticeship. “I honed my skills under Dan’s guidance. To his credit, he never interfered with my golf swing. He just watched me advance and after I came out of my time, I started playing professional golf. “It was an extraordinary experience

working for such a great man, whom everybody loved. Dan and his wife Enid were like family to me and always have been. “I spent many years playing golf overseas and I always made sure I caught up with him when I was back in Australia. “Dan and I always maintained a close relationship and I loved playing golf with him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to his 100th birthday party at New South Wales Golf Club because I was travelling, but I did take the time to visit him at his house when I got back. “We spent a wonderful couple of hours together chatting about golf and horseracing and even hit a couple of chip shots in the back yard. Dan loved horseracing and a bet, which we all did because it was a big part of our lives in those days.”

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instruction

The basket drill for better connection I f you regularly watch golf coverage on TV you’ve now heard the term “Getting Trapped” on the way down - this happens when the arms (not the club head) lag behind the body into impact. For the better players, this is why you can’t understand why the ball goes way right and way left - they both stem from the same swing flaw.

Mark Allen ProMyGolf.com

For more tips from Mark Allen, go to ProMyGolf.com, which is a personalised online golf instructional website, featuring over 150 game changing videos, for golfers of all abilities. Send your swing, anytime and anywhere, via the website and the fully qualified ProMyGolf.com PGA professionals will analyse your swing.

Sadly, the arms slipping behind the body - for so many - starts at the very beginning of the swing. This is because those players start their backswing motion with the arms. As soon as the arms start independently of the body, the arms are “past” the body and the player is left chasing their tail from that very point.

The key to the perfect move away from the ball involves a feeling of not moving the arms at all. I suggest closing your eyes in a practice swing and start back without using arm movement in the motion. With the eyes closed you’ll discover what body part starts the backswing.

One of the best drills to create a more connected take-away is ‘The Basket Drill’. By holding a range basket between your forearms, or in your hands if you aren’t holding a club, this will promote the body to move the arms and not allow the arms to move away independently. This will also encourage your hands to stay in front of the body, which is extremely important when trying to develop consistent and precise ball striking.

For me it’s my left side and left shoulder blade that pushes back and gets me started without the arms moving independently of the body and slipping straight past my trunk.

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March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

senior amateurs senior Roy Vandersluis (78-76-77) by 9 strokes with ACT golfer Darryl Whitehead just one stroke further away in third place. Not since the days when NSW senior Stefan Albinski rode the wave at the top of senior golf has a player been so dominant as Rhodes.

SENIOR Amateur WRAP With Denis Dale ed@insidegolf.com.au

he February issue highlighted the 2016 calendar of events that make up the Australian Senior Ranking system. While the national calendar is definitely a busy one there is also a lot happening in senior golf at the state level. A review of the courses listed below reveals that senior golfers will enjoy competition on many of the best courses in Australia.

VICTORIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

n 2006 Golf Victoria introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition for the Doug Bachli Trophy. This competition has been very successful and now also includes a yearlong handicap competition named in honour of Paul Lulofs who did so much for senior golf in Victoria. The defending champion for the 2015 Doug Bachli Trophy is Bendigo senior Ian Frost, while the year-long handicap trophy went to Ignatius Duivenvoorden (Yarram) making it a remarkable five years in a row that Duivenvoorden has won this same title. Stan Davis was the leading over-65 golfer. The 2016 Victorian calendar includes eleven 18-hole events, eighteen 36-hole events and four 54-hole events played on many of Victoria’s best regional and metropolitan courses. The competition allows golfers to use ranking points gained from their best twelve events during the year. The courses for 2015 include Keysborough, Royal Melbourne, Yering Meadows, Black Bull,

Vandersluis reminded everyone that he may be getting older and a little shorter off the tee but he is still very competitive in any event. His was a solid overall performance to edge out Darryl Whitehead (72-87-73) for the runner-up prize. Whitehead must wonder what happened in round 2 as he had the best rounds of the day in the opening and final rounds but sandwiched in the middle was an 87. 2016 Victorian Senior Order of Merit winners Ian Frost, Ignatius Duivenvoorden & Stan Davis. Yarrawonga, The Sands, Kooringal, ,Warragul, Cranbourne, Bright, Flinders, Sorrento, Box Hill, The National, Cobram-Barooga, Leongatha, Hepburn Springs, Heathcote, Shepparton, Tocumwal, Coomealla, Yarra Yarra, Kingston Heath, Victoria, Metropolitan, Commonwealth, Gardiner’s Run, Sandhurst, Lang Lang, Melton Valley, Northern, Bendigo, Coomealla, Ballarat, Spring Valley, Midlands, Warrnambool and Port Fairy. Twenty of the above events will also include a section for senior women. The opening event of the 2016 calendar year was the Keysborough Seniors and a record field of 87 golfers teed off in hot, dry conditions. Peninsula-Kingswood member Mark Abeyaratne finished on even par 73 to take out the major prize by one stroke from local member Robert Harvie. Next event was the much-anticipated 54hole Royal Melbourne Senior Classic where the winner was Australia’s top-ranked senior golfer Greg Rhodes from Coomealla. This event is also part of the Australian Senior Amateur Ranking competition. In another dominant performance Rhodes fired rounds of 73-75-74 to defeat NSW

secret is finding a way to handle the greens and with most senior golfers unlikely to play on this type of surface until Royal Melbourne next year it is likely to be a “frustrating but enjoyable” challenge once again. There will certainly be a capacity field lined up to take on this challenge. The third event for 2016 was the Yarra Courses Senior Amateur this year played at Yering Meadows Golf Club. John Wheeler from The National recorded a good round of 76 on the challenging course to edge out Shane McCarthy (Latrobe) by one stroke. Mark Brasher (Kew) and Greg Holmes (Broadford) were next on 78. For further information including all the dates and venues for the 2016 Victorian calendar interested golfers should visit the Golf Victoria web site (www.golfvic.org.au).

Once again a top class field enjoyed the challenge of playing Royal Melbourne East, West and Composite courses. The open

QUEENSLAND SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT Golf Queensland began their annual Senior Order of Merit competition in 2013 and it continues in 2016 with the sponsorship of the PresCare aged care organisation. The Golf Queensland web site recognises that “Seniors Golf is the biggest growth area in the game in recent years and Golf Queensland is continually attempting to provide more events for this group of golfers.” This year there will be 29 events across the south-east corner of the state with the list of hosting golf clubs including many of the state’s best golf courses: Palmer Colonial, Wynnum, Bribie Island, Redcliffe, McLeod, Royal Queensland, Carbrook, Nudgee, Laidley, Hills International, Indooroopilly, Pelican Waters, Caloundra, Pacific Harbour, Coolangatta Tweed Heads, Royal Pines, Maroochy River, Gailes, Palmer Gold Coast, Keperra, Maroochy River, Brookwater, Bargara, Toowoomba City, Virginia and North Lakes.

The winners of the 2015 Queensland Senior Orders of Merit Trophies were Peter Hannah (Pelican Waters) and Josie Ryan (Headland). Hannah was playing his first year in the senior ranks and with nine top ten finishes from his nine events he proved too consistent for a strong group of senior men golfers. Ryan is well known as one of Australia’s leading senior golfers and she had four wins in claiming the 2015 title. Trevor Box was the winner of the Super senior trophy for golfers over 65. The opening event of the 2016 Order of Merit year was the Palmer Colonial Seniors with the men’s scratch section won by Gainsborough Greens senior Joe McDermid with a good round of 76. He defeated Coolangatta Tweed senior George Spillane by one stroke with another stroke to Charlie Bevan (Beerwah). The women’s scratch winner was Cheryl Sternberg with an excellent round of 81. Twin Water’s golfer Annie Llewellyn finished in second place. More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

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senior amateurs

NSW SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

he NSW Senior Order of Merit competition continues to grow with the 2016 competition including again more than 40 events across the state. The competition uses each golfer’s best 14 events.

The second event was the St Michael’s Seniors and although Long Reef senior Ross Bockman has now moved into the Over 65 category he proved that age is only a number in claiming the major prize. Bockman fired a very good round of 74 on the championship coastal layout. Finishing equal second on 75 were Rick Allison (Camden Lakeside) and Denis Dale (Twin Creeks). Allison was playing in his first Senior Order of Merit event and only a double bogey on his final hole stopped the Camden Lakeside member from starting with a win.

The 2016 calendar has events on many of NSW’s best metropolitan courses including St Michael’s, The Coast, Concord, Castle Hill, Pennant Hills, Royal Sydney, Bonnie Doon, The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale, Penrith, Stonecutter’s Ridge, Strathfield, Mona Vale, Manly, Oatlands, Pymble, Monash, Cabramatta, Carnarvon, Liverpool, Twin Creeks, Bankstown, Long Reef and Cromer. The number of regional and country courses has again expanded and in 2016 will include Belmont, Forster-Tuncurry, Wollongong, Gungahlin Lakes, Richmond, Bowral, Coffs Harbour, Bonville, Port Macquarie, Kooindah Waters, Wyong, Newcastle, Shelly Beach, Magenta Shores, Port Kembla, Camden, Windsor, Mollymook, Gold Creek and Federal. A few other events are yet to be confirmed but once again another year of top class courses outside the Sydney metropolitan area. The Senior Order of Merit Champion in 2015 was Denis Dale from the Twin Creeks Golf Club. Dale has now won this title for the past seven years and a total of nine times since its inception in 2006. Steve Musgrave (Kogarah) was the winner of the Handicap Order of Merit. The 2016 year began with the 2016 Forster-Tuncurry Seniors and local member Tony Kennings showed a glimpse of the top level golfing ability that had made him a regular inclusion in Australian senior teams some years ago with round of 72. Kennings defeated Liverpool senior Gary Batman on a

winner was Terry Richardson on 72 defeating Danny Petith on a countback. Local member Ken Bullivant won the overall handicap prize after a net score of 71 with Doug Cullam second on 72.The ladies section was won by Scone golfer Lyn Banks with an excellent round of 84. Judith McKenzie was the runnerup.

Peter Hannah – winner of the 2016 PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit. Wollongong’s Alan Fensom took out the Over 65s Handicap with 33 points.

In 2015 The Coast Seniors event was abandoned when wild coastal weather forced players from the course after a handful of holes. 2016 was much better and another strong field of 80 senior golfers enjoyed a fine day, a well-conditioned course and only a gentle breeze that would favour good scoring.

countback. A well-known and very talented golfer Batman was having his first round on the course and he can be well satisfied with a round of 72.

The winner with an outstanding round of one under par 69 was Mona Vale senior Stefan Albinski. He played well all day and reported that the putter that deserted him at St Michael’s the previous day was back in favour. Runner-up was Camden Lakeside’s Rick Allison who finished on equal par 70. Allison has played just two senior events and has finished in second place each time just a stroke from the winner.

Both players had equalled par on one of the tougher courses in NSW. Third place went to Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) on 74 and he won the Over 65 prize. The Over 65 handicap

Gerry Adams won the handicap prize with 38 Stableford points with Gary Wood the runner-up. The Over 65 scratch went to Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) with a round of 76.

Rick Allison – a new star in the NSW Senior Order of Merit competition.

St Michael’s and The Coast are neighbouring clubs and they combined to conduct a 36-hole event that included scores from each day. Rick Allison (75-70) was the winner with a total of three over par for the two rounds. He defeated Stefan Albinski (7969) by three strokes. The 2016 Wollongong Seniors saw Camden Lakeside newcomer Rick Allison continue his great start to senior golf with a comfortable victory. On a day of very strong winds the exposed coastal course posed some real questions for the large field and it was only Allison who could provide the answers. Allison’s score of two over par 72 was a marvellous round on the day and was four better than any other in the field. In the Over 65’s Vince Clark (The Lakes) edged out Ross Bockman (Long Reef ) on a countback after both players had scores of 78. More: www.golfnsw.org

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senior amateurs

WEST AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

The 2016 Men’s Senior Order of Merit competition in Western Australia commenced in the latter part of 2015 and will conclude in August 2016. The current list of courses hosting one day Senior Order of Merit events include Araluen, Lakelands, Hartfield, Joondalup, Cottesloe, Wanneroo, Lake Karrinyup, Sun City and Mandurah. In addition there are Paul Chappell (Hartfield) two major events that also leads the 2016 WA Senior count for the Australian Senior Order of Merit. Amateur Ranking System. Royal Perth Senior Open– March 20-21, 2016 (36 holes) WA State Seniors Championship – April 6-8, 2016 at Melville Glades (54 holes) The current leader of the 2015-16 WA Senior Order of Merit is Paul Chappell (Hartfield) on 245 points. He holds a good lead over John Wallace (Lake Karrinyup), Michael Dunsmore (Hartfield), Bob Gamsby (Joondalup) and Stephen Graham (Lakelands). However, with two major events and a number of one day events left in the season including the season ending Mandurah Senior Open the title is far from decided. The 2014-25 WA Senior Order of Merit champion was Ian McPherson. At the conclusion of the season (the Mandurah Senior Open in August, 2016) the three players with the highest number of ranking points along with the leading WA player from the 2016 State Seniors Championship are invited to form a representative WA team to compete in the 2016 Australian Seniors Championship. The 2016 WA Women’s Senior Order of Merit competition commences with the Hartfield Silver and concludes with the Royal Perth Silver in September. The 2014-2015 champion was Sharon Dawson (Lake Karrinyup) who narrowly defeated Glenys Ferguson (Wanneroo). More: www.golfwa.org.au

2016 Senior Order of Merit winner Norm Cordina accepts trophy from Tony Timmins.

2016 SA Super Senior winner Chris Claxton accepts trophy from Tony Timmins.

he South Australian Senior Order of Merit competition began in 2012 with a six tournament competition and continues to grow each year. The SASOOM events are stroke rounds with events for the Over 55s and also the Super Seniors (over 65 years).

Event 3 - 21st March - Mt Osmond

The winner of both the year-long Order of Merit in both sections is determined by aggregate points awarded over seven events. A points loading applies depending on if the event is a one, two or three round event. A minimum of four events must be contested.

Event 7 - 29th August - Royal Adelaide

New to 2016 is a Handicap Senior Order of Merit Trophy that will be awarded to the player accumulating the most points from the season‘s nine events. Schedule - 2016 Senior Order of Merit Event 1 - 8th February - South Lakes Event 2 - 29th February - Blackwood

Event 4 - 4th April - Tea Tree Gully Event 5 - 2nd May - Flagstaff Hill Event 6 - 22nd August - Glenelg Event 8 - 1st & 2nd September - The Grange & Kooyonga (National Ranking Event) Event 9 - 5th - 7th September - Victor Harbor (SA Senior Amateur) The 2015 South Australian Senior Order of Merit champion was Norm Cordina from Tea Tree Gully Golf Club with Chris Claxton from Blackwood the winner of the Over 65 competition. More: www.golfsa.com.au

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people

The best fans of them all D.J. Piehowski PGATOUR.COM

ONGDO IBD, INCHEON, South Korea – It’s 5:58 a.m., and my rain suit is so wet from the walk, it makes me pause before sitting on the beautiful furniture in the lobby of the Central Park Hotel. Not that Central Park. This one sits in the middle of a futuristic city in the northwest corner of South Korea. It’s the one I walked through this morning to meet up with The Fanatics, the most interesting interview subjects I’ve had in my career. I don’t feel great about it, but I collapse into a manila suede chair. It’s already been a rough morning (or so I think). Between the previous night’s trip to some place called Eagle Screen Golfzon, an incredible golf simulator centre where a few of my colleagues and I played the Old Course at St. Andrews until the wee hours of the morning, and the pizza, beer and lack of sleep that went along with it, I’m already feeling 3 down through 3. My eyes, still struggling to adjust, bounce lazily between my cell phone and the immense lobby of the hotel. It’s spectacularly quiet and a beautiful change of pace from the cold, pounding rain coming down outside. An impeccably dressed hotel employee takes a few loud, slow footsteps across the marble floor of the hotel and the sound bounces between the marble walls and the high ceiling. I can’t see the elevator, but around the corner, I hear a sharp ding and the opening of doors. Two more sets of footsteps, slower than the first, start to make their way toward me and I look up to see two young men, struggling across the lobby as if they are fighting through quicksand. Their outfits, which match, deserve their own paragraph. The best way to describe them is to ask you to imagine a version of James Bond that buys all of his clothes at a card and party store. It’s something of a tuxedo, with an electric green jacket, shiny black pants and an apathetic bow tie pulling everything together. Two more tuxedos come around the corner, worn by a man with a disheveled crop of brown hair and another with a blonde handlebar mustache. They crumble into a loveseat near their friends, cross their arms and lean back to stare at the ceiling, half

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

dozing off and half laughing at the absurdity that they are already awake. Another comes around the corner, nursing a heavy limp and carrying his jacket in his hand. For the next 15 minutes, more and more tuxes trickle in. Most are the same shade of radioactive green, but there are also variations (black, gold sequins, etc.). The hangovers and unkempt clothes and hair make them look like a bunch of teenagers waking up after a rowdy prom. “Y’all are looking sharp today,” says a boisterous voice from across the lobby. It’s coming from what has to be the only cowboy in South Korea, an American man with black boots and a black Stetson hat to match. The lads would hereafter refer to him as “Woody”, nicknaming him after the character from “Toy Story” and shouting, “Somebody poisoned the water hole,” each time they run into him. “We look good, but we’re feeling a bit dusty this morning,” says one of the men. “I think we might have slept a bit too quickly.” The struggle the boys are facing is real. It’s the result of a dinner that turned into drinks. Drinks that turned into more drinks. More drinks that turned into a trip to the nightclub. But the kiss of death was the karaoke that came next. I ask one poor soul how much sleep he’s running on. “Probably about 40 minutes,” he says with a depressed smile. It’s at this point that I realize I won’t be discussing how tired my four hours of sleep have made me. I’ve quickly picked up my ball and conceded that match to The Fanatics. When it comes to comparing hangover stories, These Guys Are Good. By the time 6:25 rolls around, the entire group is assembled in the lobby. After posing for their first photo request of the day, the group gets its first bit of good news, delivered by their leader, a man that goes simply by Disco. “Tee times are delayed an hour due to the weather,” he says. “Looks like we’ve got a few stragglers this morning, so that might not be the worst news.” The opportunistic members of the group bolt for the hotel’s restaurant to grab breakfast. And fluids. The rest trudge to the

The Fanatics pose with members of the International Team after Sunday singles at The Presidents Cup in Korea. (David Cannon/Getty Images) shuttle bus that’s waiting in the rain outside to take them to Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. “We might as well go to the course. No use trying to blend in dressed like this,” one of the men says. For every round of The Presidents Cup since Royal Melbourne in 2011, The Fanatics have been on the first tee to cheer on the International Team. And they would have been there at 7:05 for Saturday’s first tee time, too. But on this gray, rainy, hungover morning in South Korea, they won’t complain about having an extra hour to get there. In 1997, David McClatchey was a P.E. teacher headed to the U.S. Open (tennis) with some friends from Australia. When Aussie Patrick Rafter won, thanks in part to the support of McClatchey and his pals, Rafter’s brother invited the group to the after-party to say thank-you and celebrate. Also at the party was former tennis player John Newcombe. Late in the night, in a conversation in the bathroom, he mentioned that McClatchey and his friends should make their way to the Davis Cup the following year to cheer on the Aussies. “It just kind of snowballed from there,” said McClatchey, whom you can call Disco, a name he picked up from his friends in the 1980s when he refused to start calling them “nightclubs.”

Today, the Fanatics have taken more than 100,000 people to sporting events around the world, supporting Australian players in cricket, tennis, soccer and, somewhat recently, golf. Disco organizes all the trips, which has turned into a full-time job. At last year’s World Cup, they took more than 2,000 Fanatics to Brazil. While they do have support from many of the events’ organizing bodies, including the PGA TOUR, the Fanatics have no sponsors, preferring to “keep the brand clean.” During the Presidents Cup, there is a group of more than 20, the majority of which are from Australia, with some South Africans thrown in the mix, as well. “This is what a lot of us love to do, so we do what we have to and save as much money as we can between events to make sure we can get there,” one tells me. Every army needs a general and it’s clear that Disco is that. He’s the one shouting out the next song and commanding where he wants his men. “We need seven of you up with Charl, and the rest of you here,” he shouts when matches get close. They used to have a Sloppy Helmet for the group, which was an Evel Knievel-style American flag motorcycle helmet reserved for the Fanatic that messed up a song or something along those lines. “Disco thought it was a bad look for the brand, so it had to go,” one man says.

people “Something about us cheering for the Aussies wearing the U.S. flag didn’t feel right.” When a few Fanatics are too hung over to make it to the course on time, Disco is beside himself. “You know this isn’t optional,” he says. When they arrive at the course, the cold rain still coming down, each one of the Fanatics knows exactly where to head: The Captain’s Club, the largest hospitality tent at The Presidents Cup. Keeping with the army theme, the Captain’s Club has turned into the Fanatics’ M.A.S.H. unit for the week. It’s a place to recover, recuperate and gather the supplies they’ll need for their first mission of the day (breakfast and beer, not necessarily in that order). Ordinarily, the first beer of the day – this week it’s Hite Lager – is at 6:45 a.m. That’s what Disco warned me of when I asked to embed with the Fanatics for the day. But on this day, there is a collection of Coke cans and Powerade bottles spread out across the three tables the battered crew is crowded around. Australia’s first battalion has suffered a rare defeat and morale is low. After a few minutes, someone starts brainstorming new cheers for the day and the group starts to show signs of life. “Did you guys hear what Mickelson said yesterday?” someone asks. A phone at the table already has the video pulled up and makes its way around, eliciting blank, shocked stares from all that see the ninesecond clip from Friday’s press conference. From the phone, you can hear Phil, discussing his rules violation, spouting off a bit of sarcasm that didn’t exactly land in the media centre: “We spotted the Internationals’ best team two holes and they still couldn’t beat us. Just saying.” “JUST SAYING!” one of the Fanatics shouts out. The term would become a catchphrase for the rest of the day, used as punctuation anywhere and everywhere. “Mate, you’re looking a bit dodgy today, just saying.” “I need another beer, just saying.” “This match is all square, just saying.” No one suffers from the brainstorm session more than Jordan Spieth. As the Fanatics are going through quotes from Friday, they see one from the world No. 1, describing how poorly he played on Friday.

“Merry Christmas, International Team.” “How about just a nice, ‘The Internationals played well today?’” one man says. They make a group decision quickly on how they’ll handle the quote. After breakfast, the group head to the first tee. They file out of the Captain’s Club in single file, all following a rail-thin Fanatic that’s waving a large Korean flag over his head, chanting “KO-RE-A” as they make their way through the crowd. Someone in the group points out – and he’s so spot-on – that they look like the world’s worst Olympic team entering a stadium. I mention to him that bringing the flag was a nice touch. “Yeah, I’m not sure where it came from,” he says. “I think he might have stolen it off the street last night.” Judging by the crowd’s reaction, it’s doing much more to instill national pride in this environment than if it were hanging on a streetlight.

Sangmoon Bae celebrates with The Fanatics after teaming with Hideki Matsuyama for a victory in Saturday four-balls. (Harry How/Getty Images)

The army trudges up the stairs of the tightly-packed grandstands and takes its spot, a roped-off area front and centre behind the first tee. Upon arrival they get an ovation from the crowd that rivals a few of the lesser-known players. The first beer is cracked at 7:37 a.m.

These songs were all written by the group over spicy Korean pork on Wednesday night.

“On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me …”

“The spicier it got, the better the songs got,” one man says.

It only takes a few minutes to understand why they are all dressed like Psy. When the first players arrive on the first tee, Disco looks at Tony, the group’s resident jukebox, and says, “OK, get them going.”

This doesn’t mean they can’t improvise. Needing a song for Charl Schwartzel, Disco teaches the entire mob all the words to One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” which becomes a staple for the rest of the week.

To avoid the responsibility of remembering the lyrics, each day the Fanatics’ true love gave them another “Jordan Spieth.”

Tony rises to his feet and politely shouts out instructions to the other fans in the grandstand.

Ordinarily, songs and chants are reserved for the International players, but when Spieth arrives on the tee, they make a special exception. With a smile on his face, Gareth, the Fanatic with the shaggy blonde hair you’ve seen front-and-centre, starts singing at the top of his lungs.

“Everyone stand up, please,” Tony yells. “Do you guys know Gangnam Style?” Any language barrier that existed is instantly wiped away and the polite Koreans in the crowd start cheering and nodding excitedly. Tony calls out a quick 1-2-3 and the entire crowd launches into a rendition of the popular song, crossing their extended arms in front of them and hopping from foot to foot, making the grandstands bounce like a suspension bridge. It’s clear by Day 3 which songs will be yelled out for each player. Among the highlights: • “Danny Lee” (sung to the tune of “Let it Be”) • “Glory, Glory to Lahiri” • “Give it to Me Jaidee/Pretty Fly for a Thai Guy” • “Don’t You Want Me Bowditch” • “Matsuyama Yama Yama Yama Chameleon”

Before leaving South Korea, the Fanatics had one more song, removing any doubt about whether they would be at Liberty National in 2017, ready to take on the raucous New York City crowds in the name of the International Team.

“Weeeeeeeeeee wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas …”

“We want to be a part of it … New York, New York,” they shouted.

On October 10, the crowd is (understandably) confused, but Spieth is not. He hangs his head and laughs to himself, explaining to a handful of people on the first tee what the song is a reference to. When the Fanatics are finished, he gives a quick clap and an over-the-head thumbs up. Game recognize game.

If they can make it there, they’ll make it anywhere. The Presidents Cup is headed to Australia in 2019. For more info, visit www.presidentscup.com .

For the rest of the day, Gareth and the group are thinking of the most selfentertaining Christmas connections they can make. At one point during the match, standing on the rope line between holes, he re-creates an obscure scene from “Home Alone.” As Spieth walks by, he says, quietly and solemnly, “Merry Christmas, Kevin.” If you’re curious how the players feel about the Fanatics, the proof is in the photos. Everyone from Tiger Woods to George W. Bush has taken photos wearing their green caps. Adam Scott was chatting them up during his round on Saturday, asking about their uniforms. During his singles match on Sunday, Dustin Johnson took a detour on his way to the 10th tee to pose for a photo with the Fanatics. Even Spieth, shortly after the U.S. retained the Presidents Cup, sprinted over to the Fanatics to swap hats and take photos. An hour earlier, his caddie Michael Greller (also now wearing a Fanatics cap) was shouting at the group to be quiet while Spieth was reading putts.

Jordan Spieth and Bubba Watson celebrate the United States victory with The Fanatics. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

“Maybe we’ll see you guys tonight,” Spieth said before leaving, referring to the U.S. celebration party. Based on a few photos I saw that can’t be posted here, I can report that they made it.

As Spieth smiled for the photo, Gareth started up again.

The Fanatics operate organised tours to the US Masters each year. 2016 prices start at USD $3,490 for their 3 night package & USD $6,990 for six nights. Also on offer is their very enticing 9 night ‘Golfers Tour’ that includes a stop in LA & San Diego enroute to Augusta, complete with a round at Torrey Pines north & south courses, scene of Jason Day’s thrilling playoff victory in the recent Farmers Insurance Open. For tour details visit www.thefanatics.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

golf nsw

Bautista, Lee NSW Endycott masters Amateur Champs Avondale Medal

The 19 year-old put on a commanding display of golf, winning 6 and 5 in the 36-hole final.

Endycott, the defending Champion and a member of Avondale Golf Club, posted rounds of 65, 71, 66, and 76 for a fourround total of 6-under par 278.

ustin Bautista has taken out the 2016 Golf NSW Amateur Championship over his Bonnie Doon team mate Troy Moses at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort.

olf NSW High Performance squad member Harrison Endycott has mastered the Avondale Medal with a wire-to-wire performance in the prestigious Championship.

Bautista was elated with his win. “Yeah, I mean NSW Amateur Champion. It sounds good. I live in Sydney so to win this, my State Amateur is a pretty big deal to me.” Bautista was dominant in the final, hitting a lot of quality shots and making a bunch of good birdie putts to put pressure on Moses from the very first hole of the match. “Troy’s a really good player. When he hit a good shot I was right there and I was able to fire right back at him. There was a lot of high quality golf going on. I got up early and I kept making the birdies and kept making the plays.” The afternoon round was a bit more of a battle for Bautista, with Moses throwing caution to the wind and trying everything he had to reduce the deficit. “I wasn’t sure what to expect in the second 18. I knew Troy would come back hard so I just tried to continue to hit good shots, and I did.” Bautista’s name now sits alongside some greats in Australian golf, including a couple of Major winners in Eric Cremin and Michael Campbell. More recently winners like Ben Eccles and Jarryd Felton have gone on to make their mark in the professional ranks. The all Bonnie Doon final was a first for the club, and Bautista was thankful for the support with several club members turning up to watch the final. “It’s a great result for Bonnie Doon. First and

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

second. I’m stoked. It was good to see a few supporters come out and watch. It means a lot.” Bautista smiled. In the 2016 Golf NSW Women’s Amateur Championship, Ga-young Lee of Korea defeated Yu Chiang Hou of Taiwan. Lee got off to a flying start, being 7up after 9 holes, taking just 29 strokes for the front nine along the way. Hou staged somewhat of a comeback and by early in the afternoon round, had managed to pare the lead back to 1 hole. Lee had too much in reserve however, and when Hou missed a makeable par putt on the par 3 15th (33rd hole) the match was over with 16-year old Lee taking the match 4 and 3. Speaking through an interpreter Lee was very gracious about her win.

“Two years in a row. It feels good to defend the title especially as it’s my home club,” Endycott said. “This event means a lot to Avondale. It was great to be the first member to win it last year and to back up this year is definitely special.” The 19 year-old from the Central Coast was never really challenged, leading by seven shots at one stage during the 36-hole final day’s play. A couple of bad breaks in the afternoon round meant the result looked closer than it really was. “I played well in the morning round, and I went out there in the afternoon and tried to stick to my game plan. I got a few flyers from out of the rough and a few bad breaks at the wrong time. These things happen. I’m not too disappointed; it’s just the way it is.” The Avondale medal is also Endycott’s second big win for the summer after his impressive win in the Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship. Performances that have stamped him as a player with a bright future.

“I played last week at the NSW Am and I was a little bit disappointed to drop out of the match play as early as I did. It was nice to definitely play this week, and play solid and get it done.” Endycott is ready to enjoy a break before the Riversdale Cup in late March. After that, it’s the Interstate Series and then off to the United States for the big amateur events. “It’s time to have a bit of a break, work on a few things with my coach and the team at Precision Athletica, with Dean Kinney and the HP team. I’m looking forward to the Riversdale Cup. Then it’s the Interstate Series, and onto the big amateur events in the United States at the moment,” he smiled

“It’s my biggest win and I’m glad I won.” “I played well on the front nine, but the pressure got me a bit on the back nine.” “Hou Got better as the match went on, She played very well.” Lee plans to make a career as a professional on the Japanese LPGA tour. “ I want to be the best on the Tour,” she smiled. •

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Fran Allan, Robert Bannister, Pauline Breckton, Lynda Brenock, Russell Brooks, Phillip Buckland, Philip Duke, Terry Hardy, Glen Hines, Mark Koszek, Reginald Lowder, Marc Mana, Warren Marsh, Jeff Mitchell, Bill May, David Rankin, Dennis Tan, Matt Worthington, and Gary Wynne.

your voice

Change the routine At our club, social golfers are welcomed with open arms as they are a major part of our business. I read on these pages many complaints from members about social golfers causing damage to the course and lack of etiquette. I think we need to show some patience, as we all have to learn the game somehow. As golfers, we have a duty to pass on to others what we have learnt. However, the bane of our game is the preshot routine. For whatever reasons, and there are many theories, it has developed into a time-eating monster. It has mutated from a simple way of focusing on your shot into a complete practice round in itself. Some people are spending over 20 seconds on their practice shots. I have seen young golfers walk off the course mentally exhausted because they are concentrating for so long before they hit the ball.

Your Voice

Letter of the Month Take a group of four average golfers that have 90 strokes each for their round. If each player reduces his routine on each shot by one second, they will shave 6 minutes off their round. Shaving five seconds each would save half an hour. Should we be asking Golf Australia to promote a quick and effective routine? Should we ask the PGA teaching professionals to include a short pre-sot routine in every lesson? Or should we all ask ourselves if we can reduce our pre-shot routine by 5 seconds? Craig Spackman Rosebud Country Club

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

Finding Golf’s X Factor I just read your latest article about changing golf (starters Box, February). I could not agree more. Golf has become boring. So has tennis. Who wants to see guys hitting the ball 30 times over the net to each other? Both sports are going to die. I have been involved with the juniors on the Mid North Coast of NSW and there are a handful of kids playing. From what I have seen there are several reasons: it’s difficult to master, takes too long to play, too many rules and it needs more fun factor. Our club is like most regional clubs. We have an average membership age of probably 70. We all have very few if any juniors. Who will play golf? These clubs are going to disappear. They just will not survive unless they make radical changes. I doubt this will happen as most of these older people are into tradition. Great, but that will send them broke. Good luck on changing the mentality. David Anderson

More Social Studies, II I must comment regarding Geoff Martin’s letter (More Social Studies Feb. issue). Following many years as a club member, I now find myself (due to financial and health reasons) as a social, 9-hole player. Over the years I have found that some club members have been negligent in their attitude whilst on the course. For example, not repairing pitch marks, not raking bunkers properly, and/or dropping the flagstick carelessly. I can remember when one had to dress correctly to be on the course. Tailored shorts and long socks. Shirts tucked into the waist. Today, standards have changed. Not only social players, but even members dress very casually. Shirts hanging outside trousers, players wearing jeans and some of the players look as if they have not washed or shaved for a month. I played yesterday and I let a cart play through with two golfers in it; one fellow must have come straight from painting the house by the look of his trousers. On the positive side, lady golfers are putting the men to shame. The ladies are always neat,

tidy and dressed well, as it should be. So why have dress standards dropped? Is it because clubs are struggling for the dollar? Years ago, people who came incorrectly dressed were turned away. But, apparently, not today. Mr. Martin’s club must really be struggling, if they are sponsoring a radio program to allow two people onto a course who cannot play golf. Mr. Martin seems to blame the social golfer for all the clubs woes. He also states “management don’t seem to care.” They do care. They care where the dollar comes from and apparently it comes from the social player as well as the members. As a social golfer I now pay $30+ for a round of golf and a cart is extra. Then there are a couple of drinks at the bar, and sometimes food. The money I pay must be going towards the upkeep of the course. The social golfer should not be blamed for the woes of the club. It is the job of management to control and maintain a certain standard. But the almighty dollar has taken control and the standards have fallen. “Auspaul” (via mail)

DSR is BAD I am writing in support of Neil Maddison’s letter (DSR is B.A.D, February). He is correct in stating DSR has to go. Since inception, club golf has been turned on its head. Single competition results scores of 45, 44, 43 abound. In better ball competitions, the same trend scores of 53, 52, 51, are commonplace. The worst part is those shooting these crazy scores do not get the handicap reduction

they deserve, because they are protected by the DSR and continue on their merry way next round. Surely Golf Australia has realised the state of affairs the DSR has got the game into. Why doesn’t Golf Australia conduct a referendum among the clubs to see what the golfers themselves think? Allen Alderton

Golf in the Olympics - have they got it wrong? The original Olympic Games started more than 700 years BC, and all contestants were amateurs. To a degree, the modern Olympics games have been taken over by professional athletes, and there is no provision for amateur golfers in the proposed format of competitions in the 2016 Olympics. The Olympics belong to the world. They should be open to all athletes who are proficient enough in their chosen sports to enter through a qualifying system and not restricted to a select few professionals. This year, golf returns to the Olympics. The International Golf Federation and other golf authorities have determined the format for this event, and a complicated qualifying system using world rankings and Olympic rankings to determine eligibility. The event’s format will be a 4-day, 72-hole competition, stroke play. It bears a striking resemblance to the usual tournaments that golf fans watch every week. For the billions of viewers who may be non-golfers, trying to watch a 4–5 hour game of golf amongst all the other Olympic events could be a boring proposition. I believe that amateur golfers from any golfing country in the world should be allowed to enter in stipulated qualifying games leading up to the Olympics. They should be able to qualify through a points system similar to the Fedex Cup. The final qualifiers, maybe

to a figure of 128, would play in knockout fashion as finalists over 5 or 6 days. Most importantly: The format should be match play. Most golfers would agree that match play is the most exciting format. Note the world interest in the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup. Next: no caddies. I know of no other sport that allows a second person to instruct or advise a contestant during play. This would cut out those interminable discussions that take place, and could significantly reduce the time of a match. Television viewers of the Olympics around the world will have scores of various events to watch and enjoy. Golf played in the traditional manner can take up to five hours to play and may suffer accordingly in the time and choice of viewers. I realise that these comments are controversial. But as an 87-yearold who has played for 54 years and still playing three competition games a week, I should be allowed to ramble on about something I feel passionate about. I hope golf in the 2016 Olympics is a great success and would love to see the Aussies take out the major medals. Alf Vigurs

Letters received by Inside Golf may be modified and edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Golf. (Except for the good ones – we really like those!)

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

19th hole

Does your husband play? In fact, that corny cliché was never funny!

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

was having a “Nine hole—lose a KENO ticket” game at Highlands Golf Course with Brooksy recently when out of the blue, he came out with one of the oldest and worst golfing clichés ever created. Not only that, he blurted it out one second after I’d skulled a sand wedge clean over the tenth green and into a water hazard.

As my frightened little ball careened out of control towards the drink, a wading bird heroically dove across his wife and chicks to save their innocent lives. The ball narrowly missed “Arnold Waterfowl” and his family, which was something of a relief until I realised I was probably going to lose the hole and my brand-new nut.

I think it’s time we had a look at really old and bad golfing chestnuts and bury them under the nearest pile of green corings. Let’s start with – “Drive for show… Putt for dough”. Makes perfect sense until you drive your ball straight over the Out of Bounds fence and onto the main road. I’m still yet to see anyone make a par putt from the medium strip in the middle of the Hume Highway! “It’s on the dance floor but a long way from the band”. If it’s not aimed at me, my response to this is always – “If you dance anything like your last swing, it’s probably better you can’t hear the band”. What about this little ripper? – “You don’t have to draw a picture on the card”. I usually say – “It’s OK, I got it whole hideous experience on my iPhone”.

Before I could bang my club into the ground in anger, Brooksy blurted out– “Nearly got a birdie mate!”

Right after you catch one about four inches behind the ball, your so-called mates says – “Just Laying Up mate?”. “Oh haa bloody haa… why don’t I belt you with this 9-iron until you start Laying Down!!”

Not only was it terrible timing and a total disregard for my emotions but it wasn’t funny!

Then there are some more recent ones, like – “That dog will hunt”. I don’t want my dog to

Most top golfers are Taureans David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ECENTLY a loyal reader called to suggest we look at the relationship between success in golf and zodiac signs using the current World Golf Rankings. Well, if you must know, players born under the star sign Taurus (April 21 to May 21) dominate the field. There are 14 Taureans in the top-100 in the world including Rory McIlroy, Jim Furyk, Hunter Mahan, Lee Westwood, JB Holmes and Branden Grace. Former top players born under this zodiac sign are Seve Ballesteros, Sam Snead, John Daly, Harry Vardon and Young Tom Morris.

If you are an Aries (March 21 to April 20), you’ll be happy to know there are 11 of your kind in the top-100 in the world including Jason Dufner, Henrick Stenson, Matt Kuchar, Matt Jones and John Senden. Seven-time major champion Sam Snead also was born under this sign. Not to be outdone, Cancer (June 23 to July 23) and Virgo (Aug 23 to Sept 23), too, have 11 players each in the top-100.

and Bobby Locke. Capricorn (Dec 22 to Jan 20), too, have nine – Sergio Garcia, Jimmy Walker, Ian Poulter, Martin Kaymer and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Throw in Tiger Woods, currently outside the top-100, for good measure. Next best is Sagittarius (Nov 23 to Dec 21) and Leo (July 24 to Aug 23) with eight players in the top-100. Sagittarians include Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker, Luke Donald and from decades past Lee Trevino and Walter Hagen. World number one Jordan Spieth is a Leo as is Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Patrick Reed and Aussie Cameron Smith. Ben Hogan, a winner of nine majors, was also a Leo. Gemini (May 22 to June 22) has seven top players including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Keegan Bradley, Bill Haas and Aussie Steven Bowditch. Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19) has five players in the top-100 with Kevin Kisner (16th in the world at the time of writing) leading the way. The world’s greatest golfer, Jack Nicklaus, was also born under this sign as was Nick Price, Jose Maria Olazabal and Retief Goosen. Pisces (Feb 20 to March 20) and Libra (Sept 24 to Oct 23) are the signs least represented.

The top ranked Cancerian is Adam Scott followed by Paul Casey and Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Other Cancerians include Nick Faldo and Old Tom Morris.

Zach Johnson is a Piscean as is Vijay Singh (250th in the world) and from a bygone era Greg Norman, Gene Sarazen and Bobby Jones.

Born under the Virgo star sign are Padraig Harrington, Charl Schwartzel and Kevin Na. Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Bernhard Langer and Ray Floyd also have birthdays between August 23 and September 23.

Representing the Librans are Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Willett and Ernie Els. So there it is. Not sure what we can deduce from this suffice to say great players represent each star sign.

Scorpio (Oct 24 to Nov 22) has nine of the world’s top 100 players in its ranks including Jason Day, Bubba Watson and Marc Leishman. Other Scorpios are Gary Player

As for me, I fall under the Scorpio zodiac sign and I’m pleased to have Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Marc Leishman, Gary Player and Bobby Locke as company.

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

hunt; I just need it to be findable somewhere “near,” or even “in” its kennel. And I just love this right after you’ve hit your first putt that hard, it could well finish up on the next tee - “Hit a House”. How does that work anyway? I get the metaphor that it needs to stop pretty soon or I might need to take that embarrassing walk back to the golf bag to grab my sand wedge, but how is “Hit a House” going to help my ball or my state of mind? If I hear this again, I swear I’m going to come back with – “Why don’t you wee wee wee all the way back to your house? I know your wife is home, I was there this morning!!” Then there’s the famous name associated with a particular shot like a badly-sliced drive – a Tony Abbott (long way to the right)...or a Sophia Loren shot (It looked good for a long time)... or a Rock Hudson putt (I thought that was straight)...or a Saddam Hussein (from one bunker to the next)...or a Joe Pesci (a nasty little 5-footer)...or even a David Beckham (chose the wrong club). The list goes on and on, with every single one of them requiring nothing less than total extinction. If, like me, you are just one round off

manslaughter with a dangerous golfing implement, join me on my quest to bury these horrible annoying clichés once and for all. Take a stand and bring the game back from the old, outdated banality and create our own witty comebacks. I often plead with my loyal readers to engage via INSIDE GOLF but this time I’m desperate. Please… please help me. Oh, and can someone assist me when Brooksy reads this column and tries to rip my head off and throw it into the same water hazard my TaylorMade Tour Preferred number 3 went into? Editor’s note: As far as columns go, Larry, I’d have to call this a Salman Rushdie (difficult read), but also an OJ Simpson (you got away with it).

STAR SIGNS OF TOP AUSSIES Aquarius Richard Green, Andrew Dodt, Rhein Gibson, Jack Newton Pisces Greg Norman, Jim Ferrier, Norman von Nida, Aaron Baddeley, Brendan Jones Aries John Senden, Matt Jones, Nathan Holman, Jason Scrivener, Nick Cullen, Scott Strange Taurus Stuart Appleby, Cameron Percy, Aron Price Gemini Steven Bowditch, Geoff Ogilvy, Mathew Goggin, David Graham, Bob Shearer, Rodger Davis Cancer Adam Scott, Robert Allenby Leo Peter Thomson, Wayne Grady,

Peter Senior, Cameron Smith, Scott Hend, Marcus Fraser, Brett Rumford, Bryden McPherson Virgo Rod Pampling, Adam Bland, Matthew Millar Libra Bruce Crampton, Bruce Devlin, Greg Chalmers Scorpio Jason Day, Marc Leishman, Ian Baker-Finch, Terry Pilkadaris, David Bransdon Sagittarius Kel Nagle, Steve Elkington, Ivo Whitton Capricorn Graham Marsh, Ossie Pickworth

TOP 100 CURRENT AND MAJOR WINNERS Aquarius Kevin Kisner, Retief Goosen, Shingo Katayama, Thomas Pieters, James Morrison, Prayad Marksaeng, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Jose Maria Olazabal Pisces Zach Johnson, Hideki Matsuyama, Jaco Van Zyl, Patton Kizzire, Gene Sarazen, Bobby Jones, Vijay Singh Aries Phil Mickelson, Jason Dufner, Henrik Stenson, Matt Kuchar, Shane Lowry, Robert Streb, Daniel Berger, Russell Henley, Marc Warren, Brendan Steele, Sam Snead Taurus Rory McIlroy, Jim Furyk, Brooks Koepka, Hunter Mahan, Branden Grace, JB Holmes, Victor Dubuisson, Justin Thomas, Andy Sullivan, Soren Kjeldsen, Chris Kirk, Lee Westwood, Jason Bohn, Gary Woodland, John Daly, Sam Snead, Harry Vardon, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Morris Jnr Gemini Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Russell Knox, Bill Haas, Keegan Bradley, Yusaku Miyazato Cancer Paul Casey, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Anirban Lahiri, Danny Lee, David Lingmerth, Brendon Todd, Ricardo Gouveia, Patrick Rodgers, Alexander Noren, David Howell,

George Coetzee, Nick Faldo, Tom Morris Snr Leo Jordan Spieth, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Patrick Reed, Kristoffer Broberg, Webb Simpson, Alexander Levy, Ben Hogan Virgo Padraig Harrington, Charl Schwartzel, Kevin Na, Byeong Hun An, Emiliano Grillo, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Kim Kyung-tae, Ryan Palmer, Cameron Tringale, Ben Martin, Tony Finau, Tom Watson, Ray Floyd, Bernhard Langer, Arnold Palmer Libra Louis Oosthuizen, Ernie Els, Danny Willett, Bernd Wiesberger, Jamie Donaldson Scorpio Bubba Watson, Thongchai Jaidee, Chris Wood, Scott Piercy, Francesco Molinari, Ross Fisher, Yoshinori Fujimoto, Gary Player, Bobby Locke Sagittarius Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker, Billy Horschel, Ryan Moore, Smylie Kaufman, Thorbjorn Olesen, Luke Donald, Daniel Summerhays, Walter Hagen, Lee Trevino Capricorn Sergio Garcia, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Jimmy Walker, Ian Poulter, Tiger Woods, Martin Kaymer, Charley Hoffman, Tommy Fleetwood, Yuta Ikeda, Joost Luiten

19th hole

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Karen’s 50 candles TELL me it isn’t true. On March 21, Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) boss Karin Lunn will take a deep breath and then blow out 50 candles. Can it be 32 years since a shy teenager from Sydney rocked up at Redcliffe Golf Club in Brisbane and won the Queensland Amateur Championship? Before turning professional in 1985, Lunn had a stellar amateur career winning the NSW and Queensland junior titles, the Australian Schoolgirls’ Championship, the Victorian Matchplay and the Australian Strokeplay Championship. Her professional career is littered with highlights. Lunn won 10 tournaments on the Ladies European Tour including the Women’s British Open title in 1993. She also won the Thailand and Malaysian opens and registered four victories on the ALPG Tour. In 2004, Lunn rose to become Ladies European Tour chairman of the board. Happy 50th birthday, Karen. Oh, and next time someone tells you life begins at 40 tell them they are wrong. Life begins at 50. Enjoy!

Pro McConnell on the move WARWICK Golf Club on the Southern Downs is about to lose its long-servicing club professional Rob McConnell. For the past 442 weeks (that’s eight-anda-half years), McConnell has loyally serviced the club’s 350 members and visitors as well as taking his fully-stocked caravan on the road to provide service and give lessons to the members of surrounding clubs that don’t have the luxury of a club professional. “Astrid (partner) and I would like to sincerely thank all the members, the various committees, the greens staff, volunteers and the Condy staff who have given us such friendship, loyalty and good times over the last eight and a half years,” McConnell posted on the club’s website. He will shut the pro shop door for the last time on March 31. Rumour has it he might be returning to the Sunshine Coast.

Pro not the real deal WHILE on the subject of Warwick Golf Club, way back in the 1920s one Charles Kenneth Carter conned the club into giving him a job as a teaching professional. The only problem was he couldn’t even play the game and it’s unclear how many lessons he gave or how long he lasted at the club. According to a recent copy of the CourierMail’s QWeekend Magazine, Carter had earlier posed as a businessman and hired a car using a bogus cheque before visiting a Brisbane brothel. On another occasion, he passed himself

off as “Major Carter of the Imperial Army” and moved into the Bellevue Hotel for a few nights. He left without paying the bill.

Donaldson’s injury wasn’t as severe as the Shark’s, but it required stitches and sidelined him for six weeks.

On the Gold and Sunshine coasts, he regularly dished out bogus cheques.

“So folks, during my time off decided to have a fight with a chainsaw and lost,” Donaldson tweeted.

The police finally caught up with him at Murwillumbah in northern NSW in 1927 and he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment at the infamous Boggo Road Gaol. At least he was given a lesson – unlike the members of the golf club he conned.

Hit the road, says pro YOUNG elite golfers with stars in their eyes and an international career as a touring professional on their mind should take the plunge, says former touring professional Anthony Gilligan. “They should pack their bags, jump on a plane and jump in the deep end,” he said. In other words, do a Cameron Smith or Ryan Ruffels, but only if you are good enough. “Unfortunately, they don’t have a choice anymore,” Gilligan said. “When I was playing, we had about 20 tournaments at home (Australasia). “At this time, we don’t have many tournaments and a lot of the golf is a pro-am format, which is an important part of game but it’s the four-round experience that’s needed.”

The cut pros don’t need MEMO to all professional golfers: Put the chainsaw away and mark it “never to be used until playing days are over.” Remember when Greg Norman nearly lost his left hand in a chainsaw accident in 2014?

The 40-year-old might have won the point that sealed the 2014 Ryder Cup, but this was a duel he wasn’t going to win.

A Senior Moment What do some Australian golf legends do in their downtime? Well, if you’re Peter Senior, you sit right down with a copy of Australia’s Most-Read Golf Magazine. Good onya, Pete! (Thanks to Links Hope Island for the photo!)

Crossword > 1

The quick nine quiz THERE are 21 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine. How many can you get?

with David Newbery

8 10

17 18

Well, Welsh professional Jamie Donaldson had a similar ugly brush with such a device recently.

24 25

david@insidegolf.com.au 1. How many US PGA tournaments did Vijay Singh win in 2004 – three, five, seven or nine? (3 pts) 2. Traditionally played in August, why has the US PGA Championship moved to a date in July in 2016? (3 pts) 3. Who spent more time as world number one – Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa or Yani Tseng? (3 pts) 4. Can you solve the following anagram – Boneyard ale ad. Clue: He’s Australian and plays on the US PGA Tour. (2 pts) 5. True or false: Tiger Woods has won a major by 15 shots. (2 pts) 6. A player finds his ball in high rough after a twominute search. He leaves the area to get a club and, when he returns, is unable to find the ball. How long does he have to find it? (2 pts) 7. What nationality is world number 21 Shane Lowry? (2 pts) 8. Which American took young Australian pro Ryan Ruffels to task after he leaked to the media the amount of money he won in a practice round with the five-time major winner? (2 pts) 9. Which well-known golfer did broadcasters Fox Sports drop as its leading golf analyst in 2016? (2 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Nine; (2). Golf at the Olympic Games is in August; (3). Ochoa 158 weeks, Tseng 109 and Sorenstam 61; (4). Aaron Baddeley; (5). True. He won the 2000 US Open by 15 shots from Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez; (6). Three minutes; (7). Irish; (8). Phil Mickelson; (9). Greg Norman.

Chips and Shanks

ACROSS

1 Junior players (6) 4 Long journey (4) 9 A misplayed stroke at golf (5) 10 Supremacy over others as shown by Jordan Spieth last year (9) 12 Winner of the 2013 Sony Open, _______ Henley (7) 13 Winner of the 2016 Qatar Masters, _______ Grace (7) 14 Hit hard (4) 15 Aussie host of the Franklin Templeton Shootout (4,6) 18 Highest finishing Aussie at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (4,6) 22 The chances or probability (4) 25 Driving force (7) 26 From this time (2,2,3) 28 Buyers of goods and services (9) 29 Is ahead of the field (5) 30 Perhaps this is done to determine who’s away in match play (4) 31 Golfer who tied for third at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, ______ Stenson (6) Answers: page 67

DOWN

1 Challenges designed for golfers (7) 2 Winner of the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge, Jason ______ (6) 3 Putt that’s short in length; small fish (7) 5 Goes berserk (4,4) 6 A realm or province of nature, especially one of the three great divisions of natural objects (7) 7 A long way (4) 8 Flags (8) 11 An important and influential man (2,3) 14 He tied for tenth at the 2016 Tournament of Champions, Steven _______ (8) 16 Great South African golfer, Ernie ___ (3) 17 Winner of the 2016 Joburg Open, Haydn ________ (8) 19 Money put down when hiring expensive golf equipment, say (7) 20 Severe swerve shot in billiards (5) 21 Former name given to a two wood (7) 23 Home of Thomas Bjorn (7) 24 Winner of the 2016 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Rickie ______ (6) 27 Compass direction (4) www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

calendar

CALENDAR > APRIL

Share Care Golf Day

WHEN: 14th of April WHERE: Lakeside Golf Club

MARCH

City of Orange Veterans Golf Classic – 19th Annual Classic

Wentworth Golf Club Ladies Open Tournament

WHEN: 7-11 March 2016

WHEN: 13 March 2016

Week of Golf played over all three golf courses in Orange. Final night Presentation, 3 course Dinner with Live Band. www.golforange.com.au

18 Hole Stroke Event. Over $1,000 in Prizes. Entry Fee $22. www.wentworthgolforange.com.au

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 MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events Date

Event

01-03-Mar-16

Men’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship

06-08-Mar-16

Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship

07-10-Mar-16

Women’s Summer Meeting

12-13-Mar-16

Men’s NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship

Venue Narooma & Bermagui GC’s Newcastle GC Southern Highlands Various Hay GC

Men’s Vardon Events Date 05-Mar-16 05-Mar-16 05-Mar-16 19-Mar-16 26-Mar-16 26-Mar-16 26-27 Mar-16 26-27 Mar-16 28-Mar-16

Event Morisset Open Amateur Charlestown Cup Penrith Open Amateur Fox Hills Cup Asquith Cup Windsor Oxbro Bowl Macquarie Cup Tamworth Golf Club Easter Cup Toukley Cup

Venue Morisset GC Charlestown GC Penrith GC Fox Hills GC Asquith GC Windsor CC Dubbo GC Tamworth GC Toukley GC

Women’s Jean Derrin Events Date 07-Mar-16 07-Mar-16 13-15 Mar-16 19-Mar-16 21-Mar-16 21-Mar-16 22-Mar-16

Event Endeavour Salver Killara Coronation Salver Illowra Tournament Armidale Open Wyong Classic Manly Silver & Bronze Salvers & Autumn Cup Asquith Cup

Venue Cronulla GC Killara GC Port Kembla GC Armidale GC Wyong GC Manly GC Asquith GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date

Event

01-03 Mar-16

Men’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship

07-Mar-16 08-Mar-16 11-Mar-16

Castle Hill Seniors Pennant Hills Seniors Gungahlin Lakes Seniors Royal Sydney Senior Invitational (top 40 2015 NSW SOOM)

14-Mar-16 21-23 Mar-16

NSWVGA Strokeplay Championships

28-Mar-16

Bonnie Doon Seniors (Stableford)

Venue Narooma & Bermagui GC’s Castle Hill CC Pennant Hills GC Gungahlin Lakes GC Royal Sydney GC Richmond GC, Penrith GC, Stonecutters GC Bonnie Doon GC

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org 64

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Share Care provides intensive intervention programs for children and young adults with a disability. They also provide emergency overnight respite for parents and carers. The Share Care Golf Day event aims to

generate much needed funds in this endeavour. There are many ways you get involved in this event: Hole Sponsorship (limited numbers available, book early), Donate auction prizes, Get a team of 4 together for a great day out, or just come along and enjoy a seafood buffet and some great entertainment. Book online via http://sharecare.org.au/events/

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS Feb 29 - March 1 Cranbourne Seniors (VIC) Feb 29 Blackwood Seniors (SA) March 1-3 * NSW Senior Amateur Championship – Duntry League GC Castle Hill Seniors (NSW) March 7 March 8 Pennant Hills Seniors (NSW) March 11 Gungahlin Lakes Seniors (ACT) Redcliffe Seniors (QLD) March 14 March 14 Royal Sydney Invitational (NSW) March 17-18 Alpine Seniors at Bright GC (VIC) March 17 Monash Senior Masters (NSW) March 20-21 * Royal Perth Seniors (WA) March 23-24 Golf Australia Seniors vs ADFGA at The National GC March 21-23 Mornington Peninsula Seniors at Flinders and Portsea GCs (VIC) March 23 Mt Osmond Seniors (SA) March 21-23 NSW Veterans Championship – Richmond, Penrith, Stonecutter’s Ridge

March 28 Bonnie Doon Seniors (NSW) Sun City Seniors (WA) March 30 April 1 McLeod Seniors (QLD) April 4-5 * Golf Australia Seniors vs ADFGA April 4 Tea Tree Gully Seniors (SA) * West Australian Seniors April 6-8 at Melville Glades (WA) Box Hill Seniors (VIC) April 8 Jubilee Seniors at Bowral April 10 GC (NSW) April 12-14 * The National Senior Masters (VIC) April 15 Carbrook Seniors (QLD) April 18 The Lakes Seniors (NSW) The Australian GC Seniors April 19 (NSW) April 20 Avondale Senior Medal (NSW) April 18-20 * NSW Senior Classic (The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale) April 22 Laidley Ladies Classic (QLD) April 27 NSW Senior Foursomes at Belmont (NSW) April 28-29 Belmont Seniors (NSW * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Handiskins

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

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Everglades Golf Club Dunban Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256 Final 2nd March 2016

Balgowlah Golf Club Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW 2093 1st Qualifying Round 20th February 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 27th February 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 19th March 2016 4th Qualifying Round 9th April 2016 5th Qualifying Round 16th April 2015 Final 17th April 2016 Massey Park Golf Club Ian Parade, Concord NSW 2137 1st Qualifying Round 5th March 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 12th March 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd April 2016 4th Qualifying Round 16th April 2016 5th Qualifying Round 23rd April 2015 Final 30th April 2016 Shelly Beach Golf Club Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261 1st Qualifying Round 3rd April 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 10th April 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 17th April 2016 4th Qualifying Round 1st May 2016 5th Qualifying Round 15th May 2015 Final 29th May 2016

demo dates PING

Location

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

New South Wales The Links Shell Cove ◊ * Tuesday March 01 Castle Hill Country Club ◊ * Wednesday March 02 March 03 Moss Vale Golf Club ◊ ° Thursday Highlands Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 04 Duntry League ◊ * Monday March 07 Bathurst Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 08 Mudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 09 Dubbo Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 10 March 10 Moore Park Golf Club ° (Golf Expo) Thursday Wentworth Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 11 March 12 Drummond Northmead ° (Golf Expo) Saturday Muswellbrook Golf Club ◊ * Monday March 14 Narrabri Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 15 Moree Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 16 March 17 Armidale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Tamworth Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 18 March 21 Asquith Golf Club ◊ * Monday Golf Paradise Driving Range ◊ * Monday March 21 Bankstown Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 22 Monash Country Club ◊ * Wednesday March 23 Moore Park Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 23 Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 24 Hawks Nest Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 29 March 30 Forster Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Nelson Bay Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 31 Morissett Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 01 Victoria Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 01 Spring Valley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 02 Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday March 02 Drummond Golf - Traralgon ◊ * Thursday March 03 Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday March 05 Warragul Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 08 Melbourne Golf Academy ◊ * Wednesday March 09 Warrnambool Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 10 Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 23 Victoria Golf Club ◊ ** Saturday March 24 Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range ° * Tuesday March 01 March 02 Middle Ridge Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Pelican Waters Golf Club ° Friday March 04 Maroochydore River Golf Club ° Friday March 04 March 08 Ballina Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday Yamba Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 09 House Of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Wednesday March 09 Bribie Island Golf Club ° * Wednesday March 09 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 10 Headland Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 10 March 11 Royal Queensland ◊ * ** Friday House of Golf Hervey Bay ° Friday March 11 Pacific Golf Club ◊ * Saturday March 12 Windaroo Golf Club ° Wednesday March 16 Golf Gurus @ The Big Easy ° Thursday March 17 Byron Bay Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 18 Noosa Tewantin Golf Club ° Tuesday March 22 Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 23 The Grand ° ** Thursday March 24 Mcleod Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 24 Bargara Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 29 Yeppoon Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 30 Emerald Golf Club ° Thursday March 31 South Australia Kingston SE Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 05 Victor Harbor Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 11 Royal adelaide Golf Club ◊ * Saturday March 12 Glenelg Golf Club ◊ * Sunday March 13 Blackwood Golf Club ◊ * Monday March 14 Adelaide ShoresGolf Park ◊ * Tuesday March 15 Drummond Golf West Beach ◊ * Tuesday March 15 March 16 Kooyonga Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday The Grange Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 17 March 17 House of Golf Mile End ◊ * Thursday March 18 Royal Adelaide Golf Club ◊ * Friday Mount Barker Golf Club ◊ * Friday March 18 Mount Osmond Golf Club ◊ * Saturday March 19 Tasmania Ulverstone Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday March 29 Tasmania Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday March 30 Royal Hobart Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 31 Western Australia Lakelands Golf Club ◊ ° Wednesday March 02 WA Golf Club ◊ * Thursday March 03 Lake Karrinyup Golf Club ◊ * Sunday March 06 Gosnells Golf Club ◊ ° Thursday March 10 March 11 Collier Park Golf Club ◊ ° Friday Carramar Golf Club ◊ ° Saturday March 12 Geralton Golf Club ◊ ° Thursday March 17 March 18 Spalding Park Golf Club ◊ ° Friday

TAYLORMADE Location

Queensland Nudgee GC † Surfers Paradise GC † Royal Queensland GC † Drummond Underwood † Redland Bay GC † Keperra GC † Oxley GC † Windaroo GC † Golf Gurus » Drummond Burleigh † Victoria Park Driving Range » Middle Ridge GC † The Grand GC † Pelican Waters GC » Golf Central † Victoria MGA » Cobram Barooga CC † Woodlands GC † Latrobe GC † Rossdale GC † Ivanhoe GC † Patterson River GC † Kew GC † Latrobe GC (Ball Seeding) Yarra Yarra GC † Medway GC † The Sands Torquay GC † Port Arlington GC † Sanctuary Lakes GC † Victoria GC †

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

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

Date Time

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

March 02 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 30 March 31

10am - 1pm 1 - 4pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 3.30 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1pm 2.30 - 5.30pm 5 - 7.30pm 1 - 5pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 10am - 12.30pm 10am - 12pm 4 - 7pm

Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday

March 02 March 03 March 05 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 11 March 12 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 23 March 24 March 30 March 31

4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 10am -2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 7am - 1pm 10am-2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 1pm

TAYLORMADE Location

www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011

New South Wales/ACT Cumberland Country Golf Club † Bankstown Golf Club † Merewhether Golf Club † Coffs Harbour House of Golf † Moore Park Driving Range » Northmead Drummond (Dural Golf Range) (Golf Expo) Oatlands Golf Club † Queanbeyan Golf Club † Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club †

CALLAWAY

Location

Day

Date Time

Friday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Tuesday Saturday Monday Wednesday Thursday

March 04 March 09 March 10 March 02 March 08 March 12 March 14 March 16 March 17

2 - 8pm 2 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 5pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 2 - 6.30pm

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

New South Wales / ACT Lismore Golf Club Roseville Golf Club ≠ Waratah Golf Club √ Port Macquarie Golf Club √ Rich River Golf Resort √ * Wollongong Golf Club Pro Shop √ ≠ Pittwater Golf Centre ≠ Shelley Beach Golf Club ≠ Tamworth Golf Club ≠ Longyard Pro Shop ≠ Walkley Golf Pty Ltd ≠ Muirfield Golf Club √ ≠ Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ≠ Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club √ ≠ Killara Golf Course √ ≠ Roseville Golf Club √ ≠ Camden Golf Club ≠ Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Oxley Golf Club Professional Shop ≠ Redcliffe Golf Club Virginia Golf Club Surfers Paradise Golf Club √ South Australia Glenelg Golf Club √ Victoria/Tasmania I Golf - Golf City Driving Range √ ≠ Ivanhoe Golf √ Green Acres Golf Club √ * Woodlands Golf Club √ ** Kingston Heath Golf Club √ * ** Box Hill Golf Club √ * ** Murray Downs Golf & Country Club √ ≠ Melton Valley Golf Course √ * Centenary Park Golf Course ≠ Western Australia Whaleback Golf Course Wembley Golf Complex Carramar Golf Club Joondalup Golf Management

MIZUNO

Location

New South Wales / ACT Royal Canberra G.C * ** Queanbeyan G.C * Thornleigh Golf Centre * Royal Sydney G.C * ** Dural Driving Range - Golf Expo * The Lakes G.C * ** Long Reef G.C * The Ridge G.C * Moore Park G.C * Manly G.C * ** Queensland Caloundra Golf Club * Vic Park * Bribie Island Golf Club * Warwick * Pelican Waters Golf Resort * Emerald Lakes * Royal Queensland Golf Club * Oxley * Willows Golf Resort * Surfers Paradise * Cairns Golf Club * Indooroopilly Golf Club Mt Coolum Golf Club * Big Easy Driving Range * Hope Island * Middle Ridge * Drummond Golf Underwood In Store South Australia Mt Gambier GC The Vines GC Thaxstead GC North Adelaide Victoria/Tasmania MGA Driving Range Metropolitan GC * ** Morack GC * Woodlands GC * ** Whittlesea GC * Cranbourne GC * Beaconhills GC * Rosanna GC * ** Western Australia Albany Golf Club * Mt Lawley Wembley Lakelands

COBRA PUMA Location

New South Wales / ACT House Of Golf Coffs Harbour Gungahlin Lakes GC Moore Park Golf Expo Drummond Northmead @ Dural Driving Range Charlestown Golf Club (Cobra Driver Fitting Challenge) Victoria MGA Albert Park Queensland Links Hope Island Dg Underwood Day SouthPort GC Burleigh GC Vic Park Surfers Paradise Golf Club Western Australia Whaleback Golf Club

Day

Date Time

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

March 01 March 05 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 17 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 17 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 17

1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1Pm 10.30am - 3.30pm 3 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 6pm 8am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 1.30 - 4.30pm 8am - 12pm 8am - 12pm 7am - 12pm

Tuesday Tuesday Friday Friday Friday Thursday

March 08 March 08 March 11 March 11 March 18 March 24

5.30 - 7.30pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 12.30 - 3pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4.30pm

Friday

March 04 10am - 2pm

Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Friday

March 03 March 04 March 04 March 05 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 11 March 18

3 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 9.30am - 2.30pm

Wednesday Friday Saturday Saturday

March 02 March 04 March 05 March 12

4 - 7pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1pm

Day

Date Time

Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Friday Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday

March 02 March 03 March 08 March 09 March 12 March 16 March 18 March 23 March 29 March 30

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 4pm 1 - 4pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 8am - 11am

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

March 01 March 01 March 02 March 02 March 03 March 03 March 03 March 09 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 16 March 17 March 17 March 18 March 23 March 31

1 - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 12pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 6pm 2 - 4pm 2 - 6pm 9am - 2pm 8am - 12pm 5 - 7.30pm 2 - 4pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 4 - 6pm

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Friday

March 08 March 09 March 16 March 18

2 - 6pm 3 - 7pm 1 - 6pm 3 - 7pm

Wednesday Thursday Thursday Saturday Saturday Wednesday Friday Saturday

March 02 March 03 March 03 March 05 March 12 March 16 March 18 March 19

4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 2 - 6pm 10am - 4pm

Friday Saturday Saturday Saturday

March 18 March 05 March 12 March 19

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

mizuno.com.au

cobragolf.com.au

Day Date Time Wednesday Thursday Thursday Saturday Saturday

March 02 March 03 March 10 March 12 March 17

12 - 5pm 2 - 6.30pm 4 - 9.30pm 10am - 4pm 1 - 5pm

Wednesday Wednesday

March 02 March 09

4 - 7pm 5 - 7pm

Friday Friday Thursday Tuesday Thursday

March 04 March 11 March 17 March 22 March 24

8am Shotgun Start 10.30am - 1.30pm 2 - 5pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm

Thursday

March 10

4 - 7pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. » TaylorMade Demo Day. † TaylorMade Fitting. √ 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 | March 2016

golf directory

GET PAID TO TALK GOLF Golfers wanted to interview other golfers in their local area about their golf equipment Casual/Flexible Email: harry@chaskafindings.com.au

Call 0403 077 924

InsideGolf

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

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

If your golf club needs more copIes of AustrAlIA’s most reAd golf mAgAzIne then pleAse cAll InsIde golf on 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au “you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag” • clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

per person

$250

From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

Patented Softgrip Technology

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

2 Day Golf School at MoSS Vale Golf club

MoSS Vale Golf club iS a

Golfer’s Paradise

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

WInter Golf PaCkaGe 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 June to 30th September 2016.

Dates: 6th-9th April 2016, 13th-16th April 2016, 4th-7th May 2016, 25th-28th May 2016.

$230 per night for 2 people

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

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

Cost: $699 p/p twin share, $799 single

Ph: (02) 4868 1800 www.dormiehouse.com.au

Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

golf directory

BARGARA GOLF CLUB Winner 2014 Legends Tour Pro Am of the year

Home of the Bargara Junior Classic & Ladies Classic

Complimentary Continental Breakfast

Other packages available

$115 p/person (min 2pp)

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

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

from

$640p/p

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

Your chance to own a piece of golfing history

• 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

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

Mornington Peninsula

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

STAY & PLAY PACKAGES

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN?

TRUEMANS COTTAGES

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

Want to triple the life of your good batteries?

Authentic hickory ShAfted PutterS Left and Right Hand

$25 each plus p. and p

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

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

210

pp twin share

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

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

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

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

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

www.batteryreviver.com.au

Patent # 7374839

MELVIEW GREENS

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

Crossword Answers E T S T R E I U D O M I N A D R S L L B R A N E I M G R E G N O R L K R M S B Y O A R F U S A S O F S S W M E R S L E I E S H E N R I

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

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

$485

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

A D U F F N S E R H P E O R E T E T O U O S

FROM

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

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2016

golf directory

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

140

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

*AUTUMN SPECIAL*

Other packages alsO available

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB

• 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)

At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

www.lemontreemotel.com.au

• 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

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:

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

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

March 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

$499*pp / 2 Share $415*pp / 3 Share $395*pp / 4 Share *Conditions apply

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

golf directory

Wine and Golf Weekend

Play anytime - No waiting

Stay for 3 nightS, pay for 2

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

Nudgee Golf Club

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

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $15 Visitors $25

From $145 per person twin share accomodation only

*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

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

Conditions apply

Steve Conran Junior Tournament 22 November 2015 Mercedes Benz Duntryleague Classic 16-19 January 2016 F.O.O.D. Week Plate Tournament 11-13 April 2016

Ph: Jasmin (02) 63 614 546

www.greentreeshouse.com.au

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

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

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Clearwater Noosa Genuine All Inclusive:

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

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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 | March 2016

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• 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

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For more information or to organise a club or personal demonstration please speak to one of our reps around Australia today. Brisbane Gold Coast Byron Bay Newcastle Sydney Melbourne Adelaide / Tas Perth Busselton WA

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

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

Lightweight 14 Way Bags

Callaway Hex Black Tour Balls

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